ABOUT SABAH
- Often referred to as "Land Below The Wind"
- The second largest state in Malaysia after Sarawak.
- State capital is Kota Kinabalu (Formerly Jesselton).
- Home to more than 30 ethnic communities with the 3 main groups being the Kadazan-Dusun, Murut and Bajau.
INTERESTING FACTS:
- Agnes Keith House : located at Sandakan, Sabah > the house is named after Agnes Newton Keith, an American author known for her 3 autobiographical accounts of life in British North Borneo. The house has been restored and turned into a heritage house since the restoration works in 2004.
- Ai Terjun Bukit Gelas: located at Tawau Hill Parks, Sabah > enlisted as one of the Sabah Park (1979). The pristine clear water running through the river, the humid foresty tropical forest and the peaceful sound of the jungle are soothing for any nature lover soul.
- Anjung Kinabalu: formerly known as the Filipino Market, is a famous night market in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. It is a popular place to find Sabah handmade souvenirs and a variety of food, especially seafood.
- Balung River Eco Resort: with the pristine tropical rainforest of Tawau Hills Park as the backdrop, Balung River Eco Resort is a perfect getaway for holidaymakers and an increasingly popular venue for group meetings or corporate outings. > sabahtourism.com
- Borneo Ant House: a mini theme park in Tuaran, Sabah, Malaysia, known as the first underground gallery in the country. It features a variety of attractions, including an ant-themed gallery, cultural exhibits, and a canopy walk. The main attraction is the underground gallery with 463 ant replicas, showcasing the concept of an ant's nest. The park also includes exhibits on the cultures of the Bajau, Dusun Lotud, Iban, and Bidayuh ethnic groups, as well as a sword gallery with historical weapons.
- Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre: located at Sandakan, Sabah > a wildlife conservation and research centre for improving animal welfare and rehabilitation of the Malayan sun bear. It also aims to raise public awareness about the plight of the sun bears and to raise conservation awareness about this species.
- Bukit Gemok: a hill and recreational area located in Tawau, Sabah. It is famous for its dense rainforest and the long Titian Selara canopy walk, one of the longest in Sabah. The hiking trail offers beautiful views of Tawau town, the coastline, and the surrounding area.
- Bukit Maragang: located in Ranau, Sabah, Malaysia, is a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers, known for its stunning views, especially of Mount Kinabalu. It stands at 2,232 meters (7,323 feet) above sea level and is managed by the Mesilou Ecotourism Association. The hill offers a relatively moderate trek through forests, making it accessible to both experienced and casual hikers.
- City Mosque: located at Likas Bay just just 3 km from the city centre. The mosque can accommodate between 9,000 and 12,000 worshippers at a time.
- Columnar Basalt Balung Cocos: less an hour from Tawau,a rare geological formation that occurs when the thick basalt lava cools and contracts millions of years ago, creating towering hexagonal columns. It is the only one found in Malaysia.
- Crocker Range National Park: Spanning an area of 139,919 hectares of hill dipterocarp forests, the Crocker Range National Park is the largest terrestial park in the state. It is named after the British Administrator of North Borneo, William Maunder Crocker.
- Danum Valley: located 70 km from Lahad Datu, Sabah, a sanctuary for endangered species including the Sumatran Rhinoceros, Asian Elephant,clouded Leopard and Orang Utan as well as some 270 species of birds.
- Desa Cattle Dairy Farm: located at Kundasang > the home of the local Desa milk brand and the farm is popular with both locals and tourists, and it's not hard to see why! With a breathtaking view of the majestic Mount Kinabalu overlooking verdant pastures, it's no wonder it's named 'The Little New Zealand' of Sabah. The main attraction here is the cow farm, where families can come to partake in recreational and educational activities such as feeding the calves and goats, as well as understand the milking process all the way to how it is used to make the final product.
