Sabah Holidays

A simply unique destination, Sabah is a place that has to be experienced to be believed.

Phenomenal attractions and intoxicating natural beauty await at every turn, with each moment in this Malaysian wonderland promising something new and enriching.

Nature and wildlife play a big part in Sabah’s appeal, with captivating creatures of all descriptions waiting to be found in the diverse habits across this exhilarating land.

Danum Valley Conservation Area, in Lahad Datu, is one such place. Sabah’s largest wildlife reserve, it is home to a spectrum of enchanting animals, including orangutan, banteng, clouded leopard, slow loris, proboscis monkey and endangered Bornean pygmy elephants.

Guided treks, bird watching and night drives are all on offer, and you may even be joined on your adventure by a VIP, with previous visitors including Prince William and his wife Princess Catherine, Sir David Attenborough and Dame Judi Dench.

If wildlife of the winged variety is more your thing, head to Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary for a cruise along the Kinabatangan River. Sightings of blue kingfishers and hornbills are common along this scenic waterway, while you can also spot orangutan, Bornean pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys. Another animal that inhabits the river is the saltwater crocodiles. Due to this you should steer well clear of the water’s edge and definitely no swimming.

The Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to the Orang Sungai, one of more than 30 indigenous groups native to Sabah. If you get a chance, a visit to one of their villages provides a fascinating insight into life in this incredible tropical wilderness.

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, both in Sandakan, are other great places for animal lovers and allow you to take a closer look at these two incredible species.

As well as being a perfect home for wildlife, Sabah’s diverse landscape is also ideal for a spectrum of exciting activities.

Thrillseekers should make a beeline for the Kundasang Highlands, in Ranau. Here they can enjoy both quad biking and paragliding, taking in breathtaking views of one of South East Asia’s highest mountains, Mount Kinabalu, as they do so.

Other exhilarating activities to choose from in Sabah include white water rafting in the Kiulu River, ziplining and cycling.

Those more at home in the ocean might wish to pay a visit to Sipadan Island, off the south east coast of Sabah. One of the world’s top dive sites, the waters here are packed full of marine life, with green and hawksbill turtles, as well as barracuda, among the creatures that can be found swimming amidst the coral.

Surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, water-skiing and sea walking - exploring beneath the waves using a specially designed helmet - are other aquatic escapades that can be enjoyed in the seas around Sabah.

If relaxing by the sea is more your thing, you may just prefer to find a quiet spot on the beach to bask in the glorious Malaysian sun. The golden sands of Tanjung Aru, close to Sabah’s state capital, Kota Kinabalu, are ideal for stunning sunsets, while the soft white shores of Pantai Dalit, in Tuaran, offer a paradise setting for rest and relaxation.

Other notable beaches can be found on the islands of Manukan, Pulau Tiga and the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, all off the coast near Kota Kinabalu.

If these stunning shorelines give you a taste for Instagrammable scenery, you might wish to take a trip to one of Sabah’s picture-perfect waterfalls. Maliau Falls, in Tawau, and Madai Waterfall, near Kunak are prime examples and both are sure to take your breath away.

If you’re seeking a spot of culture, a stop in Sandakan might be in order, with the stunning Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple one of the landmarks worth a visit. As well as offering impressive views from its lofty hilltop location, this stunning place of worship also boasts a glorious interior, filled with magnificent statues and colourful carvings.

The Agnes Keith House, also in Sandakan, offers both culture and history, providing an insight into Borneo’s British colonial past and featuring a gallery telling the story of American writer Agnes Newton Keith, who once lived in the property.

One of the city’s more poignant landmarks is the Sandakan Memorial Park. Located near to where Sandakan Prisoner of War Camp stood during the Second World War, the park is a permanent tribute to the British and Australian military personnel who died there while being held by the Japanese.