Experience Sabah: Wild Encounters and Beach Escapes in Borneo

Discover Sabah’s Extraordinary Wild Side

Sabah offers a remarkable window into Borneo’s wild side, where ancient rainforests, winding rivers and tropical islands shelter a rich variety of life. From orangutans among the treetops to turtles in clear coastal waters, its forests, mountains and marine parks bring unforgettable encounters with nature within reach.

From rainforest canopy to coral reef:

• Kinabalu Park – Discover a UNESCO World Heritage Site where forest trails reveal a fascinating variety of plants and wildlife beneath Mount Kinabalu. From the chance to explore its mountain habitats to the challenge of a summit climb, this is a place to experience Sabah from a different perspective
• Danum Valley – Step into lush lowland rainforest on guided jungle walks and canopy trails, looking out for orangutans, birds and other wildlife. Stay close to the sounds of the jungle, with night drives offering a chance to discover the creatures that emerge after dark
• Kinabatangan River – Cruise along Sabah’s longest river at dawn or dusk, watching the forest awaken or settle for the night. Hornbills and primates are among the wildlife to look out for, while oxbow lakes and riverside lodges offer more ways to experience this rich wetland environment
• Sepilok’s wildlife centres – Learn about orangutan rehabilitation at Sepilok and meet the world’s smallest bear at the nearby Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Continue to the Rainforest Discovery Centre for canopy views, birdwatching and a close look at the forest’s remarkable diversity
• Sipadan & Tun Sakaran – Explore Sabah’s marine life, from Sipadan’s coral reefs, schooling fish and sea turtles to the island scenery of Tun Sakaran Marine Park. Diving, snorkelling and island trails reveal different sides of this coastal region
• Turtle Islands Park – Stay on Selingan Island for the opportunity to watch turtles come ashore to nest at night, with controlled visits helping to protect these special nesting grounds. Clear waters and island tranquillity add to a memorable encounter with Sabah’s marine wildlife

Answer the Call of Adventure Across Sabah

Sabah brings a sense of possibility to every day outdoors, whether you’re tackling a mountain climb, stepping onto a canopy walkway or following a trail through forest. With soaring peaks, waterfalls and highland paths to explore, there are plenty of ways to challenge yourself and try something new.

Reach new heights and take the scenic route:

• Mount Kinabalu – Set your sights on Malaysia’s highest mountain, rising 4,095 metres above sea level. The climb to Low’s Peak calls for preparation and a good level of fitness, rewarding the effort with scenery and the satisfaction of reaching one of Borneo’s most celebrated summits
• Via Ferrata – Experience Mount Kinabalu from a different angle as you traverse the Panalaban rock face using cables, ladders, rungs and bridges. Secured to a safety system, participants can take on Walk the Torq or Low’s Peak Circuit, with different levels of challenge and sweeping views
• Crocker Range – Follow forest trails through Sabah’s mountainous interior, where tropical hills and upland scenery invite exploration. Viewpoints and community-based experiences offer opportunities to pause, take in the surroundings and connect with life in the highlands
• Danum Valley – Venture into lowland rainforest with a guide, tracing jungle paths and stepping onto canopy walkways for a perspective. As daylight fades, a night drive reveals another side of this environment, with the chance to spot creatures active after dark
• Tawau Hills Park – Lace up your walking shoes for rainforest trails, waterfalls and natural pools in the hills near Tawau. Spend a day exploring beneath the trees, looking out for birds and tropical plants as you go, with forest surroundings providing an escape into the outdoors
• Rainforest Discovery Centre – Take to the Rainforest Skywalk in the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve for a view among the treetops. Guided walks bring the forest into focus, while night walks offer the chance to look for flying squirrels and experience the sights and sounds after sunset

Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark

Stretching far beyond its famous mountain, Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark brings together dramatic scenery, remarkable wildlife and the living traditions of Sabah’s communities. Explore a landscape shaped over millions of years, from Mount Kinabalu’s granite peaks to Poring’s hot springs, with rare orchids and varied forest habitats adding to its appeal. Meet local people through village stays, traditional crafts and regional food, or learn how communities care for their rivers and surrounding environment. Whether you come for mountain views or cultural connections, this is a place to discover how the stories of the land and its people intertwine.

Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area

Set in the Sulu Sea, Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area brings together Lankayan, Billean and Tegaipil within a protected haven of coral reefs, seagrass beds and sandy shallows. Part of the Coral Triangle, its waters support hundreds of fish and coral species, alongside green and hawksbill turtles. Stay on Lankayan to enjoy island tranquillity and explore the underwater world, with opportunities to learn about the conservation work protecting these varied habitats. Recognised on the IUCN Green List, this marine sanctuary combines the appeal of a tropical escape with a deeper appreciation of Sabah’s ocean life and the efforts helping it thrive.

Kinabatangan – UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Reserve

Follow the winding Kinabatangan River through forests, wetlands and riverside communities for the chance to see Sabah’s ‘Big 5’ in the wild: Bornean orangutans, Bornean elephants, rhinoceros hornbills, crocodiles and proboscis monkeys. Dawn and dusk cruises offer rewarding opportunities to watch life unfold along the riverbanks. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve links mountainous headwaters with internationally important coastal wetlands, protecting a rich variety of habitats. Stay in a riverside lodge and discover the heritage of the Indigenous Orang Sungai, whose lives reflect an enduring connection with the river and its remarkable natural rhythms.

Experience Sabah with Sustainability in Mind

From rainforest retreats to coastal resorts, Sabah is encouraging tourism businesses and destinations to pursue certification under standards recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC). For travellers, this offers a clearer way to consider sustainability when choosing where to stay and explore, with independent assessment encouraging accountability and ongoing improvement.

• Rainforest places worth protecting – Maliau Basin Conservation Area and Imbak Canyon Conservation Area bring Sabah’s commitment to responsible tourism into its forest heartlands. Include these places in your plans for a closer connection to Borneo’s natural heritage, where conservation and the visitor experience go hand in hand
• Comfort close to nature – Danum Valley Rainforest Lodge offers an immersive forest stay, with guided walks and canopy experiences revealing the richness of the surrounding jungle. Its certification adds another consideration for travellers seeking comfort alongside a commitment to improving sustainability
• Coastal stays with a considered approach – Shangri-La Rasa Ria and Shangri-La Tanjung Aru combine resort hospitality with independently assessed sustainability practices. Whether a beach break is the focus of your holiday or the finale to a Sabah journey, these certified properties offer options for time beside the sea
• An island stay with a wildlife focus – Turtle Island Lodge on Selingan Island places you close to one of Sabah’s special marine experiences. Pair island relaxation with the opportunity to witness turtles nesting through controlled visits, adding an insight into the importance of protecting the shores where they return to lay their eggs
• Riverside days in Kinabatangan – Bilit Adventure Lodge provides a base for discovering the river and its wildlife, with opportunities to experience the forest from the water. Choosing accommodation that pursues recognised sustainability standards can make the care of these habitats part of your holiday planning

 Confessions of a Globetrotter Blog – 10 Unforgettable Things to See and Do in Sabah

Get to know Sabah through the wildlife, landscapes and cultures that make Borneo unforgettable. From orangutans and Mount Kinabalu to tropical islands, rainforest adventures and local traditions, our blog reveals what not to miss.

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