About Sabah Malaysia

A favourite getaway for a long weekend is Kinabalu Park and its surrounding attractions. Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site, Kinabalu Park, is a paradise for nature and adventure lovers. Hike along the many trails found within the park or visit the nearby Poring Hot Springs for a canopy walk and a dip in a natural hot spring. 

Further down is the Desa Cattle Dairy Farm (their ice-creams a must-try!) History buffs should take the time to visit the Kundasang War Memorial and, if you have time to spare, how about teeing off at Mount Kinabalu Golf Club? 

If scaling Mount Kinabalu is your main agenda, dedicate your trip solely for this – climbers have to spend a night midway up the mountain at the Panalaban Base Camp before continuing the ascent to the peak at the break of dawn.

The north beckons! A leisurely 3-hour drive from KK city is the district of Kudat. The main attraction is none other than the northern-most tip of Borneo, Tanjung Simpang Mengayau (popularly referred to as Tip of Borneo). But these days, travelers head here for the breathtaking beaches, far from the madding crowd. 

Be it Kelambu, Kalampunian or Bak Bak Beach, you’ll fall in love with the sparkling waters and powder-soft sand instantly. Kudat is also known for its ideal surfing waves so bring a board! 

Along the way, visit other attractions including the Bavanggazo Longhouse, Gombizau Honey Bee Farm and the gong-making village of Sumangkap.

3. Food for the soul

Kota Kinabalu promises a paradise for the adventurous palate, so why not dedicate a short trip on all things delicious? Step one: Arrive with an empty stomach. Step 2: Find food! Start with coffee shop favourites within the city centre – a bowl of laksa at Kedai Kopi Yee Fung, bak kut teh along Gaya Street, wok-fried favourites at Ang’s Hotel and perk up with kopi-O (black coffee) and satay at KK’s oldest coffee shop, Kedai Kopi Yuit Cheong. It goes without saying that you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to seafood in Sabah – favourites in town include Welcome Seafood in Asia City and the sprawling Seri Selera Kampung Air. 

Want some authentic traditional food? Visit D’Place Kinabalu at Plaza Shell in the heart of the city for a good selection of ethnic fare.

4. Speak to your inner conservationist

A long weekend is perfect for exploring the East Coast jewel that is Sandakan. Known as a hotspot for wildlife and conservation, Sandakan offers a peek of otherwise elusive creatures, great and small. Learn more about the Bornean Sun Bear and efforts in protecting these beautiful mammals at the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Right next door is the renowned Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre. 

Also within the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve is the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) – a sanctuary for bird-watchers and nature lovers. The main attraction is the canopy walkway, where visitors can literally walk among the trees 25 metres off the ground. 

But if you truly want to immerse yourself in the natural habitat of Borneo’s wildlife, set aside your 3D2N itinerary for Kinabatangan and Sukau where you can stay along any of the many lodges along the river and go on a guided tour on a safari river cruise. It’s also a great way to support sustainable community-led tourism initiatives.

5. Up your IG game

Less than an hour’s drive from Kota Kinabalu is the picturesque districts of Kiulu and Tamparuli. Start your visit by battling the rapids at Kiulu River – but fret not, Kiulu river is rated Grade I-II making it ideal for white water rafting beginners. If adventure is more your style, Zipborneo (www.zipborneo.com) offers an array of activities for the thrill-seeker in Kiulu: ziplining, abseiling and high ropes to name a few. Set up camp by the river and spend the afternoon dipping in the cool water. 

If you happen to be visiting on a Wednesday, head over to Tamparuli town and check out the weekly tamu or traditional open air market. Along the way, visit the famous hanging bridge of Tamparuli for a photo op. For more of the weird and wonderful, Tamparuli is where you’ll find one of the five upside down structures in the world, the Tamparuli Upside Down House and just around the corner is the Chanteek Borneo Gallery – an indigenous costume museum.