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Sabah highlights

Sabah's highlights are clustered around its two main cities - which is very helpful when it comes to planning your Sabah itinerary. Head east for orangutan sanctuaries, turtle conservation and lush wildlife reserves, and west for bustling Kota Kinabalu and its eponymous mountain. And scattered all around the coast are idyllic isles, surrounded by astonishing marine life.

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Sabah map & highlights

Sabah's highlights are squeezed into an area a little larger than Ireland – meaning that in just a few days you can see an epic amount. Even more conveniently, its top attractions are huddled around Kota Kinabalu in the west and Sandakan in the east, both of which are easily reached by plane. This is also a bonus for more adventurous travellers, however, as it means Sabah's wild interior is largely untouched by tourism, and those who voyage here will be rewarded with the feeling that they really have stepped into Borneo's Lost World. Here are our favourite Sabah highlights.

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Our Sabah Holidays

1. Danum Valley
2. Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve
3. Kinabalu National Park
4. Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary
5. Kiulu River
6. Kota Kinabalu
7. Lankayan Island
8. Maliau Basin
9. Mount Kinabalu
10. Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary
11. Pom Pom Island
12. Pulau Tiga National Park
13. Sipadan Island
14. Tabin Wildlife Reserve
15. Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
16. Selingan Island

Danum Valley

1. Danum Valley

This virgin tropical forest shelters endangered orangutans, proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants – as well as newly discovered species and rare birds. There are numerous waking trails, a 300m suspended walkway and a panoramic viewpoint; night time safaris reveal the nocturnal creatures that call this forest home. Recently unearthed ancient burial sites add yet more value and intrigue to the conservation area.

Danum Valley

Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve

2. Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve

At the heart of this reserve is the Rainforest Discovery Centre, which aims to raise awareness of rainforest conservation, the creatures that live here and the sustainable use of resources. One of the highlights is the 28m high walkway, weaving 147m through the forest canopy where you can look out for 250 bird species, along with the towering Mengaris tree – one of the world's tallest at over 80m.

Kinabalu National Park

3. Kinabalu National Park

This UNESCO Site protects half of Malaysia's bird, mammal and amphibian species in the forests beneath the mighty Mount Kinabalu. Nature trails reveal 500 orchid species and the world's largest flower – the rafflesia – plus waterfalls, a botanical garden, a canopy walk and a butterfly farm. Just outside the park, the sulphur pools at Poring Hot Springs are the perfect place to soak your legs after climbing the mountain.

Kinabalu National Park

Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary

4. Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary

These lakes, mangrove swamps and forests comprise one of the planet's richest ecosystems; explore them on foot by boat. Ten primate species live here, plus crocodiles, proboscis monkeys, hornbills, river sharks, orangutans and pygmy elephants. Near to the sanctuary, the Gomantong Caves are home to two million bats and over a million swiftlets – whose nests are used in the notorious Chinese soup.

Kiulu River

5. Kiulu River

Sabah's whitewater rafting hotspot, Kiulu River's grade I-II rapids are perfect for families and first-time rafters, who can enjoy the surrounding landscape of rice fields, rubber plantations and the mighty Mount Kinabalu. Experienced guides give safety briefings before you head out for the 90-minute ride along the river. Finish off with a refreshing dip and lunch on the riverbank.

Kiulu River

Kota Kinabalu

6. Kota Kinabalu

Known as KK, Sabah's capital is a captivating blend of Asian and European culture, with huge mosques, Filipino markets, British colonial architecture, Chinese restaurants and indigenous culture – including the museum's collection of human skulls recalling Sabah's headhunting history. The nearby beaches are some of Sabah’s best, with powder-white sand and aquamarine seas backed by wildlife-filled jungle.

Lankayan Island

7. Lankayan Island

This classic desert island is found in the "Sea Turtle Corridor", and hawksbill and green turtles crawl ashore here to lay their eggs from June to August. The Marine National Park surrounding the island also shelters whale sharks, sunken wrecks and yellow tail barracudas- snorkellers and divers will be treated to a submarine show. Sea kayaking and windsurfing are also popular.

Lankayan Island

Maliau Basin

8. Maliau Basin

Visitors to Sabah are only just starting to discover the untamed wonders of Maliau Basin, a pristine forest ecosystem bordered by a 1,600m high escarpment. Long hiking trails lead to the epic Maliau Waterfalls – a seven-tiered cascade, the longest of which falls 28m. Carnivorous pitcher plants and huge, flesh-like rafflesia flowers are found here, along with wild cats, pygmy elephants, the banteng ox, noisy gibbons, sun bears and orangutans.

Mount Kinabalu

9. Mount Kinabalu

South East Asia's tallest peak stands at 4,101m, dominating the landscape. No particular expertise is needed to summit the mountain, though good fitness levels are recommended. Passing through tropical, montane and cloud forest habitats, up to the sub-Alpine vegetation at the peak, hikers depart a mountain hut at 3am to complete the last 8.5km of the journey in time to watch the sun rise from the summit.

Mount Kinabalu

Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary

10. Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary

This 43km³ sanctuary is the largest of its kind in the world. Trafficked, orphaned and injured orangutans are taught to survive in the wild by pairing younger individuals with older ones – this may take up to seven years, just as it would in the wild. Visits generally take place during feeding sessions; other rescued species here include sun bears, gibbons and Sumatran rhinos.

