Welcome to Sabah

Sabah is a Malaysian state located in the northern part of Borneo island. It is known for Mount Kinabalu, beaches, rainforest, coral reefs, wildlife, parks and reserves. 

Sabah Overview

📍Location: Northern Borneo, East of Malaysia
🗺️Famous Tourist Places in Sabah
Mount Kinabalu
Kinabatangan River
Klias River Cruise
North Borneo Cruise
Sandakan Wildlife Encounter Tour
⛅The Climate of Sabah
Hot and sunny throughout the year
Summer: May
Monsoon: October
Winter: January
⌛Best time to visit Sabah: March to September
🏙️Sabah is also known as: The land below the wind
🪩State Capital of Sabah : Kota Kinabalu
💰Currency: RM/MYR
🚌Internal Mode of Transportation
Air
Bus
Taxi
Ferry
Train
⭐Top Rated Dining in Sabah
Rumpun Selera
Medan Sri Sumila Kedai Kuning
NCR NABAWAN
Nasi ayam pensiangan
ATC Restoran Seafood & Steamboat
🎉Festival and events of Sabah
Chinese New Year : 29th January - 12th February 2025
Dragon Boat Festival : 31st May 2025
Thaipusam : 11th February 2025
Gawai : 1st and 2nd June 2025
Deepavali : 20th October 2025
Hari Raya Aidilfitri : 30th March to 31st March 2025
Vesak : 12th May 2025
Sabah Fest : 30th May 2025
Malaysia Water Festival : 13st April to 15th April 2025
National Day : 31st August 2025
Corn Festival : Late July to Mid August 2025
Kaamatan Festival : 30th May to 31st May 2025
Mooncake Festival : 6th October 2025
Hari Merdeka : 31st August 2025

Top 10 Things to Do in Sabah

1. Two Days & One Night Kota Kinabalu + Kundasang Package

Tour Overview

  • Accommodation in Kundasang 

  • Visit on must see attractions in Kota Kinabalu and Kundasang 

  • Therapeutic Massage at Luanti Fish Spa 

  • Transportation from Airport to hotel covered by NH Travel 

Package starts from MYR - 64

Things to Bring on the Tour

  • Snacks & Beverages allowed in the tour vehicle 

  • Camera, Hat, Sunglasses, sunscreen, cash


Note: Return Airport transfer available

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2. Bongawan Mangrove River Cruise, Fireflies, Sky Mirror Tour in Sabah

Tour Overview

  • Professional photographer available 

  • Watch the proboscis monkey along the river

  • Hotel pick up available 

Package starts from - MYR 90 

Note

  • Pick up Time: 13:00

  • Arrive at location 10 minutes prior to departure

  • Entry pass is generated 4-5 hours prior


Click to >> Book Tickets 

3. Day Tour Kinabatangan River (Lunch)

Tour Overview 

  • Hotel pick up and drop off 

  • Discover wildlife - Proboscis Monkey, bird species, hornbill and kingfisher at Sabah’s longest river 

  • Two River cruises 

Package starts from MYR 110

Things to Bring on the Tour

  • Raincoat, cap/hat, insect repellent, sunscreen, shoes, shocks, comfortable cotton T-Shirt. 


Click to >> Book Tickets 

5. North Borneo Cruises - Sunset Dinner Cruise

Tour Overview

  • Enjoy Borneo Sunset from rooftop sundeck and Kota Kinabalu Waterfront

  • 2 hour luxury cruise to North Borneo Cruises around TARP Islands and Kota Kinabalu City Waterfront 


Package starts from MYR 37

Note

  • No outside food and beverage is allowed

  • Consumption of drugs and conduct of illegal activities is strictly prohibited. 

  • Children 11 years and above needs supervision of guardian

  • Passengers with disabilities need to be accompanied by a caregiver

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6. Klias River Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Cruise

Tour Overview

  • See Fireflies dancing in the night sky at Kota Kinabalu

  • Experience Klias Wetlands at the stunning mangrove forest 

  • Taste the local cuisine on the river cruise


Package starts from MYR 161

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7. Manukan/Sapi/Mamutik Island Full Day Tour with Relaxing Hi-end afternoon tea

Tour Overview

  • Dive in crystal clear water for snorkeling 

  • Enjoy the Water sports like banana rides and parasailing 

  • Afternoon Tea

  • 10 minute boat ride from Jesselton Jetty to KK City. 

  • Encounter the huge monitor lizards 

Package starts from: MYR 243.2 

Things to bring on the Tour

  • Waterproof bag

  • Swimwear

  • Towel

Note

  • Age limit: Children between 3 to 11 years old 

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8. Rumah Terbalik The Upside Down House of Borneo Ticket in Sabah

Tour Overview

  • Upside down building equipped with upside down kitchen, living room, toilet, bedroom, garden and veranda.  

  • Tamu - gift shop

  • Wheelchair accessible 


Package starts from: MYR 8.39 


Note: Entry passes will be generated in 4-5 hours. 


Click to >> Book Tickets 

9. Half day Sepilok Orangutan & Sun Bear Tour

Tour Overview

  • Round trip from hotel to location 

  • Capture photos with orangutans and sun bear

  • Learn about the wildlife conservation and Borneo’s indigenous wildlife

Package starts from: MYR 91

Things to Bring on the Tour

  • Raincoat and wear comfortable t-shirt

Click to >> Book Ticket

10. Moonbay Snorkeling/Diving and Kawa Kawa River Cruise 1 Day Tour

Tour Overview

  • Discover the untouched reefs and vibrant marine life of South China Sea

  • Visit the Kawa Kawa wetland in Kota Belud, Sabah. 


