Top Sabah Culture in 2026

The Borneo Cultural Village features 7 traditional homes, with each ethnic group from the indigenous communities in its own special charm waiting to explore. Join in fun activities by learning to use the blowpipe at Murut House, trying traditional musical instruments at Bajau House, and discovering how to start a fire with bamboo at Tidung House. Listen and experience live cultural dance performances that highlight the beautiful artistry and music tribe locally. A variety of flavors, get the chance to try out some delicious local foods and drinks that truly represent the area, encounter rice wine, Tenom coffee, sago cakes, and for those feeling a bit adventurous, sago worms. Authentic encounters with every traditional house is crafted by the descendants of the tribes they represent, providing a true glimpse into their unique architectural styles and everyday rituals.

Immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Kadazan-Dusun people at Monsopiad Cultural Village, a tribute to the legendary warrior Monsopiad. Explore the sacred House of Skulls, where ancient relics narrate tales of bravery and rituals. Engage with captivating live performances, from traditional dances to music that invites participation. Experience hands-on activities including blowpipe shooting and fire-starting demonstrations, all while savoring a delicious native Kadazan-Dusun lunch crafted from local ingredients. Guided by an expert, this journey connects you to the heart of Sabah's vibrant heritage.

Explore the vibrant city of Sandakan on this immersive day tour. Start with the serene Puu Jih Shih Temple, soaking in panoramic views before delving into the rich history at St. Michael's Church. Experience local life at Sandakan Central Market, savoring authentic dishes under your guide's expertise. Wander through the unique Sim-Sim Water Village and visit the Agnes Keith House for a touch of colonial history. Cap off your day with a scenic mangrove cruise, followed by an enchanting firefly experience that illuminates the night sky. - Visit Puu Jih Shih Temple for stunning views of Sandakan Bay - Enjoy lunch at the bustling Sandakan Central Market with local dishes - Explore Sim-Sim Water Village, a unique stilt village experience - End the day with a magical firefly cruise and sunset views

Located on the Klias Peninsula, the Klias Wetlands are home to proboscis monkeys, making it a popular ecotourism destination in Sabah, Malaysia. On this afternoon cruise, be on the lookout for the shy creatures perched between the branches. At sunset, enjoy the sights and sounds of nature as you dine on an Asian buffet dinner at the river lodge. Then, head back out through the mangrove swamp at dark to see the flickering lights of fireflies.

Mari Mari Cultural Village is located deep in the countryside about 25 minutes away from modern and developing Kota Kinabalu City. The village operates as a museum that preserves Borneo ethnic culture. It aims to share the knowledge, history, culture and tradition of Borneo with you so that it is not forgotten. Afterwards proceed 2 hours south by road from Kota Kinabalu and located in the largest protected Wetlands Reserve in Sabah. This makes it a great location from Kota Kinabalu for spotting wildlife as you join a late afternoon river cruise along Klias River. Your trip ends with a sparkle as Fireflies normally come out on display after sunset in the trees surrounding the river.

Explore the sights of Kota Kinabalu on this approximately three hour guided tour of the city. Your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel, and then the tour will begin. You’ll stop at Menara Tun Mustapha that is 30 storeys high, then go on to the City Mosque, the Sabah State Museum, Signal Hill Observatory Platform, and then you’ll be taken back to your hotel.

Unless you speak Malay, navigating the Kota Belud Sunday market can be a difficult task. Discover the best of the weekly shopping bonanza, and return home with the most memorable souvenirs, after a stress-free day trip from Kota Kinabalu. Exploring the market with a guide means that you'll have chance to practice your bargaining skills as well as gaining insight into the culture and history of Kota Belud.

Check off Kota Kinabalu’s key sights in just half a day on this comprehensive guided door-to-door tour. Soak up sweeping views of the city from Signal Hill, learn about Chinese Buddhism at Pu Toh Tze Temple. Along the way, see the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, and the 30-story Menara Tun Mustapha.

Make sure to check out the colorful sunset while you’re in Kota Kinabalu, and a fun, social way to do this is to hop on a sunset dinner cruise. Your guide will take care of all the logistics, like pickup and drop-off at your Kota Kinabalu hotel in Sabah, plus arrange your boat, captain, and buffet dinner. You can just relax, mingle, and enjoy the sunset.

