BEST Sabah Road Trip Itinerary: Map, Attractions & Activities
If I would have to pick the most beautiful state in Malaysia, Sabah would be my choice because it has so much to offer from the scenic landscape, spectacular mountains, blue beaches, surreal sunset, rich culture, friendliest people, curvy roads, tall waterfalls, national parks and many more!
In this article, I’ll share my suggestions for a road trip in Sabah and the places of interest along the way that you can visit in Sabah
Article Contents
Road Trip Map
If you’re planning to just see Kota Kinabalu, have a look at my other post about Places of Interest in Kota Kinabalu.
Sabah Road Trip Routes
Below are the towns/cities that you will be vising along the way whilst on your Sabah road trip.
- Kota Kinabalu (Start)
- Tuaran
- Tamparuli
- Kundasang
- Kota Belud
- Kudat
- Ranau (marak parak)
- Sandakan
- Kinabatangan
- Lahad Datu
- Kunak
- Semporna
- Tawau
- Tenom
- Sipitang
- Beaufort
- Kuala Penyu
- Kimanis
- Keningau
- Tambunan
- Penampang
- Kota Kinabalu (End)
Sabah Road Trip Map
Above is the map that I suggest you follow as it would cover most of the interesting places in Sabah.
- Google Overall Map View: Link
- Distance (Estimation): 2000 +/- KM
- Roads condition: 90% Good, 10% Broken (Passable)
Sabah Road Trip Itinerary
If you don’t have the time or budget, you can always skip some places and/or modify the itinerary accordingly.
Day 1
- Routes: Kota Kinabalu – Tuaran – Tamparuli – Kundasang
- Map: Google Link
- Travel Distance: 151 KM
- Accommodation: Homestay in Kundasang
Places of Interest:
Sabandar Cowboy Town (Tuaran)
Sabandar Mangrove Park (Tuaran)
Both Sabandar Cowboy Town and Mangrove Park are located in the same area. This place offers horse riding (at RM10 per 1 small round) and there are pathways made from wood at the Mangroove area which I think it’s the highlight of this place.
Pagoda Ling San (Tuaran)
A relatively small but beautifully built pagoda. A great spot for a bird’s eye view of Tuaran town from the top.
Upside Down House (Tamparuli)
Upside down house is called Rumah Terbalik in Bahasa. If you’re into photography, this place would be interesting as they also have a 3D museum. Please note taking photos Inside the upside-down house is prohibited. People often spend about 30 minutes here.
Kiulu River White Water Rafting (Tamparuli)
If you’re in groups/family, River rafting for 21km down the Kiulu River would be a great fun adventure that you can try. It’s also suitable for beginners and you can book this tour via WaveHunterAsia or ask your hotel’s receptionist.
- Entrance Fee: Varies based on package/transfer
- Map Location: Google Link
Sunrise Kayaking
Kayak for 4-8 KM during sunrise to enjoy a breathtaking view of Mount Kinabalu.
You can book this tour via WaveHunterAsia or ask your hotel’s receptionist.
- Entrance Fee: Varies based on package/transfer
- Map Location: Google Link
Desa Cattle Farm (kundasang)
Desa Cattle Dairy Farm is a dairy farm located at the foot of Mount Kinabalu in Kundasang Valley, Sabah. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery and view of Mount Kinabalu. You can also buy local products like Milk, Ice cream etc.
Please note that you can only get a clear view of Mount Kinabalu from 05:30 AM – 08:00 AM. Plan your trip accordingly to avoid disappointment or put up a night in Kundasang so you’ll have more time to view the beautiful Mount.
Kinabalu War Memorial (kundasang)
Located about 5KMs away from Desa Dairy Farm, Kundasang War Memorial was built out of respect for those that died in the Sandakan to Ranau “Death Marches”. It is an excellent place to visit and try to imagine the unspeakable horror and atrocities that were inflicted on our soldiers with only 6 survivors out of some 2350 that were forced to march.
I recommend you first visit the audio room for a 20-minute presentation on some of the histories to get acquainted. The memorial is divided into 4 gardens. The Australian, British, Malaysian Borneo, and the garden of Contemplation where an honour roll lists each soldier that died on the 3 marches. You will probably spend an hour here by the time you pay your own respects. It s a place that touches your soul and leaves a lasting effect.
Day 2
- Routes: Kundasang – Kota Belud (Polumpung Melangkap View Camp Site)
- Travel Distance: 46KM
- Map: Google Link
- Accommodation: Polumpung Melangkap View Camp Site (PMVCS)
Places of Interest
PMVCS (Kota Belud)
If you’re looking for a great campsite and/or crystal clear river, this place should not be missed! For the purpose of overnight camping, the check-in hour is from 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm. Contact: PMVCS
If it’s not raining and you are a camper here, the splendour scenery of Mount Kinabalu will astonish you from 5.45 am to 7.00 am. If you wish to stay indoors, there are a few homestays available around.
Kampung Sangkir
Another beautiful spot to take photos is with the Majestic Mount Kinabalu as the background.
