At a certain point, during our travels, we had to make a choice. Stay on the east coast of Malaysia, or fly to Borneo? Well, we can say we made the right choice to fly to Malaysian Borneo, because it offers some of the most impressive nature and wildlife experiences in Malaysia. In this page we focus on the Sabah region, with time spent around Kota Kinabalu, wildlife areas near Sandakan, and more.
Kota Kinabalu is a relaxed coastal city and a good base for exploring nearby islands, mountains, and local culture. We started our trip here before we continued east to Sepilok, which is known for its wildlife conservation centers, and onward to the Kinabatangan River, one of the best places in Malaysia for wildlife spotting. Along the river, we stayed in a remote lodge and joined boat safaris through dense jungle to spot orangutans, proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, and tropical birds.
To complete the experience, Semporna added a coastal and island-focused side to Borneo, with its clear waters, coral reefs, and popular island-hopping and snorkeling trips.
The best time to visit Sabah, on Malay Borneo, is during the drier season from March to October. During these months, the weather is generally more stable, making it ideal for island trips, hiking, wildlife spotting, and river cruises.
The wet season runs roughly from November to February. Rainfall is higher, especially along the Kinabatangan River, which can affect travel plans and visibility. However, wildlife is still present year-round, and the rainforest is at its most lush. If your main goal is wildlife and you don’t mind occasional rain, visiting outside peak season is still possible, but for comfort and flexibility, the dry season is the best choice.
International flights to Kota Kinabalu:
Most travelers reach Sabah by flying into Kota Kinabalu, the main gateway to the region.
There are frequent direct flights from Kuala Lumpur and other major Malaysian cities, with a flight time of around 2.5 hours. We booked our tickets via this site for the best deals.
You can also fly directly from Singapore. Find the best prices here!
Most flights coming from other places in Southeast Asia most likely go through Kuala Lumpur.
Getting around Kota Kinabalu is fairly easy and didn’t require us to rent a car.
Grab is widely used and the most convenient way to move around the city, especially for short distances.
Just like the rest of Southeast Asia, scooter rentals are also widely available.
To continue your trip to Sepilok and the Kinabatangan river in Sandakan it’s best to fly from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan in about 45 minutes. Check flights here.
Most adventure lodges like Sukau Greenview include transport from Sandakan Airport, making travel to the Kinabatangan River area straightforward. It’s best to always check this upfront to be sure.
Tawau Airport is the main gateway to Semporna, from where island-hopping and diving trips depart. Fly into this airport from either Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan.
Looking for the best prices for domestic flights? Click here for flights from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau Airport. Take a look here for flights from Sandakan to Tawau Airport.
From Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan you can also take the bus, but it’s almost the same price as flying and takes a lot longer so we don’t advise that. If you prefer the bus you can book it here.
We really liked Kota Kinabalu as it’s a relaxed coastal city and the main gateway to Sabah. It combines city comfort with easy access to islands, mountains, and cultural sights. These are some of our favorite things we did here:
The beaches at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park are definitely amongst the best we’ve visited. It’s just a short boat ride from the city and there are several tropical islands such as Manukan Island, Mamutik Island, and Sapi Island. These islands are perfect for a quiet day out. You can snorkel in clear water, swim, or simply enjoy the beach. Such a trip is a full-day excursion and we booked it via this site.
Tanjung Aru Beach is one of the most popular sunset spots near the city. Make sure to gather here in the evening to watch the sun set over the sea. There are food stalls nearby, making it a nice place to end the day.
Kinabalu Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and known for its cool climate and rich plant life. You can walk short nature trails, visit the botanical garden, and enjoy views of Mount Kinabalu. It is a good option if you want to experience rainforest and mountain scenery without doing a long hike. Join this tour and include Poring Hot Springs and Desa Farm tour in the itinerary!
