30 Best Things to Do in Sabah, Malaysia

Sabah is a state on the island of Borneo in East Malaysia, with mountains, rainforests, islands and wildlife. From climbing Mount Kinabalu to diving at Sipadan, there is plenty to do. These 30 things to do in Sabah cover the best attractions and experiences.

Nature

1. Visit 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.

2. Visit 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.

3. Visit Tawau Hills Park

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

Islands

4. Visit the 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.

5. Visit 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.

6. Visit Mabul

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

7. Visit Kapalai

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

8. Visit Mataking Island

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

Beaches

9. Visit Tanjung Aru Beach

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

10. Visit the 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.

11. Visit Other Beaches

Sabah has many other beaches, from Kota Kinabalu to Kudat. See our best beaches in Sabah guide.

Wildlife

12. Visit 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.

13. Visit the 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.

14. Visit the 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.

Adventure

15. Climb Mount Kinabalu

Climbing Mount Kinabalu is a popular adventure activity. Permits and guides are required. Check current permit availability and requirements with official operators. See our Mount Kinabalu travel guide guide.

16. Go Diving

Sabah is a popular diving destination, especially around Semporna. Check current conditions with official dive operators. See our best things to do in Semporna guide.

17. Go Snorkelling

Snorkelling is popular at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and near Semporna. Check current conditions with official operators. See our best beaches in Sabah guide.

18. Go Island Hopping

Island hopping is popular at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and near Semporna. Check current availability with official operators. See our best islands near Semporna guide.

Food

19. Try Sabah Food

Sabah has local food, including Tuaran Mee, Beaufort Mee and hinava. See our best food in Sabah guide.

20. Try Kota Kinabalu Food

Kota Kinabalu has a range of food places, from local dishes to seafood. See our best food places in Kota Kinabalu guide.

21. Try Seafood

Sabah has seafood restaurants serving fresh seafood. See our best food places in Kota Kinabalu guide.

Culture

22. Visit 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.

23. Visit the 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.

24. Visit 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.

Family

25. Visit Desa Dairy Farm

Desa Dairy Farm is a dairy farm in Kundasang, popular with families. Check current operating status with official sources. See our Sabah with kids guide.

26. Visit 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.

Relaxation

27. Relax on the Beaches

Sabah has many beaches, perfect for relaxation. See our best beaches in Sabah guide.

28. Watch the Sunset at Tanjung Aru

Tanjung Aru is known for its sunset views. See our best beaches in Sabah guide.

Road Trips

29. Take a Sabah Road Trip

A road trip is a great way to explore mainland Sabah. See our Sabah road trip guide.

30. Drive from Kota Kinabalu to Kundasang

The drive from Kota Kinabalu to Kundasang is a popular scenic road trip. See our Kota Kinabalu to Kundasang road trip guide.

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.
• Getting around: A car is useful for exploring mainland Sabah. 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.
• Wildlife: Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Encounters depend on natural conditions.
• Culture: Sabah is multicultural. Respect local customs. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

FAQ

What are the best things to do in Sabah?

The best things to do include visiting Kinabalu Park, diving at Sipadan, visiting Sepilok and the Kinabatangan River, and relaxing on the beaches. See our places to visit 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, wildlife and diving. See our places to visit in Sabah guide.

Conclusion

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