20 Spectacular Places to Visit in Sabah, Malaysia

Sabah is a shining marvel of Malaysia that never fails to amaze tourists. Nestled on the northern part of the island of Borneo, Sabah is a Malaysian state that has rare tourist attention. Sabah in Malaysia is full of mountainous terrain, dense forest, striking hues of sunset, idyllic beaches, and a pristine natural ambiance.

It is an ideal destination to unlock a world of serenity and adventure where you can rejuvenate and have fun. Sabah has everything you need, whether you search for peace, thrill, wildlife, marine life, or rainforest.

If you want to holiday in this venturesome destination, you must skim through this post. We have curated a list of 20 stunning places to visit in Sabah.

1. Manukan Island

Manukan Island is one of the most scenic islands in Sabah. This beautiful island is graced with crystal clear turquoise waters, soft & pure white sand, vibrant coral reefs, blue skies, and palm trees, creating a postcard-perfect backdrop. Manukan Island is a natural wonder of Sabah in Malaysia. Visiting this place will make you enjoy a tropical paradise.

Spending time here will relax and rejuvenate your soul. Besides, you can also indulge in a few outdoor activities like swimming, snorkeling, and other water sports. You can reach here with a short boat ride from Kota Kinabalu, making it easy for locals and tourists to get here.
 
2. Gaya Street Sunday Market

Gaya Street organizes a Sunday market that offers a wide range of things like handicrafts, street foods, local produce, and other traditional souvenirs. It is one of the best places to visit in Sabah if tourists love to take a memory of their trip home. This market comes alive every Sunday morning with kaleidoscopic colors, sounds, aromas, and the bustling noise of vendors.
 
Settled in Kota Kinabalu, Gaya Street Market is the heart of Sabah for its cherished traditions, culture, cuisine, and community spirit. If you want to buy something to bring home and explore this vibrant market, Gaya Street is the place you should head to.
 
3. Masjid Bandaraya

Masjid Bandaraya is fondly known as the floating mosque in Sabah. It is one of the famous Sabah tourist attractions that attracts the attention of many travelers. It has an Islamic architecture with a modern blend. Masjid Bandaraya is dotted with swaying palm trees and sparkling water. It creates a perfect backdrop for tourists, especially during sunset and sunrise.

You can enjoy guided tours here, experience the tranquility of its atmosphere, and learn about the rich history of the mosque.

4. Mari Mari Cultural Village

Mari Mari Cultural Village is a well-known museum in Sabah near Kota Kinabalu. Settled in Inanam, Mari Mari Cultural Village is an escape from the noise of the bustling city. It offers you a touch of the traditional Malaysian lifestyle. It is one of the best places in Sabah that beautifully preserved Borneo culture.

Some of the things that are the highlights of this place are traditional houses, cultural performances, and activities like blowpipe hunting, bamboo cooking, etc. You can also try a few delicious traditional dishes while exploring the serene corners of this village.

5. Sabah State Museum

The Sabah State Museum is one of the popular Sabah attractions. Founded in 1985, the Sabah State Museum has a Science and Education Center, Sabah Art Gallery, and the Museum of Islamic Civilization. This museum preserves, interprets, and showcases the Sabah’s cultural heritage, history, and biodiversity.
 
It has a vast collection of exhibits, artifacts, and galleries. The best way to explore this museum is to take a museum tour, indulge in educational programs, and enjoy cultural events. If you love visiting museums and learning about history, Sabah State Museum is the place you must head to.

6. Danum Valley Conservation Area

Danum Valley Conservation Area is one of the picturesque places of Sabah in Malaysia. Settled in the northeastern part of Borneo in Sabah, Danum Valley is an unspoiled rainforest filled with various species. Sprawled across over 43,800 hectares of land, Danum Valley is one of Southeast Asia’s undisturbed forests.

Danum Valley has a diverse flora and fauna, including flying squirrels, king cobras, sambar deer, red-leaf monkeys, pygmy elephants, etc. Besides, it is a perfect place for various activities like trekking, birdwatching, etc. If you are in Sabah and want to connect with nature, there is no better place than Danum Valley.

