When it comes to nature, there is rarely any place as beautiful as Sabah in Malaysia. It’s wild, lush, and full of moments that stop you in your tracks, whether it’s spotting an orangutan swinging above you or standing on top of a mountain watching clouds roll beneath your feet.
Located on the northern tip of Borneo, Sabah is the kind of place that offers nature in its most raw and beautiful form. If you’re someone who feels more at home under a canopy of trees than inside a shopping mall, you’ll probably fall pretty hard for this corner of Malaysia.
Nature and Wildlife Adventures in Sabah
Here’s a look at some of the best nature and wildlife experiences to enjoy in Sabah:
Climb Mount Kinabalu
You can’t really talk about Sabah without mentioning Mount Kinabalu. It’s the tallest mountain in Southeast Asia, and even if you’re not a hardcore hiker, reaching that summit is something you’ll never forget. The climb isn’t technical; you don’t need ropes or mountaineering skills, but it’s not exactly a walk in the park either.
It’s two days of hiking through different ecosystems: mossy cloud forests, rocky slopes, chilly mountain air. And when you finally reach the top at sunrise? Unreal. Watching the sun break across the Borneo landscape is pure magic.
Just a heads-up: permits are limited, so you’ll want to book your spot way in advance.
Meet Orangutans at Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre
There’s seeing animals in a zoo, and then there’s seeing them living their lives in the wild. At Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, you get the second one, and it hits completely differently. Sepilok rescues orphaned and injured orangutans, giving them a second chance at life back in the rainforest.
Visitors can watch morning and afternoon feedings, but honestly, the best part is when you spot the semi-wild orangutans just living their best lives freely. No cages, no fences; they just wander around carelessly, feeling at home like they are supposed to.
Take a Cruise on the Kinabatangan River
If you’re into wildlife (and even if you’re not yet), a river safari down the Kinabatangan River might just be the highlight of your trip. This cruise takes you through some of the richest wildlife corridors left in Borneo. You can either take a day trip from Sandakan or a multi-day tour.
On a single boat ride, you might spot pygmy elephants wading at the water’s edge, proboscis monkeys bouncing between trees, crocodiles lazing in the river, and hornbills soaring overhead. It is recommended to take morning and evening cruises. There’s something about floating quietly down the river at sunrise or sunset that feels almost surreal.
Dive at Sipadan Island
Even if you’re more of a land person than a water person, Sipadan might change your mind. It’s one of the top dive sites in the world, and once you see it, you’ll understand why. Imagine turtles everywhere, massive swirling schools of barracuda, vibrant coral walls dropping straight into the deep blue; it’s like flipping through the pages of National Geographic, but you’re in it.
Diving permits are limited to protect the reef, so you’ll want to book that in advance. If you are not a diver but still want to experience life under the river, don’t worry. Nearby islands like Mabul offer snorkeling options too.
Step into the Jungle at Danum Valley
Danum Valley isn’t built for casual tourists, and that’s exactly why it’s incredible. There are no villages, no big resorts, no crowds; just ancient rainforest stretches out in every direction. If you’re lucky (and patient), you might see orangutans, pygmy elephants, gibbons, flying squirrels, or even the elusive clouded leopard. Even if you don’t, just being in that dense, untouched jungle is a trip in itself.
Staying at one of the eco-lodges here, like Borneo Rainforest Lodge, puts you right in the thick of it; morning hikes, night safaris, canopy walks. Danum Valley has incredible biodiversity and scenic beauty, so make sure to be mindful and respect the rules while you are here.
Hike Through Crocker Range National Park
Crocker Range National Park is the largest terrestrial park in Sabah, and it is home to diverse landscapes and ecosystems. The park offers trails and hikes that take you through lush jungle and dense forests. Camping is also permitted in the park, but there are additional fees.
It’s a bit cooler up in the highlands, which makes walking around a lot more comfortable even on hotter days. You’ll also get a chance to meet some of the indigenous Dusun communities living in the area; people who know this landscape better than anyone.
If you’re looking for a more off-the-grid kind of hiking experience, you should definitely visit this park.
Island-Hop Around Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Just off the coast from Kota Kinabalu, you’ll find five small islands that make up Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. They’re close enough that you can visit multiple islands in a single day, and each one has a slightly different vibe.
You can snorkel over coral reefs, hike across jungle trails, or just sit on the beach with a coconut in hand. For adventure lovers, try the zipline between Gaya and Sapi islands; it’s short, but zipping over the ocean is a total rush.
Go Wild at Tabin Wildlife Reserve
Tabin Wildlife Reserve flies a little more under the radar, but for wildlife lovers, it’s a goldmine. Here you’ve got a real chance of spotting endangered species like Borneo pygmy elephants and rare hornbills. There’s even a natural mud volcano where animals (and adventurous travelers) come to soak. It’s messy, hilarious, and supposedly great for your skin.
You can also experience an herbal foot soak that is known to soothe and stimulate your feet and restore mental and physical harmony. There is also a wildlife resort located within the Tabin Wildlife Reserve, offering charming jungle chalets to guests who want to stay here.
If you love nature, adventure, and places that remind you the world is bigger and wilder than your daily routine, Sabah’s going to feel like home, or at least, a home you’ll never want to leave. Bring your hiking boots, a sense of humor, and a lot of curiosity. You’re going to need all three.
