Tuaran

The Tuaran town is located in the West Coast Division of Sabah; the most famous landmark of this town would be the nine-storey Chinese pagoda. The town also serves as a good stopover town for travelers from the northern towns (Kudat, Kota Marudu, Kota Belud and Tenghilan) to the state capital of Kota Kinabalu.

Every Sunday morning, there will be a tamu (big open market) held by the native traders. Here is where the harvests of produce from nearby villages and sometimes even nearby towns are brought to the market. Tuaran is also famous for the delicious Tuaran mee and the bahar—a traditional Lotud liquor made from coconut sap and a special kind of tree bark.

List of attraction around Tuaran

    * Borneo Kellybays
    * Borneo Spa, Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai
    * Dalit Bay Golf and Country Club
    * Kiulu White Water Rafting
    * Linangkit Cultural Village
    * Tamu Tamparuli
    * Tamu Tuaran
    * The Spa at Dalit Bay
    * Tuaran Crocodile Farm

Tenom

Formerly known as Fort Birch during the colonial period, the Interior Division town of Tenom is primarily an agriculture zone with soy beans, maize, vegetables and cocoa being the major crops. Tenom is also where the Sabah Agriculture Park is located.

Tenom is one of the most scenic interior locations in Sabah, with the Crocker Range towering magnificently as the town’s backdrop. Also known as the “gateway to Murut country”, the town comes together each year to celebrate Pesta Kalimaran—a festival celebrated by the Murut community in Tenom.

List of attraction around Tenom

    * Murut Cultural Centre
    * Padas River White Water Rafting
    * Sabah Agriculture Park

Tawau

Nestled in the south-east coast of Sabah is Tawau—the third largest town in Sabah after Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan. Being surrounded by the ocean, this fast-developing town is famous for its fresh, succulent and cheap seafood. It is also the largest agro-tourism destination in the state with attractions such as Balung Eco Resort, Tawau Hills Park and Teck Guan Cocoa Museum to name a few.

Love the sun, sea and sand? Book a return flight to Tawau and drive down to Semporna to explore some of the best islands in Sabah. Diving enthusiasts will be amazed by the awe-inspiring underwater world of Mabul, Pom Pom, Mataking, Kapalai and the legendary Sipadan Island.

List of attraction around Tawau

    * Balung River Eco Resort
    * Bukit Gemok
    * Maliau Basin (Sabah's Lost World)
    * Shan-Shui Golf & Country Club
    * Tawau Hills Park
    * Tawau Tanjung Market
    * Teck Guan Cocoa Museum

Tambunan

The town of Tambunan is located in the Interior Division of Sabah. It is situated within the parliamentary constituency of Keningau with nearly its entire population comprising of the indigenous Dusun people. Situated approximately 81 kilometers from Kota Kinabalu, this idyllic town is surrounded by terraced padi fields as well as 70 picturesque villages.

The dense bamboo forests engulfing the Tambunan area are a legacy of the British colonial period. Tambunan is the home of the revolutionary Bajau hero, Mat Salleh, who rebelled against the British North Borneo Company. Apart from that, Tambunan is also noted for its quality lihing and tapai (rice wine).

List of attraction around Tambunan

    * Mat Salleh Memorial
    * Mount Trus Madi
    * Rafflesia Information Centre
    * Tambunan District

Sipitang

Sipitang is a town which is also a parliamentary constituency located in the Interior Division of Sabah. It is the closest town to the Sabah-Sarawak border, situated 44 kilometers south of Beaufort and 144 kilometers south of Kota Kinabalu.

Sipitang is home of the Kedayan, Lundayeh, Brunei Malay and Murut indigenous people. Its mainly undisturbed surrounding offers one of Sabah’s most beautiful natural attractions—the Maga Waterfall of Long Pasia.

