There is so much to enjoy in the Malaysian state of Sabah, the Land Below the Wind. Most of Sabah’s tourist attractions are outdoor-based because Sabah is blessed with so much natural beauty that it is the obvious thing to share these natural attractions with the rest of the world. But for those of you who prefer more modern and sophisticated attractions, Sabah, in particular Kota Kinabalu its capital, has lots to offer also. Trendy shops, modern shopping malls and five-star hotels with state-of-the-art facilities are all found in Kota Kinabalu.

Here are some of the famous tourist attractions Sabah has to offer:

Mount Kinabalu – The premier tourist attraction in Sabah. Mount Kinabalu is located in the central northern part of the state. More than 40,000 people climb Mount Kinabalu every year.

Highest Peak in South East Asia, Mount Kinabalu Sabah Malaysia

Kinabalu National Park – a beautiful, landscaped park just above the foot of Mount Kinabalu about 6,000 feet above sea level. It houses various accommodations for those who like to enjoy a cool-climate holiday. But this park is more than just a place for a relaxing holiday. It is also the starting point for those who wish to climb Mount Kinabalu. Kinabalu National Park has full facilities for all climbers including expert mountain guides and a restaurant at 11,000 feet on the way up to the summit. If you prefer not to climb the mountain, you may picnic or go jungle trekking at this park.

Poring Hot Springs – natural hot springs where sulphur laced water springs up from the ground. At Poring these waters are piped into special cubicles where you can enjoy this special skin-smoothening water from a tap. Other attractions in Poring are the butterfly park, beautiful waterfalls, caves and a canopy walk where you get to walk along specially designed suspension bridges that link the tops of 200 feet tall trees and lots more.

Waterfall at Poring Hot Springs Sabah Malaysia

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park – a group of five islands only 15 minutes away from Kota Kinabalu by motorboat. If you look down as your boat is pulling in to the jetty, you can see right to the bottom of the seafloor where there is an abundance of corals teeming with a spectacular array of colorful saltwater fishes.

Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary near Sandakan – Sabah’s specially designed sanctuary for the endangered Orang Utans. You get to see them in their natural habitat.

Tanjung Simpang Mengayau near Kudat – the northernmost tip of the entire island of Borneo.

Most Northern Tip of Borneo Sabah Malaysia

Sukau Lodge in Kinabatangan – an ultra modern lodge right in the heart of the Borneo rainforest! A special itinerary can be designed which includes a leisurely boat ride down the Kinabatangan river where you can watch flora and fauna in their natural environment, especially the very shy Proboscis monkey which is the oddest looking monkey species due to its large and awkward nose.

Sipadan Island – enjoy scuba diving at its best. The famous French explorer Jacque Cousteau once described Sipadan’s diving area as one of the best in the world.

Padas River White Water rafting – shooting the rapids down the fast-flowing Padas River is an exhilarating experience in a class of its own.

Turtle Island near Sandakan – watch the turtles as they lay their eggs during turtle egg-laying season. The baby turtles will return to the very same beach where they were hatched many years later to lay their own eggs. Uncanny!

North Borneo Train ride – get to ride in a refurbished genuine steam engine train from Kota Kinabalu to Beauford.  You will get to relive the past in this specially re-enacted train ride.

Sungei Klias (’Sungei’ means River in the Malay language) near Beauford – be mesmerized as you watch monkeys swing through trees, fruit bats fly overhead and thousands of fireflies congregating together around trees as you sit in a leisurely boat that meanders down the Klias River.

For the indoor types who are not so adventurous, here are some of the attractions that would appeal to you:

One Borneo Lifestyle Hypermall – Borneo’s largest super modern shopping mall. It houses hundreds of retail shops, three hotels, luxury condominium suites and lots more.

One Borneo Lifestyle Hypermall - the Largest in Borneo

Front Entrance of One Borneo Hypermall in Sabah Malaysia

Sabah Museum – the state museum is home to hundreds of historical artifacts and exhibits both natural and man-made. In the museum vicinity is also a cultural village where actual replicas of native longhouses are built.

Sutera Harbour Resort and Spa – Sabah’s leading all-in-one holiday resort and country club. Sutera Harbour has two five-star hotels (the Magellan Sutera and the Pacific Sutera) a golf course, a marina and complete country club facilities right in the heart of Kota Kinabalu. You can take a luxury cruise in one of their yachts, go parasailing, jet ski, swim, play golf, tennis, ping pong or work out in the gym. Definitely the place to stay if you can afford it.

The back of Magellan Sutera hotel leads to the Marina

Jet ski at Magellan Hotel Sutera, Kota Kinabalu

Relax in the sun at Magellan Sutera Hotel

The yachts at the Marina in Magellan Sutera Hotel, Kota Kinabalu

Grace Point near Sutera Habour – quaint stalls that offer a variety of good food at affordable prices from various countries including Malaysia. Grace Point is built at an infamous site for Sabahans (read my page ‘Sabah - Lodging and Food in Kota Kinabalu‘ in this blog to find out what this site is all about)

Grace Point food center in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia

Different stalls sell different types of food at Grace Point…very affordable, too!

Gaya Street Fair – every Sunday morning, Jalan Gaya (Gaya Street) is lined with street vendors selling all kinds of products ranging from food to souvenirs to even pets! It’s a bazaar-like atmosphere and very popular with tourists.

Filipino Market – at Little Manila in the center of Kota Kinabalu. Here you can buy trinkets, souvenirs, clothing and craft at reasonable prices. But be prepared to bargain for the best deal.

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park – a zoo just outside Kota Kinabalu. Besides animals on display, you can catch an entertaining live animal show where an orang utan, parrots, hornbills and even a baby python will perform for you.

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park, Sabah Malaysia

Whatever your preferences, you will have a great holiday when you come to Sabah, the Land Below the Wind!