2026 guide
Mount Kinabalu, Sipadan, orangutans in Sepilok and the Kinabatangan River.
Last updated 31 October 2026 ยท 20 places ยท 12 places
โก Quick answer ยท Last updated 31 October 2026
The must-visit places in Sabah are Sipadan Island (Diving, Semporna), Mount Kinabalu (Hiking Trails, Ranau), Kinabalu Park (National Parks & Rainforest, Ranau) and Kapalai and Mabul Muck Diving (Diving, Semporna).
Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
KK's most famous sunset spot, a wide stretch of sand beside the city with a lively food-stall strip. Bring a picnic or grab satay and ikan bakar while the sky turns orange over the islands.
Don't miss: Sunset with Mount Kinabalu's silhouette on clear evenings
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Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik, Sulug, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Five islands a short boat ride from KK, great for snorkelling, short hikes and beach time. Manukan and Sapi are the most popular, so go early.
Don't miss: Snorkelling at Sapi and Mamutik
Pulau Mabul, Semporna, Sabah
Tiny Bajau-style island near Sipadan, with stilted resorts, macro-rich house reefs and friendly village life. Divers love it for critters and as the Sipadan base.
Don't miss: Snorkelling or diving with turtles around the jetty
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Inanam, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
A multi-tiered fall near KK with a plunge pool that is a popular weekend swim. The first tier is easy to reach; higher tiers need a trek.
Don't miss: Swimming at the base of the first big tier
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Kinabalu Park, Ranau, Sabah
Borneo's highest peak at 4,095m and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Timpohon route and Laban Rata overnight is a rite of passage.
Don't miss: Sunrise at Low's Peak
Sinua, Keningau, Sabah
Sabah's second tallest peak at 2,642m, with a steeper, wilder trail than Kinabalu.
Don't miss: Summit sunrise
Tawau Hills, Tawau, Sabah
Beginner-friendly trails and waterfalls near Tawau with hot springs and forest.
Don't miss: Table Waterfall
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Kundasang, Ranau, Sabah
Malaysia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, with Mount Kinabalu towering over cool montane forest, orchids and pitcher plants. Even if you do not summit, the park HQ nature trails and botanical garden are well worth a day.
Don't miss: Sunrise from Low's Peak, or the Silau-Silau nature trail
Danum, Lahad Datu, Sabah
A pristine lowland dipterocarp forest with canopy walks and orangutans. Stay at Borneo Rainforest Lodge or the field centre.
Don't miss: Canopy walkway and night safaris
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Bukit Istana Lama, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
A hilltop museum complex with a Heritage Village of traditional Sabah houses, a vintage steam locomotive and the Sabah Islamic Civilisation Museum. The big longhouse-style Main Building has been closed since September 2024, so plan around the outdoor village and the other galleries.
Don't miss: The Heritage Village of traditional Sabah houses
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Taman Rimba, Sandakan, Sabah
A quiet memorial on the site of the WWII Sandakan prisoner-of-war camp, with a garden, ponds and a museum. Moving and well kept.
Don't miss: The memorial and the camp site displays
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Pulau Gaya, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Villas on stilts over a bay inside Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, with a marine centre and mangrove boardwalks. Only 15 minutes by boat from Kota Kinabalu, but it feels a world away.
Don't miss: Marine centre turtle programme and mangrove walk
Dalit Beach, Tuaran, Sabah
A big, relaxed beach resort next to a 64-hectare nature reserve where orangutans are rehabilitated. Great family option about 45 minutes from Kota Kinabalu, with sunset golf and a long beach.
Don't miss: Morning visit to the Nature Reserve orangutans
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City Centre, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
A colonial-style heritage hotel in the heart of Kota Kinabalu city with an old-world feel. Close to Gaya Street market.
Don't miss: High tea in the heritage lounge
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Mesilau, Ranau, Sabah
Loft-style tented cabins right at the foot of Mount Kinabalu with 14C nights. Wake up to the mountain from your bed.
Don't miss: Mount Kinabalu view from the cabin
โ ๏ธ Not yet re-verified for 2026. Check fees, hours and that it is open before you go.
Kampung Melangkap Baru, Kota Belud, Sabah
Furnished tents and cabins in a fruit garden with Mount Kinabalu views and a river at the edge. Listed from RM50, with durian in season.
Don't miss: Kinabalu views and fresh fruit
Kampung Mengaris, Kinabatangan, Sabah
Basic jungle huts without aircon, run by KOPEL Bhd with community guides and daily outings along the Kinabatangan River. Wildlife with a community-run touch.
Don't miss: River cruise for wildlife spotting
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Pulau Sipadan, Semporna, Sabah
Sipadan is world-famous for turtles, barracuda tornadoes and reef sharks off a vertical wall. Daily permits are limited, so book months ahead through a licensed operator.
Don't miss: Barracuda Point and Turtle Cavern
Kapalai / Mabul, Semporna, Sabah
World-class muck diving: ghost pipefish, frogfish, mandarin fish and octopus on sandy slopes. Easy to combine with Sipadan trips.
Don't miss: Frogfish and mimic octopus at Kapalai
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Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Waterfront market area with grilled seafood, handicrafts and pearls. Expect bargaining and fresh grilled fish by the sea.
Don't miss: Grilled seafood and pearl stalls
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