Sabah
Sabah is located on the island of Borneo and is known for its natural landscapes and wildlife. The region is home to rainforests, mountains, rivers, and coastal areas. Many travelers come here for nat...
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 top of Borneo, and the first thing people usually notice is how much variety there is packed into one place. Most trips start in Kota Kinabalu because that’s where the airport is, but honestly, the parts that stay with you are usually outside the city. If you head toward Kundasang, the weather suddenly cools down, and you get these wide mountain views with Mount Kinabalu popping up in the background. It feels almost like a different country compared to the coast. Then on the eastern side, around Sandakan and Sepilok, everything slows down; that’s where people go hoping to see orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and all the other wildlife Sabah is famous for. The Kinabatangan River cruises are a favorite, too; you never really know what’s going to appear along the riverbanks. And of course, divers talk about Sipadan like it’s some sort of holy grail, and honestly, many of them mean it. Sabah isn’t fast-paced, and that’s part of the appeal. It’s a mix of nature, culture, and quiet moments that kind of sneak up on you. It’s the sort of place people visit once and then keep thinking about long after they’ve gone home.
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.