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9 Places to Go in Sabah When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed by the City Life

With so many things to do and places to check out, it’s hard to determine just how many days are enough to spend in Sabah. From beaches to hot springs, islands and villages, this place has it all but the question is, which ones are worth including in your itinerary?

Well, it’s your lucky day because, in this guide, we’ll take you on an in-depth tour of the best places to visit in Sabah that all members of the family will enjoy! We’ve made far too many mistakes on multiple trips to this state and we don’t want you to make the same ones.

Plus, couples and friend groups are also bound to find something interesting here so keep on reading!

Sipadan Island

Media credit: scubadivingmag

Address: Pulau Sipadan

If you’re looking for the most beautiful beaches in Malaysia, then Sipadan Island should be on your itinerary! It’s among the country’s best-preserved pieces of paradise, boasting beautiful cerulean waters, white sandy beaches and endless breathtaking views!

However, the real highlight here is the bustling marine life that features hundreds of fish species, turtles, sharks and colourful coral reefs. This, paired with the crystal-clear waters, makes Sipadan Island one of the best diving spots in Malaysia!

This place is best visited through an island hopping package, as it will take you to various spots around the island that are teeming with rich marine life. From there, you can dramatically dive into the waters and meet new sea creatures!

Pro tip:

Book your trip in advance as much as possible, since this place is in demand, especially during its peak dates. Furthermore, you’d have to secure a permit, which are only issued in limited amounts per day.

Poring Hot Springs

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Address: 89300 Ranau
Contact details: +60 14-695 8577
Operating hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Website
Rates:

  • Entrance fee:
    • Conservation fee (local): RM10 (18 years and above), RM5 (17 years and below)
    • Conservation fee (foreigner): RM50 (18 years and above), RM25 (17 years and below)
    • Poring Canopy Walkway (local): RM5 (18 years and above), RM3 (17 years and 
    • Poring Canopy Walkway (foreigner): RM10 (18 years and above), RM8 (17 years and 
    • 12 years and below, 60 years and above: Free
  • Bath tub fee:
    • Slide pool fee (local): RM3
    • Slide pool fee (foreigner): RM5
    • Open bathtub fee: RM10
    • Enclosed bathtub deluxe: RM35
    • Enclosed bathtub standard: RM25
    • Enclosed bathtub locker rental: RM5

Poring Hot Springs will treat you to a relaxing experience, with its world-class bathtubs and pools. It’s one of the country’s best nature retreat spots, as it offers a serene environment like no other thanks to its surrounding lush greenery.

Before you reach the titular hot springs, however, you must first prepare yourself for a short yet breathtaking hike through the forest. You’ll also cross a canopy bridge that overlooks the river, which is one of the best spots to take Insta-worthy photos in this place.

There are five hot springs in total, with varying temperatures from 49 to 60 degrees Celsius. But if you’re not into dipping your body in piping-hot waters, you can head to Kipungit Waterfall and bathe in its ice-cold showers!

Pro tip:

Once you’re done bathing in Poring’s waterfalls and hot springs, make sure to stop by its orchid conservatory and butterfly garden! Meanwhile, if you’re feeling extra daring, you can explore the nearby bat cave.

Sabah Museum

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Address: 88300 Kota Kinabalu
Contact details: +60 88-225 033
Operating hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Website
Rates:

  • Adults: RM15
  • Children: RM10

Sabah Museum is the place to be if you’re looking to be immersed in the rich history of the state. This historical building houses several key exhibits that feature artefacts that played a huge role in shaping Sabah into what it is now.

One of these exhibits is the Ethnographic Exhibits, which houses a vast selection of clothing, tools and weapons from different Sabah ethnic groups. Furthermore, the museum also features a historical exhibition where archaeological artefacts and documents can be found.

Our favourite thing to witness here, however, is their cultural performances, which range anywhere from traditional dances to live music and more. Meanwhile, you can take a tour of the heritage village if you want to see some magnificent pieces of architecture!

Pro tip:

Check out their official website before visiting to be updated on their latest announcements like upcoming events, festivals, special packages and more!

Mabul Island

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Address: Pulau Mabul
Website

Mabul Island is another perfect example of why Sabah is a great summer destination in Malaysia. It’s just a little island off the coast of the Southeast and people love visiting it for its pristine beaches and amazing diving spots.

Starting with its beaches, you can expect pure white sand as well as beautiful aquamarine waters. What makes it a great vacation destination, however, is its resorts that let guests stay in water bungalows like those you’ll find in the Maldives but dare I say, better!

As for why it’s an amazing diving destination, you can turn to its little critters! Muck diving is popular in these parts because of unique and interesting sea creatures like frogfish, scorpion fish, cuttlefish and different types of shellfish.

Pro tip:

Check out Mabul Island’s official website if you’re planning on booking a stay on one of their water bungalows! They offer packages that feature diving, boat transfers and meals on top of their beautiful rooms.

