Beautiful Places to Visit in Sabah in Malaysia
Sabah is located on the Borneo island adjacent to Indonesia, but is still a territory of Malaysia. Geographically, it is actually closer to Indonesia & Philippines than Malaysian Mainland. Sabah is home to Mount Kinabalu, the largest Mountain in Malaysia, it is also one of the most popular places to visit in Sabah. Mount Kinabalu is also a world heritage site. In fact Ecotourism is among top things to do in Sabah. Two of the most famous Sabah tourist attractions from nature aside from Mount Kinabalu are the long nosed proboscis monkey and the rafflesia, which more popularly known as rotting corpse flower. The name as you might have guessed is due to the scent which this particular flower releases. There are thousands of species of flowering plants and several hundred species of animals & birds in the nature reserves, making them the best place to visit in Sabah for ecotourism. Orangutan monkeys are also found in the Mount Kinabalu reserve. The orangutan rehabilitation center is the best place to visit in Sabah to see these red haired monkeys up close. The climb of Mount Kinabalu is the spot for World’s Toughest Mountain Race. It is also the best place to visit in Sabah for less threatening mountain trails as well. Via Feratta is a popular things to do in Sabah for the adventure hearted individuals and a reason many people visit Sabah. Other adventurous activities in Sabah include white water rafting and mountain biking. Cave exploration, hiking, trekking, camping, boating, jet skiing, and other water sports are also among top things to do in Sabah. Beaches & islands are places to go in Sabah for parasailing & zip-line rides. Some of the islands are so close, you can zip-line from one island to another. There are several zip-lines in forests & mountains as well if those are the Sabah tourist attractions you are visiting first. The beaches are a big reason for tourist to visit Sabah. In terms of diving, clown fishes, sting rays, turtles, and barracudas can be easily spotted. If you are lucky you may spot an occasional shark or a whale at one of the coastal Sabah tourist attractions. If you are unlucky, the shark spots you and decides to have a taste, but that rarely happens. Another natural wonder which makes it worth your while to visit Sabah is the firefly clusters seen at night. There are several places to go in Sabah for this sight, Klias Wetalnd Reserve being the most accessible. If you want a little bit of leisure you can head to the hot springs, which are the best places to visit in Sabah for relaxation. There are also several spa & therapy centers if you wish to experience a little bit of pampering when you visit Sabah.
The islands are also popular Sabah tourist spot. Some of these small island you can even rent out to be private & exclusive to you. Snorkeling and diving around the mainland as well as the islands are popular Sabah tourist attractions. Some of the islands, namely Sipadan, are not only among best place to visit in Sabah for diving, but are included among top diving spots in the world. Many people visit Sabah as a part of cruise tours as well, usually starting from Malaysia mainland and coupling with Sabah tourist attractions. Sabah attraction places are also famous for experiencing Malay culture. The celebration of many festivals is done in a ceremonial style. Traditional music, dance, and theatre performances are a good reason to visit Sabah. Although winter months are actually the best time to visit Sabah weather wise, summer does see a lot of people visit Sabah owing to the festivals. The most popular cultural event is the Harvest Festival taking place at the end of May and other cultural festival in June & July are major Sabah tourist attractions. One of the more intriguing aspect of the local culture is the headhunter museums. One of the most infamous headhunter named Monsopiad lived in these regions, and by headhunter we mean a person who hunts for heads to chop them off their enemy’s body & keep as a trophy. The Monsopiad Cultural Village among most popular places to visit in Sabah, displays the 42 heads collected by this headhunter. There are Sabah tourist spot dedicated to various other indigenous tribes as well including Dusun, Rungus, Lundayeh, Bajau, Murut etc. But, there is equal, if not more, significance given to modern art & artists at the Sabah Art Gallery, which, culturally speaking, is an important if not the best place to visit in Sabah.
Districts & Places to visit in Sabah
Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah and the best place to visit in Sabah, if you are here for the first time. Kota Kinabalu is usually the chosen airport for tourist to visit Sabah, although there are also cruise tours from Malaysia mainland to Kota Kinabalu. There are several nature reserves among Sabah tourist attractions located in Kota Kinabalu. You can also check out the local markets, museums & cultural centers in Kota Kinabalu, all of which are Sabah tourist spot. The Sabah State Mosque, Kota Kinabalu Mosque, and the Pink Mosque are also among places to visit in Sabah. Mount Kinabalu, most popular among places to go in Sabah, is also pretty close-by from the Kota Kinabalu city.
Kota Belud
The top among natural Sabah attraction places, Mount Kinabalu is located in Kota Belud. This city is a coastal city, not very far from Kota Kinabalu, but it does not have an airport. So you will have to take flight to Kota Kinabalu to visit Sabah. Kota Belud has ports for Cruises, so that’s one option you can explore. Many of the forest reserves among places to visit in Sabah are located in Kota Belud. The tradition of celebrating festivals is pretty strong here, so you will get to experience some traditions and culture if you are here during summer, which is culturally the best time to visit Sabah. Besides culture, Kota Belud is known for the nature reserves, beaches, mountains, and islands.
Papar
There are two major places to visit in Sabah located in Papar district. The first is Borneo cultural village and second Sabah tourist spot in Papar is Kawang Forest Center. The Borneo cultural village is the best place to visit in Sabah to engage with the local tradition & culture of the island of Borneo.
