When talking about Malaysia, besides Kuala Lumpur and Penang, the next must-visit destination is Sabah ! Sabah offers rich natural scenery as well as cultural characteristics, with mountains and seas, unique architecture, and relatively low expenses. In recent years, it has been a popular choice for island vacations. Today, let’s explore this fascinating place, Sabah , together with travel expert Xiu !
Essential Pre-Trip Knowledge About Sabah
All About Sabah
#1 No Need to Worry About the Language Barrier in Sabah
Although the official language of Malaysia is Malay, because there is a large Chinese population in Malaysia, in popular tourist spots, you can generally get by with either Chinese or English—so no need to worry too much about the language barrier.
#2 Sabah Travel Seasons
The rainy season in Malaysia is from September to December. However, as a tropical country, Malaysia occasionally experiences sudden thunderstorms, but they come and go quickly, so no need to worry too much. It’s recommended to avoid traveling to Sabah from September to December. Water sports won’t be as enjoyable if it’s raining !
#3 Sabah Toilet Tips
Many toilets in Sabah require a fee ! Prices are around 0.3~0.5 Malaysian Ringgit, so remember to carry some change. Additionally, most public toilets do not provide toilet paper, so it’s advisable to bring your own !
#4 Let’s Protect Sabah Together
Visiting Sabah’s islands is a must-do activity. When you’re at the beach, you’re bound to encounter the warm tropical sun, so sun protection is essential. Remember to bring ocean-friendly sunscreen and take care of your trash by taking it with you when you leave. While protecting yourself, also help preserve the beautiful marine environment of Sabah , so that your friends and people around the world can enjoy such breathtaking scenery .
Top 6 Must-Visit Attractions in Sabah
Manukan Island & Mantanani Islands
Manukan Island is a very famous small island in Sabah . When it comes to must-visit spots in Sabah , Manukan Island is definitely one of them ! Although you have to take a boat to get there, it’s hailed as the “Maldives of Asia ”—how can you not check it out? Just from the aerial view, you can sense the beauty of Manukan Island . Currently, Manukan Island is still very well-preserved and natural.
But visiting Manukan Island also depends on luck. Sometimes bad weather or rough waves can lead to trip cancellations. Before you go, make sure to check the weather forecast and bring motion sickness medication. The boat ride takes about an hour—definitely something to keep in mind if you’re prone to seasickness. Once you’re at this stunning marine destination, snorkeling is a must. Around Manukan Island , you can see coral reefs within arm’s reach (but don’t touch them). If you love the underwater world, you can’t miss this—there are plenty of coral reefs and fish, and if you’re lucky, you might even swim alongside a sea turtle !
Tanjung Aru Beach | Sabah ’s Most Beautiful Sunset
“The setting sun is infinitely beautiful, it’s just near dusk.” This poem has been passed down for a thousand years and shows humanity’s love for sunsets. When in Sabah , you absolutely cannot miss the sunset at Tanjung Aru Beach ! It’s said that if you haven’t seen the sunset at Tanjung Aru Beach , you can’t say you’ve truly been to Sabah ! As the sun sets, the sky over Tanjung Aru Beach puts on a light show—with hues of blue, purple, red, and orange blending together until the sun completely disappears. Every second brings a different transformation, making it a natural light show you must experience in Sabah .
#Tanjung Aru Night Market
After watching the sunset, it’s also recommended to head to the Tanjung Aru Night Market for some snacks. The most famous treat there is the three-color juice ! Delicious and photogenic, it’s a great way to refresh after a meal.
Kinabalu National Park | Mount Kinabalu
When you’re in Sabah , you don’t have to choose between mountains and the sea—you can enjoy both ! Sabah ’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kinabalu National Park (also known as Mount Kinabalu Park), offers some of the best mountain views. Mount Kinabalu got its name because it’s often shrouded in mist, sometimes visible and sometimes hidden. The mountain is home to more than 4,000 species of plants, including orchids, Malaysia ’s national flower, and ancient trees, along with hundreds of bird and butterfly species—such a rich natural ecosystem. Walking into Mount Kinabalu feels like stepping into a paradise, which explains why it has earned the title of a World Heritage Site.
