As a lesser-known destination in southeast Asia with relatively large distances between the main highlights, figuring out a good itinerary through Sabah can be challenging. Hence, after traveling around Sabah in 2022 and 2023 I figured it would benefit travelers interested in going here to have more information on where to go and in which sequence. Continue reading to find out about how to travel around Sabah and all information that goes with it.
The itinerary in short
With 98% of travelers entering Sabah via its capital city, Kota Kinabalu, it is the ideal starting point to explore Sabah. With Malaysia’s second busiest airport, Kota Kinabalu has good connections to many parts of Asia, with Kuala Lumpur and Singapore as the main routes.
Starting in Kota Kinabalu, the most popular itinerary around the Sabah is to head east and travel clockwise. In short, this route goes from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan via Mount Kinabalu, followed by Kinabatangan River and Lahad Datu south of Sandakan, and consecutively towards Semporna and Tawau on the south(west) coast. Alternatively, this route can be taken counterclockwise, with the area of Tawau as the first destination from Kota Kinabalu and heading north.
Alternative ports of entry into Sabah
Alternatively to Kota Kinabalu, other ports of entry into Sabah are flying to Sandakan, Tawau, by boat from Brunei to Labuan Island, and by road from Sarawak. However, for most international visitors, these routes are not common so they will not be discussed further here.
Mount Kinabalu, Sepilok, Sandakan and Kudat
After exploring Kota Kinabalu and the surrounding area, there are three options to travel to;
- First of all, Mount Kinabalu and the surrounding highlands of Kundasang and Ranau (1). From here, travel further towards Sandakan by road or flight (back via Kota Kinabalu).
- Alternatively, Sandakan and the wildlife sanctuaries around Sepilok (2).
- Lastly, Kudat to visit the tip of Borneo (3).
Mount Kinabalu, Kundasang and Ranau
Traveling to Mount Kinabalu gives the perfect opportunity to discover the mountain or visit Kinabalu Park. Do this via a daytrip or take a bus and stay in the area. In the surrounding highlands, it is worth visiting nearby attractions in Kundasang or Ranau like the Poring Hot Springs, Ranau Paragliding Park, or the Sabah tea plantations. From Mount Kinabalu, it is a further 250 kilometers and 4 to 5 hours drive towards Sepilok and Sandakan. Conversely, if you took a day trip to the mountain you can fly towards Sandakan upon returning to Kota Kinabalu.
Sandakan & Sepilok
Flying from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan is the quickest way to explore the nature and wildlife of the Sepilok area. From Sandakan Airport, a 20–30-minute drive to Sepilok brings you to the Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC), as well as the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC). Additionally, visit the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, which is a 25-minute drive northwest of Sepilok. Make sure to visit the city of Sandakan as it’s also the best way to start your journey towards the Kinabatangan River. Alternatively, Sandakan is 335 kilometers and 6-7 hours driving from Kota Kinabalu.
Northwest Sabah / Kudat
Going to Kudat is well worth the visit to the Tip of Borneo, as well as for enjoying the beaches around the area. However, as this area is off to the most northeastern part of Sabah, it’s not very convenient for a round-Sabah itinerary. Hence, going to Kudat requires going south via Mount Kinabalu or back to Kota Kinabalu to travel to other places in Sabah.
Kinabatangan River
From the popular area of Sepilok and Sandakan, the next highlight to visit is the Kinabatangan River, located 2 hours south of Sandakan. The villages of Bilit and Sukau are well-accessible by road, whereas Abai, further downriver, is only accessible by boat.
As Sabah is a little less known than other hotspots in Asia, most travelers book a tour package from a local travel agency for a 3D2N or 2D1N package towards the Kinabatangan River. In this situation, the travel agency arranges transport from Sandakan by road (going to Sukau and Bilit) or boat (Abai). Often these packages include a visit to Sepilok to the Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC).
My advice, however, is to visit Sepilok on your own terms. This allows more time to spend in each of the parks and also explore some other attractions in the area (like the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) and Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary.
Taking the public bus to Kinabatangan River (budget option)
For a more economical route from Sandakan to Kinabatangan River, take a bus from Stesen Bas Sandakan north of town towards Kinabatangan or Sukau, the main village in the Kinabatangan River. Alternatively, take the inter-state bus towards Semporna, Lahad Datu, or Tawau, and ask for drop-off at Sukau Junction. From here it’s still a 40-kilometer drive towards the villages of Bilit and Sukau. As a main tourist hotspot in the area, minibusses pass this junction from Sandakan towards Sukau which can pick you up. Multiple sources mentioned Mr. Choy (+60 019 536 1889) taking daily drives between Sukau and Sandakan for affordable prices.
Most package tours to the Kinabatangan River come with a return transfer to Sandakan. Hence, from here, most visitors head back to Kota Kinabalu. However, instead of returning to Kota Kinabalu, it is well worth traveling further south into Sabah.
Danum Valley and Tabin Wildlife Reserve
Around Lahad Datu, there are two main highlights to experience
- Discover Danum Valley, the world’s oldest rainforest, a 4+ hours drive from Kinabatangan River. Alternatively, the KAWAG forest is connected to Danum Valley and provides a similar experience.
- Explore Tabin Wildlife Reserve, the largest wildlife conservation area in Sabah, a 3+ hours drive from Kinabatangan River,
From both locations, it makes the most sense to travel further south(west) towards Semporna and Tawau.
Explore the islands around Semporna
With some of the world’s best diving sites at Sipidan, Mabul and Kapalai, going to the islands around Semporna is great for diving and marine life enthusiasts. Additionally, it is well worth going to the islands within the Tun Sakaran Marine Park as well as Mataking to go island-hopping, diving as well as snorkeling.
- Visit Semporna to dive/snorkel in one of the world’s best diving locations.
From the area of Semporna, travel to Tawau.
Tawau and Maliau Basin
All the way in the southwest of Sabah, explore the surroundings of Tawau and Maliau Basin, also known as The Lost World for its secluded location. Tawau Hill is another destination worth visiting in the area.
From Tawau Airport in the far south of Sabah, there is an affordable way to fly back to Kota Kinabalu. Alternatively, there is the road past Maliau Basin going to Kota Kinabalu. This 450-kilometer drive would take around 7+ hours from Tawau, or 300 kilometers and 5+ hours from Maliau Basin.