- Double Six Monument: A memorial located at the Sembulan, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. It marks the site of 6 June 1976 fatal plane crash known as Double Six Tragedy bearing the first Chief Minister of Sabah, Tun Fuad Stephens with six other State Ministers.
- Garama - klias Wetlands, Beaufort: The Garama Wetland, also known as Klias Wetland, is a large coastal wetland area located in the Beaufort district of Sabah, Malaysia, known for its diverse wildlife and river cruises. It's a popular ecotourism destination, particularly for viewing proboscis monkeys, and is easily accessible from Kota Kinabalu.
- Gaya Street Sunday Market: this popular Sunday Market at Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu, comprises hundreds of stalls offering a diverse array of goods.
- Gomantong Cave : in Sandakan, Sabah> the most famous source of Swiftlet nest, used for Chinese dishes the Bird's Nest Soup.
- Gunung Kinabalu: Kota Kinabalu, Sabah > The highest mountain in Southeast Asia (4101m) >https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Kinabalu
- Hamster World Ranau: a themed attraction featuring various types of hamsters and guinea pigs in mini replicas of cities from around the world such as Turkey, Egypt, France, and Mexico. The location is easily accessible by all types of vehicles. While it used to be part of Arnab Village and Magical Garden, it has since relocated to Kundasang. Visitors can enjoy the themed enclosures and interact with the tame hamsters.
- J.S. Nursery: located near the main road to Desa Cattle Farms. If you drive pass Kundasang War Memorial, the place is approximatively 5 minutes and above from the War Memorial, look at your right side. Buying flowers while feasting your eyes on the beauty of the various types of flowers available.
- Jesselton Point : is a waterfront area in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, known as the main ferry terminal for trips to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and Labuan Island. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering ferry services, water activities, dining, and shopping experiences.
- Jic Seng Nursery : also known as 日盛花园 (Rì Shèng Huā Yuán) in Chinese, is a popular plant nursery located along the road to Kundasang in Sabah, Malaysia. It's known for its wide variety of plants, including flowers, cacti, succulents, and greenery, as well as gardening supplies like pots, soil, tools, and gloves. The nursery is well-maintained and features neatly arranged plants, making it a visually appealing destination for plant enthusiasts. In addition to plants, Jic Seng Nursery also offers seeds and has a restaurant on-site.
- Kalabakan Memorial: located at Kalabakan, Tawau, Sabah. The memorial commemorates the 7 soldiers from the Royal Malay Regiment and their commander who dies on 29 December 1963 when intruders from Indonesia attacked their camp.
- Kampung Arnab Kundasang: a popular attraction in Ranau, Sabah, Malaysia, known for its large rabbit population and other animal encounters. It's a great place for families and animal lovers to interact with various rabbit breeds, including Angora, Lionhead, and Holland Lop, in an open and interactive environment.
- Kinabalu Park : located at Kundasang, Sabah > the first state park in Sabah. Malaysia's first UNESCO World Heitage Site, the park is the main starting point of the trail leading to the summit of Mount Kinabalu.
- Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary : The Kinabatangan River is home to one of the world's most unique and richest ecosystems. Home to most various wildlife in Southeast Asia.
- Kipandi Butterfly Park: a nature attraction in Sabah, Malaysia, located in Kampung Kipandi, Moyog, Penampang, within the Crocker Range. It's known for its rich biodiversity, especially its collection of butterflies and insects. The park sits at an altitude of 700 meters and is surrounded by lush greenery and hills.
- Kiulu Whitewater Rafting, Tamparuli: ideal for those who looking for a more relaxed rafting experience. Kiulu River is located at Kampung Pukak Kiulu, 42 km from Kota Kinabalu.
- Koko Hill Elf: a newly opened attraction located on Kokol Hill, about a 45-minute drive from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. It's known for its panoramic views of Mount Kinabalu, the city, and the sunset, as well as Instagram-worthy photo opportunities.