At Mount Kinabalu, you can visit the observation deck for a distant view of the mountain, hike into the mountain to immerse yourself in nature, or explore the markets and farms at the foot of the mountain—other must-visit attractions in the Mount Kinabalu area !
floating Mosque
Now that we’ve covered the natural sights, let’s begin the cultural journey in Sabah ! First up is the mosque. Muslims make up 61% of Malaysia ’s population, making it the most widely practiced religion, which is why you’ll find many beautiful mosques across the country. In Sabah , you can’t miss the three major mosques—the uniquely designed State Mosque, the pink-tinted Sabah University Mosque, and this Floating Mosque . What makes the Floating Mosque special is that it’s built right by the water, allowing you to see the reflection of the mosque on the water’s surface. This scene changes with the weather and lighting conditions, offering each visitor a unique view.
*Friendly Reminder:If you want to enter the mosque, you must rent clothing. You can rent and change clothes at the shops outside the mosque before going in. The rental fee is RM5 per time.
University of Sabah | The Most Beautiful University in Southeast Asia
Are you wondering why a must-visit attraction includes a university? Don’t underestimate the University of Sabah – it’s known as the most beautiful university in Southeast Asia. From the main gate, you can gaze at Mount Kinabalu, while the other side overlooks the sea. The campus is like a miniature Malaysia, featuring a mosque, a deep-sea aquarium, and several unique architectural structures. Even better, to match the pink mosque, almost all campus buildings are painted pink.
Aside from the stunning architecture, the campus also offers many natural sights, including greenery and ocean views. Studying here would be an absolute delight – going to class every day feels like sightseeing, making academic pressure disappear.
Durian Street under the Overpass
If you love fruits, especially durian, you must visit the Overpass Durian Street Night Market when you’re in Sabah. In Taiwan, durians are usually imported and picked before they’re fully ripe, then shipped there. But the durians sold here are allowed to ripen naturally on the tree before being harvested, resulting in a richer, sweeter flavor. Moreover, you’ll find an overwhelming variety of durians here. If you’re not a fan of durian, don’t worry – you can also find tropical fruits like rambutan and coconuts that are unique to the region. They’re super delicious and let you sample a wide range of exotic fruits in one go.
*Special Recommendation:When you’re in Sabah, make sure to try a fruit that’s unique to the area called Waxed Sabah Fruit. It looks similar to jackfruit, and you definitely have to give it a try when you’re there.
Three Must-Try Foods in Sabah
When it comes to Malaysian cuisine, dishes like laksa and bak kut teh come to mind – and you must try them here in Sabah too. But today, I’ll introduce three more must-eat local specialties: grilled chicken wings, seafood, and tropical fruits.
Grilled Chicken Wings
Grilled chicken wings are a must-try snack in Sabah. You can find them at almost every market. They’re honey-glazed, marinated with special sauces from each vendor, and then grilled. Their small size makes them irresistible – you just can’t stop at one.
Seafood
Sabah is by the sea – how could you not eat seafood? Every seafood restaurant lets you pick your food while it’s still alive and kicking. In addition to being fresh and delicious, Sabah’s seafood is also very affordable. For example, you can get a whole crab for just a few dozen ringgit. When in Sabah, you must try tiger crabs, snails, grilled fish, and crabs. Particularly unique to Sabah is the creamy coconut-based crab dish.
Tropical Fruits
When you’re in a Southeast Asian country, trying tropical fruits is a must. Aside from naturally ripened durians, Malaysia also has snake fruit, mangosteen, and rambutan – fruits you can’t find in Taiwan. Make sure to sample as many as you can before heading back home.
That’s all for the pre-travel guide, tips, must-visit attractions, and must-eat foods in Sabah, compiled by travel writer Katrina.C from Tripresso Travel Cafe. Sabah, with its blend of culture and natural beauty, is truly a fantastic destination in Southeast Asia. If you can’t make it to the Maldives yet, why not start your island-hopping adventure in Sabah?
Text by Katrina.C | Tripresso Travel Cafe Editorial Team