6 Offbeat Places to Visit in Sabah to Bring Your Travelling Experience Up A Notch

There is something about Sabah that always captivates the imagination. While it only occupies a small portion of the world’s third-largest island, Borneo, there is certainly more than meets the eye when it comes to this East Malaysian gem. Beyond its vibrant jungles teeming with life and the majestic Mount Kinabalu, there are many alternative attractions and activities that keep you away from the bustling crowds. Here are some of the best offbeat places and activities in Sabah to help make your Borneo holiday extra special for when travel resumes.

Also read: Sabah: A Journey of Cultural Wonders 

1. Ready your wetsuits for Kota Kinabalu’s newly-discovered diving paradise

Here’s a diving opportunity you don’t get on every trip! Discover underwater wonders at Seatango Ballroom, a newly-discovered dive site out of the 300+ diving places in Sabah. As quirky as its name is, this magnificent display of dense corals in a plethora of colours reveals Sea Anemones, Marble and Eagle Rays, and even a school of dolphins! Indeed, it is an uncharted diver’s paradise away from hordes of tourists.

If you’re lucky, you can spot other occupants sharing the reef with the rays — such as Golden Trevallies, Leopard Eels, Bamboo and Nurse Sharks, and Mantis Shrimps. Be sure to look closely into every nook, cranny, and crevice as Spiny Lobsters enjoy the solitude of coral “caves”.

It’s not every day that you’ll come across a diving expedition that takes you through relatively unknown territory; so take the plunge before Seatango Ballroom blooms into a bustling tourist favourite!

2. Raft to the view of Mt. Kinabalu at Kadamaian

Kadamaian is located approximately two hours away from Kota Kinabalu City and less than an hour away from the Kinabalu Park UNESCO World Heritage Centre. It stretches from the foot of Mount Kinabalu to the village valleys in Kadamaian, offering a scenic view closer to the mountain, plus a thrilling white-water rafting experience.

Raft down 10km on the Kadamaian route with new obstacles at every twist and turn. The challenge? To work with your team and navigate the river’s bumps and bends along with your well-skilled and experienced guide. What we’ll tell you, though, is that the bumpy ride is definitely worth it. You’ll be rewarded with majestic views of the picturesque Kota Belud.

If you’re up for the challenge, we recommend you join Xtreme Paddlers. They are the only white water rafting operator in Sabah that offers three rafting sites to match all rafting experience levels. Yes, even beginners are welcome here!

3. Kick back & relax with a farm stay in Sabah’s countryside

Kiulu Farmstay brings together the essence of Sabah’s countryside, ensuring you have a holiday to remember. Set 15 minutes away from the peaceful hamlet of Tamparuli, Kiulu is surrounded by rolling fields and lush green paddies with charming farms that offer an idyllic escape. With comfortable accommodations and plenty of kid-friendly nature-based activities, farm stays could be a more convenient alternative to camping — especially for those travelling with their families!

At Kiulu Farmstay, you can fill your day with fun activities such as traditional rice sieving, quad biking, and water rafting. When you’re ready to slow the tempo, take leisurely walks through the fields or along the country lanes. Here, you can make several stops to try the best locally-sourced produce.

4. Stand at the ‘Tip of Borneo’ for a sunset you won’t forget

Yes, there’s an actual spot called the ‘Tip of Borneo’ and it is located in Kudat district. While it’s one of the most popular go-to’s in Sabah, we recommend staying here just so you can watch the skies change colours at different times of the day. It’s a slow travel activity that will help you become more present and mindful. Imagine the feeling of just breathing fresh air in a magical destination — and getting to appreciate that fully, amid peace and quiet.

Fun fact: The Tip of Borneo used to be a watchpoint for pirate invasion hundreds of years ago! That’s why the Tip of Borneo is also known as Tanjung Simpang Mengayau in Rungus, meaning the ‘lingering junction to the battle at the tip’. Its northernmost tip is the meeting point of two big oceans: the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea.

Wondering where to stay to get the best views? Look no further, since Merrimas Villa’s new wing room offers you one of the best vistas in Kudat! Wake up to the beautiful Kalampunian Beach and its calm blue sea. Unwind by enjoying the sunset on your very own private balcony. The villas are strategically built along the cliffside of Tanjung Simpang Mengayau to let guests witness Sabah’s gorgeous sunsets. Bring your cameras to make the moment last forever.

5. Treat yourself to a luxe getaway with Sutera@Mantanani

The Mantanani Islands form a small group of three islands off the northwest coast of the state of Sabah, Malaysia. They’re located opposite the town of Kota Belud in northern Borneo. 

The largest island is Mantanani Besar; the other two are Mantanani Kecil and Lungisan. These places are popular sites for recreational diving; there are three nearby dive wrecks dating from World War II. That said, there are plenty of underwater adventures to tick off in these parts of Sabah. To get there, take a 90-minute drive from Kota Kinabalu City to Rampayan Jetty, Kota Belud. You then board a 40-minute boat ride to Mantanani (Besar) Island.

This tropical nirvana blessed with natural wonders and rich marine life awaits at the end of your land-to-sea journey. Set on a pristine beach, Sutera@Mantanani is an oasis located on the idyllic island of Mantanani Besar.

Accommodations vary between Beach Chalets and Deluxe Rooms complete with opulent furnishings and top-quality amenities, warranting an ultimate island gateway for everyone to enjoy. 

Outside, the sea beckons. Snorkel in clear turquoise waters and be mesmerised as you get up close and personal with Sabah’s sea creatures. On a rare magical night, you may witness one of the world’s most spellbinding natural phenomena — marine bioluminescence or Blue Plankton. When these microscopic critters gather in clear waters amid ideal weather conditions, they create an amazing visual effect that borders on the supernatural. This will definitely be one of the most memorable experiences ever!

Guaranteed, you’ll have just as much fun onshore. Take a dreamy stroll along the white sandy beaches of Mantanani while watching the spectacular setting of the sun. It’s the perfect way to cap the day, once you’re all tuckered out from the many beach activities offered by the resort — such as beach soccer and volleyball, trampoline on the sea, kayaking, and ATV rides.

6. Witness the birth of baby turtles at Libaran Island

Have you ever had the honour of welcoming new (wild)life into this world? Libaran Island offers you an unforgettable turtle-hatching experience — provided that your timing is right.

About 45 minutes by boat ride north of Sandakan, the sanctuary lies next to the Turtle Island Marine Park that covers Seligan, Gulisan, and Bakungan Kecil islands. It is approximately 650 acres in size, with 450 villagers who mainly rely on fishing as well as boat and net making to earn a living.

Tucked away in the northeastern part of Libaran, Trekkers Lodge Sdn Bhd operates Walai Penyu Resort and a turtle conservation hatchery. Visitors to the resort may learn more about the importance of turtles to our ecosystem and experience first-hand the turtle conservation work done on this island. The trip will also include a walking tour of the village to observe how Libaran locals go about their daily lives.

The biggest highlight would be the release of baby turtles in the evening! Have a #proudmom or #prouddad moment while you let these small creatures crawl free into the ocean, knowing well that their survival rate is, most likely, only one percent!

There is still so much of Sabah yet to be discovered. As we await the day leisure travel resumes, these offbeat places to visit in Sabah should inspire you to kickstart your Sabah holiday plans!