- Kokob Rafflesia Conservation Garden: located at Jalan Libang Marakau, Ranau, Sabah. A lush paradise dedicated to the unique Rafflesia flower and tropical flora in Sabah. Rafflesia is the world's largest flower.
- Kota Kinabalu Waterfront : a popular esplanade and entertainment hub located along the city's coastline. It's known for its vibrant atmosphere, offering a mix of dining, nightlife, and scenic views, particularly of the sunset over the South China Sea. The Waterfront is a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking a lively night out or a relaxing spot to enjoy the coastal scenery.
- Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre : a 24-hectare mangrove forest, is a vital ecological area in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. It's a haven for various bird species, including migratory birds, and is also home to other wildlife like mudskippers, crabs, and snakes. The center serves as a place for education, recreation, conservation, and research, offering a boardwalk for visitors to explore the unique mangrove ecosystem.
- Kundasang War Memorial : located in Kundasang, Sabah > dedicated to the British and Australian soldiers who died in the Sandakan POW Camp during their forced death marches from Sandakan to Ranau. Of the 2,500 Australian and British prisoners of war, only 6 Australian survived these death marches.
- Labuk Bay, Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary: Located 25 km from Sandakan, Sabah, the Proboscis Monkey known for its large nose, the endangered proboscis monkey a tree-dwelling primate indigenous to the island of Borneo.
- Lok Kawi Wildlife Park : located 25 km from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, is home to a varied collection of tropical animals which lives in enclosures designed to be like their habitat.
- Maliau Basin: Sabah's Lost world, a region in Tongod District of Sabah. In 1997, the Sabah State Assembly gazetted the Basin as a Protection Forest Reserve (Class I) with a total area of 588 sq. km.
- Mantanani Island : A group of 3 islands off the northwest of the state of Sabah. Opposite the town of Kota Belud, in the northern Borneo. The largest island is Mantanani Besar, the other are Mantanani Kecil and Lungisan. It is a popular site for recreational diving and is known for its Dugong.
- Mari-Mari Cultural Village: located at Inanam, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah - tours of local ethnic communities traditional homes, with culinary, craft & dance demonstrations.
- Marine Aquarium & Museum: in Kota Kinabalu is located within the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) campus and is run by the Borneo Marine Research Institute. It's a place where visitors can learn about marine life, especially what is found in the South China Sea and around Sabah's coastline. The museum features various exhibits, including live aquariums, a deep dive diorama, and a mangrove walk.
- Masjid Al-Kauthar: also known as Masjid Besar Tawau, is the largest mosque in Sabah, Malaysia, located in Tawau. It was built between 1997 and 2002 and can accommodate between 16,000 and 17,000 worshippers. The mosque was officially opened in 2004 by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong at the time, Syed Sirajuddin Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail.
- Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu: the second main mosque for the city of Kota Kinabalu in Likas, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, after the State Mosque in Sembulan.
- Masjid Negeri Sabah: State Mosque of Sabah is located in the capital city of Kota Kinabalu, known for its unique 'honeycomb cladding' of its large onion-shaped dome flanked with smaller golden domes and a slender sculptural minaret.
- Menara Tun Mustapha: also known as Sabah Foundation Building, is a 30-story, 122-meter-tall glass and steel structure in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. It is known for its unique, circular design and was one of the first buildings in the world to utilize a central core with steel brackets supporting each floor. The tower is a prominent landmark in Kota Kinabalu and a symbol of the state's progress.
- Mesilou Cat Village : is a feline sanctuary located near Kundasang, Sabah, Malaysia, offering a unique experience for cat lovers. It's a place where rescued stray cats from various parts of Sabah find refuge and care. Visitors can interact with the cats, pet them, and even take photos with them.
- Mesilou Highland Strawberry Farm: home to both a strawberry farm and a rose garden, often found in the same vicinity. The Mesilau Highland Strawberry Farm is a popular attraction where visitors can pick strawberries and enjoy the scenic views. Adjacent to the strawberry farm is a flower garden, featuring a variety of roses and other flowers, making it a beautiful spot for photography.
