We’re pretty sure you’re already planning your next biyahe with the barkada now that travel is rebooting. Any ideal destinations in mind for a jampacked trip perfect for restarting your international adventures? Pinoy travellers, you can’t go wrong with a trusty Southeast Asian neighbour!
With city centres that showcase unique facets of Malaysia’s ethnic heritage, islands that boast dreamy beaches and the freshest seafood, and verdant terrain marked by rainforests, mountains, and significant biodiversity, Sabah in Borneo presents itself as an underrated travel gem that’s also convenient for Filipinos to explore. In fact, the best things to do in Sabah may easily make up your 2022 travel bucket list — and visa-free to boot!
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LOOK: MNL-BKI-MNL fights here! Did you know? AirAsia’s MNL-BKI-MNL routes resume on 27 May 2022, twice a week (every Monday and Friday). Book now and fly worry-free to your next holiday in Sabah, Malaysia. |
Don’t fret if you’ve been to Kota Kinabalu (KK) before; instead, see this to-do checklist as a challenge to experience the best that Sabah has to offer. These are the top things to do in Sabah, for all types of travellers. What have you ticked off so far?
It would feel good to stretch your legs in the company of nature after years of staying at home, don’t you think? Sabah’s mountains are the breath of fresh air we’ve all been pining for, whether you’re overcome by an overwhelming sense of wanderlust or simply an adrenaline junkie in search of their next fix.
Of course, there’s Mt. Kinabalu, perhaps the most iconic peak in these parts of Borneo. At 4,095 metres above sea level (MASL), it’s the highest peak in Malaysia. Now, that’s what we call bucket list material! Currently, there’s a Low’s Peak Summit climb (quite doable even for novice climbers at 2 days and 1 night) that’s open for the rest of the year. They’ve also opened slots for 2023 if you want to secure advance bookings. But be sure to read the protocols Sabah Parks has put in place for everyone’s safety before taking on this once-in-a-lifetime climb.
Summitting Mt. Trus Madi (2,642 MASL) and Mt. Tambuyukon (2,579 MASL), meanwhile, would be among the more underrated things to do in Sabah — but that doesn’t mean these two peaks are any less interesting. In fact, they say Mt. Trus Madi makes for a more challenging climb compared to Mt. Kinabalu because of steeper ascents and descents, as well as the presence of thick vegetation. Mt. Tambuyukon is no different; avid mountaineers would take around five days to conquer this twin peak.
Choose one or climb all — the choice is yours. But summiting these three gargantuan peaks will definitely be an adventure of a lifetime. There’s no better way to get acquainted with the untouched beauty of Sabah’s rainforests and the species endemic to these ecosystems.
Do you know the saying, “Distance makes the heart grow fonder?” You could say the same thing for Magarang Hill, dubbed the hill nearest to glorious Mt. Kinabalu. For this reason, hiking up Magarang Hill actually gives you more breathtaking views of Mt. Kinabalu from a distance; plus, it offers a less physically strenuous climb. Perfect for beginners and those who prefer not to look haggard in their IG travel photos. *wink*
So how long exactly do you need to summit Magarang Hill? Half a day would be great if you prefer relaxed pacing and leisurely hikes. Those with more active lifestyles, though, can easily climb up the top in an hour. (Think a quick Taal Volcano climb, for Pinoys who’ve explored Batangas province before.)
On average, the climb will take three hours in total, up and down. The rest of the time spent at the peak will be for taking photos, and lots of them. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the elusive Red or Maroon Leaf Monkey — a highland species endemic to Borneo. Not to mention, they’re absolutely cute with their fluffy, orange-reddish fur. If you do see them, admire them from afar and don’t make any sudden movements or loud noises. Remember to respect their habitat.
From summits, let’s make our way to Sabah’s seas. What’s a Sabah getaway without a taste of its tropical paradises? These are the best things to do on Sabah’s islands and beaches. Ready your reef-safe sunscreen!
All you have to do is board a 10-minute boat ride from Jesselton Point, the gateway to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Once you arrive at Mari Mari Sepanggar, you’ll be spoilt for choice with all the things to do. Watersports and on-water leisure activities such as snorkelling and banana boat riding are available to guests. The island also has a PADI-accredited dive centre where you can learn the basics of scuba diving.