Tegudon Tourism Village
This is another camping spot (Chalet available)
Lasau Podi
Looking for more beautiful spots to view Mount Kinabalu? Go to Jalan Lasau Podi and you will enjoy the serene view of the mountain.
Day 3
- Routes: Kota Belud – Tip Of Borneo – Kudat
- Travel Distance: 183 KM
- Map: Google Link
- Accommodation: Hotels at Kudat Town
Places of Interest:
Tip of Borneo (Kudat)
The Tip of Borneo is the northernmost tip of Borneo located in the district of Kudat, in the state of Sabah, Malaysia. The tip marks the meeting point of the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea
The beach next to Tip Of Borneo (Kudat)
Tindakon Dazang Beach’s Cliff
Kelambu Beach
Kampung Bavanggazo (Rungus long house in Kudat)
Experience the longhouse constructed entirely from traditional materials before it gets wiped away in the future.
Day 4
- Routes: Kudat – Marak Parak – Ranau
- Travel Distance: 182 KM
- Map: Google Link
- Accommodation: Hotel at Ranau Town
Places of Interest:
Poring Hot Spring (Ranau)
Honestly, the hot springs aren’t that exciting, they are hot tubs in which you can sit & relax. What is more picturesque & a definite is to walk through the rainforest to the first waterfall, it is a beautiful walk, not too strenuous on the body. Also during your walk you can enter the butterfly garden & do a canopy walk, both though have an extra charge.
Marak – Parak Route Landscape
Drive/ride along the most beautiful route in Sabah which has about 80+ km long twisty corners. Check out the video below.
Day 5
- Routes: Ranau – Sandakan
- Travel Distance: 238 KM
- Map: Google Link
- Accommodation: Hotel in Sandakan Town
Places of Interest:
Sabah Tea Garden (Ranau)
Home to the famous Sabah Tea, this valley is like the mini version of Cameron Highlands‘ tea plantation. The roads to get here can be a little challenging as it’s not paved.
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre (Sandakan)
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre was conceived in 1961 and by 1964 had become reality, funded by the Sabah Government. The reserve is named after the two rivers flowing into Sandakan Bay. The aim of Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is to return orphaned, injured or displaced orangutans back to the wild.
Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
The Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre is part of the wider Sepilok rescue centre and is dedicated to the beautiful but endangered Borneo sun bears.
Sandakan Memorial Park (Sandakan)
The Sandakan Memorial Park is a memorial site built in the former grounds of the former Sandakan camp in the Malaysian state of Sabah. The site is dedicated as a memory for all prisoners in the camp who died during the Sandakan Death Marches, and to those died during a march to Ranau.
Agnes Keith House (Sandakan)
Agnes Keith House is a historic house museum named after Agnes Newton Keith, an American author known for her three autobiographical accounts of life in British North Borneo.
St. Michael’s and All Angels Church (Sandakan)
St. Michael’s and All Angels Church is the oldest stone church in Sabah. The impetus for the construction of the church dates back to the clergyman William Henry Elton, who is also known as the founder of St. Michael’s Secondary School, located next to the church.
Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
Proboscis monkeys are found all over Borneo but are also an endangered species, so if you want to see them in their natural environment then a trip to the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary is not to be missed.
These cute monkeys are known for their large, prominent noses and this is the best place to learn all about this fascinating species and the efforts being made to get them off the endangered list.
Day 6
- Routes: Sandakan – Kinabatangan – Lahad Datu – Kunak – Semporna
- Travel Distance: 351KM
- Map: Google Link
- Accommodation: Hotel in Semporna Town
Places of Interest:
Kinabatangan River
The Kinabatangan River is the second-longest river in Malaysia with a length of 560 km from its headwaters in the mountains of southwest Sabah, to its outlet at the Sulu Sea, east of Sandakan.
Gomantong Cave (Sandakan)
The Gomantong Caves are an intricate cave system inside Gomantong Hill. The hill is the largest limestone outcrop in the Lower Kinabatangan area. The view is great but be aware, there are thousands of cockroaches and the smell in the cave is unpleasant. However, the view is worth it.
Danum Valley Conservation Area (Optional)
Danum Valley Conservation Area is considered one of the world’s most complex ecosystems. This forest serves as a natural home for an unimaginable number of plants and wildlife species such as banteng, clouded leopard, orang utan, slow loris, proboscis monkey including the endangered Bornean pygmy elephant.
Day 7
REST DAY – Island hopping in Semporna
Have your well-deserved break at the islands around Semporna and enjoy its clear water. You can sign up for the tour package which is easily available at the town/hotel.
I have a separate post about Semporna Attractions which I would suggest you read.
Day 8
- Routes: Semporna – Tawau
- Travel Distance: 120 KM
- Map: Google Link
- Accommodation: Hotel in Tawau
Places of Interest:
Bukit Tengkorak (Skull Hill in Semporna)
A great place for a quick hike/walk to the peak of the hill. It only takes 15 minutes or so to reach the top. The views from the peak are nice. If you are into photography, this place is a must-go.
Tanjung Parapat (Semporna)
Another hidden gem in Semporna, is Tanjung Parapat Water village which is recommended for you to visit.
