Sabah
Sabah is located on the island of Borneo and is known for its rich natural landscapes and wildlife experiences. From rainforests and mountains to rivers and coastal islands, there are many things to d...
Top Activities in Sabah
Check out our handpicked selection of top-rated experiences and activities.
Quick Facts
Currency
Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
Languages
Malay, English
Best Time to Visit
Feb, March, April, May, June, July, Aug
Timezone
UTC
About
Sabah sits at the northern tip of Borneo and offers one of Malaysia’s most diverse travel experiences. While many journeys begin in Kota Kinabalu, much of Sabah’s appeal lies beyond the city, where mountains, rainforests, rivers, and wildlife reserves shape the landscape. Around Kundasang, cooler temperatures and sweeping views of Mount Kinabalu create a peaceful highland setting. On the eastern side, areas such as Sandakan and Sepilok are known for wildlife conservation centers where visitors may see orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and native species in protected habitats. River cruises along the Kinabatangan River are among the most popular things to do in Sabah, offering opportunities to spot wildlife along dense rainforest banks. Sabah also attracts divers from around the world, particularly to Sipadan Island, widely regarded as one of Southeast Asia’s top diving destinations. With its balance of nature, culture, and outdoor experiences, Sabah remains one of Malaysia’s most rewarding regions for slow and meaningful travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sabah feels much more connected to nature. Instead of city attractions, you get mountains, rivers, rainforests, and incredible wildlife. Many travelers come here specifically to see orangutans, hike, or visit the smaller coastal towns and islands.
It depends on the kind of trip you’re planning. Kota Kinabalu works well as a base for island-hopping and day trips. If you're visiting Kinabalu Park or Kundasang, many people stay in the highlands. For wildlife areas, Sandakan and the Kinabatangan River region are more convenient.
Distances can be long, so most travelers either join tours or hire private transport for day trips. Within Kota Kinabalu, Grab is easy to use, but you’ll need arranged transport for places like Kundasang, Sandakan, or the river areas.
Most people don’t leave Sabah without visiting Kinabalu Park or at least spending some time in Kundasang for the mountain views. On the east coast, the orangutan and sun bear centers in Sepilok are big highlights, and many travelers say the Kinabatangan River cruise is one of the best chances to spot wildlife. If you’re into diving, Sipadan is a whole different world underwater.
Yes, families usually enjoy Sabah because there’s a good mix of gentle activities. Kids tend to love the animal centers in Sepilok and the easy island trips near Kota Kinabalu. Even simple things like walking around Kundasang or taking short nature trails are great for families looking for something calm and outdoorsy.
It’s wise to keep some cash with you, especially if you’re heading out of the main city. Smaller eateries, market stalls, and certain rural stops might not take cards. In Kota Kinabalu, you’ll be fine with card payments most of the time, but once you go into the highlands or wildlife areas, cash comes in handy.