- Mongolian Yurt Wind Paradise Lodge: Adjacent to UNESCO World Heritage Kinabalu Park boundary, Wind Paradise has a cooling environment with refreshing air, while providing you a unique Mongolian homestay experience. Comfortable wooden lodges are also available.
- Monsopiad Cultural Village: 16 km from Kota Kinabalu, this cultural village pay tribute to the powerful and feared Kadazan Warrior, Monsopiad who live about 200 years ago.
- Mountain Toro via Ferrata, Kundasang: Mountain Torq manages the world's highest Via Ferrata in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mt Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia - Mt Kinabalu's
- North Borneo Heritage Train: previously known as North Borneo Railway is the last of a fleet of Locomotives that have piled the tacks through Borneo since 1900s. It runs 36 miles between Kota Kinabalu and Papar.
- Nunuk Ragang monument : is a symbolic cultural site for the Kadazan-Dusun people of Sabah, Malaysia, representing their traditional origins. It's located near Tampias, about an hour from Ranau town, at a site traditionally believed to be where the Kadazan-Dusun people first settled under a giant banyan tree. The monument was erected in 2004 by the Kadazan-Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) to commemorate their ancestral root
- Orang Utan : Sabah > Asia's only great Ape - only found in Sabah and not found anywhere else in the world.
- Padas River Whitewater Rafting: the Padas River in Tenom, Sabah, Malaysia, is a popular destination for white water rafting, particularly for its challenging rapids and scenic journey.
- Pasar Besar Kota Kinabalu: located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, is a vibrant marketplace that showcases the local culture and flavors of Borneo.
- Pasar Malam Sinsuran : is a popular night market in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, known for its vibrant atmosphere and wide array of goods and food. It's a place where locals and tourists alike can enjoy a lively shopping and dining experience.
- Pekan Nabalu Handicraft : is small town located near the Mount Kinabalu, Sabah. Its used to be 'Toilet stop' for tourists heading to Kinabalu Park. Nabalu town is located within 12 km from the National Park. Is now a popular market place in Sabah offering a variety of local handicrafts, agricultural products and fruits. The Market is situated with stunning view of Mount Kinabalu making it a popular stop for tourists.
- Poring Hot Spring : no trip to Kinabalu Park in Sabah is completed without a visit to Poring Hot Spring. Located 40 km southeast of the Kinabalu National Park, in the District of Ranau. It is known for its Hot Springs and the popular recreation and tourist complex is known as Poring Hot Springs.
- Pulau Gaya: the largest island in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, is a popular destination near Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. It's known for its lush tropical rainforest, diverse wildlife, and beautiful beaches, making it a great spot for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts.
- Pulau Bohey Dulang: a volcanic island and the second largest in Tun Sakaran Marine Park, located near Semporna, Sabah. It's known for its unique lagoon-like formation, which was created when the crater of an ancient volcano flooded with seawater. The island offers a challenging, but rewarding, 600-meter hike to the peak, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding marine park.
- Pulau Bum Bum: a populated island located near Semporna, Sabah, Malaysia, known for its diving and snorkeling spots, particularly the Tun Sakaran Marine Park. It's a popular destination for island hopping and is home to around 30,000 people across 52 villages. The island is also known for its muck diving opportunities and seaweed harvesting.
- Pulau Kapalai: located at Semporna, Sabah, Kapalai Island is distinctively different from other diving havens. Erosion has reduced the island to sea level and the village now sits on the edge of the extensive Ligitan Reefs.
- Pulau Layang-Layang : an Oceanic atoll of the Spratly Island administered by Malaysia. The Royal Malaysian Navy has maintained a presence on the reef since 1983. The atoll lies some 300 km north-west of Kota Kinabalu.
