Sabah Car Rental Guide: How to Explore Sabah by Car

Sabah is a state on the island of Borneo, with attractions spread across Kota Kinabalu, Kundasang, Kudat, Sandakan, Tawau and Semporna. While some destinations are accessible by public transport, exploring beyond the main towns is much easier with a car. This guide explains why visitors choose to rent a car in Sabah, where to drive and what to know about driving in the state.

Why Visitors May Rent a Car in Sabah

Flexibility and Freedom

Sabah's best destinations — Kundasang, Kudat, the Tip of Borneo, the Kinabatangan River — are in areas with limited public transport. A car gives you the flexibility to visit multiple destinations in one trip, travel at your own pace and reach places that are off the beaten path.

Cost-Effective for Groups

If you are travelling with family or a group, renting a car can be more cost-effective than multiple taxis or ride-hailing trips, especially for day trips and road trips.

Convenience for Mainland Destinations

Sabah's mainland attractions — Kundasang, Kudat, Sandakan — are outside the towns. A car makes it easy to reach them.

Combining Destinations

A car allows you to combine multiple destinations in one trip — for example, Kota Kinabalu and Kundasang in a single trip, or Kota Kinabalu and Kudat.

When Public Transport is Useful

Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu is accessible by air, with Kota Kinabalu International Airport. For a Kota Kinabalu-only trip, walking and taxis may be enough. See our best places to visit in Kota Kinabalu guide.

Short Trips

For short trips within Kota Kinabalu, walking or ride-hailing may be more convenient than renting a car.

When a Car is More Convenient

Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu is the main gateway to Sabah. While public transport is available, a car is useful for exploring nearby attractions like Tanjung Aru, the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park jetty and Kundasang. See our best places to visit in Kota Kinabalu guide.

Kundasang

Kundasang is about 2 hours from Kota Kinabalu by car. Public transport is limited. A car is the most convenient way to reach Kundasang and explore the farms and nature. See our best places to visit in Kundasang guide.

Ranau

Ranau is a district near Kundasang, with hot springs and nature. Public transport is limited. A car is the most convenient way to reach Ranau. See our best nature attractions in Sabah guide.

Kota Belud

Kota Belud is a town north of Kota Kinabalu, known for its weekly market. Public transport is limited. A car is the most convenient way to reach Kota Belud. See our Sabah road trip guide.

Tuaran

Tuaran is a town north of Kota Kinabalu, known for its food and beaches. Public transport is limited. A car is the most convenient way to reach Tuaran. See our best food in Sabah guide.

Kudat

Kudat is a town in northern Sabah, known for its beaches and the Tip of Borneo. Public transport is limited. A car is the most convenient way to reach Kudat. See our best beaches in Sabah guide.

Sandakan

Sandakan is a town in eastern Sabah, known for wildlife and heritage. It is accessible by air and road. A car is useful for exploring Sandakan and nearby attractions. See our best places to visit in Sandakan guide.

Other Mainland Destinations

Other mainland destinations, including Beaufort, Sipitang and Tawau, are best explored by car. See our Sabah road trip guide.

Driving Around Kota Kinabalu

Traffic

Traffic in Kota Kinabalu is generally light. However, it can be heavy during rush hours and on weekends.

Parking

Kota Kinabalu has street parking and private car parks. The city centre can be crowded. See our best places to visit in Kota Kinabalu guide.

Driving Around Kundasang

Traffic

Traffic in Kundasang is generally light. The roads to Kundasang are mountain roads.

Parking

Kundasang has street parking and parking at attractions. See our best places to visit in Kundasang guide.

Mountain Roads

The roads to Kundasang have winding and steep sections. Drive carefully, especially in rain and fog. See our Kota Kinabalu to Kundasang road trip guide.

Driving Around Ranau

Traffic

Traffic in Ranau is generally light. The roads to Ranau are mountain roads.

Parking

Ranau has street parking and parking at attractions.

Driving Around Kota Belud

Traffic

Traffic in Kota Belud is generally light. The roads to Kota Belud are rural.

Parking

Kota Belud has street parking and parking at the market.

Driving Around Tuaran

Traffic

Traffic in Tuaran is generally light. The roads to Tuaran are rural.

Parking

Tuaran has street parking and parking at attractions.

Driving Around Sandakan

Traffic

Traffic in Sandakan is generally light. The roads to Sandakan can be busy.

Parking

Sandakan has street parking and private car parks.

