Sabah, Malaysia Travel Guide

Discover Sabah, Malaysia: A paradise of natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich cultural heritage on the northern tip of Borneo. Perfect for adventure and relaxation.

Sabah, located on the northern part of Borneo, is a treasure trove of natural wonders and cultural richness. Known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife, Sabah offers a unique blend of adventure and relaxation. Visitors can explore the majestic Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Southeast Asia, and experience the thrill of hiking through its trails. The Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a haven for nature lovers with its rich biodiversity, including rare orchids and exotic birds. Sabah's coastline is dotted with pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, perfect for snorkeling and diving. The Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, a group of islands just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, provides an idyllic setting for water sports and relaxation. Don't miss the chance to witness the vibrant marine life, including colorful coral reefs and playful sea turtles. Cultural enthusiasts will find Sabah equally fascinating. The state is home to a mix of indigenous groups, each with their own unique traditions and festivals. The vibrant markets, such as the Gaya Street Sunday Market, offer a glimpse into the local lifestyle and a chance to sample delicious street food. Sabah's rich cultural tapestry is further showcased in the Mari Mari Cultural Village, where visitors can learn about traditional crafts, dances, and customs. Whether you're an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or a cultural explorer, Sabah has something for everyone. Its warm hospitality and breathtaking landscapes make it a must-visit destination in Malaysia.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Sabah.

Pack light layers for hiking Mount Kinabalu; the weather can change quickly.
Visit the local markets early in the morning for the best selection of fresh produce and souvenirs.
Check the diving season before planning your trip to ensure optimal underwater visibility.
Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting indigenous villages.
Always carry insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes, especially in forested areas.

Top City Travel Guides in Sabah

The cities of Sabah, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Kota Kinabalu

Sandakan

Destinations in Sabah

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Mulu National Park

Pulau Sipadan

Kinabalu National Park

Explore Sabah: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Sabah

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

Browse the full guide

All Attractions

Tanjung Aru Beach

Discover the beauty of Tanjung Aru Beach, a tropical paradise in Kota Kinabalu, offering stunning sunsets, water sports, and delicious local cuisine.

4.3

Handicraft Market

Discover the charm of Kota Kinabalu at the Handicraft Market, where vibrant crafts and local flavors create an unforgettable experience.

4.0

Sabah State Museum

Explore Sabah's cultural heritage at the Sabah State Museum, where history, art, and nature come together in an unforgettable experience.

4.3

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park

Explore Lok Kawi Wildlife Park in Kota Kinabalu, where Borneo's exotic wildlife comes to life in a beautiful conservation setting.

4.1

Best landmarks in Sabah

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

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All Landmarks

Tanjung Aru Beach

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Tanjung Aru Beach, a tropical paradise in Kota Kinabalu, perfect for relaxation, adventure, and unforgettable sunsets.

4.3

Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu

Discover the architectural beauty and cultural significance of Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu, a must-visit landmark in Sabah.

4.5

Sabah State Museum

Explore the cultural heritage of Sabah at the Sabah State Museum, a captivating destination in Kota Kinabalu showcasing history, art, and tradition.

4.3

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park

Experience the beauty of Malaysia's wildlife at Lok Kawi Wildlife Park, where nature and education come together in a lush sanctuary.

4.1

Best restaurants in Sabah

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

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All Restaurants

Fatt Kee Seafood Restaurant

Experience the ultimate seafood feast at Fatt Kee Seafood Restaurant in Kota Kinabalu – where freshness meets flavor in every dish.

4.2

Yee Fung Laksa

Experience authentic Malaysian flavors at Yee Fung Laksa – where every bowl tells a story of tradition and taste.

4.2

Gayang Seafood Restaurant, Sulaman Tuaran, Sabah

Discover authentic Malaysian flavors at Gayang Seafood Restaurant in Sabah – where fresh seafood meets stunning views.

4.1

Suang Tain Seafood Restaurant

Experience authentic Malaysian seafood at Suang Tain Seafood Restaurant in Kota Kinabalu - where every dish tells a story of the sea.

4.0

Best bars in Sabah

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

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All Bars

The Shamrock Irish Bar

Discover the lively atmosphere and authentic Irish experience at The Shamrock Irish Bar in Kota Kinabalu, a perfect blend of culture and fun.

4.3

MOGINUM Restobar

Savor the flavors of Asia at MOGINUM Restobar, where culinary creativity meets a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of Kota Kinabalu.

4.8

Sunset Bar

Experience breathtaking sunsets and exquisite cocktails at Sunset Bar, the perfect retreat in Kota Kinabalu for relaxation and stunning views.