Package starts from: MYR 474.8

Note: Participate in the briefing of the snorkeling and diving activities

Click to >> Book Tickets

How to Reach Sabah 

By Air

Kota Kinabalu International Airport - KKIA is the major entry point to Sabah via air. Few other towns with domestic flight connectivity are - Sandakan, Lahad Datu and Tawau. 

By Bus

The main bus stations of Kota Kinabalu which connects most routes of Sabah are: 

  • North Bus Terminal Inanam—Located 10 km from Kota Kinabalu, this is where most big AC buses operate to key cities like Sangakan, Tawau, Semporna, and Lahad Datu. 

  • Padang Merdeka (Merdeka Square) -Located at the city center

  • Wawasan Bus Terminal (Temporarily in front of Marina Court Apartment) -The majority of the outstation mini-buses operate from this location

  • KK Central - The bus terminal offers transportation to southern Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei. 

By Taxi 

Commuting via taxi would be the best option if you want to reach the destination faster and need to reach remote places. The taxi stands are located at the center of the towns and near the Sabah Airports.

By Ferry 

Kota Kinabalu ferry terminal is one of the popular boat terminals if you are planning to reach the nearby islands like Gaya, Manukan, Sapi and Mamutik. 

Another ferry terminal is the Semporna. It is the long jetty next to the Dragon Inn. 

Why Book Things to Do in Sabah from redBus?

Booking directly from the counter can be time-consuming and confusing. In some cases, you may even pay more. When you book your tour packages and things to do activities from redBus, you get instant confirmation. For tickets, you don’t need to go directly to the counter; you can book from anywhere at redBus. Don’t miss the offers listed; the tickets are cheaper than the counter rates.



Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which Sabah natural wonders are a must-see?

Sabah's breathtaking natural beauty is well-known. Among the must-see sights are:

  • Mount Kinabalu.

  • Kinabalu Park

  • Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

  • Sipadan Islan
2. What activities are popular among adventure seekers in Sabah?

Adventure seekers may take pleasure in:

  • Mountain climbing: Make your way up to the top of Mount Kinabalu.

  • Rafting: Padas River and Kiulu River provide exhilarating white water rafting excursions.

  • Snorkeling and diving: Some of the best underwater experiences may be found in the Sipadan, Mabul, and Kapalai Islands.

  • Trekking through the Jungle: Discover Danum Valley, a premier rainforest reserve
3. Are there any Sabah-specific cultural experiences?

Sabah does indeed have a rich cultural history. Do not miss the following experience: 

  • Visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village to discover more about the customs and way of life of the native people.

  • Explore the Monsopiad Cultural Village to learn about the origins of the mythical Kadazan warrior.

  • The Harvest Festival, Kaamatan is an exceptional occasion to celebrate the growing of rice and cultural events.
4. What are some Sabah activities that are suitable for families?

If you are traveling with your family don't miss the following activities in Sabah: 

  • Lok Kawi Wildlife Park: Witness the native fauna, which includes proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and orangutans.

  • Kundasang War Memorial: A lovely garden memorial with picturesque surroundings.

  • Kota Kinabalu Wetlands Centre: An eco-park for bird-watching and nature trails
5. Which beaches in Sabah are the greatest places to visit?

There are some of the most mesmerizing beaches in Sabah, such as:

  • Tanjung Aru Beach, a well-liked location for unwinding by the shore and watching sunsets.

  • Karambunai's Nexus Beach is a posh and exclusive beach.

  • Manukan Island, which is a part of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, is great for swimming and snorkeling. 
6. Can I visit Sabah's local markets and eat local food?

Yes, Sabah has lively marketplaces and delectable food. Kota Kinabalu's Gaya Street Sunday Market is a thriving marketplace that offers regional goods like cuisine, crafts, and trinkets. The Filipino market is well-known for its seafood and regional cuisine. Lastly, don't forget to try the fresh seafood, hinava (raw fish salad), and nasi linopot.
7. What is the best season to visit Sabah?

When it comes to outdoor activities like trekking and diving, the dry season, which runs from March to October, is the ideal time to explore Sabah. If you intend to visit islands or climb Mount Kinabalu avoid the rainy season from November to February. 
8. What kinds of wildlife encounters are possible in Sabah tour?

Experiences with wildlife in large numbers at Sabah:

  • Observe rescued orangutans in their natural environment at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center.

  • Discover endangered species in Danum Valley, including Bornean pygmy elephants, clouded leopards, and orangutans.

  • Famous for its wildlife river excursions to see proboscis monkeys and unusual birds, Kinabatangan River Safari is worth visiting.
9. How can I go to Mount Kinabalu, and is a permit required for climbing?

Mount Kinabalu is reachable by bus or cab from Kota Kinabalu, approximately 90 km away.

A climbing permit is really required. Due to limited vacancies, reservations should be made months in advance. A guide is necessary for the climb, and you should be in fairly good physical shape.
10. Which off-the-beaten-path locations exist in Sabah?

Few offbeat adventures you can try at Sabah are: 

  • Tawau Hills Park, is a lesser-known beauty featuring beautiful waterfalls and hot springs.

  • Maliau Basin, also known as Sabah's Lost World offers hikers a difficult and remote experience.

  • Tenom Agriculture Park is a peaceful destination offering botanical gardens and a closer look at Sabah’s agricultural practices.

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Top Activities in Sabah