The Perfect Sabah Itinerary for Nature Lovers
If you love nature, wildlife, and adventure, you need to explore the wild side of Malaysian Borneo! And if you’re looking for relaxation, don’t worry - Sabah has stunning islands and nature for unwinding. In this article, I’ll help you create your ideal itinerary based on your preferences.
In Sabah, you’ll find ancient rainforests, the tallest mountain in Malaysia (Mount Kinabalu), delicious foods, beautiful islands, wildlife safaris, conservation centers, and more. Besides great hiking and safaris, Sabah offers world-class diving with paradise-like islands and beaches, so you could easily customize an itinerary with these activities, too.
Spotted! A beautiful orangutan swings from trees at the Sukau Rainforest Lodge along the Kinabatangan River.
There’s a lot on offer in Borneo, and I chose Sabah because I had a personal goal to summit Mount Kinabalu’s 4,095m peak while living in Malaysia. So I created an itinerary starting with the 2-day mountain climb before moving on to wildlife and jungle adventures further east, where you can find some of the world’s most complex ecosystems. From my experience, Sabah’s true stars are in the east, where you’ll discover incredible wildlife while staying at camps on the Kinabatangan River and/or a lodge in Danum Valley’s ancient, untouched rainforest. For ocean lovers, it’s also where you’ll find Semporna and Sipadan's diving and snorkeling paradises.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Here are the major stops to consider in your itinerary, with more detail below:
Mount Kinabalu: Climb to the top of the tallest mountain in Malaysia, and enjoy views in Kundasang.
Kota Kinabalu: Visit Sabah’s capital city.
Danum Valley: Take in one of the oldest rainforests in the world.
Kinabatangan River: Search for native wildlife on river safaris, including orangutans, pygmy elephants, rhinoceros hornbills, crocodiles, and proboscis monkeys.
Sepilok: Learn about the conservation of orang utans, sun bears, and/or proboscis monkeys.
Sabah’s Islands: Sabah has world-class diving and snorkeling from Semporna, Sipadan, or Mabul, or even on islands near the capital of Kota Kinabalu, like Manuka, Gaya, or Mantanani.
Bonus Tips:
Ideal 1 week adventure itinerary for Sabah, Malaysia
Ideal 2 week adventure itinerary for Sabah, Malaysia
Places to Visit in Sabah
With so many activities to choose from, let’s break it down. Here’s what I did and what I recommend (and don’t recommend) for your trip to Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia.
1. Mount Kinabalu & Kundasang
Scaling Mount Kinabalu on the Walk the Torq via ferrata near the summit.
Mount Kinabalu is the tallest mountain in Malaysia, standing at 4,095m tall. While it isn’t easy, it’s considered “one of the safest and most conquerable peaks in the world,” with well-groomed trails and stairs leading the majority of the route, rest stops every kilometer, and a comfortable base to rest at 3,270m. Near the summit, you’ll also have access (by advance booking) to two via ferratas — including the highest one in the world — giving you opportunities to scale the mountain, take in spectacular views, and test your fears with fun obstacles.
The views and walking above the clouds will be rewarding enough for your efforts climbing Mount Kinabalu
What I Did and Recommend in Mount Kinabalu
All climbers must book through a tourism company to get a pass and a mandatory guide. I booked a private guide via River Junkie Tours (you can have up to four people per guide) and one night stay at a basecamp, and added on an optional via ferrata called Walk the Torq, where you wear a harness, clip-in, and scale the mountain.
I spent one night in Kundasang, near the base of the mountain, to help me acclimatise to the altitude the night before climbing. While this won’t be necessary for most people, Kundasang itself has incredible views and I think this makes for such a pleasant and peaceful start to your mountain adventure.
For the climb, I was originally booked for the Low’s Peak Circuit via ferrata, but since I suffered from altitude sickness, I opted for the shorter and easier one. I strongly recommend you do the Low’s Peak Circuit if you’re going to be in Mount Kinabalu because it looks spectacular!
Why Mount Kinabalu is worth it
If you live in Malaysia, climbing Mount Kinabalu should definitely be on your bucket list. While it can be physically challenging (this depends on your fitness level and how you adapt to altitude), with thin air and countless steps to the top, it’s also achievable for many people of different fitness levels.
The changing landscapes as you hike, cotton candy cloud views from basecamp, and sunrise from the summit make your hard work worthwhile. Even though I got quite sick when going to the summit, I still don’t regret this experience at all.
2. Kota Kinabalu
The sun sets over the sea in Kota Kinabalu, the capital of the state of Sabah in Malaysian Borneo.
Kota Kinabalu, known as “KK” in Malaysia, is the capital of Sabah. Located on Sabah’s northwest coast on the South China Sea, its metropolitan area has a population of over 628,000.
What I Did and Recommend in Kota Kinabalu
I spent two nights and one day in Kota Kinabalu after climbing Mount Kinabalu. I was honestly quite tired and sore from the climb and had to run around to get a COVID test (no longer required) before the next leg of my trip, but I did enjoy walking by the sea and my friends loved diving/snorkeling on nearby islands from KK. I stayed at The Jungalow, which is a great apartment rental in a practical central location.