The second place we visited is Sepilok, a small, green area near Sandakan, best known for wildlife conservation and rainforest surroundings:
Learn about how rescued orangutans are cared for and prepared to return to the wild. During feeding times, you may see orangutans up close in a natural forest setting.
Located next to the orangutan center, this facility focuses on protecting sun bears. Visitors can observe the bears from raised walkways and learn about conservation efforts.
This is a protected area near Sandakan that focuses on the conservation of proboscis monkeys. We got to observe these unique monkeys during scheduled feeding times, when they often come close to the viewing platforms.
From our experience it’s best to combine these sanctuaries in one go with an English guided tour and transport included. We book our tickets here.
Going further, only a few hours away from Sepilok lies the Kinabatangan River area, which is one of the best places in Malaysia for wildlife experiences, with a strong focus on nature and river-based activities. We were really surprised on how much fun this actually is, because you experience it in real life instead of just on tv at home! The thrill of sitting in a small boat on a river with big crocodiles makes you pray that nobody falls in the water:
The Sukau Greenview Tour (Kinabatangan River) is a trip we highly recommend if you want a real wildlife experience in Borneo. Based on firsthand experience, this tour stands out for its well-organized program, knowledgeable local guides, and strong focus on spotting wildlife in a respectful way.
The highlight is the Big 5 Kinabatangan experience, where we had the chance to see proboscis monkeys, orangutans, pygmy elephants, crocodiles, and hornbills in their natural habitat. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the combination of multiple river cruises and experienced guides gives you very good chances.
We booked the 3 days / 2 nights (3D2N) package (bird watching) and it offers the best overall experience. It includes several river cruises at different times of day, guided jungle walks, accommodation at a riverside lodge, and all meals. Early morning and late afternoon cruises are especially memorable, when wildlife is most active. You’ll still have a chance to see the Borneo Big 5.
Check their tours out here. The tour is ideal even if you have no previous wildlife or jungle experience.
The tour doesn’t necessarily need to be booked online. You can visit the Sukau Greenview Travel & Tours Branch office in Kota Kinabalu.
If you don’t have the time to spend days in the area then this daytrip is perfect for you. The Gomantong Cave Echoes & Kinabatangan River Safari will give you a similar experience but within a day and transport included from your stay. Book that one here.
The 4th place you must visit in Borneo is Semporna, a small coastal town and the main base for island and marine activities in eastern Sabah. If you came to Borneo for the beaches then this will definitely be your favorite!
All surrounding islands are known for their white sandy beaches and clear turquoise water. Many beaches are quiet and feel untouched, with soft sand, shallow water, and coral reefs close to shore. This makes them ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and just relaxing by the sea:
Join day trips to nearby islands such as Mabul and Kapalai. Mabul Island is known for its sandy beaches and shallow reefs, making it a good spot for relaxing. Kapalai is a small sandbank surrounded by clear water and coral, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. This shared tour is a simple and social way to explore the islands, enjoy the sea, and experience some of the best marine scenery in eastern Sabah.
Another island hopping trip that focuses on snorkeling is the Pandanan, Mataking & Pom Pom island hopping tour. These include three small tropical islands known for clear water and white-sand beaches. Book it here.
Want to visit other places in Malaysia too, but not sure where to go and how long? In our complete Malaysia travelguide, we share all our favorite activities, hidden gems, best food spots, mosque locations, kids-friendly places, transport tips, visa options, and ready-made itineraries. If you want to experience Malaysia in the best way and save hours of planning, our e-book is made for you!
Kota Kinabalu has several beautiful mosques that are easy to visit and important to the local Muslim community:
This mosque is definitely in our top 5! One of the most recognizable sights in the city. It is built partly over the water, which makes it especially beautiful in the late afternoon. Around sunset, the light reflects on the water and creates great photo opportunities.
Masjid Negeri Sabah is a large mosque with a striking appearance and serves as the primary state mosque in the city. It is easy to reach from the city center.
