Why Sabah is a Must‑Visit Destination in Malaysia
When we first landed in Sabah Malaysia — smack on the edge of Borneo — we didn’t know whether to hug the rainforest or sprint straight into the turquoise sea. This place literally takes your breath away with its mix of epic wildlife, cultural richness, jaw‑dropping landscapes, and tropical island magic.
Sabah Malaysia isn’t just another destination. It’s an eclectic blend of lush mountains, mesmerising rivers, traditional heritage villages, some of the best dive spots in the world, and a food culture that will make you want to stay forever. Whether you’re ride‑or‑die nature lovers like us, or city explorers craving culture and cuisine, the 17 Best Things to Do and See in Sabah Malaysia are just the start of your adventure.
In this guide, we’ve packed in the top activities, hidden gems, and insider travel tips that made our trip truly unforgettable — and we sprinkle in personal moments too (because who doesn’t love a good memory anchor?). Let’s dive into all the best things to do and see in Sabah Malaysia — spoiler: it’s a LOT!
. Explore Kota Kinabalu — Sabah’s Capital and City of Sunsets
Kota Kinabalu (often just “KK”) is the perfect launching point for your Sabah itinerary. This vibrant capital has a rhythm all its own — fronted by the South China Sea and shadowed by magnificent hills. It’s where city comfort meets island adventure.
- Chill at the waterfront and watch a helluva sunset (honestly, locals here take sunset watching seriously).
- Grab dinner at a night market, where locals line up stalls selling grilled seafood, tropical fruits, and cheek‑pinching coconut juice.
- Wander through Gaya Street markets for souvenirs and quirky handcrafts.
- Visit Anjung Kinabalu — the rebranded city night market buzzing with street food and souvenirs.
Whether you’re energised by local street eats or want that first taste of Borneo culture, KK sets the tone for your Sabah Malaysia adventure.
2. Discover Mari Mari Cultural Village
Imagine stepping into a living museum where traditions aren’t just displayed — they’re performed. That’s Mari Mari Cultural Village for you.
We’ll never forget learning fire‑starting with bamboo and trying blow‑pipe demonstrations like total novices (yes, we laughed a lot). It’s one of the best immersive cultural experiences on the island — and a must‑visit among the things to do and see in Sabah Malaysia.
3. Meet Wildlife at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
If Sabah Malaysia is known for one wildlife experience, this is the one: watching orphaned orangutans being fed and rehabilitated in the world‑famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
These intelligent, gentle apes steal your heart in seconds — and seeing them in semi‑wild habitat is unforgettable. Plan your visit around feeding times to maximise the chance of sightings.
4. River Safari on the Kinabatangan River
Wildlife fanatics — this is for you. The Kinabatangan River is one of the most biodiverse animal corridors in Southeast Asia.
You’ll likely spot:
- Proboscis monkeys
- Pygmy elephants
- Crocodiles
- Hornbills
- Orangutans
On sunrise and sunset boat rides, the jungle comes alive in the most magical way. It’s a top pick for nature lovers looking for the best things to do and see in Sabah Malaysia.
5. Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park — Island Hopping & Snorkelling
Just a short boat ride from Kota Kinabalu, this marine park is an island hopper’s paradise.
Islands like Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik and Sulug each have their own vibe:
- Snorkel coral gardens
- Try paddleboarding
- Chill on white‑sand beaches
We spent an afternoon snorkelling with fish so colourful we couldn’t stop laughing at how unreal it felt.
6. Climb or View Mount Kinabalu — Sabah’s Crown Jewel
Standing tall at over 4,000 meters, Mount Kinabalu is Southeast Asia’s highest peak — and a bucket list destination in Sabah Malaysia.
Whether you summit or just explore Kinabalu Park’s trails, you’ll be treated to:
- Panoramic nature views
- Unique flora and fauna
- Fresh highland air
We tried the summit once… and let’s just say, it was beautiful, sweaty, and absolutely worth the effort.
7. Chill in Kundasang — The Little Switzerland of Sabah
Kundasang’s rolling green hills and dairy farms make this one of the most scenic places to visit in Sabah Malaysia.
Highlights:
- Desa Dairy Farm (gelato taste test required)
- Sabah Tea Garden with misty mountain views
- Local markets bursting with fresh produce
We grabbed a cup of fresh milk with a view — and honestly, we considered moving in for a month.