Mari Mari Cultural Village

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Address: Jalan Kionsom, Inanam
Contact details: +60 13-881 4921
Operating hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Website
Rates:

  • Local:
    • Adults: RM110
    • Children: RM100
  • Foreigner:
    • Adults: RM130
    • Children: RM110

Mari Mari Cultural Village is another attraction we highly recommend for immersing yourselves in Sabah’s rich history. This time, the state’s indigenous people are put front and centre, allowing visitors to learn about their traditions and way of life.

It showcases these things through various exhibits, one of which is the wide selection of cultural workshops. These workshops feature hands-on activities demonstrating everyday tasks such as hunting, cooking, basket weaving and beadwork.

If you’re a fan of architecture, you’ll love this place as well, as it features various traditional houses from Sabah’s different ethnic groups. These groups include the Dusun, Bajau and Murut people and all of them feature a distinct design when it comes to their homes.

Pro tip:

Book your tickets through their official website for less hassle! Plus, they also feature special discounts and packages there so you can possibly save more money for your trip.

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

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Address: W.D.T. 200, Sabah Wildlife Department
Contact details: +60 89-633 587
Operating hours:

  • Saturday to Thursday: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
  • Friday: 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Website
Rates:

  • Local:
    • Adults: RM30
    • Children: RM15
  • Foreigner:
    • Adults: RM5
    • Children: RM2

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is one of the most successful sanctuaries for orangutans in the world. It does an amazing job of providing a safe and nurturing environment for these animals, allowing them to learn essential skills like building nests and finding food.

What we love about this place is that it allows visitors to observe these animals without disrupting their peace thanks to the observatory platform. At the same time, people can interact with them through the feeding platform where they can interact with the animals up close.

Meanwhile, if you want to learn more about these intelligent species, you can enjoy the educational programs and guided tours provided by the conservatory. These programs won’t only educate you about the orangutans but their habitat as well!

Pro tip:

The best time to visit this rehabilitation centre is in the morning or in the afternoon, as it’s when the orangutans are most active. Furthermore, be sure to apply and bring sunscreen, as there are unshaded areas in the centre.

Tawau Hills Park

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Address: Tawau Hills Park, 91000 Tawau
Contact details:  +60 13-884 1321
Operating hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Website
Rates:

  • Conservation fee:
    • Adults (18 years and above): RM6 (locals), RM20 (foreigners)
    • Children (17 years and below): RM5 (locals), RM12 (foreigners)
  • Climbing fee:
    • Adults: RM25 (locals), RM50 (foreigners)
    • Children: RM10 (locals), RM20 (foreigners)

Tawau Hills Park will be loved by adventure-seekers and nature lovers alike because of its beautiful natural landscapes and outdoor activity offerings. Furthermore, it’s home to hundreds upon thousands of flora and fauna species—perfect for wildlife spotting!

Its natural landscapes mostly consist of a lush rainforest and beautiful rock formations but the main highlight is Air Terjun Mahua, Sabah’s tallest waterfall. It consists of seven different tiers, which allow its waters to fall down gracefully before reaching the natural pool.

Meanwhile, if you’re looking to do something more heart-pumping, you can enjoy the park’s wide array of hiking trails. We’re also glad that the trails here are well maintained so regardless of your hiking skills, you’ll enjoy—plus, you’ll be treated to magnificent views all throughout!

Pro tip:

Wear comfortable shoes is rule number one when it comes to hiking Tawau Hills Park, or any other park for that matter. Also, be sure to apply and bring mosquito repellent to protect yourself from nasty bites.

Gomantong Caves

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Address: 90000 Kinabatangan

The Gomantong Caves is one of the most awe-inspiring attractions of Sabah, featuring beautiful natural stalagmite formations and stunning limestone chambers. 

These chambers are amazing to explore because of their sheer scale, which puts Batman’s hideout to shame. Speaking of bats, this cave is home to several colonies of them and you can witness them emerge from their resting place from time to time,

It’s more than just a spectacle too, as this cave plays a huge part in the ecosystem, more specifically with its production of bird nests. These are harvested to create one of China’s most underrated delicacies, bird’s nest soup.

Pro tip:

Wear proper footwear if you’re planning on going spelunking to avoid fatigue and slipping on the rocks. Speaking of, avoid touching the formations as much as possible to avoid ruining their preservation.

Kinabalu Park

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Address: Kinabalu Park, 89300 Ranau
Contact details: +60 88-889 095
Operating hours: Daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Website

You can’t have a trip to Sabah without climbing or at least getting a glimpse of its highest peak, Mount Kinabulu. It’s also the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, in general, spanning over 13,000 feet high.

This massive mountain is located in Kinabalu Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s widely renowned because of its stunning natural landscapes. It also features a diverse ecosystem, featuring dense rainforests, rocky outcrops and more.

Thanks to this rich biodiversity, you can also spot some rare flora and fauna. Among these is the rare Rafflesia, also known as the Stinking Corpse Lily.

Pro tip:

If you’re planning on climbing Mount Kinabalu, be sure to have your body get used to the altitude by staying at one of the nearby towns. This way, you can avoid altitude sickness, which could hinder your climb.