Hidden Gems Places To Visit in Sabah, Malaysia

1. 5.0 Orou Sapulot (98 reviews)
   - Incredible experience 10/10 must do in Borneo
   Nature & Wildlife Tours
   
   
   Wow! Where to begin? If you’re up for adventure and are looking at an organized tour in Borneo, it’s a must do experience. It was incredibly educational and the highlight of our Borneo trip. Jariah was a fantastic guide and it was great to meet different families from the Murut community at each camp. It’s very responsible eco community tourism and you learn about how your money is supporting the community long term. The activities stretch you, but the camps are very clean and well built so you have lots of time to relax and enjoy the beautiful nature too. We requested pescatarian food which was delicious. Logistically it was faultless, with transfers to our hostel in KK arranged. Strongly recomend buying adidas kampung rubber hiking shoes in KK for roughly 12ringgit - when your feet get wet they dry quickly and you can preserve your hiking boots. You can book directly through the Orou Sapulot website and I believe it’s a little cheaper than the other tour companies. See more..
   
2. 5.0 Bigfin Divers (71 reviews)
   - Awesome!
   Scuba & Snorkelling
   
   
   Been there twice! Apek & Ela is a well experienced Instructor. No doubt on their ability and knowledge. Came to visit as closed friend now. ;) See more..
   
3. 5.0 1StopBorneo Wildlife (63 reviews)
   - Amazingly green experience!
   Multi-day Tours • Eco Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours
   
   
   The booking process untill confirmation was not the smoothest, but highly flexible. Then we came into contact with our guide Chun and everything was clear and arranged, including taxi, early arrival and lunch. He has so much knowledge and showed us around for three days. He tailored the trip around what we wanted to see and what he showed us exceeded our expectations. So much wildlife, such a green environment! From five different monkeys to beautiful insects and birds. The accomodation is clean, quiet and basic. The food was nice as well. Definitely highly recommend. We did it after our diving holidays and this was a great change of scenery so close to Tawau airport. As we did not bring our own camera gear Chun provided his great photo's of our visit. See more..
   
4. 5.0 Seabunny Scubacations (59 reviews)
   - Very good dive company, excellent staffs
   Wednesday: 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM Multi-day Tours • Scuba & Snorkelling • Day Trips
   
   
   Went for dive end of Jan'22 but started checking options early dec'21. Showey contacted me based on my enquiry and my best and most responsive person about people i contacted Showey is amazing staff who knows how to help customers. Inspite of hundreds of questions from me, i was given answer with utmost patience. I was offered the best deal for 3 dives including underwater pics.showey went extra mile to guide us on place of stay. At last minute request Showey arranged for pick up my friend from Tawah airport at 20% cost quoted by other service providers. Next my best dive master Jessica. She was very patient understanding and excellent. While I was nervous in my 1st dive, she ensured i am felt comfortable and relaxed. 2nd was the best and she also helped with some cool pics. Overall all the crew members very very good. Highly recommended See more..
   
5. 5.0 The Golf Academy Borneo (38 reviews)
   - Outstanding
   Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Sports Camps & Clinics
   
   
   The Golf Academy Borneo located at Sutera Harbour Resort, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia was established in 2009 by Neil Douglas, British PGA Professional. Since then Neil has been joined by two other British PGA Professionals, The Golf Academy Borneo offers a friendly and enjoyable learning centre for all levels and ages of golfers, Beginner to Professional, Junior to Senior.All our staff are fully qualified British PGA Professionals and offer professional expertise and advice in swing theory, video analysis.We have the ability to improve your game in a short timeframe. The Golf Academy Borneo at Sutera Harbour offers first class teaching facilities with a 42 bay floodlit driving range, 10,000 sq ft putting green, practice bunker and grass tee. The grass tee is a key feature as it gives a more realistic teaching experience making it easier to transfer your game from the driving range to the golf course.Our second location in Sabah is now open at Shangri-la Rasa Ria Resort. See more..
   
