Sabah is located in East Malaysia, occupying the northern part of Borneo island. It’s famed for its approximately 4,000 metre (13,123.4 foot) tall Mount Kinabalu, the country’s highest peak. Sabah is also known for its tropical green rainforests, azure blue beaches, colourful coral reefs and abundant wildlife, within its reserves and parks. Tourists flock here to immerse themselves in the food, culture and people of Sabah, especially those from China, due to their current high spending power. There are plenty of best places to stay in Sabah as the options range from hotels to Airbnb vacation rentals. If you want to explore more of the Malaysian state, check out our list of the best things to do in Sabah, East Malaysia.
1. Try out stand-up paddleboarding in Tanjung Aru (from USD 28.0)
Are you a mermaid or a merman by heart? Do you like indulging in exciting watersports activities? If so, this stand-up paddleboarding adventure offered by Airbnb might pique your interest. It is a two-and-a-half activity that takes place in Tanjung Aru. The activity starts with some basic tutorials and tips on how to successfully do the sport. After that, the guide will take you to a nearby area rich in marine life, where you can possibly see stunning schools of clownfish. You have the option to curate your tour anytime from seven in the morning to seven in the evening. If you like a sunset view, you know what to do. Life vests and paddleboards are included in the fee.
Stand Up Paddle Borneo, Discovery Tours
Duration: 2.5 hours
2. Take the challenge of river rafting in Padas River
If you are into extreme watersports, you might want to check out this exciting Padas Rafting tour package by Klook. The escapade will take place in the scenic Padas Gorge. You and a group of other participants will row the boat as a team and ride the strong currents and rapid waves of Padas River. Instructions will be given before the activity. Although this is the main event, the journey to Pangi from Beaufort Train Station is an adventure on its own, complete with witnessing the beautiful countryside sceneries.
Padas Rafting - Klook Philippines
Duration: 12hrs40 Min Duration
3. Visit the lovely village of Kawa Kawa (from USD 34.0)
Sabah is home to many natural wonders and a dreamy paradise for tourists who like outdoor activities. Get a chance to visit the charming village of Kawa Kawa and indulge in its delightful offerings through this tour package by Klook. The main attraction of this tour is the experience of cruising the Celebes Sea at sunset, while fireflies create a dazzling show of light for you. Also included in the itinerary is the Nanamun mangrove area.
Kawa Kawa Fireflies Sunset Cruise Philippines
Duration: 7hrsDuration
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4. Opt for a snorkeling escapade on Mengalum Island (from USD 54.0)
An adventure for sea lovers, this snorkeling day tour package by Klook takes its guests to the breathtaking Mengalum Island. This island boasts pristine beaches with white sands and crystal-clear waters. It is also home to thriving marine life, making it a fantastic destination for snorkelers and scuba divers. This activity will take you to the ocean floor, where you will see diverse marine life. Also, you will be given time to sunbathe and just enjoy the waters on your own. Plus, a delicious lunch of local cuisine is served for you and other participants.
Mengalum Island and Snorkeling Day Tour, Sabah, Malaysia Philippines
Duration: 9hrs - 10hrsDuration
5. Watch the sunset while relishing delicious meals on a dinner cruise (from USD 48.0)
Fall in love with Sabah more when you get to see its magical sunset with cotton-candy clouds. Level up the experience by joining this dinner cruise by Klook. This delightful activity takes place in the waters of Kota Kinabalu on the west coast of Sabah. It is a two-hour cruise that includes a sumptuous dinner and complimentary drinks. You will be gorging on a delicious international buffet while a live band serenades you with soothing music. The trip’s schedule is right on time when the sun slowly falls behind the horizon, giving guests a beautiful show of colors.
