While many have heard of the Land Below the Wind and Kota Kinabalu, this article highlights the Best Places to Visit in Sabah for 2015. This year is also Malaysia Year of Festivals 2015 and the entire nation will be celebrating this event throughout the year and Sabah over in East Malaysia has some pretty amazing places to visit for MyFest2015. While Sabah offers multiple areas for tourism, you should plan your trip in order to make the best of your Sabah visit.
A general guideline to how long should you spend in Sabah, I would say that around seven to ten days for the foreigners to explore the east and west of Sabah and for the locals, I would consider three nights would be just nice for one city in Sabah. Among the best places to visit in Sabah, they are narrowed down by logistics and accessibility for everyone and the list is;
Sandakan City Panoramic Photo (Click to see large) |
Sandakan
A true nature city, Sandakan boasts of the best wildlife in the entire Malaysia where visitors can see the famous Orangutans at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, The Bornean Sun Bear at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre just next to Sepilok and Labuk Bay to see the unique mascot of Malaysia - The Proboscis Monkey. For the hardcore wildlife and nature lover, there is the massive Kinabatangan River where all of the natural wildlife can be spotted by doing some river cruises and nature walks here.
The curious traveler can also explore the Gomantong Caves which is one of the premier birds nest collecting caves in Sabah, a trip here will let you understand more in depth knowledge of this fascinating and expensive luxury sought by many Chinese people around the world. Gomantong Caves are also located on the way to Kinabatangan and Sukau.
Island lovers fear not, just outside Sandakan are two popular islands - Selingan Island (Turtle Island) and Lankayan Island. Turtle Island offers visitors the experience to watch turtles lay their eggs and also releasing the baby turtles back to the sea. Lankayan Island on the other hand has only one diving resort and is a one of the beautiful and popular diving spots off Sandakan in east coast Sabah.
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center in Sandakan |
The new Sepilok Nursery |
The oldest stone church in Sabah here in Sandakan |
A heritage city walk is available for those interested in the history of Sandakan while everyday life in the city is a must experience, especially the Sandakan Wet Market which is divided into the dry section and the fish market. This also one of the best places to buy fresh seafood in Sandakan.
Food in Sandakan is easily available around the main town area and also at Mile 4 area. Local hawker food is found around the main town area and seafood restaurants are popular around Mile 4. A notable place to explore is the Prima Square Area at Mile 4 in Sandakan which is the latest development here. A lot of cafes, restaurants and bars are found here. A recommended place is called SS2 Prima. For additional information, you can also read my previous article on 10 Things to do in Sandakan.
Tawau
Teck Guan Cocoa Museum in Sandakan |
Salt Fish at the Tawau Market |
There are a few areas where the seafood restaurants in Tawau are located at. For foodies, you must also try the famous Pisang Cheese in Tawau or the Banana Fritters with Cheese as this is one of the local unique foods here.
Tawau was once known as the cocoa empire, and today, the farmers are still producing this. One of the forefathers of Cocoa can be seen at the Teck Guan Cocoa Factory here. A visit to this interesting museum will open your eyes to the cocoa world. Among other interesting and fun attractions around Tawau is the Lost World of Sabah or Maliau Basin, where it is a shorter route here compared to Kota Kinabalu. Maliau Basin is a highly protected conservation area where serious hikers, trekkers and nature lovers should visit. It's the rainforest of rainforest, the best Sabah has to offer.
Tawau Seafood choices, some unique dishes available |
Lahad Datu
Tabin Wildlife Resort, Lahat Datu |
Danum Valley Canopy Walk |
Another very special place in Sabah is also Danum Valley which is 70 kilometres west of Lahad Datu. Called the Danum Valley Conservation Area, this is also one of the highlighted nature and wildlife places in Sabah having being known as the only luxury resort in the middle of the rainforest. When I say luxury, this is of course the international standards of luxury and not your usual luxury resorts.
Getting here overland will easily take you 3-4 hours via four wheel drive and it is well worth the journey as you will pass pristine rainforest spotting a variety of wildlife, flora and birds. A must-visit place if you love all things nature, wildlife and birds.
The star attraction here is the very unique Canopy Walk at Danum Valley which stretches from tree to tree and where one can spend the whole morning observing nature and of course the many birds found here. Many bird watchers are known to come here to spot a number of the endemic birds found in Borneo.
Mabul Island
Mabul Island, off Semporna |
To get here, one needs to fly into Tawau and take a taxi to the laid back seaside town of Semporna and then a 30 minute boat ride here. Attractions on Mabul Island are the lodges and resorts built over the waters and also the luxurious water bungalows give you the feel of being in the Maldives. The island is so small, it takes only 20 minutes to walk from one end to the other. Islanders or the Sea Bajaus make this island home therefore you will have the opportunity to witness the local lifestyle here.
A Green Turtle seen around Mabul Island |
Maliau Basin
Maliau Basin in Sabah |
Maliau Basin, Sabah |
A trip to Maliau Basin is usually booked through specialized tour agents in Kota Kinabalu. You can also find Maliau Basin Packages from recommended online sites from Malaysia too.
Again, a reminder that this place is not recommended for those with any medical condition and moreover, there are no clinics, shops or restaurants here, while the nearest village is hours away.
The time it takes to get to the entrance of Maliau Basin from KK is about 3-4 hours while from Tawau, it is about 2.5 to 3 hours. From the entrance to the base camp is another one to two hours off road drive on the former logging roads.
Kota Kinabalu City
Kota Kinabalu City, vibrant and exciting |
Gaya Street Market on Sunday |
Apart from the city, one can do a some nature walks at the KK Wetlands or even at the Sabah Museum Botanical Gardens. For an amazing view of the city, visitors can trek up to Signal Hill Observation Point in town during the evening to photograph the much talked about amazing KK sunsets. This is one of the recommended places to see KK city and the sunsets.
Hard Rock Cafe Kota Kinabalu Rock Shop |
Other notable places in the city include KK times Square and the existing KK Waterfront. Food is also a popular must-have while here as there are numerous seafood restaurants found around the city. A great place to explore for food is around the Gaya Street area too.
Kinabalu Park
Mount Kinabalu Peak seen from the Kinabalu Park |
A mountain squirrel |
Around the entrance area, you can also visit the Kinabalu Park Museum which has some interesting information of flora and fauna. Bird Watching is also a very popular hobby here too so don't be surprised if you see a number of people with huge telephoto lenses walking around the park.
Most pre-arranged trips via tour and travel agents will take you to Kinabalu Park and also to Poring Hot Springs, and if you're lucky, to spot the world famous Rafflesia flower, if it's in bloom.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (TAR Park)
Manukan Island, Sabah |
The most popular island here would be Manukan Island followed by Mamutik Island where day trips here will let the traveler experience the natural island beauty complete with a lunch before returning back to the mainland in the afternoon. Among the unique activities here, visitors can go trekking or bird-watching while for those wanting to stay here, there is also a resort available. Food is easily available from the many restaurants and cafes on the island while for water sports, there are shops that offer equipment rentals.
Coral Flyer Island Zipline in KK - Image from www.voicewithin4me.blogspot.com |
Mount Kinabalu and KK view from Manukan Island |
You can also read an interesting article about Why I Keep re-visiting Sabah featured on popular news website MalaysiaKini. This article was written by me based on my actual experiences at all of the places mentioned in the Best Places to Visit in Sabah for 2015.