Sabah, located on the island of Borneo in Malaysia, is a remarkable destination in Southeast Asia. You will indeed be seduced by its breathtaking landscapes, its exceptional biodiversity and its adventure activities. Sabah is truly a paradise for nature lovers and travelers in search of discoveries. The diversity of landscapes is incredible, from its majestic mountains to its dense jungles and paradisiacal beaches. In this article, we will explore the main places to visit in Sabah. These include Kota Kinabalu, Sepilok, and Sipadan Island.
Kota Kinabalu: Capital and Starting Point
The coastal city of Kota Kinabalu (KK), the capital of Sabah, is the ideal gateway to explore this fascinating region. Situated on the seaside, with Mount Kinabalu as a backdrop, the city offers a blend of modernity, culture and nature.
Mount Kinabalu
One of Sabah’s main attractions is Mount Kinabalu. It is the highest peak in Southeast Asia, reaching 4,095 metres. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kinabalu National Park is a paradise for hikers and mountaineers. Climbing Mount Kinabalu is a physical challenge, but the view from the summit at sunrise is well worth the effort. Even if you don’t plan on climbing, a stroll through the park offers a chance to discover the unique flora. Particularly rare orchids and the famous Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Park Islands
Off the coast of Kota Kinabalu is the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. It is a group of five tropical islands: Gaya, Manukan, Mamutik, Sapi and Sulug. Easily accessible by boat from KK Harbour, these islands offer stunning beaches, colourful coral reefs and crystal clear waters, making them ideal for snorkelling, scuba diving and kayaking.
Local markets of Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu is also known for its bustling markets, which are a great place to experience the local culture. The night market offers a plethora of Malaysian specialities. While the Gaya Street Sunday Market is the place to find handicrafts, clothing, souvenirs and tropical fruits.
Sepilok: Orangutan Sanctuary
About a six-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu, Sepilok is a must-see for wildlife enthusiasts. This small town is best known for its famous orangutan rehabilitation center.
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center
Established in 1964, the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center is one of the first centers in the world dedicated to the rehabilitation of orphaned and injured orangutans. Visitors can observe these fascinating primates in their semi-wild natural habitat and witness their reintroduction process into the forest. Twice a day, around 10am and 2pm, rangers place fruits and planets on a platform. The orangutans gradually emerge from the jungle to come and feed. There is also a nursery for abandoned young orangutans.
I stayed at the Sepilok Nature Lodge, which is very well located, right next to the rehabilitation centre. I was lucky enough to meet a mother orangutan and her baby on my way to breakfast.
Sun Bear Conservation Centre
Right next to the orangutan rehabilitation centre is the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, which aims to protect the sun bear, the smallest bear species in the world. By visiting this centre, you will learn a lot about these endangered animals. But you will also be able to observe them in a semi-natural environment.
Rainforest Discovery Center
Not far away is the Rainforest Discovery Center where you can observe many birds from platforms connected by an elevated path. A unique way to discover the forest. You will also see some of the tallest trees in Borneo.
Kinabatangan River
Not far from Sepilok, the Kinabatangan River is one of the best places in Sabah to observe wildlife. A cruise on the river allows you to see pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, crocodiles and many species of birds, including hornbills. This area is a real treasure for lovers of river safaris and animal observation.
Sipadan: A Diver’s Paradise
For scuba diving enthusiasts, Sipadan is a dream destination. This isolated island, located in the Celebes Sea, is regularly ranked among the best diving sites in the world due to its exceptional marine biodiversity.
Scuba Diving in Sipadan
Sipadan Island is a rocky peak that emerges from a depth of 600 meters. This very specific configuration generates currents that can be strong. In return, an immense variety of marine life thrives there! During a dive in Sipadan, you will have the chance to encounter schools of tropical fish, sea turtles, sharks, barracudas and bumphead parrotfish. The government has imposed a maximum quota of about 150 divers per day. And also the payment of a fairly high tax that only allows two dives per day.
If you don’t dive, snorkeling in Sipadan is just as magical. Even from the surface, you can admire a wide variety of colorful fish and vibrant corals in the crystal clear waters.
Stay on Mabul and Kapalai Islands
Although Sipadan is an uninhabited island, the neighboring islands of Mabul and Kapalai offer comfortable accommodation for divers and snorkelers. Mabul is known for its beach resorts, while Kapalai is a veritable village on the water, with bungalows built on stilts. These islands also offer many dive sites, especially for “muck diving”, a form of macro diving where you can observe fascinating small creatures such as frogfish and seahorses.
Semporna
Sometimes your means of transport will probably arrive in Semporna before boarding a flight to Mabul. Semporna is indeed the regional hub for buses and planes. Semporna is not a major attraction. But dining at one of the fish restaurants located on the jetty near the port will still be enjoyable.
Other Must-Do Activities in Sabah
In addition to the sites mentioned above, Sabah offers a multitude of other activities that will delight adventurers and nature lovers.
Ranau
Located not far from Mount Kinabalu, this region is known for its Poring hot springs and forest treks. The Poring Suspension Bridge allows you to walk above the canopy and enjoy the spectacular view of the surrounding jungle.
Danum Valley Lake
For a complete immersion in the rainforest, Danum Valley is the ideal place. This reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including leopards, elephants and many birds. The area is also perfect for hiking, night safaris and bird watching.