Located on the university campus, this mosque stands out for its pink architecture and beautiful seaside views from the hill. It is less crowded than the city mosques and in a quiet environment.
Sepilok is a small area focused on nature and conservation without established mosque, but a ‘surau’ (small prayer room) can be found in or near accommodations and public areas. For Friday prayers or larger mosques, Sandakan town is a short drive away.
Sandakan has a large Muslim community, and mosques are easy to find throughout the city. If you are staying in Sandakan or visiting nearby areas such as Sepilok, finding a place to pray is straightforward:
The district mosque of Sandakan and one of the main mosques in the city. It is centrally located and suitable for daily prayers as well as Friday prayers.
Other mosques and surau’s are available, but not well registered on Google Maps.
Did you know that 70% of Borneo is Muslim? Semporna does show that with mosques easy to find around town and even on some nearby islands:
The main mosque in Semporna for daily prayers as well as Friday prayer is Masjid Ar-Rahmaan. It is centrally located and easy to reach, including for travelers heading to or returning from island-hopping trips.
Smaller mosques and prayer rooms are spread throughout Semporna and near residential areas.
It was so easy to eat halal in Kota Kinabalu, because it’s a family-friendly and more Islamic environment instead of touristy. We found many good halal-friendly food options, from local Malaysian dishes to international cuisine. Below are some reliable and popular places to eat in the city.
October Coffee Gaya
Located in the Gaya Street area, this café is known for well-prepared coffee and light meals. It’s a convenient stop while exploring the old town.
Nook Café
This café puts the focus on fresh ingredients and lighter dishes. Especially popular for breakfast and lunch, with good coffee.
Secret Recipe
A familiar choice for Western and Asian meals, plus cakes and desserts. Always a good choice for a quick, casual meal for an affordable price.
Tanjung Aru Night Market
A trip is not complete without visiting the night market! This lively evening market is near the beach, and popular for local street food. You’ll find freshly prepared Malaysian dishes, grilled seafood, snacks, and fruit juices.
Enso Teppanyaki (Japanese Restaurant at Jesselton Mall)
No doubt that this was an amazing sushi experience and the craziest part was the price! Incredibly cheap for high quality sushi. Definitely go there!
Le Berries Gaya Street
A popular dessert spot known for ice cream, waffles, and sweet treats. A good place to cool down after exploring Gaya Street.
Food options in Sepilok are limited, as the area is small and mainly focused on wildlife conservation rather than restaurants. Most visitors stay at lodges or guesthouses, where meals are often included. The food is generally simple and home-style, designed for guests spending the day exploring nature.
For more variety and choice, many travelers prefer to eat in Sandakan before arriving in Sepilok or after leaving the area.
If you don’t want or can’t leave the area you can still get good food at Nest Restaurant or White House Bistro. But keep in mind they serve alcohol.
Sandakan is a bigger city where many things are available. Travelers either stay here and do daytrips to other places or they stay in less touristy area’s and come here to eat in restaurants like:
Makkah Restaurant
A popular halal eatery in Sandakan known for serving Middle Eastern and local Malaysian dishes. The menu includes delicious grilled meats, rice dishes, kebabs, and other comfort foods that provide much needed energy for exploring.
Modern Family Restaurant
Modern Family Restaurant is a local favorite in Sandakan that offers a mix of Malaysian and Asian comfort food in a simple, family-friendly setting. The menu includes rice and noodle dishes, soups, and grilled options. Also good for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
The Kinabatangan River area is very remote, and there are no restaurants or food stalls outside the lodges. Most travelers eat all meals at their accommodation as part of a tour package. The food is usually simple, filling, and served buffet-style or as set meals and is very tasty and 100% halal. Because options are limited, it is important to inform your lodge or tour operator in advance about food requirements to ensure a comfortable stay.
Semporna has a lively food scene, shaped by its coastal location and strong local Muslim community. Along the town center and near the jetty, you’ll find a mix of small local restaurants, seafood eateries, and cafés.