Venture into the heart of Borneo's lush rainforest on a 3-day wildlife and birdwatching adventure along the Kinabatangan River. Begin with a sunset cruise to spot Proboscis monkeys and other wildlife birds, followed by an early morning birding expedition. Over the next few days, enjoy guided rainforest walks, and explore hidden waterways while looking for Borneo’s rich wildlife, including Kingfishers, fish eagles and Hornbills overhead if any. Experience local with hearty meals that showcase Bornean flavors, and optional night excursions for nocturnal wildlife spotting. - 3-day immersive wildlife experience in Borneo’s rainforest - Guided birds river safaris and rainforest hikes with guides - Comfortable lodging with meals included - Ideal for nature lovers and birdwatching enthusiasts, with opportunities to see the “Big Five” of Borneo

Cruise through the mangrove forests near Kota Kinabalu on this evening excursion in search of local wildlife. Listen to educational commentary on local species, such as proboscis monkeys, silver leaf moneys, macaque long tail monkeys, monitor lizards, and native birds. Once the sun sets, enjoy the sights of fireflies blinking in the twilight.

Trip Highlights: *Venture into Kinabalu biodiverse rainforest that formed 130 million years ago. *Multiple river cruises to track Borneo BIG 5, the island’s five most iconic wild animals. *Take a thrilling canopy walk in Danum Valley and spot night wildlife. *Unwind on Dalit Beach by attending activities close to nature.

Discover the beauty of the Kudat Peninsula on this Tip of Borneo day trip from Kota Kinabalu. Mingle with the locals in the town of Kota Belud, and learn of the indigenous Bajau and Rungus peoples. Gain insight into local bee-farming and honey-harvesting at Kampung Gombizau, and visit a traditional Rungus longhouse to learn of their cultural traditions. Enjoy breathtaking views over the South China Sea from your vantage point at the Tip of Borneo, the island’s northernmost edge. Capture the views on camera before returning to Kota Kinabalu.

Experience Borneo’s wild nature on this 2-day tour of Sandakan. In the company of a guide, travel from the airport to Sepilok, where you can admire orangutans in their natural habitat. After a hearty lunch, head to the countryside and take a cruise on Kinabatangan River. Spend a night at a rustic lodge.

Explore the lush landscapes of Borneo on this immersive 5-day wildlife adventure. Begin your journey spotting proboscis monkeys and enjoying a sunset river cruise amidst fireflies. Discover the Sepilok rainforest with guided walks into its depths, visit a local market, and uncover wartime history. Marvel at the Gomantong Caves, home to swiftlets and bats, before settling into an eco-lodge, homestay or resort subject availability. Experience the calls of gibbons and search for pygmy elephants on evening cruises. This tour combines wildlife encounters, cultural insights, and stunning natural beauty for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. - 5-day tour showcasing Borneo's unique wildlife and landscapes - Includes river cruises, cave exploration, and rainforest hikes - Engage with local markets and learn about Borneo's history - Accommodations inclusive and local flavors at every meal

Our friends from Peninsular Malaysia are always surprised to find that Sabahans are fond of Tea break and high tea too. Besides asking our friends to go Yamcha (drink tea). Sabahans would say ‘Let’s go High-Tea’. Tea drinking is definitely part of our culture and it fits well into our laid back lifestyle. Located 2,272 feet above sea levels, the harvests are 100% pesticide free as insect are drawn towards the 130 million year old rainforest surrounding the plantation. Afterwards head towards to the World World II Memorial Site also known as Kundasang War Memorial by the locals. The scent of Roses lingers in the air and the serene atmosphere makes the Kundasang War Memorial an ideal place to contemplate and remember the heroes of the war.

Get onto a stand up paddleboard in Kota Kinabalu, and enjoy the beauty of Borneo at sunrise or sunset. Before you start, you’ll get a lesson with your guide to make sure you can handle the equipment. You’ll learn how to stand, paddle, and turn properly, and then off you go. This is a group tour, so you might make some new friends as you go along.