Penampang
The best place to visit in Sabah located in Penampang district is the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, a collection of 5 islands reserved as a marine park. This district has many great snorkeling and diving locations. Crocker Range National Park is also popular among places to go in Sabah for hiking. Perhaps the most famous & interesting Sabah tourist attractions is the Monsopiad Heritage Village. This Sabah tourist spot exhibits the 42 heads cut by Monsopiad.
Putatan
There is not much to visit in Putatan. Though there are several places to go in Sabah near Putatan.
Ranau
Parts of Mount Kinabalu fall in Ranau. There are several parks, nature reserves and forests in Ranau which are popular places to visit in Sabah. Ranau is especially famous for one particular Sabah tourist spot: the Poring Hot Springs. This leisurely gift of nature is very popular among places to go in Sabah. There are also several spots for fish spa in Ranau which you can experience. The Langanan waterfall among Sabah attraction places is also located in Ranau.
Tuaran
Tuaran is again a coastal city famous for its beaches & gold course among places to visit in Sabah. The best place to visit in Sabah located in Tuaran district is the upside down house. Another popular Sabah tourist attractions in Tuaran is the Crocodile Farm, where you can see the large beasts up close & safely.
Beaufort
One of the reasons people visit Sabah is the monkeys and other wildlife as we have discussed earlier. Now Beaufort if great for that, because it offers a variety of nature sites among Sabah attraction places. But more importantly, it is the best place to visit in Sabah for wetland boat rides to see wildlife & late evening fireflies.
Nabawan
Nabawan is a land-locked district with many nature exploration places to visit in Sabah. It is popular for hiking and camping, but not much else among things to do in Sabah you would find here.
Keningau
Keningau is known for many mountain trails and it’s historical landmark, “Keningau Oath Stone”. This is a pretty mountainous region with many hiking trails and good camping sites. Other than that, there are not many Sabah tourist spots in this district.
Kuala Penyu
Kuala Penyu is a coastal region known for beaches & wetland reserves. It is adjacent to Beaufort, so you can count almost all things to do in Sabah in Beaufort to on the menu in Kuala Penyu as well. Beaches are the primary Sabah tourist spot in Kuala Penyu aside form the wetlands.
Sipitang
Sipitang shares border with Indonesia & Sarawak. Among places to visit in Sabah located in Sipitang are nature reserves and Mount Gunung Lamaku. The Maligan Forest Reserve, a popular nature Sabah tourist spot, is also a part of Sipitang.
Tambunan
There are not many places to go in Sabah in the Tambunan distrcit. It has several great forest hiking trails for nature exploration though, and ecotourism is one of primary reasons for people to visit Sabah.
Tenom
The Murut cultural center and Sabah Agricultural Park are the only significant Sabah tourist attractions in Tenom. It is connected to the famous Crocker Range National Park, so has many incredible nature trails.
Kota Marudu
Kota Marudu is a coastal town located towards northern end of Sabah. There are several great beaches & nature trails in this district, but apart from that it doesn’t hold many places to visit in Sabah.
Kudat
Kudat is great for beaches & islands. It is among the more popular places to go in Sahab. The tip of Borneo in Kudat is one of the best place in Sabah for snorkeling. Kudat is also great Sabah tourist spot for views of the ocean & the islands.
Pitas
Pitas has beaches, boat rides, snorkeling sites, island visits, and fish spa. You can probably explore all things to do in Sabah in Pitas between morning and evening.
Beluran
The ocean facing side of Beluran has many good snorkeling and diving sites. You can also enjoy river rides and nature trails in Beluran among places to visit in Sabah. But the only popular Sabah tourist spot in Beluran is the Tawai Rainforest Camp site. Other than these there aren’t many Sabah tourist places in Beluran
Kinabatangan
Kinabatangan is among the best place to visit in Sabah for cave exploration. It is a coastal district so there are many beaches as well in Kinabatangan. This district also has many forest reserves, wildlife conservation, and nature parks, which are always great experience when you visit Sabah.
Sandakan
Sandakan has two very popular places to visit in Sabah: the orangutan rehabilitation center & the Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary. Sandakan also contains the Turtle Island National Park, which is among top Sabah tourist attractions. You can also visit the buddhist temple of Puu Jih Syh among Sabah attraction places in Sandakan.
Telupid
Telupid is located in the dead center of Sabah. There are good nature trails & hiking trails in this region, but aside from that it doesn’t give many reasons to visit Sabah.
Tongod
Tongod district is located in the central part of Sabah. It contains 3 forest reserves: Pinangah Forest Reserve, Deramakot Forest Reserve, and Maliau Basin Conservation Area; all of which are great places to go in Sabah for nature exploration and wildlife.
Kunak
Bathing in Binuang Mud Pool as a part of spa treatment & skin therapy is a popular among offbeat things to do in Sabah. Kunak also has a few good caves for exploration among Sabah tourist attractions.
Lahad Datu
Lahad Datu has nice beaches & snorkeling and diving sites among places to go in Sabah. The Sakar Island is also a great place to enjoy some great view of the ocean.
Semporna
Semporna is a good for places to visit in Sabah with island accessibility. You can reach many islands from Semporna and it is a fun trip. Semporna also has Bukit Tengkorak Archeological site among historical Sabah tourist attractions.
Tawau
Tawau is also among best place to visit in Sabah for a hot spring bath. You an enjoy nature trails and hikes in Tawau among things to do in Sabah. You can also access several islands from Tawau which are great for a leisurely time to spend when you visit Sabah.