List of attraction around Sipitang

    * Bukit Rimau
    * Long Pasia
    * Maga Waterfall of Long Pasia
    * Taman Kerangas
    * Ulu Padas

Semporna

This gateway to beautiful islands is located in the Tawau Division, in the East Coast of Sabah. It is known as an illustrious scuba diving and snorkeling spot. Semporna town is mainly populated by the Bajau Laut ethnic community, otherwise known as the Sea Gypsies—many of whom live in sprawling stilt villages above the water or inside the traditional Lepa boats.

The Regatta Lepa traditional boat race is held here annually in April. Semporna was also the finishing line of the Eco-challenge: Borneo, which was held in 2000. Off the coast is the Tun Sakaran Marine Park, also known as Semporna Islands Park which was gazetted by Sabah Parks in 2004.

List of attraction around Semporna
    * Ka'andaman Spa Mabul
    * Kapalai Island
    * Mabul Island
    * Mataking Island
    * Pom Pom Island
    * Sipadan Island
    * Tun Sakaran Marine Park

Sandakan

The historical city of Sandakan is the second largest city in Sabah. It is located in the east coast of Borneo Island and is the administrative centre of the Sandakan Division. It had served as the capital of the British North Borneo during the British colonial time.

Sandakan is famous as the gateway for eco-tourism destinations in Sabah such as the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary, the Turtle Islands Park, Sukau Proboscis Lodge, and the archaeological Gomantong Caves. It is also the notorious site of a World War II Japanese airfield which was built by the forced labour of Javanese civilians and Allied prisoners of war. In 1945, the surviving prisoners were sent on the Sandakan Death Marches—after which only 6 survived the war.

List of attraction around Sandakan

    * Agnes Keith House
    * Batu Tulug
    * Gomantong Cave
    * Kinabatangan River
    * Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
    * Lankayan Island
    * Libaran Island
    * Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC)
    * Sandakan Crocodile Farm
    * Sandakan Golf & Country Club
    * Sandakan Heritage Trail
    * Sandakan Memorial Park
    * Sandakan Town
    * Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary
    * St. Michael's and All Angels Church, Sandakan
    * Turtle Island Park

Ranau

Situated in the West Coast division of Sabah, the hilly district of Ranau is located 1, 176 meters above sea level. It is inhabited by an almost entirely Dusun ethnic community and is on the highway connecting Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan. Just 20 kilometers away from Kinabalu Park, it is one of the gateways to the National Park, Poring Hot Springs, and Sabah Tea Garden.

Kundasang, home of the luminous Mount Kinabalu lies in Ranau. Ranau was also the terminus of the notorious Sandakan Death March during the World War II. The Kundasang War Memorial serves to commemorate the sacrifices and bravery of the fallen heroes.

List of attraction around Ranau

    * 'Tagal' Sungai Moroli, Kampung Luanti - Fish Massage
    * Poring Hot Spring (PHS)
    * Sabah Tea Garden

Lahad Datu

Lahad Datu is located in the Tawau division, occupying the peninsula on the north side of Darvel Bay. Lahad Datu is surrounded by stretches of cocoa and oil palm plantations. Apart from that, it is also an important timber exporting port.

A haven for naturalists, Lahad Datu is the gateway to Danum Valley Conservation Area, Tabin Wildlife Reserve, and Madai Caves. Lahad Datu is also the base for the Borneo Child Aid Society (locally Humana Child Aid Society Sabah) which provides education for more than 5, 000 children of plantation workers as well as others who are without access to basic education.

List of attraction around Lahad Datu

    * Danum Valley Conservation Area
    * Madai - Baturong Forest Reserve Nature Centre
    * Tabin Wildlife Reserve

Kundasang

Kundasang, home of the luminous Mount Kinabalu lies in Ranau. Ranau was also the terminus of the notorious Sandakan Death March during the World War II. The Kundasang War Memorial serves to commemorate the sacrifices and bravery of the fallen heroes.

List of attraction around Kundasang

    * Kinabalu Park
    * Kundasang War Memorial
    * Mesilau
    * Mount Kinabalu Golf Club
    * Mountain Torq Via Ferrata

Kudat

The beautiful town of Kudat lies on the northern tip of Borneo Island. It serves as the administrative center for the Kudat division which includes the towns in Kudat—Pitas, Kota Marudu, as well as some offshore islands. Kudat is inhabited mainly by the Rungus ethnic people—a sub-group of the indigenous Kadazan native.

