25 Best Nature Attractions in Sabah

Sabah is one of the best nature destinations in Malaysia, with rainforests, mountains, islands and wildlife. From Mount Kinabalu to the rainforests of Danum Valley, Sabah has a range of nature attractions. These 25 nature attractions in Sabah cover the best outdoor destinations.

Mountains

1. Mount Kinabalu

Mount Kinabalu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the highest mountains in Southeast Asia. See our Mount Kinabalu travel guide guide.

What it offers: Mountain, climbing, hiking Why visit: UNESCO World Heritage Site Suitable audience: Climbers, nature lovers Safety: Climbing requires permits and a guide. Check current conditions with official operators.

2. Kinabalu Park

Kinabalu Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounding Mount Kinabalu, with nature trails and botanical gardens. Check current operating status with official sources. See our Mount Kinabalu travel guide guide.

What it offers: Nature trails, botanical gardens Why visit: UNESCO World Heritage Site Suitable audience: All ages Safety: Stay on marked trails. Check weather.

Rainforests

3. Danum Valley

Danum Valley is a conservation area in eastern Sabah, known for its pristine rainforest and wildlife. Access is restricted and requires permits. Check current access with official operators. See our best wildlife experiences in Sabah guide.

What it offers: Rainforest, wildlife Why visit: Pristine rainforest Suitable audience: Nature lovers Safety: Go with a licensed guide. Stay on marked trails. Check weather.

4. Tabin Wildlife Reserve

Tabin Wildlife Reserve is a wildlife reserve in eastern Sabah, known for its wildlife. Check current access with official operators. See our best wildlife experiences in Sabah guide.

What it offers: Wildlife reserve, rainforest Why visit: Wildlife Suitable audience: Nature lovers Safety: Go with a licensed guide. Stay on marked trails.

5. Rainforest Discovery Centre

The Rainforest Discovery Centre is near Sepilok, with nature trails and a canopy walkway. Check current operating status with official sources. See our best places to visit in Sandakan guide.

What it offers: Nature trails, canopy walkway Why visit: Canopy walkway Suitable audience: All ages Safety: Stay on marked trails. Check weather.

Islands

6. Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

The Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is a group of islands off Kota Kinabalu, popular for beaches and snorkelling. See our best beaches in Sabah guide.

What it offers: Beaches, snorkelling, marine life Why visit: Marine park Suitable audience: All ages Safety: Follow marine park rules. Do not touch or step on coral. Check swimming conditions.

7. Tun Sakaran Marine Park

The Tun Sakaran Marine Park is a marine park near Semporna, with islands and marine life. Check current access with official operators. See our best islands near Semporna guide.

What it offers: Islands, marine life Why visit: Marine park Suitable audience: All ages Safety: Follow marine park rules. Do not touch or step on coral. Check swimming conditions.

8. Turtle Islands Park

Turtle Islands Park is a marine park near Sandakan, known for turtle nesting. Check current access with official sources. Do not disturb nesting turtles. See our best wildlife experiences in Sabah guide.

What it offers: Turtle nesting, marine life Why visit: Turtle nesting Suitable audience: All ages Safety: Do not disturb nesting turtles. Check current access with official sources.

Beaches

9. Tanjung Aru Beach

Tanjung Aru is a popular beach in Kota Kinabalu, known for its sunset views. See our best beaches in Sabah guide.

What it offers: Beach, sunset views Why visit: Popular beach Suitable audience: All ages Safety: Check swimming conditions. Follow safety notices.

10. Tip of Borneo

The Tip of Borneo (Tanjung Simpang Mengayau) is a scenic headland in Kudat, the northernmost point of Borneo. See our best beaches in Sabah guide.

What it offers: Scenic headland, views Why visit: Scenic views Suitable audience: All ages Safety: Stay away from cliff edges. Check weather.

Rivers

11. Kinabatangan River

The Kinabatangan River is a river in eastern Sabah, popular for wildlife spotting. See our best wildlife experiences in Sabah guide.

What it offers: River cruise, wildlife spotting Why visit: Wildlife Suitable audience: All ages Safety: Follow guide instructions. Wear a life jacket on boats.

12. Klias River

The Klias River is a river in southwestern Sabah, popular for proboscis monkeys and fireflies. Check current availability with official operators. See our Sabah road trip guide.

What it offers: River cruise, wildlife spotting, fireflies Why visit: Proboscis monkeys, fireflies Suitable audience: All ages Safety: Follow guide instructions. Wear a life jacket on boats.

Caves

13. Gomantong Caves

Gomantong Caves are caves near Sandakan, known for their bird nests and bats. Check current access with official sources. See our best places to visit in Sandakan guide.

What it offers: Caves, bird nests, bats Why visit: Caves Suitable audience: Nature lovers Safety: Stay on marked paths. Watch your step. Bring a torch.

Hot Springs

14. Poring Hot Springs

Poring Hot Springs is a nature area near Ranau, with hot springs, a canopy walkway and nature trails. Check current operating status with official sources. See our best places to visit in Kundasang guide.

