8 Amazing Things to Do in Sabah, Malaysia

The northern third of the island of Borneo comprises East Malaysia which is divided into two states. To the east and sitting on the most northerly tip of the island is Sabah. Its sister state to the west is Sarawak. Borneo is home to some of the world’s most alluring wildlife, and nowhere is it more accessible than in Sabah.

Synonymous with orangutans, Borneo is one of only two islands in the world (along with Sumatra) where these red-headed apes live in the wild. Sabah provides plenty of opportunities for spotting our hairy cousins along with the island’s other endemic species.

Fantastic fauna aside, Sabah is also rich in cultural heritage, stunning landscapes and IT boasts the second-oldest rainforest in the world. On my trip around the state, I was surprised by just how much there was to do and discover.

See Orangutans in Their Natural Habitat

There are several options for seeing orangutans in Sabah. The most accessible is the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sepilok which is easy to visit independently. This world-renowned facility was established to care for orphaned and injured orangutans before releasing them back into the wild. Visitors can enjoy watching the playful juvenile apes in the nursery and witness the other residents congregate on the feeding platform at mealtimes.

If you would prefer to see these beautiful creatures in the wild, you can choose to visit one of the reserves, a much more costly but infinitely more rewarding option. Two of the best places are The Danum Valley Conservation Area and the Tabin Wildlife Reserve.

Both provide excellent chances for sightings of wild orangutans, as well as the possibility of seeing some of Sabah’s other wildlife, including civets, red-leaf monkeys and the elusive clouded leopard. I decided to visit Danum Valley, and it was one of the most awe-inspiring experiences I’ve ever had.

Pro Tip: May-June is peak fruiting season in the Bornean rainforest, which is when wild orangutan sightings are most likely.

Take a Boat Ride Along the Kinabatangan River

One of the most budget-friendly and accessible ways to spot Borneo’s endemic wildlife is by boat. The Kinabatangan River is the second longest in Malaysia and the water and its banks are teeming with wildlife.

River tours are typically two or three days and include twice-daily cruises at dawn and dusk. Here, you will have the chance of seeing Borneo’s Big Five: pygmy elephants, rhinoceros hornbills, proboscis monkeys, estuarine crocodiles and orangutans.

I opted for the three-day tour and could have easily stayed even longer, meandering down the river at sunrise, relaxing in a hammock during the day and taking night-walks in the jungle by torchlight. This is a place to switch off from the world and connect with nature.

Don’t Miss Mount Kinabalu and the National Park

Clocking in at 4,095 metres above sea level, Mount Kinabalu is one of the tallest mountains in Southeast Asia. The peak is the crowning glory of the Kinabalu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Global Geopark. There are abundant trails crisscrossing the park and the altitude provides cool conditions that are perfect for trekking.

After the heat of the Malaysian lowland jungle, the climate in Kinabalu National Park made me a happy hiker! If you’re feeling adventurous you can take on the most challenging trek – the two-day hike to the summit of Mount Kinabalu.

Get a Culture Fix at Mari Mari Village

There are several indigenous communities in Sabah and over 30 distinct ethnic groups. The most well-known are the Murut Tribe, famed for their former headhunting practices.

At the Mari Mari Cultural Village, just 45 minutes from Kota Kinabalu, you can get insight into the traditional way of life of some of Sabah’s ethnic groups. Here, you can learn about five different tribes, including the Murut; rice farmers Kadazan-Dusun; the cowboy and sea gypsies of the Bajau tribe; the hunter and fishermen tribe Lundayeh; and the Rungus, who are known for their longhouses.

My visit to the village was fascinating, and I particularly enjoyed playing a traditional Game and sampling local foods and found the dance performance a joy to watch.

Visit the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

Borneo sits astride the equator, and so perhaps it won’t come as a surprise to know that it is home to some stunning tropical beaches. A short boat ride from the state capital, Kota Kinabalu, sits a collection of small islands that form the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.

You can expect to find crystal-clear waters and sparkling white beaches backed by thick jungle – I was blown away by the beauty. You could choose to spend the whole day on one island, but as each has its own character, the more appealing option is to island hop. Make sure to visit Mamutik for some of the best beaches and Manukan for fantastic snorkelling.

Sabah’s Lost World

If you’re seeking wild landscapes and off-the-beaten track adventure, then Maliau Basin is for you. Tucked away towards the south of Sabah, this untouched wilderness offers unique trekking opportunities for intrepid explorers.

The area is mostly visited by researchers and scientists, but it is possible to visit as part of a tour. Hiking through this little-explored region, you will have the chance of seeing some of Borneo’s big maMMAls, such as sun bears, pygmy elephants and clouded leopards.

Experience Some of the World’s Best Diving

The Indo-Pacific basin is one of the richest marine habitats on the planet. Sipidan Island, just off Sabah’s southeast coast, sits at the heart of this region making it one of the world’s top scuba diving destinations.

The waters around the island are teeming with marine life, including more than 400 species of fish and hundreds of coral species. Hawksbill turtles, rays, barracudas and even hammerhead sharks and thresher sharks can all be spotted here.

Pro Tip: If you want to dive at Sipidan, make sure to plan ahead as there are a limited number of permits issued per day.

Witness Baby Turtles Take Their First Steps

Turtle Island, otherwise known as Selingan Island, is found in the Sulu Sea off Sabah’s east coast. It’s known as a nesting site for green and hawksbill turtles.

Here, you can see female turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs. You will also be able to witness hatchlings being released into the ocean, a truly awe-inspiring sight. Seeing baby turtles waddle into the ocean was one of the most wonderful wildlife encounters I’ve had!