Sabah, located on the northern tip of Borneo, is an unforgettable blend of turquoise waters, misty mountains, and lush rainforests. Whether you’re trekking through world-class trails, diving into coral-ringed islands, or learning from Indigenous communities, Sabah delivers a one-of-a-kind travel experience. If you’re looking for a destination that blends epic landscapes with rich traditions, you’ll find no shortage of things to do in Sabah. From UNESCO-listed parks to islands that lie off the beaten tourist path, here’s your guide to the top sights, activities, and must-see Sabah attractions.
Mt. Kinabalu
Standing at 13,435 feet (4,095 meters), Mt. Kinabalu is the tallest peak in Malaysia and a magnet for climbers from around the world. It offers both serious trekking routes and gentler nature trails for less seasoned hikers. The two-day summit hike is considered one of the top Sabah adventure tours. The climb itself requires stamina and a licensed guide, but you don’t need technical climbing experience. Along the way, you’ll encounter unique highland flora, including the rare Nepenthes rajah, the world’s largest pitcher plant. The view from the top of the rolling clouds below makes the whole journey worth it.
Image courtesy of John Kong / Sabah Tourism BoardKinabalu Park
Designated Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2000, Kinabalu Park is a biodiverse wonderland that surrounds Mt. Kinabalu. Sabah achieved the UNESCO “Triple Crown” designation by having Kinabalu Park recognized as a World Heritage Site, a Global Geopark, and a Biosphere Reserve. Sabah, Malaysia, is one of only three places worldwide to achieve this prestigious status, alongside Jeju Island in Korea and Shennongjia in China. If you’re not up for the Mt. Kinabalu summit climb, the park still provides plenty of enriching experiences. It is home to over 5,000 species of plants, 326 bird species, and more than 100 species of mammals. Guided walks through its nature trails introduce visitors to montane forests filled with moss-covered trees, orchids, and a variety of ferns.
The Mt. Kinabalu Botanical Garden is a great stop to learn about the park’s unique flora, and birdwatchers will be delighted by the chance to spot endemic species like the Bornean Treepie or Kinabalu Friendly Warbler. Poring Hot Springs, located within the park, provides a relaxing end to your adventure. Soak in the hot sulfur baths or test your nerve on the canopy walkway suspended high above the forest floor.
Image courtesy of Kim Chong Keat / Sabah Tourism BoardIsland Hopping
One of the most unforgettable things to do in Sabah is island hopping. The state is blessed with a coastline that opens up to the Celebes and Sulu Seas, revealing a collection of pristine islands each offering its own flavor of paradise. Here are some of the standout stops you shouldn’t miss on an island-hopping tour.
Mabul Island
Famous for its surreal underwater world, Mabul Island is a diver’s paradise. With its clear waters and abundant macro marine life like frogfish, flamboyant cuttlefish, and mandarin fish, it’s a hotbed for underwater photography. Besides diving, Mabul is also home to the Bajau Laut people, who live in wooden stilt houses over the water. A cultural tour here provides insights into a way of life that’s deeply connected to the sea. On land, visitors can relax on soft sandy beaches shaded by palm trees.
Bohey Dulang
Part of the Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Bohey Dulang is a favorite for panoramic views. After a short hike to the top of the island’s hill, you’re rewarded with sweeping vistas of turquoise waters and neighboring islands. It’s truly a photographer’s dream. The snorkeling here is also fantastic, with coral gardens teeming with clownfish, parrotfish, and colorful sea stars. Bohay Dulang is perfect for travelers looking for a quieter, less commercial island getaway.
Maiga Island
Maiga Island is another gem known for its palm-fringed coastline and crystal-clear waters. The island is home to more Bajau Laut communities and is ideal for cultural interaction and slow-paced exploration. With shallow reefs just steps from the shore, Maiga is great for beginners to snorkeling. The calm waters and friendly locals make it a wonderful place to immerse yourself in the slower rhythms of island life.
Sipadan Island
Arguably one of the best dive sites in the world, Sipadan Island is a protected marine reserve with a strictly limited number of daily visitors. Divers here encounter swirling schools of barracuda, green sea turtles, and even hammerhead sharks. Due to its protected status, you can’t stay overnight on the island, but nearby Mabul and Kapalai provide excellent base options. Sipadan is a highlight of any serious diver’s list of things to do in Sabah.
Pulau Tiga
Known as “Survivor Island” after it was featured in the first season of the reality show, Pulau Tiga is full of surprises. One of its main draws is the natural mud volcanoes, where you can enjoy a fun, skin-friendly mud bath. Snorkeling and kayaking are also popular, and jungle trails invite exploration. It’s one of the more unique places to visit in Sabah, combining adventure with quirky natural features.
Turtle Island
Located just 45 minutes by boat from Sandakan, Turtle Island is part of a conservation effort for green and hawksbill turtles. Visitors can stay overnight to witness turtles coming ashore to lay eggs or the heartwarming sight of hatchlings making their first trek to the sea. The island also has an education center and a small museum, making it both an enjoyable and enlightening experience. A visit here supports critical conservation efforts, easily making it one of the top activities in Sabah.
