Best sightseeing in Sabah: Sabah, perched on the northern tip of Borneo, is a playground for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and curious foodies. Whether you want to meet orangutans in the wild, dive with sea turtles, or gaze at the tallest peak in Southeast Asia—Sabah delivers the goods.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the 10 best sightseeing spots in Sabah, from world-famous wonders to hidden gems that even some locals haven’t explored. So grab your sunglasses, bug spray, and sense of adventure. Let’s go!
1. Mount Kinabalu – The Roof of Borneo
Location: Ranau, about 2 hours from Kota Kinabalu
No trip to Sabah is complete without witnessing the majestic Mount Kinabalu. Standing at 4,095 meters, it’s Malaysia’s tallest mountain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
🧗♂️ Things to do:
- Climb the summit (book in advance—permits are limited!)
- Visit the Kinabalu Park, full of rare orchids and the world’s largest pitcher plants
- Stroll the Botanical Garden if you prefer low-altitude adventures
📸 Photo Tip: Visit during sunrise or golden hour for surreal mountain glow! (Best sightseeing in Sabah)
2. Sipadan Island – Dive Heaven
Location: Off the coast of Semporna
Rated as one of the top dive sites in the world, Sipadan Island is every diver’s dream. Think: crystal-clear waters, massive schools of barracudas, and turtles casually gliding by.
🐠 Why it’s special:
- It’s the only oceanic island in Malaysia formed by living corals atop an extinct volcano
- Daily permits are limited to 176 divers—book early!
- Even snorkeling around nearby islands like Mabul and Kapalai is unforgettable
💡 Local Tip: Stay in Semporna and hop on a day trip if you can’t afford luxury island resorts. (Best sightseeing in Sabah)
3. Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Location: Sandakan
Come face-to-face with our ginger cousins! Sepilok is a haven for orphaned and rescued orangutans, where they’re slowly reintroduced into the wild.
🦧 What to expect:
- Feeding sessions at 10 AM and 3 PM
- The playful youngsters at the Outdoor Nursery are a crowd favorite
- Nearby: Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
🎥 Vlog Idea: “A Day with Orangutans” – Show the feeding, nursery, and behind-the-scenes conservation efforts. (Best sightseeing in Sabah)
4. Kota Kinabalu Waterfront & Signal Hill Observatory
Location: Kota Kinabalu
This is the best spot to wind down after a long day. The KK Waterfront is buzzing with life—cafés, seafood spots, and sunset bars.
🚶♀️ Things to do:
- Walk along the Esplanade
- Head up to Signal Hill Observatory for panoramic views of the city and South China Sea
- Snap a pic at the famous “I ❤️ KK” sign
🍹 Tip: Enjoy cocktails at Sky Blu Bar or Shenanigan’s while watching the sky turn orange. (Best sightseeing in Sabah)
5. Kinabatangan River – Wildlife Cruise Adventure
Location: Kinabatangan, near Sandakan
Welcome to Borneo’s Amazon! This winding river is one of Malaysia’s best places to spot wildlife.
🦜 Wildlife you might see:
- Proboscis monkeys
- Pygmy elephants
- Crocodiles
- Hornbills
- (If you’re lucky) wild orangutans
🚤 Best experience: Go on a sunrise or sunset river cruise for magical lighting and active wildlife.
🏡 Stay: Choose an eco-lodge like Sukau Rainforest Lodge or Bilit Rainforest Lodge. (Best sightseeing in Sabah)
6. Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Location: 15 minutes by boat from Kota Kinabalu
Island-hopping made easy! This marine park includes 5 islands: Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik, and Sulug.
🛥️ Activities:
- Snorkeling and scuba diving
- Ziplining from Gaya to Sapi Island (yes, across the ocean!)
- Chilling on the beach with coconut in hand
🥥 Budget Tip: Buy combo island tickets and bring your own lunch to save money. (Best sightseeing in Sabah)
7. Mari Mari Cultural Village
Location: Inanam, 25 minutes from KK city
Want to time-travel to pre-colonial Borneo? Mari Mari offers immersive tours into traditional Sabahan lifestyles.
🎭 What you’ll experience:
- Fire-making without lighters
- Bamboo cooking
- Tribal dances and rituals
- Real traditional homes of ethnic groups like the Kadazan-Dusun, Rungus, Lundayeh
📸 Don’t miss: The blowpipe demo! It’s cooler than any Nerf gun. (Best sightseeing in Sabah)
8. Desa Dairy Farm – The “New Zealand” of Sabah
Location: Kundasang
If you’ve seen pics of cows grazing with Mount Kinabalu in the background, this is the place. A hit among Instagrammers and cheese lovers alike.
🐄 Why go:
- Fresh milk, yogurt, and ice cream
- Family-friendly cow feeding
- Stunning alpine views (without leaving Malaysia!)
📷 Photo Spot: Near the fencing area just after sunrise—clear skies and moody mist. (Best sightseeing in Sabah)
9. Poring Hot Springs & Canopy Walk
Location: Near Ranau, part of Kinabalu Park
After hiking (or overeating), nothing beats a soak in the hot sulfur springs. But the real highlight? The Canopy Walkway, suspended 40 meters above the rainforest floor!
🌿 What’s cool:
- Zipline available nearby
- Giant Rafflesia flower can sometimes be seen blooming
- Butterfly and orchid gardens on-site
🩴 Bring: Swimwear, towel, and sturdy shoes for the walk. (Best sightseeing in Sabah)
10. Bohey Dulang Island – Epic Viewpoint Hike
Location: Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Semporna
Imagine an emerald island rising out of turquoise waters. Now hike to the top of Bohey Dulang for a jaw-dropping panorama.
🥾 Hike info:
- 600-meter uphill trail (moderate level)
- Takes ~40 mins to 1 hour to summit
- View is 100% worth the sweat!
🧢 Tips: Go early to avoid heat and crowd. Proper footwear required (they check!). (Best sightseeing in Sabah)
Final Tips Before You Go
- Best time to visit Sabah: March to October (dry season)
- How to get around: Domestic flights (KK to Sandakan/Tawau), car rentals, boats for islands
- SIM card: Digi or Celcom have solid coverage in towns, but signal drops in rural areas
- Visit Sabah Tourism website for more information
Want to See It All?
Check out our YouTube Channel [Roman and Fizah] where we dive deeper into some of these places—complete with drone shots, travel tips, and unexpected food moments.
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Conclusion
Whether you’re after wildlife encounters, island escapes, or cultural deep-dives, Sabah is a travel jackpot. It’s one of Malaysia’s richest states in terms of biodiversity and experiences—and we hope this list helps you uncover the magic.
👣 Been to any of these? Tell us your favourite! Or tag us @romanandfizah on social media—we love seeing your adventures!
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