Things to do in Kinabatangan

Kinabatangan River

The Kinabatangan River is the longest river in Sabah. The source of the river is located in the Central Borneo Mountains, and it flows about 560 kilometers eastwards into the Sulu Sea. The lower plains of the Kinabatangan River are very barren and not suitable for farming. But it is a hub for wildlife. The famous creature here is the proboscis monkey, whose male monkeys all have drooping noses, large abdomens and thick white tails. Other attractive animals include orangutans, macaques, elephants, clouded leopards, hornbills, crocodiles, cub cats and otters. Kingfishers, egrets and other species of birds can also be seen here. Ironically, deforestation and oil palm plantation have created the Kinabatangan River's interesting fauna. Plantations and camps are further destroying the original rainforest, the jungle is dwindling, and animals have to find habitat on the flood plains by the river. There are dozens of tin boats on the river, and visitors can get up close to hornbills and even deer-eyed orangutans. Even if you've already seen this furry creature in the Sepilok Ape Man Reserve, it's exciting to see orangutans in the wild.

Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary

No. 4 of Night Attractions in Malaysia

Tanjung Aru Beach

Located on the west side of Kota Kinabalu, Tanjung Aru Beach is undoubtedly one of the most popular landmarks in Kota Kinabalu for both locals and tourists. Daytime entertainment include a variety of water activities, while evenings are perfect for gatherings with family and friends, enjoying the sea breeze, tasting delicious local delicacies and taking in the unparalleled sunsets.

Museum Batu Tulug

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Sandakan

Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC)

This is a good place to learn about the uniqueness and importance of the tropical rainforest. Due to its unique environment, it is home to one of Sabah's rare birds, the Borneon Bristlehead and 250 other species of birds, such as hornbills, spotted broadbills, pitta, There are many birds such as kingfishers, so this is a paradise for bird lovers.

No. 2 of Activities in Malaysia

Snorkeling or Scuba Diving in Semporna

Semporna is renowned for its unspoiled natural beauty and rich underwater ecology. For diving enthusiasts, Semporna is undoubtedly a rare diving paradise. Take a speedboat to shuttle between various islands and explore the most suitable snorkeling spots under the guidance of professional guides. Island Fun & Snorkel:  Known as the "God's Aquarium", Semporna boasts colorful coral scenery that rivals the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Divers can explore vertical cliffs ranging from shallow shores to deep seas, admiring the vibrant corals and schools of tropical fish through their masks. Beginner Scuba Dive: The waters of Senbena are crystal clear, with a visibility range of 15-25 meters. Complete your first deep-diving challenge in the calm sea. Touch the soft coral with your own hands, interact with playful clownfish, and gain a lifetime unforgettable diving memory. Get Dive Certified: Semporna is located in the tropical region, with a pleasant climate all year round. The water temperature is around 28℃ throughout the year, making it possible to dive all year long. A team of certified instructors provides systematic courses, ranging from theoretical teaching to open water training.

No. 17 of Night Attractions in Malaysia

Kapalai

Kapalai Island, located in Semporna, Sabah, Malaysia, is a sandbar nestled between Sipadan Island and Mabul Island, about a 45-minute speedboat ride from Semporna. It's a world-renowned diving paradise, home to a rich marine life, including cuttlefish, blue-ringed octopus, and sea turtles. It's also a common habitat for manta rays. The resort offers 51 overwater bungalows connected by wooden boardwalks, allowing visitors to stroll along and watch the marine life swimming beneath them, earning it the nickname "Water Paradise." The island's restaurants offer Malaysian specialties, and guests can enjoy the unique island atmosphere from their balconies, listening to the sound of sea turtles breathing. To reach Kapalai Island, you first need to fly to Tawau, then drive to Semporna, and finally arrive by speedboat. The island offers both diving and non-diving packages, providing comprehensive services including meals, accommodation, and more.

Selected for Best Things to Do in Sabah

Manukan Island

Manukan Island is one of the five islands of the Kota Kinabalu Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park and is large in size. The north side of the island is a rocky coast, the beaches on the south and east are suitable for swimming. The island is popular with tourists because of its facilities. It has hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, diving centers and more. The island is rich in activities such as snorkeling, deep diving, parasailing, jet boating, underwater walks, sea bikes, etc., full of fun. The island is also covered with large rainforests. You can climb a mountain and look out on to the surrounding islands from the mountain top.

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Sabah

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is a marine national park in Malaysia, located in the South China Sea off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, a 15–20 minute boat ride from Kota Kinabalu. It is composed of five islands: Gaya Island, Sapi Island Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia, Manutik Island, Manukan Island, and Sulug Island. In addition to beautiful beaches and clear waters, these islands are home to many unique corals and marine life. The jungles on each island are also home to many rare amphibians. Manukan Island is one of the larger islands in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and is also the best-equipped and most popular island. The island has dense vegetation, and the southern and eastern coasts feature charming beaches and coral reefs that are breathtakingly beautiful. You can rent a beach lounge chair to relax and enjoy a juice. The water here is crystal clear; standing on the pier, you can see various tropical fish swimming in the water. There is a hotel on the island called Manukan Island Resort, which includes 20 holiday chalets, a restaurant, a swimming pool, and a tennis court. Manutik Island is one of the smaller islands in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park archipelago. There is a coral reef here suitable for group diving, and a beach on the east coast. There are no hotels or restaurants on the island, only a small diving equipment rental shop. It is quite popular among divers. Gaya Island is one of the larger islands in the park. The island is covered by primeval tropical rainforest and is very close to Kota Kinabalu. In the bay at the eastern end of the island, there is a lively water village where the residents are immigrants from the Philippines, all living in narrow stilt houses. In addition, it also features white sandy beaches, pebble beaches, mudflats, and mangroves. The coral reefs surrounding the entire island are also well-preserved. If your budget allows, you can also stay at the two hotels on the island: Bunga Raya Island Resort and Gaya Island Resort. Sulug Island is the most remote and undeveloped island in the marine park, and can be described as a haven for those seeking peace and tranquility. The rocky coastline and a rugged feel are characteristics of this small island. There is a lack of suitable diving waters around the island, and there are no facilities on the island either. If you want to get away from the crowds, this would be a good choice.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Sabah

Mabul Island

Mabul Island (Mabul Island), also known as Mabul Island, is a sandy island located in the northeast of Semporna, adjacent to Sipadan (Sipadan) about a 15-minute boat ride. The island is one of the top diving spots in the world, where visitors can swim, snorkel and dive. The waters near Mabul Island are rich in marine life, and tourists who are not familiar with water can also watch the colorful corals, starfish and fish on the seabed in the corridor of the water house. There are also various holiday houses and water houses on the island, providing tourists with a different accommodation experience.