The 10 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in Sabah, Malaysia

October 6, 2021 Jacquiline Delozier

Sabah (Malay pronunciation: [saˈbah]) is a state of Malaysia located on the northern portion of Borneo Island. Sabah has land borders with the Malaysian state of Sarawak to the southwest, and Indonesia's Kalimantan region to the south. The Federal Territory of Labuan is an island just off the Sabah coast. Sabah shares maritime borders with Vietnam in the west and the Philippines to the north and east. Kota Kinabalu is the capital city, the economic centre of the state and the seat of the Sabah state government. Other major towns in Sabah include Sandakan and Tawau. As of the 2015 census in Malaysia, the state's population is 3,543,500. Sabah has an equatorial climate with tropical rainforests and abundant animal and plant species. The state has long mountain ranges on the west side which form part of the Crocker Range National Park. Kinabatangan River, second longest river in Malaysia runs through Sabah and Mount Kinabalu is the highest point of Sabah as well as of Malaysia.
Restaurants in Sabah

1. Equator Adventure Tours Day Tours

Excellent
96%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 25 reviews

Equator Adventure Tours Day Tours

Learn the secret recipes of our traditional cuisine and enjoy the amazing taste that is offered at the dining table, sharing the cooking experience is part of our heritage.

2. Danum Valley Conservation Area

Danum Valley Malaysia http://www.sabahtourism.com/destination/danum-valley-conservation-area
Excellent
84%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 136 reviews

Danum Valley Conservation Area

Reviewed By lazybrilliance

This place is the real deal - virgin rainforest and an amazing lodge. It is expensive but completely worth it. You will not be disappointed.

3. Amazing Borneo Tours

Excellent
83%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,474 reviews

Amazing Borneo Tours

Amazing Borneo Tours & Events Sdn. Bhd. is a licensed land tour operator based in Sabah, Malaysia, supported by Malaysia and Sabah Tourism Board. Our mission is to provide unparalleled travel experiences in Sabah while maintaining the highest standards of safety and commitment to traditional culture & the environment. We handle a huge volume of corporate clients, schools & FITs from all over the world whom are happy customers & return for our services. With a committed 24-hour support team, we are the specialists of Mount Kinabalu climb, wildlife adventure, daily local tours, educational tours, all Borneo discovery & more. We aim to surprise our guests with Sabah's conserved natural wonders through customised experiences as they are welcomed by the warm hospitality of Borneo's friendly people. Our guests will not only leave Sabah with an unforgettable experience but also with an enriched mind filled with knowledge and memories that will be etched for a lifetime.

4. Borneo Eco Tours

Excellent
88%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 489 reviews

Borneo Eco Tours

An ecotourism pioneer in Sabah since 1991, Borneo Eco Tours (BET) is renowned for specialising in responsible tours. Award-winning BET invites you on a journey to experience exotic cultures, botanical wonders, ideal bird watching locations, scenic jungle and wildlife river safaris, and exciting mountain trekking among others, right here in beautiful Borneo. Besides that, our Sukau Rainforest Lodge is an ecolodge that is branded as a National Geographic Unique Lodge of The World, which definitely offers guests a unique experience in the heart of Borneo. Sukau Rainforest Lodge has opened up 20 new villas where guests can enjoy both luxury and nature hand in hand. Borneo Eco Tours was recently awarded the with the PATA Gold Award 2019 for Corporate Social Responsibility and MATTA Award 2019 for being Asia's Most Eco-Friendly Hotel.

5. Borneo Boats and Beaches - Private Tours

Excellent
98%
Good
2%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 251 reviews

Borneo Boats and Beaches - Private Tours

Borneo Boats and Beaches..... offer private boat charters, snorkelling safaris, romantic sunset cruises and personalised boat trips out of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. With a choice of 5 nearby tropical islands, part of a Marine Park in the South China Sea, you can enjoy great day trips, island hopping cruises, swimming in clear waters, coral reefs teaming with colourful tropical fish and occasional turtles. Excellent snorkelling, beautiful white sandy beaches, water villages, amazing sunsets and more. We are used to instructing and "buddying" first-timers of all ages from kids to grandparents. For our more experienced and independent snorkellers, we'll take you to the very best sites for you to find the most beautiful coral and marine life and give you as much time as you want in the water. Get away from the crowds and experience the feeling that this is 'your boat' for the day. With the help and advice of our experienced 3-man crew you can decide exactly where you want to go, how long you want to stay and what you want to do.