4.4

Tamu Rooftop

Discover the breathtaking views and vibrant atmosphere of Tamu Rooftop Bar in Kota Kinabalu, your perfect evening escape.

4.7

Best nightclubs in Sabah

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

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All Nightclubs

Mabul Water Bungalows

Experience the perfect blend of luxury and nature at Mabul Water Bungalows in Sabah, Malaysia, where unforgettable memories await.

4.6

Scuba Junkie Mabul Beach Resort

Experience world-class diving and serene beachside relaxation at Scuba Junkie Mabul Beach Resort, your gateway to the marine wonders of Sabah.

4.5

Sunset Bar

Experience stunning sunsets and exquisite cocktails at Sunset Bar in Kota Kinabalu's luxurious Shangri-La resort.

4.4

Breeze Beach Club

Discover the exquisite Breeze Beach Club, where stunning ocean views meet exceptional cuisine in the heart of Kota Kinabalu.

4.3

Best shops in Sabah

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

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All Shops

Imago Shopping Mall

Discover a shopping haven at Imago Shopping Mall in Kota Kinabalu, featuring diverse brands, delicious dining, and vibrant entertainment options.

4.5

Centre Point Sabah

Discover the vibrant shopping experience at Centre Point Sabah, where fashion, food, and fun unite in the heart of Kota Kinabalu.

4.2

Suria Sabah

Explore the vibrant Suria Sabah shopping mall in Kota Kinabalu, where diverse shops, dining, and entertainment await every visitor.

4.4

Handicraft Market

Discover the heart of Sabah's culture at the Handicraft Market, a colorful hub of local crafts and delicious street food.

4.0

Explore Sabah on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Sabah, mapped for you.

Sabah Essentials

Sabah, located on the northern part of Borneo, is accessible via air and sea. The primary entry point is Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI), which hosts flights from major cities in Malaysia, as well as international destinations such as Singapore, Hong Kong, and South Korea. For those traveling from Peninsular Malaysia, direct flights from Kuala Lumpur are frequent and take about 2.5 hours. Alternatively, travelers can arrive by sea through the Kota Kinabalu Port, which receives ferries from Labuan and Brunei.
Sabah offers a variety of transportation options. In urban areas like Kota Kinabalu, taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab are widely available. For longer distances, express buses connect major towns and cities, including Sandakan, Tawau, and Lahad Datu. Renting a car is another viable option, especially for those who wish to explore more remote areas at their own pace. Additionally, domestic flights operated by Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia link key destinations within Sabah.
The official currency is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). Credit and debit cards are commonly accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores in urban areas. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when traveling to rural areas or small towns where card facilities may be limited. ATMs are widely available in cities and towns, but ensure you have sufficient cash when venturing into less populated areas.
Sabah is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is important to stay vigilant. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, so keep an eye on your belongings. Areas such as the eastern coast of Sabah have experienced security incidents in the past; it is advisable to stay updated on travel advisories and avoid isolated beaches or islands without proper security measures.
In case of an emergency, dial 999 for police, ambulance, or fire services. Major cities like Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan have well-equipped hospitals, while smaller towns have clinics that can handle minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. For minor health concerns, pharmacies are available in most towns.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, particularly when visiting mosques or temples. Remove your shoes before entering and dress appropriately. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly or disabled passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a slight bow of the head. Handshakes are common, but be aware that some locals may prefer not to shake hands with the opposite gender. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Sabah like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional handicrafts. Engage with the locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and heritage. Don't miss out on trying local dishes such as hinava (a type of fish salad) and tuaran mee (a famous noodle dish). For a unique experience, consider visiting during the Kaamatan Festival, a traditional harvest festival celebrated by the Kadazan-Dusun people.

When is the best time to visit Sabah?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Sabah