The town was founded by A.H. Everett of the British North Borneo Company on December 7, 1881 to be the first capital of British North Borneo due to its strategic geographic location. Kudat is famous for its Rungus longhouses, traditional gong-making villages, and the Tanjung Simpang Mengayau—the northernmost point on the island of Borneo, better known as the Tip of Borneo.

List of attraction around Kudat

    * Gombizau Honey Bee Farm
    * Kampung Bavanggazo (Rungus Longhouse)
    * Kampung Sumangkap Gong Factory
    * Kelambu Beach
    * Kudat Golf Club
    * Maranjak Longhouse Homestay
    * Tamu Kudat
    * The Tip of Borneo - Tanjung Simpang Mengayau

Kuala Penyu

A town located in the Interior Division of Sabah, it is home to the Kadazan or Dusun Tatana community as the largest single ethnic group. Kuala Penyu is located on the Klias Peninsula, which was originally covered with mangrove swamp forests. Administratively, this district is divided into three parts—Sitompok, Bundu and Menumbok.

It is one of the gateways to Pulau Tiga Survivor Island. Kuala Penyu is famous for its beaches, especially the Tempurung Beach, Sawangan Beach and Sungai Labuan Waterfront. Kuala Penyu is also a district dotted by sago trees which are widely planted throughout the area. In fact, the sago plant is such a popular product in the district that there is an annual celebration for it called the Pesta Rumbia.

List of attraction around Kuala Penyu

    * Pulau Tiga "Survivor Island"
    * Rumbia Information Centre
    * Tamu Kuala Penyu

Kota Marudu

A tiny district in the Kudat division, Kota Marudu is mainly populated by the Kimaragang and Tobilung Dusun communities with other dwellers consisting of the Bajau, Bugis, Brunei, orang Sungai, and Suluk natives. Situated in the northern region of Sabah, Kota Marudu is bordered by Kudat, Kota Belud, Pitas and Beluran. It is located 130 kilometers away from Kota Kinabalu city, roughly 2 hours drive away.

Kota Marudu is formerly known as ‘Bandau’, derived from the KadazanDusun word ‘Mondou’; which according to local ancient folklore is a buffalo-like creature that had caused the residents much terror. The district’s name was consequently changed to Kota Marudu, after a famous port on Marudu Bay which was built by local warrior, Shariff Osman. When in Kota Marudu, have a picnic at the Sorinsim Waterfall, check out the weekly tamu and enjoy a delicious cob of grilled corn.

List of attraction around Kota Marudu

    * Sorinsim Waterfall
    * Tamu Kota Marudu

Kota Belud

The quaint town of Kota Belud lies about 70 kilometers, or an hour’s drive away, from Kota Kinabalu. Well-known for its ‘Land of the Cowboys of the East’ soubriquet, it is also one of the most scenic districts in Sabah.

Kota Belud is a wonderful tapestry of cultures and customs; embracing those of the Bajau Muslim majority and smatterings of the KadazanDusun and Irranun mores. For many centuries, Kota Belud has played an imperative role as the cultural hub of Northern Borneo. It is mostly known for its vivacious tamu and unique handicrafts. Kota Belud is also the gateway to the beautiful Mantanani Island.

List of attraction around Kota Belud
    * Kampung Kuala Abai
    * Kampung Siasai
    * Kota Belud District
    * Mantanani Island
    * Miki Survival Camp
    * Tamu Kota Belud
    * Usukan Cove

Kinarut / Papar

Dubbed ‘the Rice Bowl of Sabah’, the agricultural town of Papar is situated 38.5 kilometers from the State Capital, Kota Kinabalu. Journey from Kota Kinabalu to reach Papar takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour by car and 1 hour and 30 minutes by train.

