Top Things to See
The state of Sabah boasts an impressive list of sightseeing options, most of which are centred on the breathtaking natural beauty of the countryside. While it’s possible to view some of these sites independently, the best sightseeing involves
either joining a guided tour or hiring your own personal travel guide to arrange excursions for you.
Beaches
Sabah's best beaches are along the coastline from Kudat. Bak Bak is a popular public beach, though it's somewhat narrow and crowded. Farther north, the white sand beaches broaden and boast excellent, shallow waters perfect for a post-picnic swim.
 Caves
Caves are commonplace in Sabah and many of them are relatively unexplored—a fact which lures adventures seekers and avid spelunkers. Only two out of a multitude of caverns are open to the public: Madai and Gomanton. Beyond these two, Paka Cave (on the ascent to Mount Kinabalu) receives a steady flow of visitors. The other caves are technically off limits, as they host a variety of endangered wildlife like orang-utans and plated rhinos.
 Kota Belud
Sabah’s largest marketplace, the vibrant Kota Belud is open for business every Sunday and makes for a perfect daytrip from Kota Kinabalu. The best selection of goods in this vibrant centre of commerce is available early in the morning.
Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary
Operated in connection with the World Wildlife Fund, this sanctuary opened in 2000. An unlikely spot for a nature reserve (a mangrove swamp in the suburbs), the sanctuary is surprisingly rich with bird species. Be sure to see the purple herons in the northwest section of the park. The birds really show up in the winter months here and you’ll get a better view if you rent binoculars from the front reception area. Phone: +60 88 246955.
 Mount Kinabalu
The number-one attraction in Sabah, Mount Kinabalu is the tallest mountain in Southeast Asia and has earned status as UNESCO World Heritage site (Malaysia's first). On the clearest days, you can see the Philippines from the peak, and while the ascending trail isn't a cakewalk by any means, it's perfectly feasible for novice climbers to make it all the way to the top. Rest houses along the trail make it possible to break the climb up into short daily segments, so even short-winded climbers can make it to the top if they budget their time well. Please visit this site for further information about
Mount Kinabalu.
 Sandakan Memorial Park
During WWII, an area outside of Sandakan was used as a Japanese POW camp. Two thousand Australian and British troops were interned here. As the war drifted in favour of the Allies, the Japanese tightened their stranglehold on these prisoners, leading to massive casualties. Today, the serene park remembers these horrors with a series of first-hand accounts, grim photographs and the rusted-out remnants of the camp's forced-labour production lines. The memorial is located on the road connecting Sandakan to Ranau. Phone: +60 89 611145.
 Signal Hill
Locally known as Bukit Bendera, Sabah's highest hill is used to guide ships on approach to Kota Kinabalu. It's also a fabulous place to take in a panoramic view of the harbour and surrounding countryside.
 Turtle Islands
This national park is comprised of several sandy, uninhabited islands that serve as nesting grounds for hawksbill and green sea turtles. It’s also a good place to go snorkelling, and the variety of birds here lures birdwatchers as well. The islands are situated in the Sandakan Bay, about eight miles from the mainland. Compulsory permits can be arranged through tour agents or directly with the Sandakan branch of the Sabah Parks Office. Phone: +60 89 273 453.
Top Things to Do
Bike through the rainforest. The annual Mount Kinabalu Mountain Bike Challenge is held every March and is open to everyone. The route passes through a handful of mountain villages. In addition, country roads and extreme single-tracks throughout the region offer excellent biking.
 Explore the marine life. Sipaden Reef has the best underwater seascape and variety of marine life in the area. Previously, resorts here catered for international divers, though the Malaysian government now prohibits overnight stay due to the excessive traffic. Today, divers set up shop at neighbouring Pulau Mabul or Semoprna and make daytrips to the reef.
 Go white water rafting. South of Beaufort in the Padas Gorge you'll find grade two to four rapids and plenty of outfitters to set you up for a rafting trip. Conditions are best in early summer, when booking in advance is essential.
Hunt for some treasure. The Kiwanis Club at Kota Kinabalu organises an annual treasure hunt that includes motorised and walked segments. In the course of the hunt, participants learn about Sabah's history, ecology and culture. This particular hunt generates a lot of cult enthusiasm among treasure-hunting circles.
Take a boating trip. Many hotels and travel agencies rent out boats, and the surrounding coastal waters offer fantastic scenery and nice sailing conditions. If you’re not an accomplished sailor, hire a guide to man the rudder. Be sure to request life jackets, as most boat hire firms don't include them unless you request them.
Take a train just for the view. The railway from Kota Kinabalu to Tenom is a practical transport option along this particular stretch of coastline, but its real allure lies in the beautiful stretch of track between Beaufort and Tenom which winds through the mountainous jungles.
 Take to the skies in a small aircraft. The Sabah Flying Club offers aerial tours of Sabah, most of which originate out of Kota Kinabalu. There's nothing like an overhead perspective over the jungles of Borneo and an intimate understanding of the terrain. Phone: +60 6 88 219406.
Walk on the bottom of the ocean. A dive operation on Cow Island (Pulau Sapi) sends tourists 16 feet below the water in peculiar pressurised helmets. It's a nice alternative to diving for those who don't feel comfortable donning the gear and at this depth the variety of marine life is superior to snorkelling.
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