Live Your Best Lives
The weather is getting colder, and I'm wearing more and more clothes. When I shiver in the cold wind, I really miss the days of wearing shorts and short sleeves. Then I have to mention a top destination for warm winters - Malaysia!
But with so many tourist attractions in Malaysia, how do you choose? I highly recommend Sabah, located in the easternmost part of Malaysia. Compared to other places in Southeast Asia, it is quieter and more suitable for vacation. I have compiled a travel guide to Sabah, hoping it will be helpful for your trip.
Explore Sabah visa-free and enjoy the romance of sunshine and beaches, the majesty of Mount Kinabalu, and the mystery of the rainforest. Let's go!
1. An undamaged passport with a validity period of more than 6 months and blank pages.
2. The paid departure ticket from Malaysia is usually checked during check-in and immigration.
3. Prepare the paid hotel order confirmation that matches your itinerary.
4. Fill out the electronic entry card (MDAC) on the Malaysian Immigration Department website within three days in advance, otherwise you will not be able to enter.
5. Prepare more than USD 1,000 or other equivalent currency, or proof of funds.
Sabah is summery year-round, but autumn returns with a single rainy day. Therefore, pack some nice, cool clothing, slippers, and sandals. Also, pack warm clothing in your suitcase to accommodate the temperature changes upon your return. Also, please respect local customs when entering certain places, such as mosques, as there are dress codes.
In Malaysia, the steering wheel is on the right side of the vehicle, and driving is on the left. It's easy to get into the wrong lane when renting a car and driving on your own. Sabah is a vast and sparsely populated country, with attractions spaced out, making it more suitable for group tours, which are more comfortable.
Malaysia prohibits tourists from bringing durian, jackfruit, and mangosteen into hotels. Be sure to wear sunscreen and mosquito repellent, and bring rain gear and a power bank. Kota Kinabalu International Airport requires secondary security screening, so please allow ample time.
Travel arrangements: Five days or more are recommended.
AirAsia has launched a new direct flight from Jieyang, Guangdong to Kota Kinabalu, AK1525, which takes 3 hours to reach Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah.
When leaving Jieyang, you can directly scan your passport to pass through the gate if you hold a new passport.
Upon landing in Kota Kinabalu, you'll need to undergo manual verification, stamping, and fingerprinting. After collecting your luggage, you'll arrive at the airport lobby, where you can exchange and withdraw money, and purchase mobile phone SIM cards. You can also purchase data plans on your phone, which is very convenient.
There are basically money exchange places in shopping malls in Kota Kinabalu city. Most convenience stores, restaurants and shopping malls support Chinese mobile payments. The exchange rate is good and it is very convenient.
To get a taxi to the hotel, you'll need to go to the taxi counter, tell the staff your destination, and purchase a taxi ticket of the same price. Malaysians love using Grab for taxis and food delivery, which is also very convenient. You can choose a Chinese driver or have a driver randomly assigned by the system.
A majestic mountain stands tall and majestic in many places in Kota Kinabalu, its summit sometimes appearing and disappearing in the mist, creating a mysterious atmosphere. Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia's highest mountain, is often called "Mount Kinabalu" and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It takes about two hours to reach the Mount Kinabalu Observation Deck from Kota Kinabalu city. This is the perfect spot to admire and photograph the mountain, where the flowers and trees complement each other beautifully. A single click of the shutter creates a stunning screensaver.
Mount Kinabalu’s highest point is 4,095.2 meters above sea level. Hiking from the foot of the mountain to the summit and back again takes about two or three days, requiring a certain level of physical fitness and adaptability to high altitudes. Visitors can experience the Nabalu Observation Deck, Mount Kinabalu Cattle Ranch, natural fish therapy, the Mount Kinabalu Suspension Bridge, and other activities.
The rolling hills and lush green grass here are a delight to the eyes. You can tour the ranch and feed the calves. The cows are very friendly as long as you have grass or milk. Adults and children alike can take photos with them and capture the fun interactions.
Kinabalu National Park (Kinabalu Geopark) boasts a tropical rainforest climate. Walking along the tourist trails, you'll find dense forests on both sides. The park also boasts hot springs and suspension bridges, giving you the feeling of stumbling into a prehistoric wonderland. The Kinabalu suspension bridge is a classic attraction, but it's best avoided on rainy days, as it can be difficult to navigate and can be slippery.
Sun, sea, yachts, water sports… A trip to Sabah is all about indulgence. KK Yacht, departing from the pier, speeds out to sea, sprinting towards the boundless expanse. Bask in the warm tropical sun and you'll want to sing at the top of your lungs!
The pier where the yacht goes out to sea is called Sutera Marina8 Country Club (Sutera Silk Harbour Private Pier). The entire sea journey takes about 4 hours, and there are three time periods to choose from a day.
The yacht is large, with multiple lounge and viewing areas, including a bathroom, shower, and lounge. The best viewing area is on the top deck, offering excellent photo opportunities. The first deck is also a perfect photo spot. However, be careful as the sea can be windy.
The yacht sped forward and stopped in the middle of the sea. You can experience water activities such as banana boat, glass boat, pool party, flying fish, giant duck, SEATRAMPOLINE, floating slide, etc., and screams can be heard one after another.
