Top Places To Visit In Sabah Based On Your Travel Personality
There is a saying, “To truly understand the world, you must first understand your own backyard.” As our country prepares to welcome international travellers to experience the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, why not take the chance this year to discover our local hidden gems? You might have heard about Sabah and its attractive travel destinations from mountain high to ocean deep. Given Borneo’s position as the third largest island in the world, the vast land of North Borneo, which is occupied by Sabah, offers a lot more bucket list destinations that people ought to visit.
Sabah is undeniably a versatile destination. Whether you are into diving, jungle trekking, cultural exploration, or spelunking adventure, this destination has got you covered, perfect for solo, honeymooners, group, or family travel. Follow us below as we identify 6 must-visit places in Sabah for every type of traveller.
Photo credit @Dido
1. The nature lover
Nature lovers will love Sabah’s eco treasures, from mountain high to ocean deep. Step inside to one of Sabah’s rainforests in Maliau Basin and immerse yourself in the sound of nature. From the sound of gibbons calling in the morning to the natural background hum of the loud ‘5 pm cicadas’, the natural music is a refreshing music to the ear. Notably, the Maliau Basin and its unique crater are one of the greatest nature mysteries in Borneo. For a thrill of raw and rugged nature experience, Maliau Basin can offer a 5-day trekking package to visit their famous waterfalls, which includes camping in their basic shelter. However, if you are not ready to live on the basics, Maliau Basin Studies Centre also offers a comfy option to stay at their chalets. This is suitable for those taking a shorter package with activities that include a night safari, a canopy walk, and light trekking. Imagine the ethereal beauty of this region and the high chances of spotting wildlife. This holiday will definitely be priceless for you nature lovers out there.
Sunset view at Bigfin Beach Resort. Photo credit @BigfinBeachResort
2. The honeymooners
If you enjoy romanticising your holiday time, Kota Belud’s Bigfin Beach Resort can be the ideal getaway. The cute and exclusive beach resort is perched atop a hill with a breathtaking view of Mengakabar Bay and Pulau Pandan. Couples can enjoy their diving experience without the stress of a large group at this fully functional resort with a 5* PADI dive centre. Other non-diving activities include stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkelling, and nighttime jungle walks. Only a maximum of 21 persons can be accommodated at once, allowing travellers to unwind, especially in their idyllic private beachfront.
Photo credit @sabahtourism
3. The foodie
Beyond Sabah’s traditional food, most people fail to notice that almost every district has food unique to its locality. The east coast town of Sandakan is home to a thriving and diverse culinary scene that will satisfy any foodie. To begin with, the town is primarily known for its fresh and cheap seafood. Feast on succulent prawns, crabs, lobsters, scallops, and fish prepared in various flavourful cooking styles. In addition, Sandakan is also known for its UFO tart, Sandakan prawn yee mee, nasi kuning and seafood bah kut teh. For teatime indulgence, prominent local favourite places are the hot ‘roti kahwin’ from Kedai Kopi Baru Bar Lok Yuen, pastries and famous crunchy fried chicken from Mee Ngar, and the sought-after grass jelly drink from the old wooden shop of Kedai Yap Syn Kee. However, in between trying all kinds of food in Sandakan, try to see some of the city’s most famous sights, like the Rainforest Discovery Center, Agnes Keith Museum, and of course, the Borneo Sunbear Conservation Centre in Sepilok for a chance to see the wildlife version of the mascot for VMY 2026.
4. The adventure seekers
Adventure seekers will be thrilled to know that they have a wide list of options in Sabah. In terms of adventure sports, Sabah is renowned for hosting trail run competitions. The annual TMBT Ultra Trail and Kadamaian Ultra, set to take place soon in July and August, respectively, are affiliates of the Asia Trail Master series. Usually held in a rural area, Borneo’s mountainous rainforest and rugged terrain provide a beautiful scenic run that is also rewardingly challenging. Many runners have chosen to race and then take the opportunity to relax post-race by camping, swimming in the river, and participating in a homestay program. However, if trail running is considered extreme, there are plenty of soft adventure activities to do. Try rafting at Padas River, paragliding in Kokol Hill, cycling in Lahad Datu, or wading through the Taralamas River canyon. It will surely trigger a heart-pounding adrenaline rush and be exhilaratingly fun, evoking memories of that unforgettable journey to Sabah.
Photo credit @MurphyNg
5. Cultural lover
Some travellers like to immerse themselves in the local culture. They often find travelling as a great opportunity to learn about a foreign culture, its history, and experience the local lifestyle. One of the best ways to experience the local culture of Sabah is by joining a homestay tour mostly operated by the locals in remote areas as their community-based tourism (CBT) initiative. There are more than 30 district tourism associations in Sabah that have been actively offering CBT products, including homestays. The Sunsuron Homestay in Tambunan offers a curated, authentic local experience with a Kadazandusun host. Side activities include a visit to the Rafflesia Information Centre, a village tour, paddy farming, hiking to Kolindasan Hill, and a tapai-making class. Occasionally, during a cultural merriment night, the host invites guests to learn the traditional dance. It can be so much fun and enriching for the entire cultural experience.
Photo credit @YTL
6. The luxury seekers
For those who desire peaceful relaxation and VIP-like treatment, Gaya Island Resort in Kota Kinabalu may be the ideal place for you. A short boat ride from Jesselton Point terminal will transport you to this zen tropical beach resort in a hidden corner of Gaya Island at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. This beachfront eco-luxury resort blends harmoniously with the natural rainforest background and offers plenty of exciting activities to do, such as mangrove kayaking, yoga, beach picnics, and Borneo culinary experiences, all in their private resort space, providing an intimate experience. Tastefully designed with contemporary elegance, each spacious villa offers a cultural introduction to Sabah. The staff at the Gaya Island Resort is dedicated to providing the highest level of hospitality service, bespoke to every guest’s need. For an ultimate tranquil escape to paradise, the Gaya Island Resort by YTL offers the exclusive experience and beauty of both worlds, land and sea.
Whether you crave an adrenaline rush or prefer a relaxed-paced holiday, there is always a new exciting place in Sabah for every type of traveller, unique to each individual’s preference. The state is truly an open book, offering endless chapters of exploration, discovery, and amazing experiences that define Sabah as a premier destination for culture, adventure, and nature.
If you are looking for more information about the exciting places to visit in Sabah, visit the Sabah Pavilion at the upcoming Matta Fair at MITEC Kuala Lumpur, which will take place from 18 to 20 April 2025. The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) will showcase its destination, complemented by over 40 participating travel agencies from Sabah offering attractive tour packages.
There will be many gift surprises to offer and engaging daily activities such as Watch & Win and Find Me! games. In addition, with the theme of ‘Explore Sabah, Dulu Bah’ STB is offering attractive travel rebate vouchers worth up to RM100.00 with each transaction made from any participating travel agent and hotel from Sabah. This Matta Fair will also showcase Sabah’s local clothing brand, Chanteek Borneo and premium craft beverage, Uinah, at the Sabah Pavilion.
It will be an exciting fair with Sabah at the forthcoming Matta Fair, so let us meet!
More info at www.sabahtourism.com
