25 Best Things to Do in Sabah with Kids

Sabah is a good family destination, with islands, wildlife, farms, beaches and nature. It is a popular choice for a family trip to Borneo. These 25 things to do in Sabah with kids cover the best family-friendly attractions.

Kota Kinabalu

1. Visit Tanjung Aru Beach

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

Recommended age: All ages Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor Estimated duration: 2-3 hours Weather considerations: Outdoor — check weather. Check swimming conditions. Family suitability: High — children enjoy the beach

2. 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. Children enjoy the beaches. Check current conditions with official operators. See our best beaches in Sabah guide.

Recommended age: All ages Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor Estimated duration: Full day Weather considerations: Outdoor — check weather. Island access depends on sea conditions. Family suitability: High — children enjoy the beaches

3. Visit Gaya Street

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

Recommended age: All ages Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor Estimated duration: 1 hour Weather considerations: Outdoor — check weather. Family suitability: Medium — children may enjoy the market

4. Visit the Sabah State Museum

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

Recommended age: 7+ Indoor/outdoor: Indoor Estimated duration: 1-2 hours Weather considerations: Indoor — good for rainy days Family suitability: Medium — for older children

Wildlife

5. 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 best wildlife experiences in Sabah guide.

Recommended age: All ages Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor Estimated duration: 2-3 hours Weather considerations: Outdoor — check weather. Family suitability: High — children enjoy the wildlife

6. Visit Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Sepilok is a rehabilitation centre for orangutans, near Sandakan. Children may enjoy seeing orangutans. Check current operating status with official sources. See our best places to visit in Sandakan guide.

Recommended age: All ages Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor Estimated duration: 2 hours Weather considerations: Outdoor — check weather. Family suitability: High — children enjoy the wildlife

7. Visit the Kinabatangan River

The Kinabatangan River is a river in eastern Sabah, popular for wildlife spotting. Children may enjoy the river cruise. Check current conditions with official operators. See our best wildlife experiences in Sabah guide.

Recommended age: 5+ Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor Estimated duration: Half day Weather considerations: Outdoor — check weather. Family suitability: Medium — children may enjoy the river cruise

Kundasang

8. Visit 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.

Recommended age: All ages Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor Estimated duration: 2 hours Weather considerations: Outdoor — check weather. Family suitability: High — children enjoy the farm

9. Visit Kinabalu Park

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

Recommended age: All ages Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor Estimated duration: 2-3 hours Weather considerations: Outdoor — check weather. Kundasang is cooler than the coast. Family suitability: Medium — children may enjoy the nature

10. Visit Poring Hot Springs

Poring Hot Springs is a nature area near Ranau, with hot springs, a canopy walkway and nature trails. Children may enjoy the hot springs. Check current operating status with official sources. See our best nature attractions in Sabah guide.

Recommended age: All ages Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor Estimated duration: 2-3 hours Weather considerations: Outdoor — check weather. Family suitability: High — children enjoy the hot springs

Beaches

11. Visit Manukan Island

Manukan Island is one of the islands in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, popular for beaches and facilities. Children enjoy the beach. Check current conditions with official operators. See our best beaches in Sabah guide.

Recommended age: All ages Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor Estimated duration: Full day Weather considerations: Outdoor — check weather. Island access depends on sea conditions. Family suitability: High — children enjoy the beach

12. Visit Sapi Island

Sapi Island is one of the islands in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, popular for beaches and snorkelling. Children enjoy the beach. Check current conditions with official operators. See our best beaches in Sabah guide.

Recommended age: All ages Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor Estimated duration: Full day Weather considerations: Outdoor — check weather. Island access depends on sea conditions. Family suitability: High — children enjoy the beach

Culture

13. Visit Mari Mari Cultural Village

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

Recommended age: 5+ Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor Estimated duration: 2-3 hours Weather considerations: Outdoor — check weather. Family suitability: Medium — children may enjoy the cultural experience

Food

14. Try Sabah Food

Sabah has local food, including Tuaran Mee and hinava. Children may enjoy the food. See our best food in Sabah guide.

