30 Best Places to Visit in Sabah, Malaysia

Sabah is a state on the island of Borneo in East Malaysia, known for its mountains, rainforests, islands and wildlife. From the summit of Mount Kinabalu to the marine parks of Semporna, Sabah is one of Malaysia's most diverse destinations. This guide covers the 30 best places to visit in Sabah.

Kota Kinabalu

1. Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah, with islands, markets, food and attractions. See our best places to visit in Kota Kinabalu guide.

2. Tanjung Aru Beach

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

3. 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.

4. Jesselton Point

Jesselton Point is the main jetty for ferries to the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park islands. See our best things to do in Kota Kinabalu guide.

5. Gaya Street

Gaya Street is a historic street in Kota Kinabalu, with a popular Sunday market. See our best things to do in Kota Kinabalu guide.

6. Kota Kinabalu City Mosque

The Kota Kinabalu City Mosque is a landmark mosque, known for its design. Check current opening hours with official sources. See our best places to visit in Kota Kinabalu guide.

7. Sabah State Museum

The Sabah State Museum covers the history and heritage of Sabah. Check current operating status with official sources. See our best places to visit in Kota Kinabalu guide.

Kundasang and Mount Kinabalu

8. Kundasang

Kundasang is a highland town near Mount Kinabalu, known for its cool climate, farms and mountain views. See our best places to visit in Kundasang guide.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. Desa Dairy Farm

Desa Dairy Farm is a dairy farm in Kundasang, popular with families for its farm atmosphere and mountain views. Check current operating status with official sources. See our best places to visit in Kundasang guide.

12. Kundasang War Memorial

The Kundasang War Memorial is a memorial and garden, commemorating prisoners of war. Check current operating status with official sources. See our best places to visit in Kundasang guide.

Semporna and Islands

13. Semporna

Semporna is a coastal town in southeastern Sabah, known as a gateway to islands including Sipadan, Mabul and Kapalai. See our best things to do in Semporna guide.

14. Sipadan

Sipadan is a world-renowned dive site, known for its marine life. Access is restricted and requires permits. Check current access and permit requirements with official operators. See our best islands near Semporna guide.

15. Mabul

Mabul is an island near Semporna, known for diving and accommodation. See our best islands near Semporna guide.

16. Kapalai

Kapalai is a dive resort built on stilts over a reef, near Semporna. See our best islands near Semporna guide.

17. Mataking Island

Mataking Island is an island near Semporna, known for its beaches and diving. See our best islands near Semporna guide.

Sandakan

18. Sandakan

Sandakan is a town in eastern Sabah, known for wildlife and heritage. See our best places to visit in Sandakan guide.

19. 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.

20. Kinabatangan River

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

Other Destinations

21. Tawau

Tawau is a town in southeastern Sabah, near the Tawau Hills Park. See our best nature attractions in Sabah guide.

22. Ranau

Ranau is a district near Kundasang, with hot springs and nature. See our best nature attractions in Sabah guide.

23. Tuaran

Tuaran is a town north of Kota Kinabalu, known for its food and beaches. See our best food in Sabah guide.

24. Kota Belud

Kota Belud is a town north of Kota Kinabalu, known for its weekly market. See our Sabah road trip guide.

25. Kudat

Kudat is a town in northern Sabah, known for its beaches and the Tip of Borneo. See our best beaches in Sabah guide.

26. 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.

27. Lahad Datu

Lahad Datu is a town in eastern Sabah, a gateway to the Danum Valley Conservation Area. See our best nature attractions in Sabah guide.

28. 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 nature attractions in Sabah guide.

29. Sipitang

Sipitang is a town in southwestern Sabah, near the Long Pasia highland area. See our Sabah road trip guide.

30. Beaufort

Beaufort is a town in southwestern Sabah, known for its food and as a gateway to the Klias River. See our best food in Sabah and Sabah road trip guides.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Sabah is accessible by air, with Kota Kinabalu International Airport as the main gateway. There are flights from Kuala Lumpur and other cities. Sabah is not connected to Peninsular Malaysia by road.
• Getting around: A car is useful for exploring mainland Sabah, including Kota Kinabalu, Kundasang, Kudat and Sandakan. Islands require boat transfers. See our Sabah car rental guide.
• Weather: Sabah is tropical year-round. The dry season is generally from March to October, but rain is possible year-round. Check weather conditions before your trip.
• Islands: Island access depends on weather and sea conditions. Check current ferry and boat schedules with official operators before travelling. Some dive sites require permits.
• Wildlife: Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Encounters depend on natural conditions. See our best wildlife experiences in Sabah guide.
• Culture: Sabah is multicultural, with Kadazan-Dusun, Bajau, Malay, Chinese and other communities. Respect local customs. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

FAQ

What are the best places to visit in Sabah?

The best places include Kota Kinabalu, Kundasang, Mount Kinabalu, Semporna, Sandakan and the Kinabatangan River. See our things to do in Sabah guide.

How many days do I need in Sabah?

5-7 days is recommended to see the main attractions. See our Kota Kinabalu 3-day itinerary guide.

What is Sabah famous for?

Sabah is famous for Mount Kinabalu, its islands (Sipadan, Mabul), wildlife (orangutans, proboscis monkeys), rainforests and diving. See our Sabah travel guide guide.

Conclusion

Sabah is a diverse state with mountains, islands, wildlife and rainforests. For more ideas, see our things to do in Sabah, Sabah road trip and Sabah car rental guide guides. For exploring beyond Sabah, see our Malaysia travel guide and places to visit in Malaysia guides., see our Sarawak travel guide and Kuala Lumpur travel guide guides.