6. Sipadan National Park

Semporna Malaysia http://www.borneo.org
Excellent
87%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 380 reviews

Sipadan National Park

Reviewed By viviensly

60mins speedboat ride from Semporna jetty with Celebes Explorer dive center, departure at 07:30. Upon arrival, the boat pack on the shore, jump off the vessel then we had to sign in at the Island Registration, individually. 1st dive: Barracuda Point Wall/ drift dive Dive time: 60mins Marine life: white tips shark (resting) 2nd dive: South Point Slope/ drift dive Marine life: Cyclone School of Big Eye Trevally, Giant Green Turtles, White tip sharks (resting and circling) and Napoleon Wrasse. 3rd dive: Turtle Tomb/ Cave Wall/ drift dive Marine life: GREEN HUMPHEAD PARROTFISHS (40mins), Giant Green Turtle & Barracuda Fishes Highlight: 1) REMEMBER: you are there for scuba diving and nothing else. 2) divers must be experienced with drift and buoyancy control to avoid damaging sensitive to marine life. 3) no fresh water, basic toilet (many soiled & dirty cubicles, no washing material or drying material available on the island. 4) limited jetty access, you are lucky if your operator can dock on the very poor constructed wood bridge. 5) check with your operator best/ highest chance to see Green Humphead Parrot Fishes.

7. Bigfin Divers

Excellent
92%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 71 reviews

Bigfin Divers

We are the first dive centre in Kota Belud with daily Fun Dives and a full range of PADI dive courses for Introductory to Experienced divers. Based in Kota Belud, Sabah, we offer a close by alternative to the crowded KK marine park. We are in world class dive territory with stunning reefs, wrecks and islands all situated within the coral triangle famous for outstanding marine diversity. Enjoy learning to dive directly off our white sand beach, take a short boat trip to local reefs, submerged pinnacles and picture perfect off shore islands… plus watch out for the seasonal giants that visit annually! We are a small personal dive centre. We dive in small groups lead by experienced qualified instructors to create a safe professional learning experience in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. We dive sites in Kota Belud and Mantanai Island. To book diving please contact us in advance. We are open all year however our dive season runs from February through to September

8. Sticky Rice Travel

Excellent
92%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 260 reviews

Sticky Rice Travel

Sticky Rice Travel is a responsible travel operator focussing on destinations within Malaysian Borneo. We are passionate about crafting personalized trips that explore sensitive ecosystems and indigenous cultures, all the while adhering to our strict policy on low-impact, responsible travel. Our motto of meaningful adventures lives through our dedication to environmental conservation and the preservation of local communities and cultures. Join us as we blaze the trail for responsible travel in Malaysian Borneo!

9. North Borneo Cruises

Excellent
92%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 178 reviews

North Borneo Cruises

North Borneo Cruises is Kota Kinabalu’s Premier Dining Cruise along the South China Sea, the First of Its Kind in Sabah. Our daily twice departures’s scenic route glides by the TARP Islands and KK City Waterfront, while guests are treated to an international buffet dinner and live entertainment on board. We also cater for Private Events including Weddings, Birthdays, and Corporate Events.

10. Turtle Island Park

Sandakan Malaysia 6088 248 698 211 732 http://turtleislandborneo.com/booking
Excellent
66%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 715 reviews

Turtle Island Park

Reviewed By AR548739 - London, United Kingdom

We booked direct through crystal quest, it was easy, Fatima was fantastic and responded quickly everytime she was very helpful from begining to end. After a few emails back and forth it was booked and we didnt have to pay anything until the day. Her email is - [email protected] The trip was fantastic, the work they do on the island is brilliant, if it wasn't for them the eggs wouldnt stand a chance.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.