Sabah's Hidden Gems

Beyond the coastal capital, Sabah offers a diverse range of natural and historical sites. This selection includes the high-altitude pastures of Desa Dairy Farm in Kundasang and the 17-meter Mahua Waterfall in Tambunan. Historical significance is preserved at the Sandakan Memorial Park and Kundasang War Memorial, while wildlife conservation is centralized at the Sun Bear and Sepilok Orangutan centers. Cultural landmarks range from the hilltop Puu Jih Shi Buddhist Temple to the traditional mangrove ecosystems of the Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre.

Sabah's Hidden Gems — Carte

Wang Qingang / CC-BY-SA

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Desa Dairy Farm

Located at the foothills of Mount Kinabalu in Kundasang, this high-altitude farm produces fresh milk and yogurt. Its cool climate and mountain backdrop have led to the area being nicknamed 'Little New Zealand.'

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

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Filipino Market

A bustling waterfront market in Kota Kinabalu known for fresh seafood stalls, local handicrafts, and a wide selection of cultured pearls and traditional snacks.

Siew Te Wong, Thye Lim Tee, and Lin… / CC BY-SA 3.0 de

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Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre is a wildlife conservation and research centre for improving animal welfare and rehabilitation of…

Bernard DUPONT / CC BY-SA 2.0

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Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is located about 25 kilometres west of Sandakan in the state of Sabah, Malaysia.

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Signal Hill Observatory Tower

Surrounded by a forest, this elevated observatory offers great views of Kota Kinabalu and adjacent islands.

martin van veen / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre

Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre is 24 hectares of the only remains of mangrove forest that once existed extensively along the coastal region…

alisah nkgroup / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Kundasang War Memorial

Consisting of four different gardens, this place commemorates Australian and British prisoners of WW II.

Fleprosper / CC BY-SA 3.0

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Mari Mari Cultural Village

Lifestyles of five ethnicities of Sabah will be introduced to you at this village.

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Borneo Art Gallery

Admire the works of local artists in this nice gallery. If a piece catches your eye, you can buy it!

Laura / CC BY 2.0

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Gomantong Caves

The Gomantong Caves are an intricate cave system inside Gomantong Hill in Sandakan Division, Sabah, Malaysia.

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Puu Jih Shi Buddhist Temple

This hilltop temple in Sandakan features ornate red and gold architecture. Built in 1987, it provides panoramic views across Sandakan Bay and the surrounding coastline.

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To Mahua Waterfall

Situated within the Crocker Range Park in Tambunan, this 17-meter-high cascade flows into a shallow pool surrounded by dense tropical forest.

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Sandakan Memorial Park

Almost 2,400 Australian and British soldiers were killed here by the Japanese in 1945.

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Fuk Tek Kung Temple

A traditional Chinese temple in Kudat dedicated to the God of Prosperity, featuring classic architecture with intricate carvings and colorful decorative elements.

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Chinese Cemetery

A hillside cemetery in Kota Kinabalu featuring traditional Chinese burial architecture and offering elevated views of the city and the South China Sea.