- Pulau Mabul : near the Sipadan Island, Mabul Island is recognised in its own right as one of the best muck-diving in the world. Mabul Island is administered as a part of the Semporna, Tawau District in Sabah.
- Pulau Mataking : located in the Celebes Sea on the state of Sabah. It is home to the first 'Underwater Post Office' in Malaysia and is connected to Pulau Mataking Kecil via a narrow sand bank.
- Pulau Sibuan: one of the most beautiful islands in the Celebes Sea. It is part of the Tun Sakaran Marine Park (also known as Semporna Islands Park), which contains the following islands besides Sibuan; Bodgaya, Boheydulang, Tetagan, Sebangkat, Selakan, Maiga and Mantabuan. There are no resorts on the islands, and also no public facilities.
- Pulau Sipadan: the only oceanic island in Malaysia. Located in the Celebes Sea off the east coast of Sabah. One of the richest marine habitats in the world and the best Diving site in the world..
- Pulau Timba-Timba :located near Semporna, Sabah, a long white sandy and photogenic landscape. It's close to Mataking Island so you can stay on Mataking and easily visit Timba-Timba from here.
- Puncak Borneo Resort: is located in Bundu Tuhan, Kundasang, Sabah, Malaysia. It offers comfortable accommodation and beautiful views, perfect for a peaceful holiday. Its location near Kinabalu Park and Kundasang Town makes it a strategic choice for tourists who want to explore the natural beauty of Sabah.
- Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sandakan: an environmental education centre focus on Borneo's rainforest. > www. forest.sabah.gov.my/RDC
- Rumah Terbalik: Upside-down House, is among the first of its kind in South East Asia. Located at Tamparuli, Rumah Terbalik becomes a place that has been attracting visitors since its opening in 2012. Wander the grounds of Sabahan-style house fully furnished with bedroom, living room, kitchen, bathroom. car and veranda, in a completely new perspective. This unique house has also been featured in the Malaysia Book of Records for being the first upside-down house in Malaysia.
- Sabah State Museum: situated on Bukit Istana Lama, this 17-hectares comprises the main museum, Science and Education Centre, Heritage Village, Sabah Art Gallery and Museum of Islamic Civilisation.
- Sabah Tea Garden: a popular tourist destination in Sabah, Malaysia, known for its organic tea plantation and rainforest setting. Nestled in the foothills of Mount Kinabalu, offering scenic views.
- Sabandar Cowboy Town : is a popular attraction in Tuaran, Sabah, offering cowboy-style experiences and exciting activities such as horse riding, mangrove forest tours, and firefly boat tours. It is located about 45 minutes from Kota Kinabalu and is perfect for tourists looking for a rustic atmosphere and outdoor activities.
- Sandakan Crocodile Farm : in Sabah, Malaysia, is the largest in the country, housing over 3,000 crocodiles, primarily bred for their skins. Located about 12 km from Sandakan town, the farm offers visitors a chance to see crocodiles up close, as well as other attractions like a mini zoo with various animals and a children's park.
- Sandakan Memorial Park : is a memorial site built in the former grounds of the former Sandakan camp in the Malaysian state of Sabah. The site is dedicated as a memory for all prisoners in the camp who died during the Sandakan Death Marches, and to those died during a march to Ranau during World War II.
- Sankina Hotspring Park: is a recreational park in Tawau that is suitable for all ages. have a family water park, and Agarwood Tea Farm.
- Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary: founded in 1964, this world-renowned sanctuary is dedicated to the rehabilitation, preservation and understanding Orang Utan. The orphaned Orang Utan are trained to survive again the wild and are released as soon s they are ready.
- Signal Hill Observatory Platform: in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, is a popular tourist attraction offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas. It features a high-roofed, UFO-shaped platform and is accessible by road from Padang Merdeka or via steps from Australia Place. From the platform, visitors can see modern buildings, Likas Bay, and on a clear day, the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. It's also a popular spot for watching sunsets.