Why Kota Kinabalu is Worth Visiting
It’s the main entry point for Sabah, with modern amenities, nice hotels, and great food.
You don’t need to spend too long in Kota Kinabalu — other parts of Sabah are more spectacular — but it’s a nice enough place to stay as a base between flights, hiking, snorkeling or diving.
3. Danum Valley
Looking out over the stunning ancient rainforest of Danum Valley during a hike from Borneo Rainforest Lodge.
Danum Valley Conservation Area is a stunning 140 million-year-old primary rainforest. It’s a very special place bearing 238 sq km of untouched land - meaning no deforestation and inhabitants - sadly a dwindling concept in Borneo, and much of the world.
There are only two accommodation options in this highly protected rainforest: the Danum Valley Field Centre with simple dormitory accommodations for researchers and budget travelers, and the Borneo Rainforest Lodge eco-resort for high-end luxury adventure. Both can be booked via Sticky Rice Travel, a reliable operator in Sabah, who will arrange your transportation.
What I Did and Recommend in Danum Valley
After taking a short rest in Kota Kinabalu, I was off for more adventures in East Sabah. I took a short flight from KK to Lahad Datu, a small town with the tiniest airport I ever saw. Lahad Datu was just the jumping-off point for my next stop: Borneo Rainforest Lodge in Danum Valley.
At Borneo Rainforest Lodge, I was able to participate in walks and treks to explore the flora and fauna in a small eco-tourism part of this 438 sq km lowland rainforest — including tubing down the Danum River, accessing walkways 27m up in the canopies, spotting frogs and leopard cats on a night walk, and seeing orangutans in their natural habitat.
In order to get to and from Borneo Rainforest Lodge, which is far via bumpy back foresting roads, I had to spend one night on the way to and from the lodge in Lahad Datu. Admittedly, I did not like Lahad Datu. It felt unwelcoming and accommodation options were not great. However, it was fine to just sleep there due to the timing of the flights, and completely worth it for my stay in Danum Valley.
Why Danum Valley is Worth it
It’s incredibly serene. Borneo Rainforest Lodge is beautiful on its own, and stunning in its natural setting. The lodge acts as eco-friendly and ethical as possible, which should mean a lot to any nature-loving traveler. The 80 km drive from Lahad Datu is a bumpy one, but to me, that just means it’s a great opportunity to get off the beaten track and deeper into the woods.
4. Sukau, Kinabatangan River
The Kinabatangan River is the second longest river in Malaysia (560km) and is special for its part in supporting exceptional flora and fauna found in it and in the secondary forests along it, including many species and subspecies of plants and animals that are only found in Borneo. There are beautiful eco-lodges along the Kinabatangan River, including near Sukau, a village with a population of 2,200 mostly indigenous river people. In Sukau, the main economic activities are fisheries, ecotourism, and small-scale plantations.
What I Did and Recommend in the Kinabatangan River
After another night in Lahad Datu to break up the travel between Danum Valley and my stay on the Kinabatangan River, I took a shared pick-up truck “taxi” for the long ride towards Sandakan, further north. By speaking with locals I was able to arrange this transportation, which cost a lot less than a private taxi (and the busses weren’t running reliably when I was there). They even arranged to drop me at the pier to get to the next eco lodge.
The ambiance in the Kinabatangan River was so serene and wildlife sightings were incredibly special
From there, my guide from Sukau Eco Camp arranged to pick me up by boat. Sukau Eco Camp is the budget lodge neighbouring the luxurious National Geographic-rated Sukau Rainforest Lodge. Here, I took three river safaris with a lovely guide named Mincho. I saw 4/5 of Borneo’s Big 5: orangutans, countless proboscis monkeys, a handful of beautiful pygmy elephants, and one sighting of an estuarine (saltwater) crocodile. The rhinoceros hornbill continued to evade me, but I did see many bushy-crested hornbills and other beautiful birds like Kingfishers.
Why the Kinabatangan River is Worth it
The wildlife sightings are special. You can count on seeing many beautiful birds, fascinating-looking proboscis monkeys (the noses are extra), and macaque monkeys. If you’re lucky, you’ll also see the smallest Asian elephant subspecies: Bornean elephants. I was fortunate enough to enjoy two amazing sightings alone with my guide (he live-streamed one of them).
Mincho tells me that he is on the water every day and sees elephants about twice a month, sometimes less or more. So if you’re lucky enough to see them, it is a very special experience! Orangutans can also be quite elusive, but you can often find one named Lucky hanging around (literally!) the Sukau Rainforest Lodge property with her son Day and newest baby Hope.
4. Sepilok’s Conservation Centres
Sepilok is just north of the Kabili-Sepilok forest reserve by the city of Sandakan in northeast Borneo. Most notably, this is where you’ll find the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary and the neighboring Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC).
