Destination Guide

Sabah: mountains, rainforests, and island escapes

From Mount Kinabalu’s cool highlands to Kinabatangan wildlife cruises and world-class diving, Sabah is Borneo at its most unforgettable.

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Things to do
At a glance

Why visit Sabah?

Sabah is Malaysia’s gateway to Borneo—famous for epic nature, indigenous cultures, and easy-to-plan adventures based around Kota Kinabalu.

Expect cooler air in the highlands, warm coastal evenings, and a mix of city comforts and wild landscapes. It’s ideal for first-timers who want a little bit of everything in one trip.

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Orangutans in a fig tree at Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Borneo
Top experiences

What to do in Sabah

Build your trip around these three pillars—then add food, markets, and day trips from Kota Kinabalu.

Mount Kinabalu landscape in Sabah

Climb & highlands

Tackle Mount Kinabalu (permits required) or choose gentler trails and viewpoints in the Crocker Range and Kundasang.

See top hikes
Orangutans at Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary in Borneo

Wildlife & rivers

Cruise the Kinabatangan River for proboscis monkeys, birds, and (with luck) pygmy elephants—best at dawn and dusk.

Find wildlife spots
Sea turtle underwater near Sipadan, Malaysia

Beaches & diving

Island-hop from Kota Kinabalu or head east for legendary reefs—plan ahead for permits and seasonal conditions.

Explore islands

Sabah highlights in photos

A quick visual sampler—mountains, wildlife, and the sea.

Mount Kinabalu landscape in Sabah Orangutan habitat in Kinabatangan, Borneo Sea turtle underwater near Sipadan, Malaysia Mountain scenery in Sabah
Mount Kinabalu landscape in Sabah Orangutan habitat in Kinabatangan, Borneo Sea turtle underwater near Sipadan, Malaysia Mountain scenery in Sabah
Mount Kinabalu landscape in Sabah Orangutan habitat in Kinabatangan, Borneo Sea turtle underwater near Sipadan, Malaysia Mountain scenery in Sabah
Mount Kinabalu landscape in Sabah Orangutan habitat in Kinabatangan, Borneo Sea turtle underwater near Sipadan, Malaysia Mountain scenery in Sabah
Mount Kinabalu landscape in Sabah Orangutan habitat in Kinabatangan, Borneo Sea turtle underwater near Sipadan, Malaysia Mountain scenery in Sabah
Mount Kinabalu landscape in Sabah Orangutan habitat in Kinabatangan, Borneo Sea turtle underwater near Sipadan, Malaysia Mountain scenery in Sabah

Ready to turn this into a 3–7 day plan?

Use our itineraries and travel tips to map out stays, transport, and must-do experiences—without the overwhelm.

Start planning your Sabah trip