About Sabah
Sabah, Malaysia's 'Land Below the Wind,' is a breathtaking adventure destination where ancient rainforests meet vibrant coral reefs. This Bornean paradise is renowned for Mount Kinabalu, Southeast Asia's highest peak, offering challenging climbs with sunrise views over the Crocker Range. The Kinabatangan River winds through lush jungles teeming with proboscis monkeys, orangutans, pygmy elephants, and rare birdlife. Offshore, the Sipadan, Mabul, and Kapalai islands form a world-class diving mecca with turtle-filled walls and hammerhead shark encounters. Sabah's cultural tapestry includes over 30 ethnic groups like the Kadazan-Dusun, Bajau sea gypsies, and Rungus longhouse communities, celebrated during the colorful Kaamatan harvest festival. From the bustling markets of Kota Kinabalu to the remote wilderness of Danum Valley Conservation Area, Sabah offers unparalleled biodiversity, authentic cultural experiences, and unforgettable natural wonders.
Things to do in Sabah
Join us for a RAID Try Dive in Kota Kinabalu
From $121
5.0 (30)
PADI Advanced Open Water Course Kota Kinabalu
From MYR 1,680
5.0 (13)
Sunset E-Foil Experience in Tanjung Aru Beach
From MYR 250
5.0 (10)
Kota Kinabalu City Tour Cultural & Heritage Tour with Lunch
From MYR 250
5.0 (9)
Top of the World - Sunrise Leisure Hike St. Veronica Hill
From SGD 120
5.0 (8)
Mount Kinabalu Climbing 3 Days 2 Nights
From $1,200
5.0 (8)
Mari Mari Cultural Village Tour from Kota Kinabalu
From MYR 560
5.0 (6)
Half-Day Mari Mari Cultural Village from Kota Kinabalu
From $90
5.0 (5)
Mari Mari Cultural Village Tour with Transport, Guide and Lunch
From MYR 250
5.0 (5)
Mount Kinabalu Climbing 2 Days 1 Night
From $1,000
5.0 (5)
Sandakan: Gomantong Cave Echoes and Kinabatangan Cruise
Mari-Mari Cultural Village Half Day Tour
From MYR 330
5.0 (4)
Full-Day Sepilok Orangutan,Sun Bear & Sandakan City Trail from Kota Kinabalu
From $150
5.0 (3)
Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) Private Transfer to Kota Kinabalu
From $25.46
5.0 (3)
1 Day Diving Experience in Semporna
From MYR 429
5.0 (3)Travel Tips for Sabah
Getting Around
Domestic flights connect Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Tawau, and Lahad Datu. Buses and minivans (bas ekspres) serve major towns. Taxis are available in cities; use ride-hailing apps like Grab in Kota Kinabalu. Car rentals are convenient for exploring independently (international license required). Ferries and speedboats access islands like Labuan and Sipadan (permits required). For remote areas, 4WD vehicles or guided tours are necessary.
Best Time To Visit
March to October (dry season) offers the best weather for outdoor activities, diving, and climbing Mount Kinabalu. July-August is peak tourist season. Avoid November to February (monsoon season) with heavy rains, especially on the east coast. May is ideal for experiencing the Kaamatan harvest festival.
Local Customs
Dress modestly, especially when visiting villages, mosques, or longhouses (cover shoulders/knees). Remove shoes before entering homes. Use right hand for giving/receiving items. Tipping is not customary but appreciated for good service (5-10% in restaurants if no service charge). Respect indigenous customs; ask permission before photographing people. Avoid public displays of affection. Alcohol is available but consumption is sensitive in Muslim-majority areas.
Safety Information
Generally safe for tourists. Exercise normal precautions in cities. Avoid remote eastern coastal areas (especially islands near Semporna) due to occasional kidnapping risks by militant groups; check government travel advisories. Petty theft occurs in tourist areas; secure valuables. Use licensed tour operators for diving, trekking, and wildlife tours. Road conditions can be poor in rural areas; drive cautiously. Be aware of monsoon season (Nov-Feb) causing flooding. Respect wildlife viewing distances; never feed wild animals.
Health Information
Recommended vaccinations: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Japanese Encephalitis (for rural areas), and Malaria prophylaxis for jungle/remote regions (consult doctor). Dengue fever is present; use mosquito repellent. Medical facilities: Major hospitals in Kota Kinabalu (Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu), Sandakan, and Tawau provide good care. Private clinics are widely available. Travel insurance with medical evacuation is strongly advised. Tap water is not drinkable; use bottled or boiled water. Altitude sickness is possible on Mount Kinabalu climbs.
Languages Spoken
Malay (Bahasa Malaysia)EnglishChinese dialectsIndigenous languages (Kadazan, Dusun, Bajau)
Quick Facts
Currency
Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
RM
RM
Timezone
Asia/Kuala_Lumpur +08:00 (GMT)
Calling Code
+60
Electricity
Driving Side
Left
Population
3.9 million
Area
73115 km²
Government
Parliamentary constitutional monarchy with a state government headed by a Chief Minister
ISO Code
MY-16