Dinner Cruise in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Philippines
Duration: 2hrsDuration
6. Explore the scenic Tunku Abdul Rahman Park (from USD 84.0)
Reconnect with nature and be mesmerized by the natural beauty of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park through this scuba-diving adventure by Klook. This exciting tour takes guests to different islands of Sabah, including Gaya, Sapi, Mamutik, and Manukan Islands. These islands boast powdery sands and pristine waters that are home to rich marine life. You will get to discover these underwater worlds through scuba diving with a professional guide. A delicious local lunch awaits you after a morning of admiring the sea and its marvelous inhabitants.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Island Diving Experience in Sabah, Malaysia Philippines
7. Enjoy a mud bath at Pulau Tiga
Tiga Island is one of the uninhabited islands in Kimanis Bay. Get to explore Pulau Tiga with this activity-packed tour package by Klook. This half-day adventure takes its participants to Pulau Tiga, where they will indulge in a satisfying day of hiking and snorkeling. After a day of swimming and making friends with adorable marine animals, they will get to relax and soak in the famous volcanic mud pool of the island. A sumptuous lunch with a view is prepared for tourists who will join this exciting tour package.
Snorkeling and Volcanic Mud Bath Experience in Pulau Tiga, Malaysia - Klook
Duration: 9hrs30 Min Duration
8. Score some tasty Desa Fresh Milk at Desa Cattle Dairy Farm
Nestled in Kundasang Valley at the foot of Mount Kinabalu, Desa Cattle Dairy Farm is a scenic dairy farm that produces most of the dairy products that Sabah’s population consumes. Home to pure breed Holstein Friesian cows, this farm takes pride in producing excellent milk, which helps them stay competitive in the global market. Tourists may enjoy a day tour of the farm and watch farm people milk these cows. They can also score some premium bottles of milk under the brand Desa Fresh Milk. Plus, the stunning countryside views are another reason to check out this scenic farm.
Desa Cattle Dairy Farm
Address: Jalan Cinta Mata Mesilou, 89308 Kundasang, Sabah, Malaysia
Website: Desa Cattle Dairy Farm
9. Admire wildlife and flora in Danum Valley Conservation Area
A breathtaking wilderness, Danum Valley Conversation Area is an enchanting place that nature lovers should visit once or twice in their lives. It is a 438-square kilometer (4715-square foot) track that features lush dipterocarp trees and diverse flora and wildlife. Here, you will see mouse deers, gibbons, leopards, Bornean orangutans, and more than 250 species of birds. Danum Valley Conservation Area offers accommodations for tourists who wish to spend a night in its wilderness. Also, it has a field center with facilities waiting for its visitors, such as laboratories, an extensive trail system, a library, and sports facilities.
Danum Valley Conservation Area
Address: Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia
Website: Danum Valley Conservation Area
10. Swim in the turquoise waters of Bohey Dulang Island
Make your Sabah holiday one for the books by going on an adventure to Boheydulang Island. It is set on the volcano’s crater and features a spectacular and scenic lagoon with sparkling turquoise waters. Bohey Dulang Island is a popular destination for snorkeling and other watersports. Besides these, it is also a dreamy paradise for hiking as the top of Bohey Dulang Peak challenges adventure seekers. Also, the island is home to Giant Clam and Marine Invertebrate Hatchery.
Tip from Content Creator
Other than swimming here, you should also hike up to the peak. One of the most spectacular viewpoints I’ve ever visited was on Bohey Dulang Island, located in the south of the Malaysian state of Sabah in Borneo.
Once at the top of this island, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the lush green jungle of the surrounding islands, shallow turquoise waters with incredible coral, and shades of darker blue where the water drops to deeper depths. The best way to experience this is with an island-hopping tour from the town of Semporna.
11. Hike up the tallest mountain in Malaysia - Mount Kinabalu
Mount Kinabalu is the highest peak in Malaysia and a favourite hiking destination, amongst health enthusiasts. A caveat though: just follow the rules and be dressed at all times, even once reaching the peak for a snapshot. The rules in conservative Malaysia are that one should not expose one’s private parts and share on social media, upon reaching the peak. You could be jailed for it.
Mount Kinabalu
Website: Mount Kinabalu
Traveler's tips
The best view comes after the hardest climb. This is so true after hiking up Mt. Kinabalu in Sabah, East Malaysia. After months of training, endless stair-climbing sessions, and hiking expeditions up mountains in West Malaysia, we were finally ready to scale the 4,095m mountain, the highest peak in Southeast Asia.
The 2D1N hike begins around 9 am with a leisurely climb from the mountain base to Laban Rata at the center. Misty mountain air, nature like you've never seen before, and tropical pitcher plants in abundance are what greet you during the hike.