Sepilok is also a short drive from the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC). If you are keen to see more proboscis monkeys, you can also go out to Labuk Bay to the Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary.
What I Did and Recommend in Sepilok
I spent 2 nights in a dorm at the Forest Edge Resort, just a 10-minute walk to the orangutan and Sun Bear sanctuaries. Sepilok is pretty remote, so this was an opportunity for me to relax in the peaceful rainforest setting and visit the sanctuaries at leisure. I planned my sanctuary visits around feeding times to make sure I could see as many animals as possible. Both of these sanctuaries are worthwhile if you love wildlife. They are doing good, ethical work to help bears and orangutans rehabilitate and educate local communities..
You can see both sanctuaries in half a day, or do all four mentioned over two days or a day and a half easily. I also like having this as a last stop because it ensures you’ll see some awesome animals even if you’re not lucky on your safaris.
Sepilok Forest Edge is a great serene litte getaway within walking distance of the Orangutan and Sun Bear sanctuaries.
Why Sepilok is Worth it
If you’re in eastern Sabah, you’ll likely fly out from Sandakan anyway, and this makes for a nice last stop. Sandakan itself is not really worth a stop, but Sepilok is peaceful and the sanctuaries are worthwhile if you love animals.
Sabah’s Islands: Sipadan, Mabul & More
Sabah’s islands offer some of the world’s best diving and snorkeling opportunities. From the crystal-clear waters of Semporna, you can access the renowned Sipadan, Mabul, and Kapalai islands, all teeming with vibrant coral reefs and marine life. Closer to the capital, Kota Kinabalu, islands like Manukan, Gaya, and Mantanani are easily accessible for day trips.
What I Recommend for Sabah’s Islands
I did not make it to any islands during my trekking-focused trip, however, I know many people who adore visiting the islands of Sabah, and I am fully confident any nature would enjoy it too!
Why Sabah’s Islands are Worth it
Whether you’re a seasoned diver or just love being in the water, Sabah’s islands offer a spectacular and serene escape. Sipadan is a must for any diving enthusiast and is often cited as one of the top dive sites in the world. Meanwhile, the islands near Kota Kinabalu provide an easy getaway with beautiful scenery, making them perfect for a quick day trip from the city.
TRAVELYNNE TIPS:
Sandakan itself isn’t particularly remarkable as a city — you’re better off staying in nearby Sepilok to enjoy nature and use it as a jumping-off point to explore the area’s sanctuaries.
If your transit allows for it, you should also skip Lahad Datu completely and focus your time on conservation areas. To be honest, Lahad Datu and Sandakan were not the safest feeling places to me.
Transportation is quite limited between Sandakan and Sepilok. You can use Grab (like Uber), but it can sometimes take a while to get a car, so you’ll want to plan ahead.
You need to book transportation between destinations through your accommodations. There are busses but locals told me they were not very reliable and they still wouldn’t get you to your lodge, so you’ll want to make arrangements with the accommodations you book. This is usual for them and they will gladly help — this also helps you be more efficient with your time in Sabah.
Getting to and from Sabah
The view of Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, from my flight to Lahad Datu.
I flew from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu to start, then got around Sabah by domestic flight and private transfers. I returned on a flight from Sandakan to Kuala Lumpur.
Air Asia (the RyanAir of Asia) offers regular and inexpensive direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan.
Air Asia has flights between Kota Kinabalu and many other Asian destinations, like Singapore, Bangkok, and Hong Kong.
Getting Around in Sabah
Hiking tour operators work with hotels to shuttle guests to Mount Kinabalu.
Your Mount Kinabalu climb will include a van transfer to/from your hotel in Kota Kinabalu (or Kundasang).
I took a flight from Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu to get from the mountain climb to the jungle adventures.
Then, Borneo Adventure helped me arrange private transfers from Lahad Datu to Danum Valley, Danum Valley to Sukau, and Sukau to Sepilok.
I considered taking the bus to get from one place to the next once in the east, but it would take too much time and there was a high risk of not getting picked up since there weren’t official stops at most of the places I was going.
The cost of private transfers was fairly reasonable considering it was always a private driver, and they were all very kind and helpful (including helping me get to the doctor when I was sick!).
I do not recommend spending more time than necessary in Lahad Datu or Sandakan.
Don’t miss out on Sabah
My final message is: if you haven’t visited Sabah, you haven’t visited Malaysia!
The unique nature and wildlife you will encounter here are very different from peninsular Malaysia. The same goes for the hospitality and ecotourism industry overall, which are well developed in Sabah. While this trip will definitely cost more than other parts of Southeast Asia, the unique ecotourism experiences are well worth it.
If you love nature and adventure, you shouldn’t miss out.
Have more questions? Did I get something wrong? Contact me with feedback or to chat!
Article updated July 18, 2024. Originally published in October 2022.
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If you love wildlife, I urge you to go discover a true gem of Malaysia: the Kinabatangan River. The protected forests along the river are home to orangutans, elephants & more!