Sabah is a state full of wonderful adventures awaiting you; endless restaurants, entertainment venues, sandy white beaches, cultural landmarks and unique nature to discover. From the sky to the sea, there are incredible experiences to be had and when Kota Kinabalu is just a few hours away by car or less than by place, there’s no excuse to not make it over for a little exploration! We’ve rounded up some of the best ways to explore Kota Kinabalu, Sabah — from the sea to the sky.
SITTIN’ ON TOP OF THE WORLD
Feeling like you’re on top of the world at the highest mountain peak in Borneo and Malaysia! Ideally located in the renowned UNESCO Triple Crown Site (one of the only two in the world), Mount Kinabalu is a world-famous mountain trek you can achieve in just two days. Mount Kinabalu derives its name from the Kadazan-Dusun word ‘Aki Nabalu’ , meaning ‘the revered place of the dead’.
There are many fables and folklore of how Mount Kinabalu got its name — the indigenous Kadazan-Dusun believe upon death, spirits journey to the peak of Mount Kinabalu and rest there for a while before continuing on to the eternal world. It’s long been a place of spirituality for the local Sabahan tribes and many festivals are held to honour the mountain. It’s a towering monolith at 4,095 meters (13,435 feet) that exudes a truly magical atmosphere. Rocky granite peaks shrouded in wispy clouds dissipate on clear days to reveal its sharp and recognisable profile that was carved by glaciers long gone.
TIMPOHON AND THE IRON ROAD
Timpohon Gate is the starting point of the ascent and the trail up is truly beginner-friendly due to well laid path that is clear all the way. No special climbing skills are needed so if you’re fit and in good health it’s worth a go. Resting ‘pondoks’ or huts are available along the way and there are plenty of stunning viewpoints for photo opportunities. As you ascend, there will be a noticeable change in the natural vegetation. Mossy forest and bamboo tress dot the way up Mount Kinabalu, abundant with cheery Rhododendrons and twisting pitcher plants — the Nepenthes Iowii. All packages for climbing Mount Kinabalu end the first part of the trek at Panar Laban rest stop (3,273 meters), where all the huts that provide rooms, food and hot beverages are located. Typically, people will rest for the night before taking one of two trails (the Kota Belud or Ranau trail) to Low’s Peak for the pre-sunrise summit.
Opting for a little more adrenaline on the way up? The Mount Kinabalu Via Ferrata installed at the crown of the mountain, and the highest in the world, is definitely not for the faint-hearted! Italian for ‘Iron Road‘, a Via Ferrata is a protected mountain pathway consisting of a series of rungs, rails, cables and bridges embracing the rock face. It’s a scenic section of the mountains that are typically available only to rock climbers and mountaineers and while much easier to do, the Via Ferrata on Mount Kinabalu requires some modest equipment and basic technique but with an experienced guide always on hand, all you really need is a good head for heights and you’re ready to go!
To reach the highest point of Low’s Peak, it’s fairly reasonable trek that most of you can do provided you’re in generally good health! It’s this accessibility and relative ease of the 8.8 kilometre trek that draws thousands of people every year to do that ascent. The top of the trail runs along the southern side of Mount Kinabalu, over the Tinompok ridge and you could easily take just the weekend off to tick this exciting experience off your bucket list! With the short two days’ trek to climb up and down Mount Kinabalu and an overnight stay at available huts in Panar Laban, grab a bunch of friends or family members and make this a trek to remember!
JUST KEEP SWIMMING
For watery adventures under the sea, Sabah’s got you covered! A host of excellent dive sites and turquoise blue water make for some serious sea tales to tell your friends back home. There is no shortage of dive shops and if you’re looking to learn how to dive for the first time, Sabah’s west coast is an ideal spot! Get certified with PADI courses for whichever level you’re ready for. Lesser known, the west coast of Sabah is a hidden gem for all underwater activities thanks to the massive biodiversity in the waters; from fluorescent fist to the thrilling variety of corals — it’s all just a short 20 to 30 minute boat trip from the bustling Kota Kinabalu city centre.
DIVE RIGHT IN
Safe in the boundaries of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (TARP) lies the five main protected islands of Pulau Manukan, Pulau Gaya, Pulau Sapi, Pulau Mamutik and Pulau Sulug. Each island has its own charm teeming with friendly fishy friends. If you fancy an island stay, there’s a variety of accommodations for every budget available to really live the island life! These islands on Sabah’s west coast are ta great spot to get your feet wet before trying more challenging (but equally thrilling) dive sites like Sipadan and Mabul. Make sure you give the ‘Barracuda Bonanza’ site a try — the big shoals of swirling chevron barracuda are unforgettable. Love the mystery of exploring wreck sites? Be prepared for a step back into time at not one, two but THREE World War II wreck dive sites. Usukan Bay , Rice Bowl Wreck and Upside Down Wreck are all between the 25-45 meter range and more suited to those with the required dive certification to reach these depths.
If diving’s not on the cards, the Borneo Reef World pontoon is an activity pontoon moored to the ocean floor off Pulau Gaya, and the largest one in Asia! Have fun jumping, sliding and slipping around in the massive inflatable water park, or pop on the crazy helmet for a unique sea-walking experience where you’ll be right in the middle of a fish frenzy. Take a walk around the underwater observatory for a drier way to check out the ocean — from the little clownfish flitting about to big lobsters and fish, you can see it all. There’s even a gourmet café on board if you fancy a feed.
TYH BORNEO TOURS & TRAVEL
Feel utterly welcomed by the charm and warm hospitality from this long standing family business that has a history and reputation for showcasing the best and most unique of Sabah’s cultural and natural beauty to its visitors. TYH BORNEO Tours & Travel will make sure you have a wonderful time, whether you’re in a big group of family and friends or taking yourself on a solo adventure — TYH BORNEO is ready to take you o the tour/trip of a lifetime!
They cover a wide range of activities so your hardest decision will be what to see or do, and their ample fleet of buses get you to your destinations in comfort and safety; we especially love TYH BORNEO for providing knowledgeable guiding that really gives you the right cultural insights and we’re sure you’ll fall in love with the Land below the Wind. Plus, their focus on responsible tourism is a wonderful way to experience North Borneo’s unique culture in an ethical way!