6. 5.0 Zip Borneo (34 reviews)
   - Adventurous day out!
   Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours
   
   
   My partner and I decided to do something to get our adrenalin pumping so did the full day course of white water rafting, rock climbing, abseiling, high ropes and zipline. We booked through Zip Borneo & Alex was very helpful. We really enjoyed our day - the activities were well managed, the staff were fun, the food at lunch was delicious (and they cooked a special meal to cater to my gluten intolerance) and the scenary was beautiful. We had a fantastic time, and would recommend it to anyone looking to be active & outdoors! See more..
   
7. 5.0 Borneo Quad Biking (32 reviews)
   - Quad Biking Tour.
   Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Cultural Tours • 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Sightseeing Tours
   
   
   Very efficient agents, thorough in their communication. Awesome tour guide,friendly and very accommodating as it was our first time quad Biking. The views are just amazing and the track is a bit challenging but it's got the thrill. See more..
   
8. 5.0 Tabin Lodge and Wildlife Rainforest Tour (32 reviews)
   - TOP NOTCH STUNNING NATURAL EXPERIENCE
   Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Eco Tours • Night Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours
   
   
   Probably one of the best natural tours I have done over 30 years in Malaysia. Our guide was Dr Teo and his band of merry men ! Knowledgeable and well versed into the ecology of the area. And superb at spotting wildlife and sharing experiences. It was a rainy week and the restart of visitors to East Sabah, so all elements were in to make it a very private and interesting experience ! Definitely did not disappoint ! This type of "tour package" is for the more adventurous travelers with a deep appreciation of nature and wildlife as well as interaction with less privilege human beings living on the edge of vast mangroves and the sea. The boat ride with fireflies in the trees, clear night sky and fluorescent plancton was absolutely awesome ! See more..
   
9. 5.0 Borneo Sandakan Tours - Day Tours (27 reviews)
   - Fantastic, Knowledgeable Guides & Reliable Staff!
   Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sightseeing Tours
   
   
   I spent multiple days of activities with a guide and the staff from Borneo Trails and I cannot say enough good things! Kurt (or Eryanto) was my guide for multiple activities around Sandakan including: Seligan Turtle Island, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center, Gormantong Caves, and to Sukau to Borneo Nature Lodge (which was also stellar). I have never met a more informative or interesting guide. I learned an overwhelming amount about wildlife, nature, culture, conservation and best practices of the ecological travel industry. All of the captains and drivers and other staff were also prompt, friendly and flexible, as well. The experiences at all of the above places were phenomenal. From watching a sea turtle lay eggs to seeing an orangutan in their natural environment of the jungle- I truly felt like I got to live out a life's dream. See more..
   
10. 5.0 UnderPressure Explorers | Quality Diving (26 reviews)
    - GREATEST DIVE EXPERIENCE EVER
    Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM Scuba & Snorkelling • Day Trips
    
    
    I had the best experience ever! Out of any place in Semporna please dive with Under Pressure and ask to dive with Jeremy Lam or Jeremy Ngai. They were extremely passionate and fun to be around very dedicated to what they do had lots of great conversations and most importantly very patient! I got certified with Jeremy there were times I wasn't at my best but he was very patient and willing to motivate me in order to pass. The prices were very fair most places around Semporna are the same ignore the review about the cancellation policy from the article written above. Thank again Jeremy for such a great experience and definitely will be back again for sure! See more..
    
11. 5.0 Bike & Tours (24 reviews)
    - Great Expierence
    Multi-day Tours • Cultural Tours • Bike Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Day Trips
    
    
    I did the Bukit Piton Tour, which I can totally recommend. We have seen a lot of wildlife (7 orang utans, lots of macaques and 2 slow loris at night) and the guide and spotters did a really great job. The meal served as dinner in the lodge was great. Much more than I would have expected. The lodge itself is very basic, but it's ok. And they have an absolutely cute cat in the lodge. See more..
    
