Sabah is a land that boasts impressive natural attractions. The land below the wind is home to a plethora of rare wildlife as well as Mt. Kinabalu, one of South-East Asia’s tallest peaks. Whether you choose to view the sunrise from the apex of Mt. Kinabalu, immerse in the waters of the Poring Hot Springs or go river rafting on the Kiulu River, your trip is sure to be an amusing one.There are top 10 places to visit in Sabah when you go there.
1. Sandakan
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A true nature city, Sandakan boasts of the finest wildlife in the entire Malaysia where visitors can see the famous Orangutans at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, The Bornean Sun Bear at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre just next to Sepilok and Labuk Bay to watch the unique mascot of Malaysia,The Proboscis Monkey. For the hardcore wildlife and nature lover, there is the large Kinabatangan River where all of the innate wildlife can be spotted by doing some river cruises and nature walks here.
2. Tawau
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Further down south of Sandakan is Tawau, one of the strong financial cities in Sabah. Tawau also serves as the main gateway to Sipadan Island, one of the world’s best diving sites. From Tawau airport, divers travel to Semporna overland before boarding the boat to Mabul Island and Sipadan Island. Other islands around here include Mataking, Kapalai and Pom Pom Islands.
3. Lahad Datu
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While most people will tremble on hearing this world renown town due to the Lahad Datu standoff issues in 2014, let me convince you that Lahat Datu is one of the secure place in Sabah now due to that. Anyhow, those visiting here will not be spending time in the city areas but out of Lahad Datu. Also to highlight, the area which was affected by the crisis was in Kampung Tanduo which is 37 kilometres from town. Much to the entertainment of the world media, the military appearance here is beyond your imagination.
4. Mabul Island
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Among the most beautiful islands in the east coast of Sabah, Mabul Island takes top place in terms of overall attractions. Mabul offers all kinds of island accommodations ranging from affluence, chalets, guesthouses, lodges and also the unique oil rig dive resort. Mabul Island is also the way to snorkeling or diving at Sipadan Island, one of the top three dive location in the world.
5. Maliau Basin
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Often called the Lost World of Sabah, Maliau Basin Conservation Area is hands down the unique conservation in Borneo with a Class 1 Protection Forest Reserve and a size of 588 square kilometers. Recommended for the true nature lover, Maliau Basin is one of the least explored places on Borneo Island. There are accommodations here which cater to backpacker dorm style rooms, individual twin sharing rooms and also a elegant twin room bungalow complete with Jacuzzi.
6. Kota Kinabalu City
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Once called Jesselton back in the day, Kota Kinabalu or KK is your primary way into Sabah as all international flights land here. The best part is that the KKIA or Kota Kinabalu International Airport is located just 10 minutes from Kota Kinabalu city. If fact, all of the logistics are smartly located in the vicinity, things like jetties, bus terminals and so on which make moving around very easy.
7. Kinabalu Park
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Only about two hours from Kota Kinabalu city, the Kinabalu Park is one of the most famous sightseeing spots in Sabah. This also serves as the main way to climbing Mount Kinabalu, however many travelers love to come here for the nature experience and cool weather. Around Kinabalu Park are several of other attractions like visiting the Desa Dairy Farm which is Malaysia’s own Frisian Farm, Kundasang town where seller sell their vegetables, The Australian War Memorial and on route back, a visit to the Poring Hot Springs.
8. Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
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Anyone visiting Kota Kinabalu who like the beach and islands must visit this marine park which is only located only 15 minutes by boat from Kota Kinabalu city. At this park, there are a bunch of islands here which caters to all kinds of island activity. Scuba divers and snorkelers are not forgotten as there are several dive location available around the park. Crystal clear waters await visitors where you will be surprise by the clarity and also the marine life seen from up top and also underwater.
9. Kundasang
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Kundasang is a city in the area of Ranau in Sabah, Malaysia that lies along the bank of Kundasang Valley. It is located about 6 kilometres away from Kinabalu National Park, 12 kilometres from Ranau town and is popular for its vegetable market which is open seven days a week. It is the closest town to Mount Kinabalu and has a scenic sight of the Mountain. It is populated mostly by the native Dusun and a small population of Chinese people. Almost all the shops are operated by locals.
10. Kudat
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Kudat is a city in the state of Sabah, Malaysia. It is located 190 kilometres north of Kota Kinabalu, the state capital, and is nearby the northernmost point of Borneo. It is the biggest city in the heartland of the Rungus people, and is therefore a major centre of Rungus culture. It is also remarkable for being one of the first parts of Sabah to be settled by Chinese Malaysians, particularly from the Hakka dialect group. Moreover, Kudat serves as the administrative centre of the Kudat Division.