7. Mount Kinabalu

Mount Kinabalu is one of the most towering mountain peaks in Malaysia. Nestled on the west coast of Sabah, Mount Kinabalu stands at a whooping height of 4101 meters. Mount Kinabalu is a beautiful point between the Himalayas and Papua New Guinea. Mount Kinabalu offers many things to do in Sabah for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.

Mount Kinabalu offers diverse ecosystems, making it a paradise for endemic flora and fauna. Trekking is the most-loved adventure by travelers. If you are a nature enthusiast and thrill-seeker, you must visit Mount Kinabalu.

8. Bohey Dulang Island

Bohey Dulang Island is one of the most surreal islands in Sabah. This island has been created by the remains of an ancient volcano. It is best known for its scenic views, surrounded by colorful coral reefs, lush greenery, turquoise waters, and rare species of flora and fauna. Bohey Dulang Island also offers many water sports like diving and snorkeling. These are some of the best things to do in Sabah.

It is an ideal destination for travelers who love tranquil places and capture the natural beauty. Bohey Dulang Island offers a pleasant experience and unparalleled landscapes to capture in your heart forever.

9. Gunung Mulu National Park

Gunung Mulu National Park is a picturesque national park located in the Sarawak. The park comprises hollow caves and karst formations in the mountainous equatorial rainforest. It is known for being one of the best cave systems in the world and for exploring the Borneo rainforests. This national park is among the most wonderful places in Sabah to experience the best of nature.

One of the most-visited caves in the Gunung National Park is Deer Cave. The other caves, like Clearwater & Wind Cave, can be accessed by boat. If you love to indulge in the caving experience, Gunung Mulu National Park is the best place to head.

10. Kinabalu National Park

Kinabalu National Park is another marvelous park in Sabah, Malaysia. Home to Mount Kinabalu, this park is embellished with fantastic hiking trails, lush green jungles, ancient mountain ranges, and rare flora & fauna. Kinabalu Park is among the most stunning places to see in Sabah.

It houses over 4500 species of flora & fauna, 100 mammalian wildlife, and 326 bird species. Kinabalu Park is one of the best biological sites in the world. You can also enjoy a variety of activities for adventure seekers. There are spectacular trekking trails to unearth on your visit here.

11. Sipadan Island

Sipadan Island is a heavenly place of Sabah in Malaysia. It is home to an array of marine life species, diving spots, and pristine coral reefs. Sipadan Island is a spectacular place in Sabah.  Among the many things you can enjoy here, some are Scuba Diving, Birdwatching, Snorkeling, and the Sipadan Liveboard.

No matter what kind of holiday you seek here, Sipadan Island has everything you want in your vacation. From nature to adventure, Sipadan is a perfect vacation spot in Sabah.

12. Maliau Basin

Maliau Basin is one of the most stunning forest reserves in Sabah. It is fondly known as the Lost World of Sabah. This basin is recognized as a place of natural significance, and biological wealth stretches across 58,840 hectares of land. Every corner of this forest reserve is filled with wildlife, nature, waterfalls, trekking trails, and much more.
 
Whether you are a jungle trekker, birdwatcher, or nature enthusiast, Maliau Basic will never fail to disappoint you. There are over 270 species of birds, 30 species of mammals, 80 species of orchids, and more. At every turn, Maliau Basin has something scenic worth capturing in your devices and heart forever.

13. Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is a collection of five Malaysian islands settled off the shore of Kota Kinabalu. It is named after the first Prime Minister of Malaysia. This park is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Sabah for many reasons. It is an ideal destination for travelers who enjoy underwater activities or relax by the sandy beaches.

Among the many water sports you can enjoy here, the most popular one is Snorkeling. It is also known as one of the famous snorkeling destinations in Malaysia. Thousands of people throng to this place to relish the best vacation.

14. Lok Kawi Wildlife Park

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park is an impressive wildlife sanctuary, occupying 280 acres of land and is settled about 25 km from Kota Kinabalu. It is home to distinct tropical animals such as Sun Bear, Proboscis Monkey, Bornean Elephants, Clouded Leopard, Sambar Deer, Hornbills, etc. It is one of the major Sabah attractions that attracts thousands of tourists every year.