8. Visit Gomantong Caves — Nature’s Echolocation Show
Gomantong Caves are massive limestone caverns famous for bats, swiftlets, and ancient bird’s nests.
Around sunset, millions of bats thrust out of the cave in synchronized waves — it’s nature’s own light show (minus the LED). Definitely one of the most thrilling things to do and see in Sabah Malaysia.
9. Relax on Tanjung Aru Beach at Sunset
This long stretch of coastal bliss near KK is a favourite local hangout.
We ditched sightseeing for a moment here, sipped fresh coconuts, and watched the sky transition through fiery oranges and purples — a perfect pause in any Sabah Malaysia itinerary.
10. Experience Wildlife at Danum Valley
For hardcore jungle lovers, Danum Valley is the real deal — ancient rainforest, rare animals, and trekking trails that feel timeless.
We spotted hornbills, slow lorises, and that classic Bornean mist — it’s one of those places that stays with you long after you’ve left.
11. Take a Firefly and Mangrove Cruise on Klias River
Imagine twinkling fireflies lighting up mangrove trees like a natural fairyland. Add foraging proboscis monkey sightings, and you’ve got a magical night trip that’s one of the top things to do and see in Sabah Malaysia.
12. Monsopiad Heritage Village — Head Hunters & History
This heritage village is named after a legendary warrior and gives rich insight into traditional cultures and headhunting history.
It’s a perfect cultural complement to Mari Mari — and one of the best lesser‑talked‑about places to visit in Sabah Malaysia.
13. Dive into Sipadan & Mabul — World‑Class Diving
If the sea calls you deeper than snorkelling, Sipadan Island is considered one of the world’s top dive spots (seriously).
Expect:
- Bottlenose turtles
- Hammerhead sharks
- Vibrant coral walls
- Macro critters galore
If scuba is your jam, this should be a major part of your Sabah Malaysia trip.
14. Sabah Tea Garden — Tea Fields & Mountain Views
Tea lovers, this one’s for you. Wandering through the rolling tea plantations, sipping local brew and watching misty hills unfold is exactly the kind of calm escape we crave on the road.
15. Mount Silam — Tower of Heaven Views
Mount Silam’s observation deck offers insane 360° views over the Darvel Bay and rainforest canopy — perfect for sunrise and sunset moments.
16. Try Local Sabahan Eats
From spicy tuaran mee (flat egg noodles) to freshly grilled seafood and coconut desserts, your Sabah Malaysia food checklist should be long and delicious. (Trust us, it will be.)
17. Sabah Islamic Civilisation Museum — Culture in KK
If you’re into history, the Sabah Islamic Civilisation Museum in Kota Kinabalu offers fascinating insights into the Islamic influence across Borneo.
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18–30. Bonus Hotspots in Sabah Malaysia
Here are more incredible places worth your time:
- Lankayan Island — coral paradise for divers.
- Pulau Gaya — lush island trails & beach vibes near KK.
- Kokoul Hill & Kokol Escape — city overlooks & chill cafés.
- Tabin Wildlife Reserve — wildlife safaris & mud volcanoes.
- Poring Hot Springs — warm spring dips in jungle surrounds.
- Tawau Hills Park — waterfalls, trails & nature.
- Borneo Rainforest Lodge (Danum) — luxury jungle immersion.
- Klias Wetlands’ boardwalks & birdwatching.
- Ranau Rabbit Farm — cute meet‑and‑greets.
- Kundasang Market — fresh fruit & mountain souvenirs.
- Mantani Islands — surf and snorkel less crowded beaches.
- Crocker Range National Park — epic hikes.
- Sea Turtle watching at Selingan — turtles nest on the beach.
Final Thoughts: Your Sabah Malaysia Adventure Starts Now
Whether you’re here for jungle safaris, cultural immersion, marine paradise, mountain hikes, or food epiphanies, the things to do and see in Sabah Malaysia literally span every travel vibe you could want. Take your time, plan smart, and leave some days open for serendipity — because that’s when Sabah surprises you most.
Sabah Malaysia captured our hearts with its raw nature, smiling locals, and travel‑once‑in‑a‑lifetime moments — and we’re confident it’ll steal yours too.
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