Nothing quite prepares you for the sunrise. It emanates from the skies and touches every single surface of the mountain with a shimmer that leaves you squinting in surprise. Nature speaks in words that only your soul understands.
12. Visit the night market in the capital of Kota Kinabalu
Thinking about what to do in Sabah after sundown? The night market, locally known as the ‘pasar malam’ in Malay, is a place where you can sample different foods, like satay, which is meat, like turmeric or saffron-marinated chicken, beef and mutton on skewers, barbequed on a charcoal fire. Satay is eaten with peanut sauce, for a delicious feast, all year round. At the night market, you can also find 'roti canai’, or flour mixed with eggs and onions and fried to taste. It is eaten with 'dhal’ or lentil curry. There is also 'beef rendang’ or curry, amongst other dishes found here.
Kota Kinabalu Night Market
Address: Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
13. Immerse yourself in Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
At Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, you can find orangutans or bigger monkeys, high up in the treetops, swinging from tree to tree or just resting on a branch, with a baby. Just don’t stand directly beneath where the orangutan is, just it decides to go to the bathroom! Watch them in the wild from afar and observe their movements. They are an endangered species.
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Address: Sabah Wildlife Department, W.D.T. 200, Sandakan, Jalan Sepilok, Sepilok, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah
14. Admire a variety of plants at Sipadan National Park
Sipadan National Park is a scuba divers’ paradise, with almost untouched, colourful coral in their natural state. Sea animals and plants in a plethora of colours can be found here and don’t forget to bring along your waterproof digital camera to capture some memorable shots and videos of the creatures swimming. Sipadan National Park is touted as one of the top diving destinations of the world.
Sipadan National Park
Address: Celebes Sea, right off Sabah’s east coast
Website: Sipadan National Park
15. Witness how turtles lay their eggs at Turtle Islands National Park
Turtle Islands National Park is located within the Turtle Islands that lie in the Sulu Sea, some 3 kilometres (1.9 miles) north of Sandakan, in Sabah, Malaysia. It consists of 3 islands - Selingaan, Little Bakkungan and Gulisaan. The park is famous for its green and hawksbill turtles, which lay their eggs on the beaches of the islands.
Turtle Islands National Park
Address: Turtle Islands Park, north of Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
Website: Turtle Islands National Park
16. Visit Sabah Cracko Art Gallery
Comprising of a group of brilliantly talented Kota Kinabalu artists, high up on the 3rd floor, you’ll find a vivid working studio of abstract and figurative art, stunning jewellery, and sculpture, from Manga-style figurines to mannequin-art. Affordable and original work, a visit here makes for a great hour. Be on the look out for the Cracko sign, outside on the street,
Sabah Art Gallery
Address: 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Website: Sabah Art Gallery
17. Learn more about animal welfare at Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre is a research and wildlife conservation centre, designed to improve animal welfare and for the rehabilitation of the Malayan Sun Bear. It is located in Sepilok, Sabah, Malaysia and covers about 2.5 hectares (6.2 acres). The Sun Bear has been hunted by poachers for its paws and inner organs and sold in the illegal market.
Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
Address: Sepilok, Sabah, Malaysia
Website: Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
18. Pay a visit to Sandakan Memorial Park
Sandakan Memorial Park is a memorial site, built on the grounds of the former Sandakan camp, in the Malaysian state of Sabah. The site is constructed as a memory for all prisoners in the camp, who died during the Sandakan Death Marches, and to those were martyred during the march to Ranau. It also recognises the sacrifice and suffering of the native population.
Sandakan Memorial Park
Address: Mile 8, Jalan Labuk Utara, Taman Rimba,, 90702 Sandakan, Sabah
19. Check out the mineralogical collections at Sabah State Museum
The Sabah Museum sits on 17 hectares (42 acres) of land, in Bukit Istana Lama, Kota Kinabalu, the state capital. The complex contains not only the museum proper but also a garden, a zoo and a heritage village. The main building also houses the Sabah Art Gallery. The mission of the museum is to collect, preserve and document historical, numismatic, ethnographic, archaeological, art-historical, botanical, zoological and mineralogical collections, from throughout Sabah.