Image courtesy of Bryane Ernest Belton / Sabah Tourism BoardSemporna
Semporna is a coastal town that serves as the launch pad for many island adventures. It’s the starting point for boat trips to famous islands like Sipadan, Mabul, and Maiga, but it also has its own unique charm and deserves more attention than just as a transit hub. In particular, Semporna is also a diving hotspot in its own right. Dive shops here offer certification courses, day trips, and multi-day dive packages.
You also can’t miss the fresh seafood available at the bustling local markets. You’ll even be able to spot the boats gliding by with Bajau Laut fishermen bringing in their daily catch. The town has a strong Bajau Laut presence, and you can walk along wooden boardwalks that connect their traditional stilt houses above the sea. Whether you’re heading to famous sites or just soaking up the atmosphere, Semporna is a key stop along the way.
Image courtesy of Sharif Putra / Sabah Tourism BoardTegudon Tourism Village
Located in the scenic district of Kota Belud, Tegudon Tourism Village offers a unique escape into rural Sabah. Set against the backdrop of Mount Kinabalu, this peaceful riverside village invites visitors to unplug and reconnect with nature. The village is a showcase of Dusun culture, and visitors can participate in cultural activities like rice wine making, bamboo cooking, or traditional dance performances. Stay in traditional bamboo huts, float on bamboo rafts, and enjoy clear views of the starry night sky with minimal light pollution. The slow pace of life is part of the appeal.
Image courtesy of John Kong / Sabah Tourism BoardKiulu
Tucked in the hills about an hour from Kota Kinabalu, Kiulu is an adventure and eco-tourism destination wrapped into one. It’s best known for its beginner-friendly whitewater rafting on the Kiulu River, which offers an ideal introduction for families and first-timers. In addition to river rafting, travelers can cycle through the rolling hills, visit fruit orchards, and sample traditional meals made with local produce. Kiulu also offers several homestays where visitors can live with local families and get a taste of Sabahan hospitality. This makes it one of the top activities in Sabah if you’re looking for more meaningful, people-centered travel.
Danum Valley Conservation Area
Arguably the crown jewel of Sabah’s inland rainforests, the Danum Valley Conservation Area is a sanctuary for some of the world’s rarest wildlife. It’s one of the last untouched lowland dipterocarp forests in Southeast Asia and spans over 160 square miles. Getting here isn’t easy and requires a flight to Lahad Datu followed by a 2-hour drive, but those who make the journey are rewarded with a deeply immersive jungle experience.
Making the trek out to Danum Valley Conservation Area offers the chance for canopy walks about the trees, guided night tours, and even the opportunity to spot orangutans, hornbills, sun bears, and even the elusive clouded leopard. It is ideal for travelers looking for Sabah adventure with a strong conservation angle and a place where nature takes center stage.
Mari Mari Cultural Village
Just a short drive from Kota Kinabalu, Mari Mari Cultural Village is a cultural deep-dive into the lives of five main tribes of Sabah: the Dusun, Rungus, Lundayeh, Bajau, and Murut. Each group is represented through a traditional house built with authentic materials and techniques. It is one of the most convenient places to visit in Sabah if you want to learn about a wide range of local cultures in just a few hours.
A guided tour through the Mari Mari Cultural Village takes you from house to house for demonstrations and activities like fire-starting with bamboo, traditional snack tastings, and dressing up in ceremonial clothing. Visitors even get to participate in blowpipe demonstrations! Performances of traditional music and dance really bring the village to life, offering a fun and interactive way to learn about Sabah’s diverse heritage.
Kota Kinabalu City Mosque
Known as the “Floating Mosque,” Kota Kinabalu City Mosque is an architectural landmark built on a manmade lagoon, giving it the illusion that it is floating on the surface of the water. The mosque is most photogenic at sunrise or sunset when the reflection in the water creates a mirror image. It’s a striking blend of contemporary Islamic design, white domes, and blue-tiled minarets. Visitors are welcome outside of prayer times and in modest attire. If need be, you can rent traditional robes before entry. For travelers staying in Kota Kinabalu, this is one of the easiest and most iconic Sabah attractions to visit.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
A cluster of five islands just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is the perfect day trip for sun, sand, and sea. Sapi Island is known for its snorkeling and zipline connecting it to Gaya Island. Manukan Island is the most developed, with beach resorts, restaurants, and rental shops. Sulug Island and Mamutik Island are quieter and perfect for those looking to escape the crowds. Other activities at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park include parasailing, scuba diving, and hiking, making this one of the most accessible Sabah adventure tours available right from the city.
Image courtesy of Pandhu Waskitha & Tim Phillippus / Sabah Tourism Board
Kinabatangan River
For a true Bornean safari, head to the Kinabatangan River. At 350 miles, it’s the longest river in Sabah and an important corridor for wildlife. River safaris offer a chance to see proboscis monkeys, orangutans, pygmy elephants, crocodiles, and dozens of bird species. Several eco-lodges line the riverbanks, offering multi-day packages that include boat rides and night jungle treks. Unlike the more rugged Danum Valley, Kinabatangan is accessible and family-friendly, with a good balance between comfort and wilderness. It’s an essential addition to any itinerary centered on things to do in Sabah, especially for wildlife lovers and photographers.