Long-Distance Road Trips

Sabah Road Trip

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

Kota Kinabalu to Kundasang Road Trip

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

Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan Road Trip

The drive from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan is a long drive (approximately 6-8 hours). Consider an overnight stop. See our best places to visit in Sandakan guide.

Important Island Note

Islands Require Boats

The Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park islands, Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai, Mataking and other islands are not accessible by car. Island transport normally involves boats or ferries. You cannot drive a mainland rental car directly onto the islands.

Getting to the Islands

To visit the islands, drive to the jetty (Jesselton Point for the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Semporna for Sipadan and nearby islands), park your car, and take a boat to the island. Check current ferry and boat schedules with official operators.

Island Transport

On the islands, transport is by boat, walking or local arrangements. Check current transport options with official operators.

Ferry and Boat Policies

Check current operator and ferry policies before travelling. Ferry and boat services depend on weather and sea conditions.

Parking

General Parking

• Towns: Street parking (coupon or meter) and private car parks.
• Attractions: Kinabalu Park, Desa Dairy Farm and other attractions have parking areas.
• Jetties: Jesselton Point and Semporna jetties have parking.

Fuel

Petrol Stations

Petrol stations are common in major towns. In rural areas, stations may be less frequent — fill up when you can.

Payment

Most stations accept cash and cards. Some may require a Touch 'n Go card.

General Malaysian Driving Etiquette

• Drive on the left: Malaysia drives on the left.
• Use indicators: Use indicators when changing lanes or turning.
• Keep left: Keep left unless overtaking on highways.
• Be patient: Malaysian driving can be unpredictable. Stay calm and be patient.
• Motorcycles: Be aware of motorcycles, which are common in Malaysia. Check your mirrors before changing lanes.

Mountain-Road Considerations

Winding Roads

Mountain roads in Sabah, especially the road to Kundasang, have winding sections. Drive carefully.

Steep Sections

Mountain roads have steep sections. Drive carefully, especially in rain.

Fog

Mountain roads can be foggy, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. Drive carefully in fog.

Altitude

Kundasang and Mount Kinabalu are at altitude. Be aware of altitude considerations if you have health concerns.

Weather and Road Conditions

Rain

Sabah is tropical year-round. Rain is possible year-round. Drive carefully in rain. Roads can be slippery.

Rural Roads

Some roads to rural destinations may be narrower. Drive carefully, especially if you are not used to rural roads.

Flooding

During heavy rain, some roads may flood. Check road conditions before travelling.

When Public Transport May Be More Suitable

• Kota Kinabalu: Accessible by air, with Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Walking and taxis may be enough for a Kota Kinabalu-only trip.
• Short trips: For short trips within Kota Kinabalu, walking or ride-hailing may be more convenient.

FAQ

Do I need a car in Sabah?

For exploring Kota Kinabalu, walking and taxis may be enough. For exploring beyond Kota Kinabalu (Kundasang, Kudat, Sandakan, nature attractions), a car is strongly recommended. See our Sabah road trip guide.

Can I drive to the islands?

No — the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park islands, Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai, Mataking and other islands are not accessible by car. Island transport normally involves boats or ferries. Drive to the jetty, park your car, and take a boat to the island. Check current ferry and boat schedules with official operators. See our best islands near Semporna guide.

Can I drive from Kota Kinabalu to Kundasang?

Yes — Kundasang is about 2 hours from Kota Kinabalu by car. See our Kota Kinabalu to Kundasang road trip guide.

Is it safe to drive in Sabah?

Yes, driving in Sabah is generally safe. Follow traffic rules, be aware of motorcycles, and drive carefully in rain and on mountain roads. Rain is possible year-round — drive with extra care.

Can I rent a car for a Sabah road trip?

Yes — renting a car is the best way to do a Sabah road trip. See our Sabah road trip guide.

For car rental in other parts of Malaysia, see our Sarawak car rental guide and car rental Malaysia guide.

Conclusion

Renting a car in Sabah gives you the freedom to explore the state's diverse mainland attractions — from Kota Kinabalu's islands to Kundasang's highlands, Kudat's Tip of Borneo and Sandakan's wildlife. For the islands, drive to the jetty and take a boat. It is the best way to experience everything Sabah has to offer.

Planning to explore Sabah by car?

Enjoy the freedom to travel at your own pace with ZOREX.

Explore ZOREX Car Rental and start your Sabah adventure.

For more travel ideas, see our places to visit in Sabah, Sabah road trip and Kota Kinabalu to Kundasang road trip guides.