Bohey Dulang Island
The 700M hike to Bohey Dulang viewpoint is treacherous but once you reach atop, the view is breathtaking. The contrasting colours of the water are spell bounding.
Day 9
- Routes: Tawau – Kalabakan – Nabawan – Keningau
- Travel Distance: 343 KM
- Map: Google Link
- Accommodation: Hotel in Keningau Town
Places of Interest:
Tawau Hills Park (Optional)
This park has the tallest tree in Sabah; beautiful waterfalls, hot springs and the water crystal-clear river for rafting.
Maliau Basin Conservation Area (Optional)
If you’re into hiking, you can visit this place. I have not been into the deep inside the forest (Only at the main area).
Day 10
- Routes: Keningau – Tenom – Sipitang
- Travel Distance: 125 KM
- Map: Google Map
- Accommodation: Hotel in Sipitang Town
Places of Interest:
Tenom Railway Station
Take a look at classic train of Borneo which you can also enjoy the ride from Tenom to Beaufort (or vice versa) and see beautiful scenery along the way.
Tenom Coffee Valley
Tenom Coffee Valley is a cafe which is located next to the Tenom Train station.. This building houses a restaurant offering western and fusion food while serving a selection of fine coffee famously acquainted with the small town of Tenom.
Sipitang Esplande
Enjoy the beautiful sunset at Sipitang and walk around the beautiful and clean park.
Long Pa Sia (Optional)
Long Pasia is a small Lundayeh village, a dwelling lush with an array of plants. Read more here.
Rundum Highlands (optional)
Escape from the heat at stay at Rundum Highlands which has camp area and also traditional dance performed by the locals.
Day 11
- Routes: Sipitang – Beaufort – Kuala Penyu – Kimanis – Keningau – Tambunan
- Travel Distance: 264 KM
- Map: Google Link
- Accommodation: Hotel in Tambunan Town
From Kimanis – Keningau, you will be driving/riding along the steepest road in Malaysia ranging from 10% to about 25% steep gradients along the Crocker Range National Park followed by the longest straight road in Malaysia, Jalan Apin-Apin Keningau towards Tambunan which is about 20KM long.
Places of Interest:
Kuala Penyu Beach
Sinurambi Tambunan (Tambunan Viewing Point)
Enjoy 360 degree view of Tambunan from this tower and the entrance is free. The road towards Sinurambi Tower was fun to ride as it was almost all dry off-road condition but I wouldn’t recommend you to ride there on a rainy day as it can be a real pain in the *ss
Day 12
- Routes: Tambunan – Penampang – Kota Kinabalu
- Travel Distance: 101 KM
- Map: Google Link
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kota Kinabalu
Places of Interest:
Mahua Waterfall (Tambunan)
The trail to this waterfall is excellent and it will take you only about 5 minutes to reach. It’s a must-visit if you’re in Tambunan.
Rafflesia Information Centre (Tambunan)
If you’re lucky enough, you will be able to see the biggest flower in the world called Rafflesia. The entrance price here is quite steep, RM 50 for Malaysian.
Gunung Alab (Rest Area)
From Tambunan, you can have a break here at Alab mountain which is usually cold before heading back to Kota Kinabalu.
Renting a Car/Motorcycle
If you’re on a budget or prefer to ride/drive on your own, I would suggest that you rent a motorcycle/car from a reliable company which I have used their services in the past. More details can be found at the link below:
BEST Motorcycle & Car Rental In Kota Kinabalu
For navigation, you can use Google Maps or Waze.
Shipping Car/Motorcycle To Sabah
If you’re from Peninsular Malaysia, you can ship your vehicle via RoRo to Sabah or Sarawak. More information about this can be found here.
How Many Days Do I Need To Complete Sabah Trip?
Honestly, the longer the better! If you don’t have any idea, I would suggest that you do it for 14 days because in some places you may want to spend more time and you can also visit the attractions in KK as mentioned at the top of this article.
Best Time Travel To Sabah?
The best time to travel to Sabah depends on your personal preferences and the activities you plan to do. Sabah has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures and high humidity year-round. However, there are two distinct seasons: the dry season and the wet season.
The dry season runs from April to October and is generally the best time to visit Sabah. During this time, the weather is generally dry and sunny, with less rainfall and more opportunities for outdoor activities. Temperatures can still be quite hot and humid, but the weather is generally more predictable and suitable for travel.
The wet season runs from November to March and is characterized by heavy rain showers and higher humidity. While the weather can be unpredictable during this time, it’s still possible to travel to Sabah and enjoy the region’s indoor attractions such as museums, galleries, and cultural events.
Overall, the best time to travel to Sabah depends on your preferences and interests. If you’re planning to do outdoor activities such as hiking, diving, or exploring the rainforest, then the dry season is generally a better time to visit. However, if you’re more interested in indoor attractions and cultural events, then the wet season can still be a good time to visit.
Final Say
That’s it! I hope you’ll like the suggestions I’ve made and I am sure you’ll enjoy your road trip to Sabah. If you need any information, please let me know via the comment box below.
Have you been to Sabah? Which place you liked the most?
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