Sabah, Malaysia : The spectacular island that has it all!

 

A hidden gem packed with biodiverse rainforests, crystal clear beaches, tall mountains, lush greenery and a modern capital, Sabah, on the tip of Borneo is an absolute must visit destination. 

 

 

A small area on the world’s third largest island which is part of Malaysia, Sabah will leave you spellbound by its sheer diversity of things to see & do. Go diving in the Indian Ocean or hike up Mt Kinabalu, watch fireflies create magic in a rainforest or explore the bustling capital of Kota Kinabalu. 

I was recently here with Sabah Tourism, Malaysia Truly Asia & Travel.Earth for the Travel.Earth Digital Travel Influencers Convention & Earthy Awards 2019. 

We flew from Mumbai-Kuala Lumpur-Kota Kinabalu via Malaysia Airlines that came with comfortable seats, delicious in-flight food and easy transfers. Kota Kinabalu can be reached via a 2.5-hour flight over the Indian Ocean from Kuala Lumpur with multiple flights available all day. 

Before the convention, we explored Kota Kinabalu and some spectacular excursions with Exotic Asian Explorer  (Surego Borneo) tours that is one of Sabah’s best tour operators. We got to experience local food, culture and lovely places with a comfortable coach and an even better local guide. 

Things to do in Sabah/ Sabah Malaysia Travel Guide :

 

1. Visit Sepanggar Island :

Hop onto a speedboat from Kota Kinabalu to get to the beautiful coral studded Sepanggar Island. The fine sandy beach, turquoise blue waters and a host of fun activities will make you fall in love with this aquatic paradise. 

 

 

Go parasailing or take a lazy snorkel in the transparent waters, learn scuba diving or hire a kayak, take a swim or enjoy some fresh sweet coconut water at the majestic Sepanggar Island, Sabah, Malaysia. 

 

 

We went right down to the biodiverse coral bed with Exotic Asian Explorer (Surego Borneo) tours as part of the Underwater sea walk.

One of my best life experiences was walking along the colourful coral bed with dazzling fish swimming around you, the corals dancing to the tunes of the water.

 

 

This felt absolutely magical! Seeing Sabah’s enticing sea creatures so up close and personal is an experience I’ll never forget.

 

After a full day snorkelling, swimming and walking across the beach, we headed back to Kota Kinabalu to get some rest at Hotel Avangio by Accor, a comfortable, well located 4-star property. 

 

2. Explore Mari Mari Cultural Village :

Engulf yourself in Sabah’s rich culture with a trip to Mari Mari Cultural Village, an interesting showcase of old tribal houses, rainforests, cultural shows & local food. 

Walk through lush greenery, across flowing forest streams as you’re introduced to ancient Sabah tribes & their way of living.

 

 

Learn how to light a fire with bamboo or sample some delicious rice wine, master tribal survival tricks or get married the Sabahan way, jump on a bamboo trampoline or watch the locals dance to fascinating moves, Mari Mari is a cultural paradise! Loved our visit here.

 

 

 

After lunch, drive to the unique Stone Age Spa Park that is definitely a spiritually enriching experience. The world’s only park of its kind, this rare park has ancient rocks from Sabah which give out positive energy. Rest on one of these healing rocks with the rainforest above you as you soak in the positivity of the rock into your body. I felt completely rejuvenated.

 

3. Traverse through Kota Kinabalu :

Sabah’s electrifying capital has a lot to offer too and must be explored!

Watch one of the most divine sunsets from the waterfront or visit the spectacular floating mosque, shop your heart out at one of KK’s many malls or sample local street food at one of the bustling markets, walk alongside Manukan island or let your hair down at one of  Kota Kinabalu’s waterfront bars. 

 

 

 

There are a lot of exciting things to do in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.  

After 3 days of exploring gorgeous Sabah, I was utterly and completely in love! We then attended the Travel.Earth Digital Travel Influencers Convention & Earthy Awards at Shangri La Rasa Ria Resort & Spa which was full of learning, networking and fun.

Shangri La Rasa Ria is a spectacular, well laid out property offering spacious rooms, a private beach, a huge golf course, pool and more. 

 

I had a wonderful experience in Sabah and would definitely go back again!

For more information on flights click here.here.

For more info on Sabah click here.

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