12. 4.5 Deramakot Forest Reserve (100 reviews)
    - Dermakot Forest experience
    Forests
    
    
    A must see for wildlife admirers and photographers who reach out for a real wildlife experience. Birds (frequent BristleHead spotting, Owls, Hornbills, Paradise FlyCatcher, Broadbills, Trogons), many Orang Utans, elephants in closest proximity, colugels, all kinds of civets (bandered, malayan, striped palm, biturong), frequently leopard cat not to forget the many flying squirrels, lizards, snakes, frogs etc etc. The wildlife is dispersed, extended 4x4 drives are undertaken to spot them, this is not a zoo! Extremely high competence and passion of guide and also driver with flexibility to extend the amazing night drives if appropriate. Trip was arranged by Adventure Alternative Borneo in combination with Kitabaran and Tawau Hills Park. The perfect 7 -day schedule for a biologist coming with high ecpectations. I recommend to stay at least 3 days in Dermakot, it's worth. See more..
    
13. 4.5 Tawau Hills Park (82 reviews)
    - Well preserved and full of wildlife
    Parks
    
    
    Visited with family and friends for 2 nights. Organised by 1stopborneo and Shavez doing a top job of it. The park was fantastic, waking to the sounds of the gibbons and rhinoceros hornbills gets your day off to a magical start! Saw troops of red leaf monkeys at close range, 3 types of hornbills, loads of frogs on the night walks and 5 snakes in total during visit and just so many fascinating insects. Lots of easy walking trails and as someone who has visited jungles many times, I highly recommend visiting this gorgeous national park. Very close to Tawau and good accommodation within park, it is absolutely essential that every square inch of this park be protected for the future as so much of Borneo has tragically already been trashed by greedy palm oil companies. See more..
    
14. 4.5 Lankayan island (62 reviews)
    - Paradise
    Islands
    
    
    The whole experience is fantastic. Cabins are large and very comfortable with air conditioning. Water crystal clear. All waste taken off island. Food is excellent without being overcomplicated. Diving would satisfy all but the most demanding or finicky. Staff always smiling and helpful. Turtle hatching and release also part of activities. See more..
    
15. 4.5 Sabah Indoor Climbing Centre (57 reviews)
    - Up and away
    Sports Complexes
    
    
    We visited this place last week. Good points : 1) Staff very helpful and experienced 2) Relatively inexpensive (MYR 22 for as many tries as you want) 3) Several different slopes available, kids-friendly ones as well. Negatives : 1) Getting there - its at Likas Stadium area but once there its difficult to find unless you know where you are going. Not enough taxi drivers know the place See more..
    
16. 4.5 Tun Sakaran Marine Park (53 reviews)
    - Nature at Its Best
    Spent More than 3 hours Islands • Beaches • Nature & Wildlife Areas
    
    
    meet with local bajau laut. but the most highlight of my trip is sibuan island is really a perfect island with very photo-like scenery. even i cant believe my eyes with what i saw..so beautiful blue turqoise colour of sea with white sand. See more..
    
17. 4.5 Kinabatangan Jungle Camp (50 reviews)
    - Wonderful experience
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    
    
    If you are looking for luxury this isn't the place for you but if you want a wonderful wildlife experience with expert guides and great staff then stay here. Azlan our guide spoke excellent English and had a wealth of knowledge. The wildlife spotting was excellent and the staff were the friendliest People you could wish to meet. If you want a truly unique experience with wonderful wildlife spotting - even down to a wild orang utan coming into camp within a few feet of us - then this is the place to stay See more..
    
18. 4.5 World War II Memorial (48 reviews)
    - very meaningful place
    Cemeteries
    
    
    a very nice kept memorial park, very meaningful to the locals, to remember those who sacrifices in the war, lest we forgot. See more..
    
19. 4.5 Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre (42 reviews)
    - The Highlight of a Visit to Sepilok/Sandakan
    Nature & Wildlife Areas
    
    
    It was great to view the Orangutans up close at the Rehabilitation Centre. We saw quite a few orangutans including a hige alpha male during feeding time. At one point a female walk on the railing next to me. That was quite thirlling See more..
    