Recommended age: All ages Indoor/outdoor: Indoor Estimated duration: 1 hour Weather considerations: Indoor — good for rainy days Family suitability: High — children enjoy the food

15. Try Kota Kinabalu Food

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

Recommended age: All ages Indoor/outdoor: Indoor Estimated duration: 1 hour Weather considerations: Indoor — good for rainy days Family suitability: High — children enjoy the food

16. Try Seafood

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

Recommended age: All ages Indoor/outdoor: Indoor Estimated duration: 1 hour Weather considerations: Indoor — good for rainy days Family suitability: High — children enjoy the seafood

Nature

17. Visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre

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

Recommended age: 5+ Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor Estimated duration: 2 hours Weather considerations: Outdoor — check weather. Family suitability: Medium — children may enjoy the canopy walkway

18. Visit the Tip of Borneo

The Tip of Borneo (Tanjung Simpang Mengayau) is a scenic headland in Kudat. Children may enjoy the views. See our best beaches in Sabah guide.

Recommended age: All ages Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor Estimated duration: 1-2 hours Weather considerations: Outdoor — check weather. Family suitability: Medium — children may enjoy the views

Road Trips and Itineraries

19. Follow a Kota Kinabalu 3-Day Itinerary

Follow our Kota Kinabalu 3-day itinerary for a planned family trip to Kota Kinabalu.

Recommended age: All ages Indoor/outdoor: Mixed Estimated duration: 3 days Weather considerations: Mixed — adjust based on weather. Family suitability: High — planned itinerary

20. Take a 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.

Recommended age: All ages Indoor/outdoor: Mixed Estimated duration: Full day Weather considerations: Check weather. Family suitability: Medium — long drive

21. Take a Sabah Road Trip

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

Recommended age: All ages Indoor/outdoor: Mixed Estimated duration: Various Weather considerations: Check weather. Family suitability: High — flexibility

22. Explore Sabah by Car

A car is useful for exploring the mainland with kids. See our Sabah car rental guide.

Recommended age: All ages Indoor/outdoor: Mixed Estimated duration: Various Weather considerations: Check weather. Family suitability: High — flexibility

Other Activities

23. Visit Signal Hill

Signal Hill is a viewpoint in Kota Kinabalu, with views over the city. Children may enjoy the views. See our best things to do in Kota Kinabalu guide.

Recommended age: All ages Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor Estimated duration: 1 hour Weather considerations: Outdoor — check weather. Family suitability: Medium — children may enjoy the views

24. Visit the Kota Kinabalu Waterfront

The Kota Kinabalu Waterfront is a waterfront area, popular for food, drinks and sunset views. See our best things to do in Kota Kinabalu guide.

Recommended age: All ages Indoor/outdoor: Outdoor Estimated duration: 1-2 hours Weather considerations: Outdoor — check weather. Family suitability: Medium — children may enjoy the waterfront

25. Visit Shopping Malls

Kota Kinabalu has shopping malls, with shops, food and entertainment. See our best things to do in Kota Kinabalu guide.

Recommended age: All ages Indoor/outdoor: Indoor Estimated duration: 2-3 hours Weather considerations: Indoor — good for rainy days Family suitability: High — children enjoy the malls

Practical Tips

• Weather: Sabah is tropical year-round. Rain is possible year-round. Bring hats, sunscreen and water.
• 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. See our best wildlife experiences in Sabah guide.
• Culture: Sabah is multicultural. Respect local customs. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
• Attractions: Check current operating status for attractions before visiting. Conditions can change.
• Getting there: Sabah is accessible by air, with Kota Kinabalu International Airport. See our places to visit in Sabah guide.
• Getting around: A car is useful for exploring with kids. See our Sabah car rental guide.

FAQ

Is Sabah good for families?

Yes — Sabah is a good family destination, with islands, wildlife, farms, beaches and nature. See our Sabah with kids guide.

What are the best things to do in Sabah with kids?

The best things to do with kids include visiting Tanjung Aru Beach, Desa Dairy Farm, Lok Kawi Wildlife Park and Sepilok. See our things to do in Sabah guide.

Can kids visit the islands?

Yes — children enjoy the island beaches. Check current conditions with official operators. Island access depends on sea conditions. See our best beaches in Sabah guide.

Conclusion

Sabah is a good destination for families. For more ideas, see our things to do in Sabah, best food in Sabah and Kota Kinabalu 3-day itinerary guides. For exploring beyond Sabah, see our Sarawak travel guide guide.