There are many reasons why you should visit Sabah in Malaysia on your future getaways. Besides admiring the majestic mountains and beautiful beaches, there’s more to Sabah than meets the eye, including outdoor activities, cultural tours, and delicious halal food. To inspire your next trip to Sabah when the time is right, here are some experiences that await you!
Admire bucket list-worthy attractions
Ask any locals about their favourite attraction in Sabah and they would tell you all about Mount Kinabalu. Known as Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, adventure seekers would spend more than a day hiking to the peak of Borneo’s highest mountain. While hiking, look out for pitcher plants.
If you’re up for more adventure, trek to Maliau Basin, also described as the Lost World of Sabah. Circled by pristine rainforest, Maliau Basin is a unique basin-shaped water catchment that flows to the Maliau River and Kinabatangan River. Some tours will take you to the seven-tier Maliau waterfall and we heard that it’s absolutely breathtaking!
Get ready for a world class diving experience
You don’t have to travel far to immerse yourself in a world class diving experience because Sabah has it all. Whether you choose snorkelling or scuba diving, there are many amazing diving sites in Sabah including the nearby Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, and the islands in the east coast of Sabah such as Lankayan island in Sandakan and Sipadan Island in Semporna. So put your gears on and dive amid the beautiful corals, sea turtles, barracudas, clown fishes and sometimes you can find the rare and even endemic species of underwater life.
Plan a romantic honeymoon in a floating villa
Ideal for honeymooners, Sabah is brimming with stunning resorts that are perfect for romantic getaways. Surrounded by crystal clear waters and clear skies, get ready for a memorable vacation in accommodations like Gaya Island Resort and Bunga Raya Resort in Gaya Island, Mabul Water Bungalow in Mabul Island, Nusakuya Resort located off the coast of Semporna, Mataking Island and Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort in Sipadan Island. You may need to save up to spend a night in these beautiful floating villas, but the view is absolutely worth it.
See more wildlife encounters than just Orangutans
There are many opportunities to experience wildlife encounters in Sabah! The century-old pristine rainforest is home to various species including the endangered Proboscis monkey and Sun Bear, the world’s smallest bear.
If you want to get up close to the famous Orangutans, visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sandakan thatcares for young orphaned orangutans before releasing them into the wild. Visitors are not allowed to touch the orangutans, but you can still say hello from the walkway during their daily feeding sessions.
Immerse yourself in the cultural side of Sabah
Sabah is a melting pot of cultures that primarily consists of indigenous ethnic groups. Their unique tradition and language are widely practiced today, so take the opportunity to get to know its history and culture. Visit Mari Mari Cultural Village in Kota Kinabalu to know more about the five main ethnic groups in Sabah namely Dusun, Rungus, Lundayeh, Bajau, and Murut. Each group offers unique experiences in the cultural village, from bamboo cooking in the Dusun house to learning traditional craft in the Rungus house.
There’s also the Linangkit Cultural Village in Tuaran where you can discover the social and cultural heritage of the Lotud people. After immersing yourself in a guided tour around the village, you can try on their traditional costume, learn handicrafts, and uncover the best ways to pluck a tapioca.
Don’t forget to try yummy traditional food in Sabah like hinava (sliced mackerel fish with chili, onion, ginger and lime juice) and latok (seaweed with cili padi, lime and sambal belacan). It’s absolutely unique!
Article contribution of Sabah Tourism Board