- Sosodikon Hill : also known as Pyramid Hill, is a popular tourist destination in Kundasang, Sabah, Malaysia, known for its panoramic views of the Kundasang valley and Mount Kinabalu. It's a relatively short and easy hike, making it accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. The hill is a great spot for enjoying the scenery, taking photos, and experiencing the tranquility of the Kundasang highlands.
- Street Art Graffiti: Graffiti Corner in Kota Kinabalu > It’s the ruin of a nearly 100 years old British Colonial building (a.k.a. Old Welfare Building or Old Land & Survey Building) constructed between 1918 and late 1920. Unfortunately, though it survived the bombing during WWII, it was blazed by fire in 1992, otherwise it would be another great heritage building in KK.
- Tabin Wildlife Reserve : a nature preserve in Sabah, created in 1984 to reserve Sabah's disappearing wild animals. It is located 48 km east of Lahad Datu, Sabah.
- Tagal Tinopikon Park: located at Penampang > The highlight of this place is the Tagal, which simply means ‘no fishing zone. The local community manages it, and fishing around this area is prohibited. Fishes in this area Pelian breed fishes. These fishes are toothless and make the fish massage session ticklish.
- Taman Perdana Tanjung Aru: one of the best seats in town to enjoy a spectacular sunset on a clear day. Visitors can also enjoy a good meal at any of the eateries available here. The main attraction of Perdana Park is none other than the musical water fountain which comes alive from 4:00pm to 6:00pm, Mondays to Thursdays. On weekends, the performance runs an extra half hour. Each sessions runs for 20 minutes with 10-minutes intervals.
- Tamparuli Suspension Bridge: located in a small town of Tamparuli, Sabah. One such significant event was commemorated is a piece of plaque erected in memory of 2 British soldiers who lost their lives on 18 May 1960 in trying to save the life of a local woman. The Tamparuli Bridge song, a folk song created by Justin Lusah in 1977.
- Tanjung Aru Beach : a district in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Its main feature is the beach called Tanjung Aru which stretches for over 2 km along the new skyscrapers.
- Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, Kudat: about 40 km from Kudat town - marks the northernmost tip of Borneo.
- Tawau Hillpark, Tawau: home to numerous plant and animal species. It is most well-known as the home of giant tropical tree species, the Shorea faguetiana (commonly known as Yellow Meranti).
- Timpohon Gate, Mount Kinabalu : the primary entry point to climb Mount Kinabalu, 9 km on the summit trail to Low's Peak with Laban Rata located along the way. The first checkpoint taken by climbers.
- Tuaran Crocodile Farm: The Tuaran Crocodile Farm collaborates with two local creative and heritage organisations to offer future visitors a hands-on cultural learning experience.
- Tunku Abdul Rahman Park : named after Malaysia's first Prime Minister, this marine park encompasses the Island of Gaya, Manukan, Mamutik, Sapi and Sulug. A favourite destination of experienced divers and underwater photographers.
- Turtle Island Park : located north of Sandakan, Sabah - consists of 3 islands namely Seligaan, Little Bakkungan and Gulisaan. The park is noted for its green turtles and hawksbill turtle which lay eggs on the beaches of the islands.
- White Water Rafting : Ideal for those who looking for a more relaxed rafting experience. Located at Kampung Pukak Kiulu, 42 km from Kota Kinabalu.
- Zip Borneo : is an adventure activity center in the Kiulu Valley, near Tamparuli, Sabah, Malaysia. It's known for its zipline, the longest in Borneo, which takes participants soaring across the Kiulu River. Besides the zipline, Zip Borneo offers other activities like wall climbing, abseiling, and a high ropes course. They emphasize safety and employ trained instructors.
Hj Zulheimy Maamor
Lembah Keramat, K.L
Updated: 7 July 2025: 2.48 p.m