Tips: Your clothes will get wet after experiencing the marine entertainment activities, so prepare a change of clothes, towels and slippers before departure.
The Sabah Mosque, situated on the shores of Likas Bay, appears to float on the water, hence its nickname: the Floating Mosque. Its white form seamlessly blends with the sky and the lake, making it a particularly beautiful photo opportunity. For best results, wear blue and white or light-colored clothing.
Ticket price: RM5
Located within the University of Sabah, admission is RM10 per person, and almost every visitor to Sabah will want to check it out. The building's dome, walls, gate, and minaret are all painted pink, creating a romantic, warm, and solemn atmosphere. Light-colored clothing makes for a great photo opportunity.
Sabah has a long and winding coastline with many mangroves. Kawa Kawa Mangrove is one of the three largest mangroves. It is about a 2-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu city. It has beautiful waterside scenery and is home to Malaysia's national treasure - the gibbon.
We took a boat trip deep into the mangroves, where the greenery along the way was truly captivating. The waterside houses, the pier, the mangroves, and the distant mountain scenery were reflected in the clear water, creating a dreamlike mirror effect. Several gibbon monkeys leaped and climbed among the trees, a lively and adorable sight.
Kawa Beach, about a five-minute drive from Mangrove Pier, is one of Sabah's best spots for sunset viewing. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sea and sky are painted in warm hues, creating a truly romantic and beautiful scene.
The mangroves at night are even more magical and beautiful, with fireflies dancing through the trees and circling around the boats. When the boats stop moving, they fly directly into the cabins and dance before everyone's eyes.
Hidden within Sabah's lush tropical forests lies a mysterious place: the Borneo Cultural Village, a place showcasing the history, culture, and indigenous customs of Sabah's six major ethnic villages.
It took about 40 minutes from our hotel in downtown Kota Kinabalu to reach the Borneo Cultural Village. The Murut and Rungus people of Sabah greeted us in a unique way. Their wild attire and bold personalities gave us a strong sense of time travel and intimacy.
Walking into the cultural village, you will be greeted by wild natural wonders. Simple yet elegant cabins are dotted in different locations in the lush forest, just like the place where the protagonists of fairy tales live.
Along the trail, you'll find a variety of immersive experiences. Things like making fire with bamboo sticks, trampolines, arm painting, and making Malay curry and flying pancakes are all unique. At noon, there's also a performance full of ethnic charm, offering a wealth of immersive and interactive experiences filled with surprises.
Tips: Note: Respect local customs. Mosquitoes may appear in the dense forest, so you need to take sun protection and mosquito repellent measures in advance.
Borneo's Summer Bay is a hidden gem in Sabah, largely undeveloped, preserving the pristine, wild, and refreshing beauty of a natural bay. It's a perfect spot for photography and marine sports enthusiasts. The mangrove swamps here are a self-contained wonderland, with the tranquil river and vibrant mangroves creating a beautiful backdrop. Experienced locals have already tossed crab bait into the river, creating a relaxing atmosphere.
The weather in Sabah is very interesting. It was cloudy when we landed, but it turned sunny not long after. The blue sky, white clouds, sunshine and beach made the scenery so beautiful and the mood so comfortable.
You can stroll along the beach, relax on lounge chairs or hanging bags, play a game of beach volleyball with friends, or try out paddleboarding, banana boating, beach bowling, kayaking, the Rubber Duck, archery, and more.
Tips: The beach is humid and has strong UV rays, so you'll need to wear sunscreen and mosquito repellent. Prepare slippers, a towel, and a change of clothes before departure; there are showers on the beach for changing clothes.
Tanjong Aru Beach's sunset is said to be one of the top three in the world, so we highly recommend staying at the Shangri-La Hotel, Tanjong Aru. Even if the weather prevents you from seeing the sunset, the scenery is still captivating. From your room to the pool to the beach, every step feels like walking into a painting.
There are green grass, tall coconut trees, winding bays and beautiful peninsulas here.
The seaside swimming pool seems to connect with the sea and sky. A tree adorns the edge of the pool, seemingly growing naturally from the depths of the ocean. The distant mountain scenery, cruise ships, and buildings complement each other, creating a romantic and sentimental atmosphere.
Lying on a lounge chair by the pool, time flies by and everything feels relaxed and wonderful. Not only that, from the beach at Tanjong Aru, you can also overlook Mount Kinabalu.
When you’re in Sabah, you absolutely have to try seafood. I highly recommend The Crab House Seafood Restaurant in downtown Kota Kinabalu, which will satisfy our Chinese palates.
Recommended dishes: Grilled shrimp, nine-oil shrimp, red lobster, steamed tiger grouper, Saba vegetables, and grouper.
In addition, there are many Chinese restaurants and authentic Malaysian restaurants in Gaya Street and its surrounding areas in Kota Kinabalu city.
Other restaurant recommendations: Xinji Bak Kut Teh, Youji Bak Kut Teh, Wei Ya Hainanese Chicken Rice, Yifeng Tea House, and Fuyuan.