Sabah State Museum
Address: Jalan Muzium, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Website: Sabah State Museum
20. Experience a close encounter with monkeys at Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
The Proboscis monkey gets its name from its large, fleshy nose. Both males and females have the large noses and the juveniles have small, upturned noses. The males noses are so large that they hang down over their mouths. The Proboscis monkey is found only on the island of Borneo, in Southeast Asia. It prefers to live in the mangrove and lowland forests, near fresh water and rivers.
Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
Address: Off Jalan Labuk, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah
Website: Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
21. Learn more about Borneo’s unique culture in Mari Mari Cultural Village (from USD 66.0)
Learn more about the many cultures in Malaysia when you join this half-day cultural tour of Mari Mari Village. Participants will be introduced to a Bornean tribe who will show them their way of living. Aside from traditional dances, guests will also learn how to make cultural dishes. The professional guide will take them to each tribe’s housing where they will share stories of how they strive in the jungle. The professional guide and transport service are all included in the tour fee.
Kota Kinabalu Half-Day Cultural Tour with Mari Mari Village
Duration: 4 hours
22. Soak in the rejuvenating Poring Hot Springs (from USD 75.0)
Nestled in the charming town of Poring, Poring Hot Springs is a popular tourist destination in Ranau District. It features a forested area with breathtaking views that visitors love. This Viator tour package excites tourists with a half-day adventure in one of the dreamiest forests of Malaysia. It curates an itinerary that includes an unforgettable soak in Poring Hot Springs as well as an immersive tour of Kinabalu National Park.
Kundasang Poring Hot Springs Day Tour
Duration: 7 to 9 hours
23. Marvel at the natural beauty of Kinabalu Park (from USD 77.0)
One of the first national parks in Malaysia, Kinabalu Park is a breathtaking piece of heaven on earth. It is a must-visit destination for tourists who wish to reconnect with nature and witness wildlife in its natural habitat. If you are this type of tourist, be sure to join this exciting Kinabalu Park tour by Viator with lots of activities. Participants will experience bathing in the rejuvenating Poring Hot Spring. They will also get to explore Desa Cattle Dairy Farm and meet the farmers behind the success of their dairy business. Plus, the sight of Mount Kinabalu will take your breath away. A delicious lunch is prepared for guests.
Malaysia Kinabalu Park Private Day Tour
Duration: 10 hours
24. Learn to cook delicious Bornean dishes (from USD 75.0)
If you are the type of tourist who is big on food trips and on exciting culinary adventures, this cooking class by Viator is one of the activities in Sabah that will surely entice you. This experience will give you a taste of Borneo’s local cuisine. That’s not all, but you will also get to learn how to make them yourself with guidance from an expert. Before anything else, you will be shopping for ingredients at the local market. An experienced chef will teach you heirloom recipes that you can easily remember. Get ready to learn all the tips and tricks of cooking Bornean specialties.
A Taste of Borneo Cooking Class with Market Visit
Duration: 6 hours
25. Ride one of the longest ziplines in Malaysia at Coral Flyer Zipline (from USD 155.0)
Make the most of your Sabah holiday by trying as many exciting outdoor adventures as possible. If you are a brave soul who always wants to satisfy your desire for adrenaline-boosting adventures, Coral Flyer Zipline is an escapade perfect for you. This zipline connects two breathtaking islands. A journey from one point to another will treat you to mesmerizing and unforgettable views of crystal-clear waters, pale-colored sands, and tropical forests. If you book this zipline package by Viator, you will have transport services from and to Kota Kinabalu.
Kota Kinabalu to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park Zipline Adventure
Duration: 6 hours
Visit Sabah for a multitude of amazing things to do
This sums up the list of best things to do in Sabah, from visiting nature and animal reserves to the Sabah State Museum, for the more laid back tourists, who prefer to find out about a place at their own slow pace. Sabah also caters to the adrenaline seeker, with activities like scuba diving in Sipadan National Park.
It is famed for holding the tallest peak in South East Asia, Mount Kinabalu - a favourite amongst hardcore hikers. Just adhere to the rules and you should do fine. There are many parks, forests, beaches and night markets for the foodie on the cheap. Finally, there is something for everyone here and Sabah caters to tourists from all walks of life.
Frequently asked questions about the best things to do in Sabah, East Malaysia
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