10 incredibly fun things to do in Sabah you probably don’t even know exist

Last Updated on 2016-05-19 , 2:16 pm

If you didn’t already know, Sabah offers an array of sights and scenes for the many tourists that come to visit every year. In Sabah, there’s something for everyone. If you’re planning to come visit the Land Below the Wind, here’s some fun things you might want to add on your to-do-list, from light and easy activities to extreme sports!

Poring Hot Springs, Ranau

When visiting Sabah, you’re probably going to head to Kinabalu Park to check out the wonders of nature there and experience the cool fresh mountain air. However, your trip there will not be complete if you don’t drop by Poring Hot Springs for a nice steamy dip. The hot spring is said to contain sulphuric minerals that are known to have healing properties that’s good for your aching muscles.

White Water Rafting

There are two popular locations for white water rafting activities in Sabah which have different grades depending on the extremity. The Kiulu White Water Rafting (Grade I-II) is suitable for beginners and also the elderly and children. The excursion covers up to 15KM, making it Borneo’s longest white water rafting trip. The Padas River White Water Rafting on the other hand, is for the more adventurous thrill seekers. There, you get to experience a 9KM adrenaline rush excursion with tough and exciting rapids!

Survivor Island/Pulau Tiga

The island more commonly known as Pulau Tiga, got its new name after being the first ever ‘secret location’ of the famous reality TV series, Survivor. Now a popular tourist destination, the island has things to offer like beautiful sandy beaches, wildlife, snorkelling and volcano mud bathing to name a few. What I’d give for a volcanic spa right now!

Paragliding

This extreme sport has now become both a local and tourist favourite in Sabah. The two popular destinations of paragliding in the state are located in Ranau and also Kokol Hill. The suitable terrains makes the said locations a great setting to catch some wind and sail across the air to watch the amazing panoramic view around you! Depending on the wind conditions, you’ll be able to fly for several minutes before making a landing.

The Coral Flyer Zipline

This 250 metres long zipline is the world’s longest island-to-island zipline that is connected from Gaya Island to Sapi Island. You will get to enjoy island hopping in a whole new way! After you’re done zipping over crystal clear ocean, you can always head into the waters for a swim or snorkelling or just chill by the beach.

Cooking Classes
Want to learn how to cook delicious traditional Sabah dishes? There’s a program you could join in that teaches you authentic secret family recipes by the locals themselves. You get to go to the tamu (market) with your host and pick out ingredients and learn how the locals buy their goods. The host family will make you feel right at home while you learn to cook like a real Sabahan!

Surfing

Many people don’t know this but Sabah has some pretty rad locations for surfing! The locations include Kudat, close to the Tip of Borneo and Tuaran, Nexus. If you’re interested to catch some incredible waves but don’t know how to surf, there are locals there and associations that will be happy to give you lessons.

The Salt Trail, Crocker Range

An activity that isn’t suitable for kids, the frail or the whiners. The Salt Trail will however, be a great experience for tough fitness enthusiast + nature lovers out there. The jungle trekking is a four-day adventure that covers a number of challenging terrains from muddy paths to dense jungle to rapid rivers. It’s a unique jungle experience which allows you to experience wildlife too!

Diving

You probably already know this, but Sabah has one of the best spots to go diving and see the underwater world and coral gardens. Considered as ‘The Pinnacle of Diving’, there are also so many travel and diving centres in Sabah that you can choose from to get lessons.

Fishermen Village Floating Seafood Restaurant

What better way to relax than to watch some beautiful cultural performances while getting your fill of mouth-watering seafood dishes! The Fishermen Village Floating Seafood Restaurant is currently the only restaurant in Kota Kinabalu that presents nightly cultural dance performances while guests enjoy their meal. Guests can also have a go at the Magunatip (Bamboo dance), learn the sumazau or shoot targets with the sumpit (blowpipe)!

Top Image: Sami Sarkis / Shutterstock.com