Hi, welcome to my blog! I’m Kenny – a true local Malaysian Chinese who was born and raised right here in Malaysia. Everything I share is based on my own experiences — no fake travel tips, just real stories, honest recommendations, and places I’ve personally explored.
My goal is to help you discover Malaysia like a local and enjoy it as much as I do, starting with one of the most nature-rich and underrated gems: Sabah, Borneo.
Sabah? Wah… where do I even start? This place blew my mind. You’ve got majestic mountains, crystal-clear islands, bustling tamu markets, and wildlife that looks like it came straight out of National Geographic. But the best part? Somehow, everything still feels chill and down-to-earth. People here are super friendly — like, uncle-at-the-coffee-shop-giving-you-free-advice kind of friendly.
I came here thinking it’d just be beaches and sunsets (which are amazing, by the way), but Sabah gave me so much more. One minute you’re snorkeling with colourful fish, and the next you’re in a rainforest spotting a proboscis monkey with a nose bigger than your future. The food? Don’t get me started. Fresh seafood, hinava, and those ridiculously addictive UFO tarts — I couldn’t stop eating.
If you’re craving nature, culture, and a little bit of chaos in the best way possible, Sabah’s the one. Just be prepared to sweat a lot and take way too many photos
NUM 1: Signal Hill Observatory Tower – City Views Without the Crowd (FREE)
If you want to catch a beautiful sunset or just see Kota Kinabalu from above, Signal Hill is the go-to spot. It’s not too far from Gaya Street, and it gives you a calm panoramic view over the city and sea. I like going in the late afternoon — it’s breezy, peaceful, and totally free.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Jalan Bukit Bendera, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah |
| Prices | Free |
| Hours | Daily, 8:00am–12:00am |
NUM 2: Mari Mari Cultural Village – Real Insight into Sabah’s Indigenous Tribes (RM100–150)
This is one of those places I thought would be “too touristy” — but it surprised me. The cultural village gives a hands-on, guided experience of Sabah’s tribal lifestyles. You get to see traditional houses, fire-making demos, and even try out blowpipes. Great for understanding the real roots of Borneo’s culture.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Inanam, about 30 mins from Kota Kinabalu |
| Prices | RM100–150 (with hotel pick-up) |
| Hours | 10:00am / 2:00pm tours only (advance booking recommended) |
NUM 3: Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park – Snorkelling Paradise Near the City (RM23+)
You don’t need to travel far to find clear blue water — just take a short boat ride from Jesselton Point to the islands of Manukan, Sapi, or Mamutik. I always recommend this to friends who want easy beach access without leaving KK. Snorkel, swim, or just chill by the beach. You can island-hop too!
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, Kota Kinabalu |
| Prices | RM23–RM35 per island + jetty & conservation fees |
| Hours | 8:00am–4:00pm (boats run hourly) |
NUM 4: Desa Dairy Farm – Feels Like New Zealand, But in Kundasang (RM5 Entry)
Honestly, this spot is super Instagrammable — but it’s more than that. Located in the highlands of Kundasang, Desa Dairy Farm has green fields, cool weather, and a backdrop of Mount Kinabalu. You can watch cows being milked, try fresh dairy products, or just enjoy the mountain views.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Kundasang, Sabah |
| Prices | RM5 (Entry) |
| Hours | Daily, 8:00am–5:00pm |
NUM 5. Poring Hot Springs & Canopy Walk – Nature, Relaxation, and Adventure in One (RM3–RM15)
If you’re heading to Kinabalu Park, make a detour to Poring Hot Springs. I personally love the canopy walk — it’s a bit high and shaky, but worth it for the jungle views. After that, you can soak in the natural hot springs to relax your muscles. Feels like a full nature day-trip!
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Ranau, Sabah |
| Prices | RM3 (Malaysian), RM15 (non-Malaysian) |
| Hours | Daily, 8:00am–5:00pm |
And there you have it — five underrated gems around Sabah that show you a different side of Borneo. As a local Malaysian Chinese, I truly believe Sabah is more than just Mount Kinabalu or island resorts — it’s about the stories, people, and natural charm you experience along the way. I hope this guide helps you explore Sabah more deeply, with fewer crowds and more connection. If you found this helpful, stay tuned for more hidden spots and honest travel tips across Malaysia.