From sunsets to summits in Sabah 🌅⛰
Photo Credits: @adlybilly
Photo Credits: @travis_chong
Home to some of the world's best diving spots, stunning tropical islands, beautiful sunsets, wild orangutans, and sacred peaks, Sabah is such a fun state to explore in Malaysia. We've compiled a list of best things to do when in Sabah for you to add onto your trip itinerary! Read on and get inspired. ✨
Best things to do in Sabah
1. Climb Mount Kinabalu
Photo Credits: Unsplash
Photo Credits: @sinorethasining
Standing at a majestic height of 13,435 feet, Mount Kinabalu is Sabah's sacred mountain. If you're an experienced hiker, book your guided tour and conquer the peak for a climb of a lifetime. For those who are less confident, there are actually many gardens and short trails through the jungle for you to explore and break a sweat!
Ease your climb experience by booking a fully-guided Mount Kinabalu climbing experience on Klook that comes inclusive of round trip hotel transfers, your choice of accommodation, an experienced guide, breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
2. Catch a world-famous Sabah sunset
Photo Credits: @oday_j
Photo Credits: @nomadsurgeon
Did you know that Sabah ranks as one of the best sunset spots in the world? Watch the sun paint the sky beautiful hues of yellow, orange, and pink as it descends down the horizon over the sea. Here are some of our favourite spots for sunset-viewing in Sabah:
- Signal Hill Observatory Tower
- Bukit Padang
- Sutera Harbour
3. Get some fresh air at Kundasang
Photo Credits: @olywer
Photo Credits: @alghiealonzo
A tranquil sanctuary away from the city, Kundasang will take your breath away with its lush green fields, little wooden houses, and majestic mountain backdrop. Head to the Desa Dairy Farm (known as the New Zealand of Malaysia!) and have some fresh gelato ice cream in the cool breeze; sip on Sabah's finest tea while overlooking the sprawling tea plantation at the Sabah Tea Garden; and get some fresh fruits and flowers at the charming Kundasang fresh market.
Book a day tour on Klook that comes inclusive of round-trip transfers from your hotel, lunch, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, and more!
4. Experience white water rafting at Kiulu River
Photo Credits: @rreese__
Located 1.5 hours from the city of Kota Kinabalu, Kiulu River offers adrenaline-pumping fun for people of all ages (it's safe and gentle enough even for children and the elderly!). With an excursion that covers up to 15km, it's the longest white water rafting route in Borneo. Book your white water rafting experience on Klook for an unforgettable fun time!
The surrounding Kiulu area also provides the perfect space for other exciting outdoor experiences such as zip lines, an obstacle course and even countryside biking, so check them out while you're here!
5. Befriend orphaned orangutans at the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre
Photo Credits: @jovi_travel
Located 25km west of Sandakan, the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre was established in 1964 and has since been the home for young, orphaned, and gentle orangutans. Plan your visit around feeding time and watch the rangers feed them bananas and milk!
6. Visit the seas gypsies
Experience the fascinating culture of the Bajau Laut people - also known as the sea gypsies - who live on stilt huts or long boats on floating villages located in Semporna. The Bajau people spend most of their time on and below the ocean and are generally expert divers and great fishermen! We heard that most of them can hold their breath beyond 5 minutes underwater and can plunge to great depths of the sea with just a pair of wooden googles.
7. Go diving at Pulau Sipadan
Photo Credits: @wayne_wayne23
Photo Credits: @makoto_shigehara
Pulau Sipadan is a little island in Sabah that gained protected status in 2002 and claims to be one of the best diving spots in the world. You'll need to hop on a plane, a car, then a boat to get here, but trust us when we say the bumpy journey will be worth it.
The island shut down all its resorts to preserve its delicate ecology years ago, so it's no longer possible to spend your night here. Instead, most people would stay at the nearby Mabul, Kapalai or Mataking islands and catch a boat here on a day trip.
8. Go on a fireflies safari cruise
Photo Credits: @rosesabahlady
Cruise down the Klias River on an open boat and explore the stunning mangrove forests of Sabah! This is one of our highly-recommended experiences when in Kota Kinabalu. Join a cruise tour and get the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Proboscis Monkeys as well as fireflies that will dance in the night once the sky turns dark.
Join an all-inclusive tour on Klook to enjoy the experience, as well as return hotel transfers, boat transfers, an English-speaking guide, high tea, and a buffet dinner!
9. Visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village
Photo Credit: @mmcv.official
Located away from the city centre, the Mari Mari Cultural Village is a living museum that preserves Borneo ethnic culture. The village features 5 different ethnic tribes and aims to share knowledge about the traditions, history, and culture of Borneo with visitors. Sample different local cuisines and watch traditional performances including blow-pipe making and fire-starting during your visit.
