Sitting atop Borneo—the world’s third-largest island, Sabah offers a wide variety of attractions. First-time visitors and returning guests can always find something to make their journey memorable.
With more than 300 islands, Sabah has the highest concentration of small islands in Malaysia overlooking the South China Sea, Sulu Sea, and the Celebes Sea. Visitors to these islands can enjoy a variety of activities—from a volcanic mud bath at Pulau Tiga to beach glamping at Pulau Dinawan, swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Pulau Mantanani, surfing in Kudat, and enjoying a panoramic view of the Celebes Sea in Pulau Bohey Dulang.
There’s no better way to immerse yourself in a new culture than by attending one of Sabah’s many festivals. The state is known for its diverse population, with the Kadazan Dusun being the largest indigenous group, followed by the Bajaus and the Muruts. Kaamatan, or Harvest Festival, is the most important event in the Kadazan Dusun community’s calendar. It is held throughout the month of May to express gratitude for a good harvest.
The Tamu Besar, which takes place in October or November in the Kota Belud district, gives visitors a glimpse of the Bajau horsemen in action. Visit the interior for the annual Kalimaran Festival in March to learn about Murut’s craftmanship or participate in the Semporna’s water festival Regetta Lepa in April to experience the Bajau Laut or Sea Gypsies’ traditions.
Sabah’s countryside offers visitors both extreme and laidback activities. Explore the Taralamas River Canyon in Ranau, the Merabung River in Lahad Datu, and the Sinipung Hill in far-flung Long Pasia, to name a few. Go camping in Kiulu, Kadamaian, or the Ranau highlands, which guarantee visitors a spectacular view of the iconic Mount Kinabalu—the tallest peak on the island.
Community-based tourism gives visitors the option to add cultural immersion to their Sabah experience. This has allowed the local community to be more involved in this thriving industry and to continue to preserve and share their culture with others.
For the most part, this Land Below the Wind is a sanctuary for endangered and protected wildlife endemic to Borneo. It is home to one of the oldest rainforests in the world, dating back to 130 million years, and 688 bird species. take a trip to Sandakan and embark on a river cruise along the Kinabatangan River to get the chance to see Borneo pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, orangutans, sun bears, hornbills, crocodiles, and even Irrawaddy dolphins.
Sabah’s commitment to conservation is one of its most valuable assets. Most of the established and world-renowned conservation centers, such as the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, the world’s only Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Danum Valley Conservation Centre, Imbak Canyon and Maliau Basin, are located in the Heart of Borneo.
There is just as much to see underwater in Sabah as there is on the surface. Divers have been treated to sightings of killer whales or Orca, hammerhead sharks, and thresher sharks in waters off Sipadan and Layang-Layang islands. Endangered dugongs have been spotted off Pulau Tiga and Mantanani Island. Whale sharks are also known to appear close to Kota Kinabalu city in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park islands.
Looking for the best muck diving spot in Sabah? Semporna is unquestionably the place to be, as it serves as the entryway to Mabul and Bum-Bum islands, which are teeming with exotic little marine critters and minuscule species.
The Sabah Tourism Board launched its “Feel Sabah, North Borneo” campaign at the ITB Berlin 2023 this month. Visit sabahtourism.com to learn more.
BIMP-EAGA
