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It’s A Good Time To Travel Local. Here’s Why Sabah Should Be Your Destination

From islands to historical sites, there’s everything for you.
Editor
05 Mar 2020, 11:14 AM

it’s a good time to travel local. here’s why sabah should be your destination

Images via AirAsia, Farah @ drsyncro (IG) via Sabah Tourism Board

Need a quick getaway? Then travel local! we suggest making Sabah your next travel destination.

via GIPHY

There’s plenty to see and do in Sabah, whether you’re interested in the city life or want your own adventure in the jungles.

Let us make it easy for you by planning out a 3D2N (3 days 2 nights) itinerary for Kota Kinabalu (KK), Sandakan and Tawau!

Your 3D2N Itinerary in Kota Kinabalu

Being the capital city of Sabah, you won’t run out of things to do in KK—and you shouldn’t miss the gorgeous views of Mount Kinabalu.

Day 1

it’s a good time to travel local. here’s why sabah should be your destination
Image via John Kong/ Sabah Tourism

Get your adrenaline pumping when you experience Kiulu white water rafting!

If you’re feeling a bit worried or are a first-timer, don’t worry—a captain will guide you and you’re allowed to choose different levels of rapids.

it’s a good time to travel local. here’s why sabah should be your destination

Image via North Borneo Cruise / Sabah Tourism

Go on the North Borneo Cruise and watch the sunset

It’s time for you to wind down. Board the North Borneo Cruise and enjoy the sunset view. To complete the romantic experience, you can have your dinner onboard. 

Day 2

it’s a good time to travel local. here’s why sabah should be your destination

Image via Azhari Ashraff / Sabah Tourism

Explore Mantanani Islands

These are a group of three isolated islands approximately 2 hours away from Kota Kinabalu, which includes a 55-minute boat ride. You can go island trekking to see how the locals live in the fishing village, then try out sea kayaking. Take a break by lazing around on the beach or have a friendly volleyball match in the evening.

it’s a good time to travel local. here’s why sabah should be your destination

Image via AirAsia

Day 3

it’s a good time to travel local. here’s why sabah should be your destination

Image via Farah @ drsyncro (IG) / Sabah Tourism Board

Hike up Maragang Hill for a sunrise view of Mount Kinabalu

You’ve enjoyed your sunset views, now why not a sunrise? Maragang Hill offers a panoramic view of Mount Kinabalu’s peak.

it’s a good time to travel local. here’s why sabah should be your destination

Image via Jack Visual / Sabah Tourism

Discover local cultures and food at Mari Mari Cultural Village

Here, you’ll find cultures you wouldn’t have been able to get to know back in Peninsula Malaysia. There are five different ethnic tribes in the village—the longhouse resident Rungus, the rice farmer Kadazan-Dusun, the Lundayeh which are made up of hunters and fishermen, the Bajau sea gypsies and the formerly headhunting tribe, Murut.

Your 3D2N Itinerary in Sandakan

There’s plenty of history and nature to appreciate in Sandakan, which is also the second largest town in Sabah. Don’t forget to try out all the sea food!

Day 1

it’s a good time to travel local. here’s why sabah should be your destination

Image via AirAsia

Stay at Lankayan Island Resort

When it comes to accommodation, it’s best to stay somewhere you’ll be able to do all the activities you want. We suggest Lankayan Island Resort, as you’ll be able to enjoy different kinds of water sports in one place, including diving and snorkelling.

Day 2

it’s a good time to travel local. here’s why sabah should be your destination

Image via Heinz Rickers / Sabah Tourism

Learn more about Orangutan at Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre

Established in 1964, this is a place where orphaned orangutans are rehabilitated. They would be taught how to cope in the wild and their health would be monitored. As a visitor, you’ll get to watch feeding sessions and learn more about orangutans at the information centre.

it’s a good time to travel local. here’s why sabah should be your destination

Image via Clement Liew Ket Hin / Sabah Tourism

Discover the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre

An animal sanctuary in Sepilok, this conservation centre provides care to recued sun bears, which is also the world’s second-most endangered bear. There are telescopes provided for visitors to look at the bears, and you can even be a volunteer!

it’s a good time to travel local. here’s why sabah should be your destination

Image via Ramble and Wander / Sabah Tourism

Get up close to Proboscis at Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary

Once you’re done watching orangutans and sun bears, it’s time to get to know the proboscis monkey. There are over 300 of them living there! The sanctuary also houses other animals such as wild boars, flying squirrels, and crocodiles that you can watch at night.

