"Feel Sabah, North Borneo" - Here Are 10 'Hidden Gems' In Sabah To Explore Together

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Sabah, the crown jewel of Malaysian Borneo, offers a captivating blend of cultural immersion, thrilling adventures, and breathtaking natural beauty. 

Whether you are a traveller from a faraway land or a local tourist looking to explore your home state better, Sabah offers something unique that’s up your alley.

If you’re wondering where to go or what to do this New Year, here’s a curated list of must-visit destinations and events that showcase the best of what Sabah has to offer:

Nestled within the heart of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo lies a true natural wonder: the Maliau Basin. Touted as ‘The Lost World of Sabah’, Maliau Basin is a vast, isolated, almost atavistic rainforest situated in Tawau. 

The unique saucer-shaped depression, surrounded by cliffs, creates within itself a self-contained ecosystem with exceptional biodiversity.

Maliau Basin is mostly known for its tannin-coloured 7-tiered waterfall, the Maliau Falls and Lake Linumunsut — a picturesque crater lake hidden within the basin. 

Thanks to its remoteness, Maliau Basin is also a haven for wildlife. Its dense rainforests are home to a diverse range of species including 300 species of birdlife, primates, reptiles, and amphibians, as well as botanical wonders like the towering Agathis trees and a myriad of orchids.

A relatively new eco-friendly accommodation in Sabah, UTAN Rainforest Lodge is a remarkable eco-lodge situated in the heart of the Sungai Kapur Virgin Jungle Reserve, just outside the renowned Tabin Wildlife Reserve in Lahad Datu.

Opened in 2023, UTAN Rainforest Lodge offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty and biodiversity of Borneo’s rainforest. 

Surrounded by dense vegetation and a lush mangrove forest, Utan Rainforest Lodge provides a serene and authentic retreat, where you can experience thrilling wildlife and birdlife encounters.

While Mount Kinabalu often steals the spotlight in Sabah, another majestic peak awaits those seeking a more rugged, challenging climb: Mount Trusmadi, a place once popular as a hunting ground for locals.

Soaring to a height of 2,642 meters above sea level, Mount Trusmadi is the second-highest mountain in Sabah and Malaysia. Unlike the more renowned Mount Kinabalu, Mount Trusmadi presents a steeper and rockier ascent. The challenge lies in its steep inclines and often muddy terrain, testing both physical endurance and mental fortitude.

The trails of Mount Trusmadi wind through lush rainforests, offering glimpses of diverse flora and fauna. Its slopes are home to a variety of plant and animal life, including unique pitcher plants, colourful birds, and elusive mammals.

A speck of land off the coast of Sabah, Sipadan Island, is renowned as one of the world’s premier dive destinations, adored by legendary oceanographer, Jacques Cousteau himself.

Rising dramatically from the deep Celebes Sea, this oceanic island is a haven for marine biodiversity, attracting divers and underwater enthusiasts from around the globe. Like many destinations in Sabah, Sipadan’s unique geological formation contributes to its extraordinary underwater world.

Sipadan’s underwater landscape offers a kaleidoscope of exciting colours and textures. Coral reefs teem with life, hosting a myriad of fish species, including schools of barracuda, snappers, and reef sharks. Divers may encounter turtles, manta rays, and even hammerhead sharks, making each dive a unique and unforgettable experience.

To ensure the sustainability of Sipadan’s underwater environment, divers are advised to already have their Advanced Open Water diving license before applying for a dive permit.

The Kinabatangan River, the longest river in Sabah, Malaysia, winds its way through a vast floodplain, creating a unique and vital ecosystem. This floodplain, once a vast expanse of pristine rainforest, is now a mosaic of forests, swamps, and agricultural lands, offering a glimpse into the delicate balance between human activity and nature.

Kinabatangan is a haven for biodiversity, supporting a remarkable array of flora and fauna. Proboscis monkeys, clouded leopards, pygmy elephants, and orangutans are among the wildlife that call Kinabatangan home. The river itself teems with life, attracting a variety of fish, reptiles, and birds.

A cruise along the river often allows you the opportunity to spot the Borneo Big 5 wildlife: the Borneo pygmy elephant, orangutan, proboscis monkey, rhinoceros hornbill and estuarine crocodile.

With over 35 ethnic groups and approximately 200 sub-ethnic groups in Sabah, it’s impossible to experience its rich amalgamation of cultural heritage in a short time. Enter the Borneo Cultural Village–Sabah’s largest cultural village that offers a unique and immersive experience into the diverse cultures of Borneo’s indigenous people.

This living museum showcases the traditional houses, customs, and lifestyles of Sabah’s six distinct ethnic groups: Murut, Lundayeh, Rungus, Kadazan Penampang, Bajau, and Dusun Papar. This cultural village is meticulously designed to replicate the authentic living environments of each ethnic group, complete with traditional longhouses, handcrafted tools, and intricate decorations.

In addition to the guided tour, you will also be entertained with a spectacular cultural performance and have the opportunity to taste exotic food.

The Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon is an annual skyrunning competition that is a major event in the Calendar of Sabah Events. The Climbathon is known for its challenging course and stunning scenery, taking place on Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Malaysia.

Slated for October 2025, the Climbathon race covers a distance of 26 kilometres–with a significant portion of the climb involving steep ascents and descents on rugged terrain. 

The event attracts both elite athletes and amateur runners from around the world who are looking for a unique and unforgettable challenge. If you need a motivator to work on your fitness this year, let it be this one!

Kudat, situated in the northernmost part of Sabah is famous for its breathtaking white sandy beaches. Just a short trek from Kalampunian beach is Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, otherwise known as the ‘Tip of Borneo’.

The most striking feature of Tanjung Simpang Mengayau is its dramatic location, where the Celebes Sea and the Sulu Sea converge. 

This creates a unique landscape with rocky cliffs, pristine beaches, and crystal-clear waters. On a sunny evening, Tanjung Simpang Mengayau also provides an astounding backdrop for sunset-watching. Sit back in awe as the sun sets, painting the sky with vibrant colours!

The Tamu Besar Kota Belud is a larger event that takes place beyond the weekly Tamu Kota Belud. Held in October annually, this event is a major highlight on Sabah’s Calendar of Events, attracting thousands of visitors from near and far.

The Tamu Besar is a multi-day affair, overflowing with a vibrant tapestry of cultural performances, traditional sports, and a bustling marketplace. 

It’s a time when the local Bajau community comes together to showcase their rich heritage, from traditional dances and music to intricate handicrafts and delectable cuisine.

The Regatta Lepa is a vibrant water festival held annually on Sabah’s east coast of Semporna. It celebrates the rich cultural traditions of the Bajau Laut ethnic group, also known as the Sea Gypsies. 

This unique nomadic tribe has a deep connection to the sea, being excellent boatmen and fishermen who live mainly above the water. The Regatta Lepa is a showcase of their maritime heritage, cultural artistry, and vibrant community spirit.

The Regatta Lepa’s most spectacular highlight is the parade of exquisitely crafted and colourful ‘lepa’ boats. These traditional sailing vessels, often decorated with intricate carvings and vibrant colours, glide gracefully through the waters, accompanied by the rhythmic and enchanting traditional Bajau dance known as Igal-Igal.