Additionally, the weather stays pretty ideal the entire year, but it would be good to avoid the rainy season if you want more sun during your trip. Accommodations situate you in the heart of Mari Mari Sepanggar Island’s jungle, so this can be the nature retreat you’ve been dreaming of during the lockdown. G na?
Take Sutera at Mantanani Island Resort and Spa in Mantantani Besar, for example. With lots of things to do within the resort premises alone, you’ll never want to leave. Booking accommodations here (choose from beachfront chalets to deluxe rooms surrounded by greenery) is like staying with a community; you’re definitely bound to make friends, locals and travellers alike.
Sabah is often touted as Malaysia’s ‘last frontier’ mainly because of its lush, virginal state. Here, rainforests thrive amid tourism, and wildlife initiatives offer educational components that allow guests to know the impact of their visit on the animals that call Sabah home. Intrigued? Read on to know more.
Fun fact: Sandakan was once dubbed Sabah’s ‘Little Hong Kong’ because of the Chinese community that settled in the area. It’s also a popular place for enjoying Sabahan seafood.
Once at the sanctuary, you’ll meet free-ranging proboscis monkeys who nearly lost their habitat to palm oil production in the mid-’90s. Thankfully, a portion of the mangrove forests was preserved to become a haven for these unique mammals. Learn how the species thrived with the help of tourism-boosted conservation efforts.
Kinabatangan also houses many cave systems; among them are the sizeable Gomantong Cave and the Agop Batu Tulug Cave, where a key ingredient for yummy bird’s nest soup is sourced.
For a more immersive experience in Kinabatangan, you can sign up for a homestay program that lets you try your hand at farming. It’s the perfect opportunity to try living like a local amid Sabah’s rich natural heritage.
Speaking of heritage, sabi nga nila, people make the place. What better way to experience Sabah’s diversity than to get to know the people who greatly contribute to this shared heritage? It’s time to make friends in Sabah, the Land Below the Wind!
First stop, Mari Mari Cultural Village, where you’ll get acquainted with Malaysian Borneo’s five major tribes: the Dusun, Rungus, Lundayeh, Murut, and Bajau.
According to Mari Mari’s official website, the Dusun and Rungus are Sabah’s resident farmers and traders, while the Lundayeh are known for their excellent hunting and fishing methods. The Muruts, on the other hand, take pride in producing Northeast Borneo’s fiercest warriors, but at Mari Mari, you’re also given a peek into the tribe’s heart and soul. For Pinoys, though, what would be most familiar is the Bajau or Southeast Asia’s sea gypsies.
Step into Mari Mari Cultural Village for an authentic look into Sabahan culture and its peoples’ way of life. Dances, rituals, stories, crafts, and tribal cuisine await! A cultural immersion at Mari Mari also lets you go deeper into the forests of Inanam, which is about 30 minutes away from Kota Kinabalu proper.
Some tips before you visit:
Last but not least, we feast! While in Sabah, seafood is the way to go. This isn’t really just a bonus; it’s a rather integral part of your entire stay in Sabah, and something that you should keep in mind while touring these parts of Borneo. In short, every chance you get, you should definitely chow down on the freshest seafood that Sabah has to offer.
Filipinos LOVE seafood because like Sabah, the Philippines is surrounded by the sea — which means Pinoys are well acquainted with the ocean’s bounty. This also implies that Filipinos are pretty hard to please in the seafood department, but we’re glad to report that Sabah delivers.
You’ll find some familiar seafood specialities like lato (called latok in Sabah), King Prawn, juicy lobsters, and different kinds of fish. The question is, where do you go to taste all this goodness?
Note: It’s best to visit Pasar Besar during the day. Waterfront Seafood Night Market, as its name implies, is best experienced at sundown.
For a friendlier and more commercial alternative (but still as authentic as the first two!), make a beeline for Welcome Seafood Restaurant in Star City Mall. Guaranteed, your seafood stays fresh here because they’re still very much alive and kicking — and actually swimming — in their tanks. There’s a menu to guide you through the dishes, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost in translation. While the markets give you a more interactive approach to enjoying Sabah’s seafood, dining at Welcome Seafood Restaurant is just one of those quintessential things to do when in KK.
Brought to you by Sabah Tourism.
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