20. 4.5 Sandakan Rainforest Park (42 reviews)
    - Sorry if you heard me swear!
    Parks
    
    
    We spent a couple of hours walking around here. The views from above the canopy are more that worth the steps up the viewing platforms. It is truly beautiful, with so much to see and do, regular places to rest and catch your breath, but don't forget your water. There is a choice of trails to follow. Make sure to cross the rope bridge. There were plenty of insects, of various sizes to watch, great for bird lovers. We had a VERY close encounter with a rather long green snake that appeared to leap from the undergrowth on to the path we were strolling along, - hence the title of my review - I froze and shattered the blissfully tranquil rain-forest with ear bursting screams of obscenities for a good minute before I realised my legs did actually work and ran in opposite direction! Great memory though! See more..
    
21. 4.5 Maliau Basin Conservation Area (39 reviews)
    - A great Trip To Maliau Basin
    Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas
    
    
    We drove to Maliau Basin in Jan 2022. We were fascinated with the field centre. The accomodation is off the ground and all the walkways are connected which means you are at eye level with trees . It gave us a great opportunity to observe wildlife. The canopy walk is also worth a visit. We did 2 trails which were very nice. We saw Gibbons, read leaf monkeys, long tail macaque, marble cat, leopard cat, deer, civets, squirrels, lots of insects and birds, lizards etc etc. The list is long. Accomodation and food is good. See more..
    
22. 4.5 Mahua Waterfall (36 reviews)
    - Great Day Trip to Tambunan
    Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Waterfalls
    
    
    2 hours car ride from KK to Tambunan. Great experience, had the whole place to ourselves on a Sunday. Water is iced cold and it was a fun trip. Overall a great day trip to Tambunan! See more..
    
23. 4.5 Sosodikon Hill (34 reviews)
    - Fantastic !
    Spent 1-2 hours Mountains
    
    
    Initially I thought… just another scenic view… similar to the many I witnessed at the Kundasang area but I was pleasantly surprised at THE view & experience here. It is located 10-15min drive from the war memorial/main shopping area of Kundasang & the access road can be quite rocky at parts. The viewing structure can be accessed by a 15-20min easy & scenic hike up a well maintained path dotted with delightful clusters of flowers and ornamental plants I think the magic of Sosodikon is the 360 degree view where the various sectors offer a different scene. See more..
    
24. 4.5 Mataking Island (30 reviews)
    - Thanks for the Sipidan adventure !
    Islands
    
    
    I spent the day at Sipidan with Mataking Resort and their 2 dive masters, Sylvester and Aaron. The guys were amazingly professional, the captain of the boat which took us n the 90 minute journey to Sipidan was very safe and the lady who joined us to make our lunch and snacks was very friendly and smiley. The diving at Sipidan was nothing short of spectacular ! Sharks, jacks, turtles, incredible wall diving and pristine coral. Thanks again Mataking resort for this incredible opportunity! See more..
    
25. 4.5 Dragon Pearl Beach Resort Sdn Bhd (21 reviews)
    - Absolute Tranquility
    Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Scuba & Snorkelling • 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours • Fishing Charters & Tours • Kayaking & Canoeing
    
    
    The journey to this resort took about 1hour30min drive from KK city area. The road conditions is quite bad..but once u reach the resort, the view make you speechless. Daphne is a great host. The staff is also friendly and helpful. The resort have few types accommodation such as tree house, moving cabin, long house. The resort offer activities such as diving,kayaking, fishing,jungle trip and the most enjoyable is Pandan Island Trip. Pandan Island is not far from the resort. Its a small island with beautiful rocks, clear water and nice beach. I will come back again. See more..
    
26. 4.5 Semporna Blue Reef (20 reviews)
    - Scuba diving and day trips
    Scuba & Snorkelling
    
    
    Go with Andrea!!!!!! She is amazing. My friend and I got to Semporna specifically to go diving. We couldn't find too many websites for this location online so the morning of our dive me walked around the town and found Blue Reef. A nice, clean and extremely helpful dive shop. Andrea was amazing. We did two, 3 tank dives over a couple days. She took us on some beautiful dives and we had a blast! Make sure you try Indo-cafe after your dive! See more..
    

What's a Hidden gem?

We call places hidden gems that are new, extremely good, but are not that popular yet - you should check them out. The criteria is to have a rating of 4.5 or more and more than 20 reviews and less than 100 reviews.