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Top reasons to visit Sabah

• Stunning Natural Beauty: Sabah boasts breathtaking landscapes, from lush rainforests to pristine beaches and the majestic Mount Kinabalu.
• Diverse Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy thrilling activities like trekking, diving, and island hopping in Sabah's numerous national parks.
• Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in local culture through traditional ceremonies and visits to historical sites.
• Family-Friendly Activities: Sabah offers a range of attractions suitable for families, ensuring an enjoyable holiday for all ages.
• Warm Hospitality: Experience the friendliness of the locals in Kota Kinabalu, enhancing your travel experience.

Find great hotels in Sabah

Sabah, Malaysia, offers a diverse selection of accommodation options, ranging from charming guesthouses to luxurious hotels. Whether you're seeking a family-friendly retreat, a beachside getaway, or a business-oriented stay, you'll discover a variety of establishments designed to meet your needs. Explore the best hotels in Sabah and indulge in a memorable vacation experience with excellent services and facilities tailored for every type of traveller.

• Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu: This luxurious 5-star resort is an idyllic choice for families seeking a memorable holiday in Sabah. Nestled along the stunning coastline, Shangri-La Tanjung Aru offers a wealth of amenities tailored for children, including an engaging arcade game room and supervised childcare services. The resort's family-friendly atmosphere ensures that both parents and kids enjoy a well-rounded vacation experience, complete with luxurious accommodations and beautiful views of the sunset over the South China Sea.
• Hyatt Regency Kinabalu: A perfect blend of luxury and business convenience, the 5-star Hyatt Regency Kinabalu caters to both leisure and corporate travellers. Located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, this hotel offers excellent amenities, including a dedicated meeting room for business needs. Families will appreciate the child-friendly features such as free cribs and a pool specifically designed for younger guests. With its prime location, guests can easily explore the vibrant local culture while enjoying the comfort of this upscale hotel.
• Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu: Set against a backdrop of pristine beaches, the 5-star Shangri-La Rasa Ria is a sanctuary for those seeking relaxation and adventure. This resort boasts direct access to the beach, making it a favourite for sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts. Guests can indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments or enjoy a round of golf on-site. The combination of beachside relaxation, wellness facilities, and golf opportunities creates a unique getaway that caters to all aspects of leisure and well-being.

Where to stay in Sabah

Embark on an unforgettable journey in Sabah, Malaysia, where adventure meets relaxation. Discover the vibrant city of Kota Kinabalu, renowned for its friendly locals and stunning landscapes. Explore breathtaking natural wonders, from lush rainforests to pristine beaches, all within walking distance of charming accommodations. Whether you seek family-friendly activities or romantic getaways, Sabah offers diverse experiences that cater to every traveller's desires, ensuring a memorable holiday in this enchanting Malaysian state.

• Kota Kinabalu: Nestled on the northwest coast of Borneo, Kota Kinabalu is the bustling capital of Sabah, offering a unique blend of urban and natural experiences. Known for its vibrant shopping centres and local markets, this city is ideal for both family outings and business trips. Visitors can explore the scenic marina, relax in beautiful parks, or enjoy the lively atmosphere at the harbour. With peak travel seasons in August and December to January, Kota Kinabalu is a great base for discovering the surrounding natural wonders, including Mount Kinabalu and nearby islands.
• Sandakan: Located on the eastern side of Sabah, Sandakan is renowned for its rich biodiversity and outdoor adventures. This city attracts families and beach lovers alike, especially during peak months in April, July, and September. Sandakan is an ideal spot for exploring nature reserves and tranquil islands, offering a myriad of activities from hiking to relaxing on the beach. Its vibrant shopping centres and campgrounds make it a versatile destination, providing visitors with a chance to immerse themselves in both leisure and the great outdoors.
• Semporna: Positioned on the southeastern coast of Sabah, Semporna is a gateway to some of the world's most stunning dive sites and idyllic islands. This coastal city caters to outdoor enthusiasts and families, with peak visitor numbers in February, September, and December. Explore the colourful public markets, or take a boat trip to nearby island resorts for a day of sun and sea. Semporna’s relaxed atmosphere and proximity to beautiful places of worship add to its allure, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking both adventure and tranquillity.

