Discover Sabah Institution
Quick Facts
Number of Higher Education Institutions
3
Main City
Kota Kinabalu
Population
3,900,000
Airport
Kota Kinabalu International Airport
Living in Sabah
Arriving in Sabah
Known for its world-class diving spots, golf courses and majestic mountains, Sabah is a state with enough distractions to last a lifetime. With Kota Kinabalu International Airport as the gateway to Borneo, infrastructure is modern and up-to-date.
Airports
Kota Kinabalu International Airport – Domestic and regional flights.
Airport Transportation
Bus
Airport shuttle service is available for commuting between Kota Kinabalu, and ticket booths are visible once you exit the arrival hall. There are three main stops near the city centre, so do check before dropping off.
Car
Rentals are available and Malaysian road signs are easy to read. Driving is on the left side of the road and do note that there are toll fees for major highways as well.
Taxi
All vehicles are able to enter and drop-off passengers. Do note that fares will include highway toll fees. Flag downs and ride-hailing apps are popular as well.
Getting Around Sabah
As a developing state, modern infrastructure is mostly confined to urban areas, although good road networks can connect you to any destination by private transportation.
Bus
Long distance buses are available from Wawasan Bus Terminal to the rest of Sabah and Borneo Island, including neighbouring Sarawak and Brunei. Public buses are available and depart from the newly reconstructed Wawasan Bus Terminal.
Car
Renting a vehicle is a good option for travelling around Malaysia for extended periods. As a developed country, there are well-maintained roads, signs in English, and a comprehensive highway system (some of which have toll fees). Using navigation apps such as Google Maps or Waze to get around is quite convenient too.
Taxi
Sabah has metered taxis plying its routes, do ask them to use the meter. Otherwise, ride-hailing apps provide alternative options at a fixed price.
Water taxi
Some rural areas are inaccessible by road, making boat travel the only option. It is a popular mode of travel in some areas, and especially so for nature enthusiasts. Crossing into Indonesia is only possible by ferry.
Flying
The only time-efficient way of travelling to the far corners of Sabah is by flight. National carrier-operated FireFly and MASwings service most routes.
Train
The Sabah State Railway provides transportation in air-conditioned comfort and services Tanjung Aru station to the south of the city centre to the interior of Sabah on a 134 KM straight route.
Walking
Exploring by foot is encouraged within cities as there are plenty of sights within walking distance of each other. Roads are well-lit after dark, making evening strolling pleasant. Signs are instructive and well-placed and pavements are wide to accommodate human traffic.
6 Things You Need To Do in Sabah
Explore Kota Kinabalu City
With golf courses and beach resorts, Kota Kinabalu has many modern amenities. Do stop by the Sabah Museum. Providing insight into Sabah’s indigenous cultures, you will not be disappointed by the wealth of cultural heritage on display.
Find out more here.
Hiking Mount Kinabalu / Kinabalu National Park
Rising 4,095 metres into the sky, Mount Kinabalu is certainly a sight to behold. As Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, the mountain draws many climbers every year. Do come during March to August for the best climbing season.
Find out more here.
Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary
Visiting and watching these majestic creatures in their social groups is quite an enchanting experience. Drop by at 10 AM and at 2:30 PM for the best chance to catch a glimpse of them as they come out for food.
Find out more here.
Tunku Abdul Rahman National and Marine Park
Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park covers both wide swaths of jungle and marine ecosystems. Water activities like diving and snorkelling are popular and due to tourist, business are catering to tourist making it an ideal getaway.
Find out more here.
Diving the Sipadan Islands
Dive and marvel at the large pelagic species like sea turtles, reef sharks and manta rays which can be found in these waters. Raved by many, it is high on the bucket list for many divers.
Find out more here.
Diving at Layang Layang Island
Another up-and-coming dive site, Layang Layang Island is located 300 KM northwest of Kota Kinabalu for a good reason. The island is sited on a coral atoll and shares the area with the Royal Malaysian Navy so do take care where you wander off to!
Find out more here.