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Sabah. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHai
  [hai]
- GoodbyeSelamat tinggal
  [se-la-mat ting-gal]
- YesYa
  [ya]
- NoTidak
  [ti-dak]
- Please/You're welcomeSila/Sama-sama
  [si-la/sa-ma sa-ma]
- Thank youTerima kasih
  [te-ri-ma ka-sih]
- Excuse me/SorryMaaf
  [ma-af]
- How are you?Apa khabar?
  [a-pa kha-bar]
- Fine. And you?Baik. Dan kamu?
  [ba-ik. dan ka-mu]
- Do you speak English?Adakah kamu bercakap English?
  [a-da-ka ka-mu ber-ca-kap in-glish]
- I don't understandSaya tidak faham
  [sa-ya ti-dak fa-ham]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseBolehkah saya lihat menu, sila?
  [bo-leh-ka sa-ya li-hat me-nu, si-la]
- I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging
  [sa-ya ti-dak ma-kan da-ging]
- Cheers!Selamat makan!
  [se-la-mat ma-kan]
- I would like to pay, pleaseSaya ingin bayar, sila
  [sa-ya in-gin ba-yar, si-la]
- Help!Tolong!
  [to-long]
- Go away!Pergi jauh!
  [per-gi ja-uh]
- Call the Police!Panggil polis!
  [pan-ngil po-lis]
- Call a doctor!Panggil doktor!
  [pan-ngil dok-tor]
- I'm lostSaya sesat
  [sa-ya se-sat]
- I'm illSaya sakit
  [sa-ya sa-kit]
- I'd like to buy...Saya ingin beli...
  [sa-ya in-gin be-li]
- I'm just lookingSaya hanya melihat
  [sa-ya ha-nya me-li-hat]
- How much is it?Berapa harganya?
  [be-ra-pa har-ga-nya]
- That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal
  [i-tu ter-la-lu ma-hal]
- Can you lower the price?Bolehkah kamu turunkan harga?
  [bo-leh-ka ka-mu tu-run-kan har-ga]
- What time is it?Pukul berapa?
  [pu-kul be-ra-pa]
- It's one o'clockPukul satu
  [pu-kul sa-tu]
- Half past (10)Setengah (10)
  [se-ten-gah]
- MorningPagi
  [pa-gi]
- AfternoonPetang
  [pe-tang]
- EveningMalam
  [ma-lam]
- YesterdaySemalam
  [se-ma-lam]
- TodayHari ini
  [ha-ri i-ni]
- TomorrowEsok
  [e-sok]
- 1Satu
  [sa-tu]
- 2Dua
  [du-a]
- 3Tiga
  [ti-ga]
- 4Empat
  [em-pat]
- 5Lima
  [li-ma]
- 6Enam
  [e-nam]
- 7Tujuh
  [tu-juh]
- 8Lapan
  [la-pan]
- 9Sembilan
  [sem-bi-lan]
- 10Sepuluh
  [se-pu-luh]
- Where's a/the...?Di mana ...?
  [di ma-na]
- What's the address?Apa alamatnya?
  [a-pa a-la-mat-nya]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Bolehkah kamu tunjukkan (di peta)?
  [bo-leh-ka ka-mu tun-juk-kan di pe-ta]
- When's the next (bus)?Bila bas seterusnya?
  [bi-la bas se-te-rus-nya]
- A ticket (to ....)Satu tiket (ke ....)
  [sa-tu ti-ket ke]

History of Sabah

The history of Sabah stretches back to prehistoric times, with evidence of human habitation dating as far back as 20,000 to 30,000 years ago. Archaeological sites like the Madai-Baturong caves in the Lahad Datu area have revealed stone tools and other artifacts that provide a glimpse into the lives of Sabah's earliest inhabitants.
By the 15th century, Sabah came under the influence of the Bruneian Empire. The coastal regions were especially significant for trade and were later contested by the Sulu Sultanate from the southern Philippines. These sultanates left a lasting impact on Sabah's culture, including the introduction of Islam and maritime trade practices.
In the late 19th century, the British North Borneo Chartered Company was established, leading to the formal colonization of Sabah. The company focused on economic development, particularly in timber and plantation agriculture. Infrastructure such as the North Borneo Railway and various colonial buildings in towns like Sandakan were built during this period.
During World War II, Sabah was occupied by Japanese forces from 1942 to 1945. The occupation was a brutal period marked by forced labor and severe hardship for the local population. The infamous Sandakan Death Marches resulted in the deaths of thousands of Allied prisoners of war and local civilians. The liberation of Sabah by Australian forces in 1945 marked the end of Japanese control.
On September 16, 1963, Sabah, along with Sarawak, Singapore, and Malaya, formed the Federation of Malaysia. This was a monumental event that shaped the modern political landscape of the region. The decision was influenced by geopolitical factors, including the threat of Indonesian Confrontation and the influence of the Philippines over Sabah's eastern regions.
Sabah is home to over 30 ethnic groups, each with its own language, culture, and traditions. The largest groups include the Kadazan-Dusun, Bajau, and Murut. Festivals such as Kaamatan, celebrated by the Kadazan-Dusun, and Regatta Lepa, celebrated by the Bajau, showcase the rich cultural tapestry of the region. The influence of Chinese, Indian, and European settlers has also added to the cultural mosaic.
Sabah is renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity and conservation efforts. Iconic sites like Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre highlight the region's commitment to preserving its natural heritage. The conservation of the Borneo pygmy elephant, proboscis monkey, and various endemic plant species are crucial to Sabah's environmental legacy.