Book your Mari Mari Cultural Village half-day tour on Klook to enjoy a guided walk-through of the village, as well as lunch or high tea.
10. Hop on a sunset cruise
Watch the sky paint itself with breathtaking colours of the sunset aboard a sunset cruise! This is personally one of our favourite ways to enjoy the sunset in Sabah, as it gives you time to sit back and soak in the sights while the boat makes its way through the waters. Feel the cool breeze and marvel at the starry night sky once the night turns dark.
For a laidback experience aboard, you can book a two-hour dinner cruise experience that comes inclusive of dinner, complimentary drinks, and live entertainment. But if you're seeking for some extra fun, hopping aboard a party cruise gives you access to water activities such as a banana boat ride and kayaking, as well as a buffet dinner!
11. Go snorkelling
Photo Credit: @jojoanne.mary
Snorkel in the crystal clear turquoise waters and swim alongside tropical fishes and gorgeous corals when in Sabah. Some of the best snorkelling spots in Sabah are located within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, including the Sapi, Manukan, Gaya, Mamutik, and Sulug islands.
Book a snorkelling day trip of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park that comes inclusive of round-trip boat transfers, a guide, lunch, refreshments, all necessary gear, as well as entrance fees!
12. Explore Pulau Tiga, The Survivor Island
Photo Credit: @yunn.tang
Located a short distance from Kota Kinabalu, Pulau Tiga is an island formed a hundred years ago from a volcanic eruption, and is featured in the highly successful TV series - 'Survivor'! There's tons to do here from snorkelling, diving, wildlife sightings, and more. A must-do when at the island is to head to the famous Volcano Mud Baths and having a good soak. Mud baths are known to help relieve aches and pains, and provide the soothing effect you usually get at health spas.
13. Stroll through the Gaya Street Sunday Market
Photo Credits: @deeeanah
Photo Credits: @joethegypsychild
The Gaya Street Sunday Market has been serving the people of Kota Kinabalu for over a hundred years! Pop by for some retail therapy or just to soak in the vibrant atmosphere and shop for everything from fruits to handicrafts, antiques, souvenirs, herbs, flowers, clothes, and all sorts of knick-knacks under shady trees and oversized umbrellas. The market is a popular Sunday hangout spot for Sabahan families!
14. Soak in the Poring Hot Springs
Photo Credit: @maikohaann (Instagram)
Relax with a dip in a hot sulphur bath at the popular Poring Hot Springs, a tropical retreat located in the Ranau district, about a two-hour drive away from Kota Kinabalu. The springs are known for its therapeutic properties reputed to ease aching muscles!
Book our highly-rated tour that will bring you to the hot springs so you don't have to figure out how to get there yourself. *winks*
15. Get a bird's eye view of the city from the Signal Hill Observatory Platform
Photo Credits: @dijeyjaro
Photo Credits: @nirvanafx85
The Signal Hill Observatory is the highest point of the city, offering panoramic views of Kota Kinabalu from the top. Built precariously on the edge of a cliff, there are benches lined along the platform in case you wish to sit and admire the views. We recommend visiting in the evening to catch the sunset or watch the city come alive with blinking lights after nightfall. Do note though that you'll have to hike a short distance to get to the top!
16. Try Tuaran Mee
Photo Credits: @eaterries
Tuaran Mee is the Sabahan's favourite noodle, equivalent to what char kuey teow is to Penangites, and Kolo Mee is to the Sarawakians. It is typically fried and served with char siew and vegetables - the noodles are fragrant, springy, and oh-so-yummy! You can get your Tuaran Mee at coffee shops around Sabah, be sure to add it to the top of your must-try delicacies during your trip.
17. Try Butod (sago worm)
Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons
"When travelling, eat like the locals do." To fully-immerse in the local culture, try out some authentic Sabahan cuisine and local foods that will tingle your curious palate!
One must-try is butod (also known as sago worms), a local delicacy that will make the hairs on your arm stand but is actually an extremely nutritious food. Be brave and put the wriggling bug into your mouth - if you're reluctant to eat it live, butod can also be fried, boiled, and grilled to deliciousness.
18. Have a seafood feast
Sabah is well-known for its fresh seafood, you can enjoy a feast at the many seafood restaurants across the state. Pick out your choice of fresh seafood (lobsters, crabs, prawns, shellfish, fish!) and get the restaurant to cook it to your liking!
Getting around Sabah
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Get around Sabah hassle-free with our convenient transport services! Book a private car charter from only RM230 per day to kickstart your adventure.
Find the perfect stay for your Sabah trip
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