Some of the things you can do here are animal shows, bird watching, wildlife viewing, and walking on nature trails. It remains open throughout the week from 09:30 am to 05:30 pm.

15. Mataking Island

Mataking Island is one of the best resort islands in Malaysia. The island has some of the best beaches in the country. Mataking Island is a diamond-shaped island, home to a turtle hatchery and the first underwater post office. It has been a famous filming spot for many movies. Mataking is a magnificent gem of Malaysia.

It offers postcard-perfect landscapes illustrated with turquoise blue water, pristine beaches, beautiful sky, and lush green valleys. There are luxurious and awe-inspiring accommodations for tourists to enjoy island life.

16. Mantanani Island

Mantanani Island is an exquisite marvel of Sabah. Sitting on the lapse of tranquility and serenity, Mantanani Island is a hidden gem in the heart of Sabah. It is home to an array of flora and fauna, including sea cows, endangered dugongs, etc. Moreover, tourists can also indulge in a range of activities like snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, biking, etc.

If you love to relax by the beach, enjoy water sports, admire scenic views of the surroundings, and try delicious cuisines, Mantanani Island is your getaway spot.

17. Kinabatangan River

Kinabatangan River is one of the longest rivers in Sabah, starting from Crocker Range in Southwest Sabah and ending at the Sulu Sea southeast of Sandakan. It is home to a wide variety of animals and plants. It is one of the most exquisite Sabah attractions. For wildlife lover tourists, the Kinabatangan River is an ideal spot. They can witness different wildlife in their natural habitat, such as orangutans, kingfishers, hornbills, pygmy elephants, crocodiles, and many more.

You can take a boat and jungle exploration tours to learn more about its surrounding areas. The river boasts unparalleled views you can capture on your devices during sunset.

18. Turtle Island Park

Nestled in Turtle Island, the national park is home to countless protected species of turtles. It includes endangered species of green turtles and hawksbill turtles. It is one of the most impressive places to visit in Sabah. This national park is only famous for its sea turtles. However, it offers a range of activities for travelers to enjoy.

Some of the things you can do here are zip-lining, mountain expeditions, and other thrill-seeking activities. The best time to visit this island park is between July and October.

19. Kapalai Island

Kapalai Island is one of the most elegant places to visit in Sabah. Nestled on the north-western coast of Sabah Borneo, Kapalai Island is the best destination for scuba diving enthusiasts. It draws the attention of many tourists, from honeymooners to scuba divers. The island has many beautiful resorts in the middle of the island, making travelers enjoy the best sea vacation of their lives.

Some of the best things about this island are the sunset views, comfortable stays, exciting water sports, crystal clear water, and boundless sea. If you are seeking a quaint holiday, there is no better place to visit than Kapalai Island.

20. Tawau Hills National Park

Tawau Hills National Park is a nature lover’s dream location. Positioned in Tawau Town in the Southeastern part of Sabah, it is one of the most magnificent places to visit in Sabah. This national park offers many activities like bird watching, wildlife viewing, trekking, hiking, etc. These are the must-do things to do in Sabah.

Some of the highlights of this park are Table Waterfalls, Bukit Gelas Waterfall, Sulfur Springs, Bombalai Hills, etc. No matter what kind of holiday you seek in Sabah, Tawau Hills National Park is one of the must-visit places.

Discover the Must-see Places in Sabah with Dook!

Sabah is the most underrated gem of Malaysia that awaits tourists. It has everything a traveler seeks in a quaint holiday. From awe-inspiring islands to beautiful national parks, countless conservative areas, and spectacular attractions, Sabah is an all-round destination.

If you want to visit this magical Malaysian treasure, take the help of Dook International. We have a range of pocket-friendly Sabah tour packages specially curated to match traveler's needs. Our Sabah travel packages are handcrafted, offering a personalized experience.

We at Dook International ensure that our travelers live the best holiday experience without any last-minute or mid-trip hassle. So, what are you waiting for? Hurry! Book your Malaysia trip now!

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