Essential Travel Information to Sabah

Stunning tropical islands and luxuriant nature makes Sabah the ideal destination for eco-adventures. The state's most famous icon is the majestic Mount Kinabalu, reputed to be one of the highest in Southeast Asia. Another jewel is Sipadan, an internationally-famed dive destination.

Its population of nearly 3.1 million is made up of 32 ethnic communities. The capital of Sabah is Kota Kinabalu. It is the gateway to eco-adventures such as diving, river cruising, mountain climbing, white-water rafting and caving.

Kota Kinabalu was formerly known as Jesselton. Most parts of the city have been reconstructed after World War II and there are only three surviving buildings from the war.

Visit this 'Land Below the Wind' and enjoy unforgettable adventures!

By Air

Sabah is well-connected domestically and internationally. The main gateway to Sabah is the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) situated about 20 minutes away from the city. Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia and Malindo Air provides daily direct flights to Sabah from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital city.

Internationally, Sabah is accessible from Brunei Darussalam, China, Hong Kong, Taipei, Japan, Thailand, Philippines, Singapore and South Korea. The flights that operate here include Silk Air, Royal Brunei Airlines, Korean Air, Dragonair and Asiana. Visitors from Australia can also arrive in Sabah via Kuala Lumpur.

Sabah has a second airport called the Low Cost Carrier Terminal or Terminal Two. This terminal is situated about 7km from Kota Kinabalu International Airport. The budget carrier AirAsia operates from this terminal.

By Sea

Visitors from Labuan, Indonesia and Philippines can arrive in Sabah by sea. Ferry terminals and immigration checkpoints are situated at Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau.

The Sutera Harbour Marina in Kota Kinabalu welcomes foreign guests who wish to berth their yachts in comfort and convenience. Vessels are required to do port clearance before their crew is allowed ashore.

By Land

Overland travel between Kota Kinabalu, Kuching and Brunei Darussalam is possible via the Trans Borneo Highway. However, visitors are advised to be prepared for long journeys. Those who are intending to self-drive should plan their routes and rest stops.