Pom Pom Island

11. Pom Pom Island

The magnificent coral reefs surrounding Pom Pom Island attract manta rays, sea turtles, cuttlefish, and even the odd whale shark. PADI courses can be taken here, and for those who want to give something back to the ecosystem, which has suffered from fish-bombing and other damaging interventions, marine conservation projects offer volunteer placements to renovate the reefs and protect the turtle nests.

Pom Pom Island

Pulau Tiga National Park

12. Pulau Tiga National Park

Famous for being the first of the Survivor islands, wild Pulau Tiga has fantastic hiking, mineral-rich mud pools to wallow in and jungles filled with macaque and proboscis monkeys, monitor lizards and flying foxes. The island is just over a century old, having been formed during a volcanic eruption. Relax on the picturesque beaches, take a sea kayak out onto the water, or a boat trip to nearby Snake Island.

Sipadan Island

13. Sipadan Island

Sipadan draws divers from around the world to swim with "tornadoes" of barracuda, parrotfish, white-tipped reef sharks and sea turtles. Malaysia has recognised its natural value, and it is now protected, so overnight stays are not permitted. There are only 150ish permits per day, for divers with at least 20 log dives; this Sabah highlight is is an exclusive destination indeed. Alternatively, grab a snorkel and bob on the surface.

Sipadan Island

Tabin Wildlife Reserve

14. Tabin Wildlife Reserve

Filled with healing plants, mud volcanoes, bird-packed forests and wildlife-attracting mineral salt licks, Tabin is a Sabah highlight. Swim in the waterfall pools, take a dawn excursion to spot birds, and take a night hike to hear nocturnal wildlife beneath a star-spangled sky. Playful macaques are one of the most common sights, but elephants, rhinos and huge, cow-like tembadaus also live here.

Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park

15. Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park

Within minutes of leaving the capital city, you can be in Sabah's first national park. Three tiny, reef-rimmed islands promise postcard-perfect beaches, snorkelling encounters, mangrove swamps and traditional cultures. Villagers live in stilt houses connected by wooden walkways, while bearded pigs, monitor lizards, pangolins and macaques lurk in the islands' forests.

Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park

Selingan Island

16. Selingan Island

Turtle Islands Park protects endangered green and hawksbill turtles, which can be seen most nights laying their eggs on the island beaches. Rangers collect over half a million eggs per year and protect them from predators in a hatchery; you can see the tiny hatchlings making their way to the sea. Tourism contributes to this conservation programme. Daytrips are not available, so book early to ensure finding accommodation.

Travel Team

If you'd like to chat about Sabah or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.

01273 823 700

Calling us from outside the UK?

rosy@responsibletravel.com

01273 823 700

Calling us from outside the UK?

rosy@responsibletravel.com

Sabah sample itineraries

Hiking & wildlife
Kota Kinabalu > Mt Kinabalu > Poring Hot Springs > Tea Plantation > Danum Valley > Kinabatangan > Sepilok > Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve > Sandakan > Selingan > Kota Kinabalu

Islands & diving
Kota Kinabalu > Sandakan > Selingan > Sepilok > Kinabatagan > Lankayan > Kota Kinabalu >Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park

Wild Sabah
Kota Kinabalu > Maliau Basin > Sepilok > Kinabatangan > Gomantong Caves > Kota Kinabalu

Travel times in Sabah

The following times give you a rough idea of the driving, flight and sailing times between the main Sabah highlights.

Sandakan - Sepilok: 40 mins drive

Kota Kinabalu - Sandakan: 50 mins flight

Kota Kinabalu - Kiulu River: 1 hr 30 mins drive

Lahad Datu - Tabin Wildlife Reserve: 1 hr 30 mins drive

Sandakan - Kinabatangu River: 2 hrs drive

Lahad Datu - Danum Valley: 2 hrs 30 mins drive

Kota Kinabalu - Pulau Tiga: 2 hrs drive + 30 mins boat

Kota Kinabalu - Kinabalu National Park: 3 hrs drive

Semporna - Tabin Wildlife Reserve: 3 hrs 30 mins drive

Kota Kinabalu - Sandakan: 7 hrs bus

More about Sabah

Best time to visit Sabah

The best time to visit Sabah is pretty much all year round, although August and September are the best time to visit the beaches along the east coast, while October to November is best for Kota Kinabalu.

Sabah travel guide

Sabah is one of the best places in the world to see orangutans, both in forest sanctuaries and out in the wild. But as our Sabah travel guide reveals, there's far more to Borneo than these primates.

Things to do in Sabah

It's not much bigger than Ireland, but there's a phenomenal amount of things to do in Sabah. We've picked out some of our favourites, from visits to orangutan rehabilitation centres to meeting the Sabahans.

Wildlife holidays in Sabah

On Sabah wildlife holidays, you can see orangutans in the wild and in sanctuaries, where each ringgit you spend contributes to their conservation, as loggers and farmers encroach on the remaining rainforests.

Travelling in Sabah with kids

It may be a very, very long way, but once you land on this tropical island, travelling in Sabah with kids is easier than you may think, with wildlife sanctuaries virtually guaranteeing wildlife sightings.

Sabah travel advice

Our local experts have shared their Borneo travel advice and recommendations. Learn about the differences between the offshore islands, the best place to see orangutans, how to avoid leeches - and more.

Responsible tourism in Sabah

Sabah is a wonderful destination for ecotourism, but there are still some aspects of responsible tourism in Sabah that are worth keeping in mind to help protect this fragile environment. Find out more.

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Written by Vicki Brown

Sabah highlights