Things to do in Sabah

Sabah is perfect for outdoor and adventure enthusiasts, as well as family getaways. Visitors can explore vibrant shopping centres and malls, while also engaging in educational experiences, such as school visits. This blend of leisure and learning makes Sabah an appealing destination for tourists seeking both excitement and enrichment.

Shopping

Experience shopping in Sabah at Imago Shopping Mall, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and family-friendly options. For a local touch, visit Gaya Street Sunday Market, bustling with various stalls. Don't miss Downbelow Adventure Centre for unique gifts related to outdoor adventures.

Recreation

Likas Stadium offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for sports enthusiasts, featuring various facilities for physical activities. Nexus Golf Resort Karambunai provides a stunning outdoor golfing experience amidst beautiful landscapes. For relaxation, the Sungai Moroli Fish Spa invites you to unwind as you indulge in soothing fish treatments.

Adventure

Experience the picturesque Desa Cattle Dairy Farm, where you can enjoy breathtaking views and learn about dairy farming. At Kinabatangan Jungle Camp, immerse yourself in nature with thrilling wildlife encounters and outdoor activities. For a unique challenge, try the Sabah Indoor Climbing Centre, perfect for adventure enthusiasts seeking to test their skills.

Nightlife

In Sabah, Eastern Cineplex offers a charming cinema experience, perfect for a romantic night out. Enjoy the latest films in a comfortable setting, making it an ideal spot for couples and friends alike to unwind and indulge in cinematic entertainment.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Sabah

To save money during your trip to Sabah, consider visiting in March, May, or November when prices are generally lower. Booking your hotel a month in advance can yield better rates, especially if you check for last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. Opt for Saturday stays, as they tend to be cheaper than Sundays. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and preferred amenities, and look for eco-certified hotels for sustainable options. Combining hotel bookings with flights and activities in a package can also lead to significant savings.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Sabah are March, May and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel in Sabah is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Sabah is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay in Sabah is Sunday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to easily find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your Sabah hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in Sabah

Sabah offers an exciting blend of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences, making it perfect for family vacations. Visitors can explore stunning islands, national parks, and mosques, with highlights including the luxurious Sabah island resorts and the majestic Mount Kinabalu. Whether seeking thrilling activities or a deeper connection to local culture, Sabah's diverse attractions ensure an unforgettable getaway for every traveller.

• Mount Kinabalu National Park: Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Mount Kinabalu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This park offers thrilling adventures like hiking and rock climbing amidst stunning scenery, showcasing diverse flora and fauna unique to the region.
• Sutera Harbour: Relax at Sutera Harbour, where pristine beaches meet breathtaking views of the South China Sea. Enjoy water sports, indulge in fine dining, or simply soak up the sun in this picturesque coastal retreat.
• Mount Kinabalu Park Entrance: The gateway to your Mount Kinabalu adventure, this urban park blends family-friendly activities with outdoor exploration. Enjoy a leisurely stroll, picnics, and easy access to the stunning trails leading into the national park.

Best time to go to Sabah

The best time to visit Sabah can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Sabah falls in December, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature in Sabah falls in January, October and November. October has slightly low visitor numbers and mostly cloudy weather.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	77.7°F (25.4°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High
February	77.9°F (25.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
March	78.1°F (25.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
April	79.9°F (26.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
May	79.3°F (26.3°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
June	79.2°F (26.200000000000003°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
July	78.6°F (25.9°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
August	80.4°F (26.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	78.4°F (25.8°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly High	Average
October	77.7°F (25.4°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Average
November	77.7°F (25.4°C)	Frequent Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
December	80.6°F (27.0°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High

The nearest major airports for your trip to Sabah

For a holiday in Sabah, you can fly into three major airports. Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) is a mere 6.4km from the city, with excellent accommodation options like the 5-star Hilton Kota Kinabalu and Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, both offering convenient airport shuttle services. Sandakan Airport (SDK), located 220.5km away, has nearby hotels such as the 4-star Sabah Hotel Sandakan and Livingston Hotel, which provide on-request airport shuttle services. Tawau Airport (TWU) is 292.9km distant, with Indah Inn, a 3-star guesthouse, offering easy access to the airport. Each airport provides a variety of transportation options to enhance your stay in Sabah.