Sabah's Best-Kept Secrets: These 12 Dreamy Nature Spots In Sabah Will Take Your Breath Away

Home to islands surrounded by turquoise waters and pristine forests pulsing with wildlife, Sabah is full of hidden gems waiting to be explored. Wake up to views of the majestic Kota Kinabalu, swim alongside hammerhead sharks, and trek through undocumented forest trails at these 12 scenic spots in Sabah!

Built from humble beginnings with naturally sourced materials, the Humble Hobbit Home is dedicated to the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings fans! The cosy homestay located in Kundasang is great for those looking for a rustic stay surrounded by majestic nature. Imagine waking up to a full view of the beautiful Mount Kinabalu surrounded by morning mist!

Do note though that there's only one unit of the Humble Hobbit Home, so make sure you place your reservation in advance to avoid disappointment. We heard that the owner of the Humble Hobbit Home hopes to expand it into an entire Hobbit village in the future - we sure hope the dream comes true soon so we can head up for a chilly, memorable holiday once things get better.

Address: Kg Sinisian, 89308 Ranau, Sabah

Also located in the chilly mountainous town of Kundasang, Umea Glam Kundasang is equally as dreamy as the Humble Hobbit House. This glamping spot offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscapes and lots of fresh air - it consists of four igloo-style domes, each with unique individual designs and furnishing.

The units are filled with rustic and cosy furniture including tapestry rugs, wooden floorboards, comfy chairs, and simple beds. Draw back the curtains for views of the sprawling valley right before you!

Address: Jln Golf Course Mesilou, 89308 Kundasang, Sabah

Formed by the remnants of an ancient volcano, Bohey Dulang is located between the Sulu Sea and Celebes Sea, 23km away from the coastal Sabah town of Semporna. The mountain offers fantastic views from its 353m peak which can be accessed via a 45-minute rewarding hike.

The crater that formed Bohey Dulang is now flooded and filled with aqua-coloured seawater, creating a large, majestic blue lagoon that looks absolutely stunning from the top. While the hike isn't exactly easy, it's not too difficult to conquer either, and the views from the peak will definitely make the climb worth it. The next time you head to Semporna, be sure to pack a pair of sturdy hiking shoes besides your swimwear and sunglasses!

Did you know that Sabah is home to one of the most beautiful dive sites in the world? Located an hour from the Semporna jetty by speedboat, Sipadan Island is home to hundreds of coral species and over 3000 species of fish including reef sharks, hawksbill turtles, humphead parrotfishes, giant mantas, eagle rays, and more! To preserve the beauty of this surreal island, you'll have to get a permit to head here for a dive, adding to the exclusivity of this beautiful underwater wonderland. If you've not gotten your diving license yet, check it off your bucket list and plan a trip to Pulau Sipadan soon!

Forget Maldives, we have our very own paradise on earth here in our homeland. While Sipadan Island is known for its underwater beauty, Kapalai Island is known for being a floating paradise like no other. Consisting of 40 chalets built on high wooden stilts in the middle of the ocean, Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort is a dreamy and luxurious water village that's immensely popular among honeymooners.

Each wooden chalet even comes with its own private balcony, promising undisturbed privacy as you snuggle up to the one you love, catch up on your novel with the sound of gentle waves, or sip on your morning coffee with views of the sunrise.

Address: Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort

Known as the first pop-up beach resort in Malaysia, Cabana Retreat offers an idyllic stay for beach lovers. Located along Rampayan Beach in Kota Belud, it consists of a collection of private tents ranging from intimate ones that are perfect for couples, to larger tents that can fit up to groups of 4 (great for getaways with friends or family).

Each tent is fully furnished with comfortable beds, fresh linens, and quilts, and the resort grounds are dotted with little sheds, fairy lights, relaxing hammocks, and even a pool. BRB, we're flying over once things get better!

Address: 89150 Kota Belud, Sabah

Located in the Kudat district, the Tip of Borneo is one of the most popular attractions in Sabah! The tip marks the meeting point of the South China Sea and Sulu Sea - it is windy, scenic, and offers one of the most magnificent sunsets you'll ever lay your eyes on.

In fact, a Sunset Music Fest is held here annually, where you'll get to be serenaded by local and international artistes in the ocean breeze with views of the sea and a stunning sunset as the backdrop.

Address: Simpang Menggayau, Tip of Borneo, 89050 Kudat, Sabah, Malaysia.

While Bali seems a far-fetched idea for now, you can get a slice of little Bali in Sabah at this sweet spot in Kota Kinabalu. Perched at the top of Kokol Hill, Le'One Kokol Elf is the latest #aesthetic hangout spot in town!

From a mega swing to picturesque views, it's no wonder people have been flocking here to hang out and snap photos for the 'gram. There's also a restaurant and plenty of sitting areas for you to chill at here, pop by close to the evening for some drinks or dinner, and make sure you stay on for the sunset - we heard the sunset views here are incredible!

Address: KM 7, Jalan Kokol, Menggatal, Kota Kinabalu.

Located around the centre of Sabah in the Sandakan division, the Maliau Basin is affectionately known as the Lost World of Sabah due to its isolation and mysterious charm. Consisting of a huge bowl of pristine forests, it is described as one of the few remaining relatively untouched wilderness areas in the world, with large areas within that remain unexplored and undocumented.

The Maliau Basin was recognized as a place of natural significance and biological wealth, and was declared a conservation area for research, education, and training in 1981. Today, it stands as a great spot for trekking adventures, most known for the famous seven-tiered Maliau Falls. You can head over via a 6-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu, or book a multi-day trekking package for a hassle-free adventure.

Set against a majestic backdrop that's on par with the landscapes of New Zealand, Polumpung Melangkap View Camp Site is an easy 1.5-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu, and ranks high up the list as one of the most scenic campsites in Malaysia. Offering magnificent views of the majestic Mount Kinabalu, it's a paradise for nature lovers and popular amongst families.

The entrance fee is a mere RM3, and an additional RM6 if you're planning to camp overnight. You can bring your own tent and equipment, or rent them at the campsite at affordable rates (there are air mattresses, sleeping bags, and even portable gas cookers available for rental). Dip your feet in crystal clear waters, build your own campfire, and huddle up for some stargazing after the sun goes down.

Address: Sabah Kg. Melangkap Baru, 89158 Kota Belud, Sabah

Tak larat nak climb Mount Kinabalu? We got your back - thankfully, Sabah is home to plenty of easier hikes with equally rewarding views! One such is the humble Sosodikon Hill, also known as Pyramid Hill due to the unique shape of its landscape.

Go on a 20-minute trek with views of curving valleys and mountains covered in mist - the leisurely climb up makes is a popular hike for people of all ages and stamina levels, even for families with children! The fresh mountain air and cooling temperature (usually in the low 20°Cs) adds to the attractiveness and fun of the climb.

Address: Kg Kauluan Peti Surat 873, 89308 Kundasang, Sabah

If you think we're out of scenic spots on this list for places in Kundasang, we're sorry - we've got one more! Located next to the boundary of Kinabalu Park in Kundasang, the Wind Paradise Mongolian Yurt is another accommodation option in the chilly area. Spend a night in mist-shrouded yurts below a night full of dazzling stars - there's even a star observation deck where you may catch sight of the mesmerizing Milky Way with your raw eyes on nights with a clear sky!

Address: 89308 Kundasang, Sabah

Convinced to add Sabah onto your travel checklist? Check out more of our travel guides for more inspiration!