Top Sabah Tourist Attractions In Malaysia: From Cultural Heritage To Idyllic Beaches

Sabah Malaysia tourist attractions: Sabah is a fun place on the big island of Borneo. It’s a great spot for people to visit with cool nature, different kinds of people, and exciting things to do.

As the second-largest state in Malaysia, Sabah shares its lush and vibrant landscape with Sarawak, Brunei, and Indonesian Kalimantan. Mother Nature blesses Sabah with several natural landscapes. The towering heights of Mount Kinabalu and the world's top dive attraction Sipadan Island, are the best spots to discover.

Yet, beyond the amazing views, Sabah also welcomes tourists with open arms. This attractive destination invites them to experience the long-lasting Sabahan traditions and savor the unique culinary delights. 

With the ease of issuing a visa to Malaysia, traveling to this nation is much easier than ever before. Let's keep reading the article below, as we will provide you with a list of top Sabah tourist attractions.

Top Sabah tourist attractions for tourists

1. Mount Kinabalu: Majestic Peak and UNESCO World Heritage Site

Mount Kinabalu is the highest peak in Malaysia and a well-known spot in Sabah. It dominates 4,095 meters (13,435 feet) up into the sky!

This UNESCO World Heritage Site draws a large number of tourists owing to its breath-taking views. Every year, thousands of travelers go on hikes to visit Mount Kinabalu. Climbing to the top is hard work, but when you get there, you can see amazing views of everything around the mountain. It’s a great adventure that makes you feel really proud when you reach the summit!

2. Kinabalu Park: Biodiversity Hotspot - A must-visit Sabah Tourist Attraction

The Kinabalu Park in Malaysia is a remarkable Malaysia tourist attraction and the country’s first World Heritage site. This majestic park is home to two magnificent mountains: Mt Kinabalu, the tallest peak in Malaysia, and Mt Tambayukon, the third highest. Additionally, the park is a haven for nature lovers, featuring a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the rare and exotic Rafflesia flower, the world's largest flower. 

Kinabalu park offers a variety of activities:

• The Botanical Garden: A must-visit spot where you can see a wide array of local plants and flowers.
• Nature Trails: Perfect for a leisurely walk to soak in the serene beauty of the park’s landscapes.
• The Summit Trail: An adventurous hike that takes you to the top of Mt Kinabalu, rewarding you with breathtaking views.

For adventurous travellers, sky-biking is probably a fun-thrilling activity, offering them a stunning panoramic view at Mount Kinabalu. You can ride a bike on a special track that’s 30 meters high in the sky. The track is about 100 meters long, and you can pause anytime to enjoy the view or take some cool pictures while you’re up there. 

The Kinabalu park is a remarkable spot in Sabah

3. Sipadan Island: Diving Paradise

Sipadan Island may not be an unfamiliar destination for divers. Known as one of the top 5 premier diving destinations in the world, this island is a favorite Sabah tourist attraction. From afar, Sipadan resembles a mushroom, boasting 12 unique dive spots, each offering its own set of wonders.

Divers in Sipadan are often greeted by the sight of numerous green and hawksbill turtles, which are drawn to the island for mating and nesting. It’s not uncommon to encounter over 20 turtles during a single dive.

The crystal-clear waters add to the allure of the island. This marine paradise is teeming with vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of marine life. Due to its ecological significance, the number of daily permits for divers is limited. This helps to ensure the preservation of this underwater gem.

Interestingly, Sipadan’s initial popularity was as a Bird Sanctuary. Today, it continues to be a haven for avian species, including migratory birds. The wood sandpiper, sea eagles, kingfishers, sunbirds, starlings, and megapodes are all found on the island.

Sipadan Island is a favorite destination for travelers

4. Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary

The Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary is a vibrant haven in the heart of Sabah. It’s a Malaysia must-see attraction where nature’s symphony is ever-present, and the air is filled with the calls of exotic wildlife. 

As you trek through the sanctuary, you’ll encounter some of the most diverse species on the planet. The mighty Lower-Kinabatangan River serves as a lifeline for the ecosystem, supporting an incredible array of flora and fauna. Tourists are highly recommended to embark on a river cruise at the break of dawn or as the sun sets. This is a magical way to see the diverse wildlife of the sanctuary. During these tranquil moments, you might also be lucky enough to spot the elusive Bornean pygmy elephant, proboscis monkeys, or even a wild orangutan in its natural habitat.

Exploring the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary is not only a journey through a natural paradise but also an educational experience. A visit to this attraction reminds us of the responsibility of preserving these wonders for future generations.

Nature enthusiasts find it interesting to discover Kinabatangan wildlife sanctuary

5. Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park: Tropical Island Paradise

Comprising a cluster of five idyllic islands, along with the surrounding reefs, the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is an amazing Sabah tourist attraction for tourists. The island has unique attractions, from picturesque beaches and popular coral reefs to water sports. While the waters further out may not be pristine, they are typically clear enough for water-sport enthusiasts to enjoy swimming and snorkeling. Whether it's a day trip or a brief getaway, the park offers a refreshing retreat with its inviting beaches and marine life.

6. Poring Hot Springs: Relaxation Amidst Nature

If you’re looking for a fun and relaxing journey, Poring Hot Springs is the perfect place to visit! Surrounded by lush rainforests, these natural hot springs offer therapeutic mineral-rich waters. Imagine a day when you can soak in warm, bubbly water that makes you feel like you’re in a giant cup of tea. The hot sulphur bath is a magic potion for your muscles, which helps you release stress and promote good sleep.

For family, there’s a cool swimming pool for kids to splash around and have a blast. It’s like having your own water park in the middle of nature!

But wait, there’s more! If you’re the adventurous type, you can put on your explorer hat and go on a treasure hunt through the forest trails. You might not find gold, but you’ll discover two hidden jewels - the Kipungit Waterfall and Langganan Waterfall. They’re like nature’s water slides, and the journey to find them is filled with wonders, from colorful butterflies to chatty birds.

Poring hot springs is a perfect place for visitors to unwind

7. Mari Mari Cultural Village: Journey into Borneo’s Indigenous Heritage

Are you ready for a trip back in time? Let's head to Mari Mari Cultural Village where you’ll step into a world like a giant outdoor museum. The traditional homes from Sabah’s five major ethnic groups will take you back to history: the Bajau, Lundayeh, Murut, Rungus, and Dusun. And guess what? These houses aren’t just for show - they’re built by the actual descendants of these tribes!

As you wander through the village, you’ll find little huts buzzing with activities. You can watch experts make blowpipes, start fires with bamboo, and create tattoos. Each demonstration is like a magic trick from the past, and you’ll learn the secret meanings behind them.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! You’ll also get to taste yummy treats from each ethnic group. Visiting Mari Mari Cultural Village is an interesting journey to learn more about the diverse culture of Sabah, Malaysia. You’ll see, taste, and feel the heartbeat of Sabah, both from long ago and today.

Sabah is a treasure trove for travelers seeking a harmonious blend of nature, culture, and adventure. From the towering peaks of Mount Kinabalu to the vibrant underwater world of Sipadan and the rich cultural heritage on display at Mari Mari, these top Sabah tourist attractions will fill your trip with exciting experiences. Apply for your Malaysia visa today and kick-start your journey to Sabah, where every sense of your body is awakened.