The main attraction in Papar would be its tamu (Sunday market) which offers a wide variety of juicy local fruits, unique Sabahan handicrafts, fresh vegetables, fish, and many more. For those enamoured with nature and adventure, Papar offers delightful destinations such as the KK Adventure Park, Dinawan Island and Kawang Forest Centre.

List of attraction around Kinarut / Papar

    * Dinawan Island
    * Kawang Forest Centre
    * KK Adventure Park
    * Mai Aman
    * Papar District

Keningau

This sprawling timber and agricultural town, which is named after a Javanese cinnamon tree, is located in the Interior Division of Sabah. The Keningau district is situated in a valley surrounded by the Crocker Range to the west and the Trus Madi Range to the east and south sides.

For nature lovers and adventure seekers, Keningau is the place to be. Hike your way up Mount Trus Madi—the second highest peak in Malaysia after Mount Kinabalu—or get your camping gear ready and rough it at the Crocker Range Park.

List of attraction around Keningau

    * Crocker Range Park
    * Tamu Keningau

Beaufort

Beaufort, a name that bears the meaning ‘the beautiful fort’ in old French, sits pretty at the southwest region of Sabah. This quiet provincial town is situated less than 2 hours away, roughly 97 kilometers away from Kota Kinabalu.

A sister to the Beaufort town in North Carolina, Beaufort is mainly inhabited by the Bisaya, Brunei, Murut, and Chinese denizens. The Beaufort tamu (weekly market) is held every Friday and Saturday. It is famous for its local produce especially the fresh selections of local tropical fruits. When in Beaufort, don’t miss the chance to sample the scrumptiously well-known Beaufort Mee—a noodle dish served either dry or with soup.

List of attraction around Beaufort

    * Beaufort District
    * Borneo Golf and Country Club
    * Garama Wetland
    * Klias River
    * Starcevich Memorial

Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu, formerly known as Jesselton, is the city capital of Sabah as well as the capital of the West Coast Division of Sabah. Strategically situated in the Northwest Coast of Borneo Island, facing the South China Sea and Tunku Abdul Rahman Park on one side, and set against the backdrop of Mount Kinabalu; this beautiful ‘Nature Resort City’ stretches for miles along the coast and towards the inland.

Affectionately known as KK or Api Api by the locals, Kota Kinabalu is a popular tourism getaway and a major gateway into Sabah and Borneo Island. Apart from featuring a number of tourism attractions in and around the city, Kota Kinabalu is also one of the most thriving industrial and commercial centers in East Malaysia.

List of attraction around Kota Kinabalu (Capital City)

    * Aquarium & Marine Museum

    * Atkinson Clock Tower

    * Borneo Art Gallery

    * Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa

    * CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa

    * City Mosque

    * Double Six Monument

    * Gaya Street (Sunday Market)

    * Hakod Oasis Spa

    * Handicraft Market

    * Jari Jari (Day Spa) for Body & Mind Relaxation

    * Jesselton Point Waterfront

    * Ka'andaman Traditional Healing Garden

    * Kipandi Butterfly Park

    * KK Esplanade

    * Kota Kinabalu Wetlands

    * Layang-Layang Island

    * Lok Kawi Wildlife Park

    * Mandara Spa, Magellan Sutera

    * Mari Mari Cultural Village

    * Menara Tun Mustapha (Sabah Foundation Building)

    * Monsopiad Cultural Village

    * Nexus Golf Resort Karambunai

    * North Borneo Railway

    * Orchid de Villa

    * Outdoor Development Centre (ODEC)

    * Petagas War Memorial

    * Puh Toh Tze Temple

    * Sabah Golf & Country Club

    * Sabah State Mosque

    * Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village

    * Sabah State Railway

    * Sightseeing in Kota Kinabalu

    * Signal Hill Observatory Platform

    * South Sea Sanctuary Day Spa

    * St. Michael's Church Penampang

    * Sutera Harbour Golf & Country Club

    * Tamu Penampang

    * Tanjung Aru Beach

    * The Green Connection

    * The Waterfront

    * Tun Mustapha Gallery

    * Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

    * Water World Theme Park