An Introduction To Sabah

With a population of just over 3 million people, the state of Sabah covers 73,000 Square KM and has a diverse range of sights and activities for the traveller – from lush jungle to towering mountains as well as some very nice beaches, everything you need to have an unforgettable travel experience is available in Sabah.

Things To See & Do In Sabah

There’s no denying that many tourists to Sabah are drawn to the impressive Mount Kinabalu first and foremost. The main area of Kota Kinabalu is Sabah’s main settlement, and not surprisingly the state capital. The city of Kota Kinabalu is fairly well developed if a tad bland – there are a good range of amenities from money changers, book shops, malls and more.

Bird lovers may be interested in the Kota Kinabalu Bird Sanctuary which has a huge species of bird life to see. Other than that, the city is home to the Sabah Museum, a huge set of exhibits displaying the history and culture of Sabah from hundreds of years ago to the modern era can be found here. Also worth a wander to is Signal Hill which offers supreme vista’s over the city.

Sabah also has an impressive range of National Parks including:

Kinabalu

Crocker Range National Park

Tawau Hills

Turtle Islands National Park

Tun Sakaran Marine Park

Pulau Tiga National Park

Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park

The best known of these is Kinabalu and this is the one you should head to if you can only do but one of these.

Other towns that are worth a visit are Tambunan (where Sensuron Waterfalls are situated). Another lacethat’s a little more indicative of a standard Malaysian town is Keningau. There are also many other small towns in Sabah such as Tuaran, Kota Belud, Kudat and Kuala Penyu to name a few.

Towards the east, Sandakan is quite a nice place to stop off for a nice seaside stroll – it also has a rich variety of sights such as the Sandakan Memorial Park and Puu Jih Shih Temple.

Also in the east is the very remote Maliu Basin region – it’s a great place to take a hike in natural surroundings (at the Maliau Basin Conservation Area).

Hotels, Guesthouses & Other Accommodation In Sabah (Malaysia)

The most hotels in Sabah can be found in the capital of Kota Kinabalu.

The Capital (Kota Kinabalu):

4 & 5 Star:

Shangri La

Hyatt Regency

Pacific Sutera

Nexus

Promenade

Kinabalu Villa’s

3 Star & Below

Beverly Hotel Kinabalu

Jesselton Hotel

Radius International Hotel

Tune Hotels

Other Popular Hotels In Sabah (Outside Kota Kinabalu):

Tuaran Beach Hotel (Tuaran)

Seapark Hotel (Tanjung Aru)

Beringgis Beach Resort (Papar)

Sabah Hotel (Sandakan)

Restaurants & Places To Eat In Sabah

Throughout the state of Sabah you’ll be presented with excellent eating options. There are usually a variety of top end restaurants to hawker vendors selling excellent street food. All you need is a little money and a big appetite to get your fill.

Of course, the capital of Kota Kinabalu has some very good restaurants. Banana leaf food (usually Indian style curries) are very popular in this region and some of the best can be had in Jothy’s Banana Leaf Restaurant. You can try fresh seafood at reasonable prices at either the Ocean Seafood Restaurant or Kam Boh Seafood Restaurant.

The most authentic Italian food to be found in the city is at Little Italy which offers freshly made pastas, pizza’s and accompaniments.

For traditional Malay food that can please even the stingiest of budgets you should head to Restoran Sempelang – a full meal can be hand for under $5!

For something a little more opulent and comfortable (not to mention pricey), some of the best views throughout the city can be had at the Revolving Restaurant. The food isn’t bad either.

Excellent Japanese food can be had at Wagamama, while some very good Indian food is available at Kohinoor.

Other places to eat outside the capital are also abundant. Sandakan boasts one of the finest seafood restaurants in the state in Trig Hill, while Fat Cat offers more traditional Malay food at fair prices.

Semporna has the Pearl City Eatery which has some cracking Malay and Chinese cuisine.