Day 3

it’s a good time to travel local. here’s why sabah should be your destination

Image via Bryane Ernest Belton / Sabah Tourism

Get to know the town’s history and culture by going on the Sandakan Heritage Trail

This comprehensive walk covers the town’s important historical sites. Some places you’ll be walking will include the 100-year-old Masjid Jamik, the Stairs With A Hundred Steps, and the famous Agnes Keith House, a restored colonial building.

Taste delicious grilled fish at Sim-Sim Ikan Bakar

it’s a good time to travel local. here’s why sabah should be your destination

Image via AirAsia

Sim-Sim Pasar is busy regardless of what time it is, but you shouldn’t miss out on tasting their ikan bakar! You get to choose what fish you want, and they will BBQ it on the spot. You can also get shrimps here, if that’s your preference.

Your 3D2N Itinerary in Tawau

The third biggest city in Sabah, Tawau is best known for its cocoa plantation and seafood! It’s also near the Semporna Islands and Maliau Basin, two very popular locations for tourists.

Day 1

it’s a good time to travel local. here’s why sabah should be your destination

Image via Sabah Tourism

Appreciate nature at Tawau Hills Park

Tawau Hills Park has the world’s tallest tropical tree and the world’s second tallest tree! In the middle of the park is the Tawau River, which creates a beautiful scenery as there are natural pools and waterfalls around it. You might even spot a long-tailed macaque, leopard cats, and birds such as the hornbill!

it’s a good time to travel local. here’s why sabah should be your destination

Image via Sabah Tourism

Eat fresh sea food at Kam Ling Restaurant Tawau

Prepare for a gastronomical paradise at Kam Ling Restaurant! With specialties such as chilli-fried Rock Lobster and salt-baked Mantis Prawn, you’ll be ending your day with a happy and full tummy. (FYI to our readers: no pork is served). 

Day 2

it’s a good time to travel local. here’s why sabah should be your destination

Image via Bahrin Anuar bin Baharudin / Sabah Tourism

Hike up Bohey Dulang Island and enjoy the view from the top

If you enjoy hiking and birdwatching, this is a must-visit. Amazing views await you from its 353m peak! It’s going to be a picture-perfect trip for sure.

it’s a good time to travel local. here’s why sabah should be your destination

Image via AirAsia

it’s a good time to travel local. here’s why sabah should be your destination

Image via Sabah Tourism

Go island-hopping (Pom Pom, Mataking, Timba-Timba)

Check out the beautiful, different beaches of these islands—you’ll feel like you’re in paradise! You can dive and marvel at the coral reefs—or even take scuba diving lessons if you’re a beginner.

it’s a good time to travel local. here’s why sabah should be your destination

Image via Sabah Tourism

Learn history at the Bukit Tengkorak Archeological Site

This location is the largest pottery-making site in Southeast Asia during the Neolithic period, so you’ll find numerous pottery shards of various patterns dating back to thousands of years ago. There are plenty of things to do too, such as hiking, mountain climbing, and seeing Semporna’s sea view.

Day 3

it’s a good time to travel local. here’s why sabah should be your destination

Image via Sabah Tourism

Get to know the history of cocoa at Teck Guan Cocoa Museum & Cocoa Village

As mentioned before, Tawau is famous for its cocoa! Located 45 minutes away from Tawau Town, you’ll get to learn about the art of cocoa plantation… and taste the sweet cocoa!

it’s a good time to travel local. here’s why sabah should be your destination

Image via Sabah Tourism

Try out local delicacies such as Keropok Amplang at Tawau Tanjung Market

With 6,000 stalls, it’s considered the largest indoor Market in Malaysia! Here, you’ll find local delicacies such as keropok amplang. Oh, and if you’re looking for hand-made souvenirs for your family and friends, this is the place to go.

Make your trip planning even easier with AirAsia!

Fly from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau for RM149 (all-in members fare). Book now until 7 March 2020. Travel period starts from now until 30 September 2020.

Click here to book your tickets!

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