Borneo Rock Café is a good place for breakfast and dinner. They’ve got sandwiches and bagels that are also great for takeaway if you go on a trip.
Yoyogi Japanese Restaurant will make sure your sushi cravings are satisfied after a long day of exploring.
Restoran Millah is also a great local restaurant that does everything right!
Kota Kinabalu has many good accommodations that are budget-friendly, but also mid-range muslim-friendly hotels, and where you stay mainly depends on whether you prefer city convenience or a beach setting. Overall, staying in the city center is best if you plan to do island hopping, dining, and cultural activities.
Cititel Express
A simple, modern and comfortable rooms and a central location. A good balance between price and comfort.
ACJ Residence @ Beside Cititel Hotel
A mid-range option with larger and very nice rooms, and more space, just beside the Cititel Hotel. Well located near shops, food places, and main sights.
Citadines Waterfront
A modern serviced apartment by the waterfront with spacious rooms and kitchen facilities, ideal for longer stays or extra comfort.
Accommodation in Sepilok focuses on nature stays rather than comfort or luxury. Most options are small lodges or guesthouses surrounded by rainforest. Sepilok is best for short stays of one or two nights, mainly to visit the wildlife centers:
Sepilok Hideaway Guest House
A small and cozy guesthouse set in a peaceful garden environment. It offers basic but comfortable rooms and a relaxed atmosphere. This is a good option if you want a quiet stay close to nature, with easy access to Sepilok’s main attractions.
Sepilok Forest Edge Resort
Not your average dormitory. It’s safe to say that these rooms are exceptional in cleanliness, services and location. Only a 15 min walk to the Orang Utan Rehab Center. There’s a plunge pool and the restaurant’s food is great.
Sandakan offers practical city accommodation and is a convenient base for visiting Sepilok or arranging onward travel. Hotels here are mostly budget to mid-range, located around the town center, with easy access to halal food, mosques, and transport:
Livingston Hotel Sandakan
An affordable hotel located in the town area of Sandakan. Rooms are basic but clean, making it a practical choice for short stays before or after visiting Sepilok or traveling to the Kinabatangan River.
Sabah Hotel Sandakan
An nice hotel in central Sandakan. The location makes it easy to access local restaurants, shops, mosques, and transport, and it works well as a base for wildlife trips in eastern Sabah.
From Sandakan, we continued to the Kinabatangan River, where accommodation is very different. Stays along the river are usually part of a tour package and take place in eco-lodges surrounded by jungle. These lodges focus on wildlife experiences rather than comfort or luxury and usually include meals, river cruises, and guided activities. Rooms are simple but well suited to the setting:
Sukau Greenview Travel & Tours
The 3 days / 2 nights package offers the most complete experience. It includes accommodation at a lodge along the river that’s very well maintained. They offer amazing service and positive vibes throughout the whole stay and help with any questions. We booked the tour via this link.
In Semporna we found guesthouses, town-based hotels and island resorts. In the town, accommodation is mostly simple and convenient, close to restaurants and the jetty:
Wing Tat Grand Hotel
A mid-range hotel located in the center of Semporna, close to the waterfront and jetty area. It offers more comfort than budget guesthouses, with larger rooms and hotel-style facilities. The location is convenient for island-hopping tours, and restaurants and mosque can be found nearby, making it a good choice for travelers who want extra comfort while staying central.
Panglima Resort
Panglima Resort is set on a quiet island near Semporna, surrounded by clear water and simple village life. The resort has wooden structures and a natural environment that feels very peaceful, with the sound of the sea and a strong connection to local culture.
Sea Star Resort
Our favorite hotel in Semporna is Sea Star Resort, located over the water, with villas that look out over the ocean. The surroundings are known for rich marine life, making it easy to spend time in the water, whether snorkeling or simply enjoying the calm, clear sea.