What it offers: Hot springs, canopy walkway, nature trails Why visit: Hot springs Suitable audience: All ages Safety: Stay on marked trails. Check water temperature.

Waterfalls

15. Kiansom Waterfall

Kiansom Waterfall is a waterfall near Kota Kinabalu. Check current access with official sources.

What it offers: Waterfall, swimming Why visit: Waterfall Suitable audience: All ages Safety: Check water conditions. Watch children near water.

Wildlife

16. Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Sepilok is a rehabilitation centre for orangutans, near Sandakan. Check current operating status with official sources. See our best wildlife experiences in Sabah guide.

What it offers: Orangutan rehabilitation Why visit: See orangutans Suitable audience: All ages Safety: Follow guide instructions. Do not touch or feed the animals.

17. Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary

Labuk Bay is a sanctuary for proboscis monkeys, near Sandakan. Check current operating status with official sources. See our best wildlife experiences in Sabah guide.

What it offers: Proboscis monkey sanctuary Why visit: See proboscis monkeys Suitable audience: All ages Safety: Do not touch or feed the animals.

18. Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre is near Sepilok, dedicated to sun bear conservation. Check current operating status with official sources. See our best wildlife experiences in Sabah guide.

What it offers: Sun bear conservation Why visit: See sun bears Suitable audience: All ages Safety: Do not touch or feed the animals.

Other Nature Attractions

19. Tawau Hills Park

Tawau Hills Park is a park in southeastern Sabah, popular for hiking and nature. Check current operating status with official sources.

What it offers: Hiking, nature Why visit: Nature Suitable audience: Nature lovers Safety: Stay on marked trails. Check weather.

20. Crocker Range National Park

Crocker Range National Park is a national park in Sabah, with rainforest and nature. Check current operating status with official sources.

What it offers: Rainforest, nature Why visit: National park Suitable audience: Nature lovers Safety: Stay on marked trails. Go with a licensed guide for remote areas.

21. Lok Kawi Wildlife Park

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park is a wildlife park near Kota Kinabalu, popular with families. Check current operating status with official sources. See our Sabah with kids guide.

What it offers: Wildlife park Why visit: Family-friendly wildlife Suitable audience: Families Safety: Do not touch or feed the animals.

22. Mari Mari Cultural Village

Mari Mari Cultural Village is a cultural village near Kota Kinabalu, showcasing traditional Bornean cultures. Check current operating status with official sources. See our best things to do in Kota Kinabalu guide.

What it offers: Cultural village, nature Why visit: Cultural experience Suitable audience: All ages Safety: Follow guide instructions.

23. Mount Kinabalu Botanical Garden

The Kinabalu Botanical Garden (Mountain Garden) is within Kinabalu Park, with a collection of plants. Check current operating status with official sources. See our Mount Kinabalu travel guide guide.

What it offers: Botanical garden Why visit: Plants Suitable audience: All ages Safety: Stay on marked paths.

24. Sabah Tea Garden

Sabah Tea Garden is a tea plantation near Ranau, with tours and a cafe. Check current operating status with official sources. See our best places to visit in Kundasang guide.

What it offers: Tea plantation, tours Why visit: Tea plantation Suitable audience: All ages Safety: Follow guide instructions.

25. Lankayan Island

Lankayan Island is an island near Sandakan, popular for diving. Check current availability with official operators. See our best places to visit in Sandakan guide.

What it offers: Diving, marine life Why visit: Diving Suitable audience: Divers Safety: Follow marine park rules. Check swimming conditions.

Safety Reminders

• Weather: Sabah is tropical year-round. Rain is possible year-round. Avoid hiking and water activities during thunderstorms. Seek shelter if a storm approaches.
• Trail safety: Stay on marked trails. Do not wander off trails in the rainforest.
• Water safety: Watch children near water. Follow safety notices. Check swimming and water conditions.
• Marine park: Follow marine park rules. Do not touch or step on coral. Do not collect marine life.
• Wildlife: Do not feed wild animals. Keep a safe distance from wildlife. Do not disturb nesting turtles.
• Insects: Bring insect repellent, especially for rainforest areas.
• Guides: For remote areas, go with a licensed guide.
• Islands: Island access depends on weather and sea conditions. Check current conditions with official operators before travelling.

FAQ

What are the best nature attractions in Sabah?

The best nature attractions include Mount Kinabalu, Kinabalu Park, Danum Valley, the Kinabatangan River and the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. See our places to visit in Sabah guide.

Can I hike in Sabah?

Yes — Sabah has hiking, including Kinabalu Park, Tawau Hills Park and the Rainforest Discovery Centre. Stay on marked trails and check weather. See our best nature attractions in Sabah guide.

Is it safe to swim at Sabah nature attractions?

Swimming conditions can change. Check current conditions. Follow safety notices. Watch children near water. See our best beaches in Sabah guide.

Conclusion

Sabah is one of the best nature destinations in Malaysia. For more ideas, see our best beaches in Sabah, best wildlife experiences in Sabah and places to visit in Sabah guides.