Sabah attractions

One of the most recognizable buildings in all of Sabah, Sabah State Mosque (Masjid Negeri Sabah) combines contemporary architecture with traditional Islamic design. A gold, honeycombed main dome is reigned over by a 215-foot (65-meter) minaret, which was inspired by those found in the Saudi Arabian cities of Mecca and Medina.

If you were to visit Kota Belud during the week, you’d be forgiven for thinking the small village in north Sabah was pretty unremarkable. However, come here on a Sunday for the weekly tamu (market) and you’ll be greeted with a kaleidoscopic mix of stalls and—occasionally—local horsemen wearing brightly-colored costumes. Locals come to socialize, sell their goods, and buy everything from regional produce to hot street snacks to household items.

A tribute to a famed Kadazan-Dusun warrior and headhunter named Monsopiad, the Monsopiad Cultural Village showcases heritage local lifestyles—including skulls allegedly belonging to Monsopiad’s enemies. Locals in authentic costumes go about traditional activities, from pounding rice to making rice wine, while visitors explore: Don’t miss one of the two daily dance performances.

Head to Tanjung Aru Beach, with a quick ride from Kota Kinabalu, for walks, jogs, and other exercise, along with street food and picnics, and make sure you stay for the gorgeous Malaysian sunset. You can explore Tanjung Aru Beach Park, formerly known as Prince Philip Park, and look out for blue naped parrots and oriental pied hornbills. Or come in the morning or evening to do some tai chi with the locals.

Located just outside of Kota Kinabalu city center, the Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre is a naturally-occurring mangrove forest that provides some of the best bird watching opportunities in urban Sabah. The wetland is fed by both salt and fresh waters, which allows more than 80 species of resident and migratory birds to coexist within its diverse boundaries.

Ride a steam train on a scenic journey on the North Borneo Railway in Malaysia. Formerly used to transport tobacco, the steam train today carries passengers along the only railway line in the state of Sabah, chugging from the coast through the lush interior of the island, between Tanjung Aru and Papar.