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Stories from Borneo
Travel tips, food reviews & local guides from Sabah & Sarawak
Showing 19 articles
Daradaat View Kota Belud: The Ultimate Luar Bandar Spot for Epic Gunung Kinabalu Sunrises
When planning a trip around Sabah, spots like Kundasang usually top the list for mountain views. However, during a recent scouting trip through the hidden backroads of Kota Belud, I came across a community-based tourism gem that completely changes the game: **Daradaat View**. If you are the type of traveler who willingly wakes up before dawn just to catch the perfect sunrise, breathe crisp rural air, and watch Mount Kinabalu emerge from a sea of clouds, this place is a mandatory addition to your itinerary. Based on first-hand experience navigating the trails and camping under the stars, here is an unfiltered guide to what makes Daradaat View worth the drive. ---
Chasing Clouds at Sosodikon Hill, Kundasang: Is It Really Worth the Climb? (An Honest Review & Tips)
When people talk about visiting Kundasang, the images that usually pop up are New Zealand-esque green pastures, dairy cows, and the majestic Mount Kinabalu looming in the background. But let’s be real for a second—popular spots like the Desa Dairy Farm can get incredibly crowded, and sometimes you just want to escape the tourist traffic. During my recent trip, I decided to dodge the usual crowds and head up to Sosodikon Hill (officially known as the Sosodikon Hill Cultural Heritage). Is it actually worth your time, or is it just overhyped on social media? Here is my honest, firsthand review of the experience.
Mesilou Highland Strawberry Farm: A Sweet Escape in the Highlands of Kundasang
If you've ever dreamed of plucking a fresh strawberry straight off the vine while surrounded by cool mountain air and misty highland views — Mesilou Highland Strawberry Farm is exactly where you need to be. Tucked about 15 kilometres from Kundasang town along the same road leading to Desa Dairy Farm, this little gem sits quietly in the highlands of Ranau, Sabah. It's not the biggest farm you'll ever visit, but honestly? That's part of its charm.
Teck Guan Cocoa Village & Tawau Cocoa Cafe: The Ultimate Chocolate Heaven in Sabah
Have you ever wondered where your favorite chocolate comes from? If you are planning a vacation in Sabah, make sure to add Teck Guan Cocoa Village and Tawau Cocoa Cafe to your must-visit list. As the home of one of Malaysia's largest cocoa producers, Tawau offers a unique "Tree-to-Bar" experience that you won't find anywhere else. This destination is among the top interesting places in Sabah, combining educational tourism with pure sensory delight making it a favorite for both domestic and international travelers.
Tawau Hills Park: A Natural Treasure & The Best Recreational Spot in Tawau
If you are planning a vacation in Sabah and heading to the east coast, Tawau Hills Park is a destination that must be in your itinerary. Located just 24 kilometers from Tawau town, this park is a paradise for nature lovers, hikers, and families looking to enjoy the cool, pristine tropical rainforest. As one of the top interesting places in Sabah, Tawau Hills Park is not just an ordinary forest; it holds world records and unique biodiversity rarely found elsewhere.
Cabana Retreat Kota Belud: A Luxury Glamping Experience on Sabah’s Pristine Coast
If you dream of a vacation in Sabah that combines the comfort of a luxury hotel with the raw beauty of nature, Cabana Retreat in Kota Belud is the destination you’ve been looking for. As the first-ever glamping (glamorous camping) resort on the West Coast of Sabah, it offers the exclusive experience of sleeping in high-end tents right on the shores of Rampayan Beach. This isn't just your typical accommodation; it is one of the most trending interesting places in Sabah for those seeking an aesthetic and relaxing getaway.
Karanahan Kota Belud: A Riverside 'Healing' Spot with Majestic Mount Kinabalu Views
If you are looking for a vacation in Sabah that offers extraordinary tranquility, Karanahan in Kota Belud is a must-visit destination. Known as a prime "healing" spot, Karanahan offers the perfect combination of fresh village air, crystal-clear river waters, and the majestic Mount Kinabalu as your backdrop. As one of the most interesting places in Sabah, Karanahan is a top choice for families and groups of friends looking to relax while enjoying the untouched natural beauty of Borneo.
Brighton Bay Papar: Magical Fireflies & The Most Romantic River Cruise in Sabah
Looking for a mesmerizing night activity for your vacation in Sabah? If you are in the Papar district, Brighton Bay (Brighton Bay Garden & Resort) is a destination that offers an extraordinary firefly experience. It is one of the interesting places in Sabah gaining popularity among nature lovers and those looking to enjoy the beauty of Borneo's rivers. As part of the Kinarut/Papar River ecosystem, Brighton Bay is not just a place to see fireflies, but a complete ecotourism hub for a peaceful Sabah vacation experience.
Maliau Basin: Explore Sabah’s 'The Lost World' – The Ultimate Expedition Guide
If you are looking for a vacation in Sabah that is truly challenging and exclusive, Maliau Basin Conservation Area is the answer. Dubbed "The Lost World," this area is a natural basin surrounded by steep cliffs, making it one of the most pristine wilderness areas on earth. As one of the top interesting places in Sabah, Maliau Basin offers an experience far different from other commercial destinations. It is a haven for hardcore adventurers, researchers, and nature lovers who want to experience life in an untouched rainforest.
Tambunan Rafflesia Information Centre: The Easiest Way to See the World's Largest Flower in Sabah
Looking for a unique and adventurous vacation in Sabah? If you are in the Tambunan district, make sure to stop by the Tambunan Rafflesia Information Centre (RIC). This is the best destination for you to see the Rafflesia, the world's largest flower that can only be found in specific parts of Southeast Asia. As one of the top interesting places in Sabah, this centre serves as the main gateway to the Forest Reserve which houses dozens of growth sites for the Rafflesia pricei species.
Yee Fung Laksa: The Most Iconic Food Destination in Kota Kinabalu
If you are planning a vacation in Sabah, your journey will not be complete without a stop at Gaya Street to experience the greatness of Yee Fung Laksa. This shop is more than just a regular place to eat in KK; it is a culinary institution that has won the hearts of tourists and locals for decades.
Honest Review: Hidden Gem Scuba Diving at Bigfin Divers, Kota Belud (Better Than Sipadan?)
If you're looking for a place in Sabah that isn't overrun with tourists but still delivers a world-class ocean experience, Bigfin Divers in Kota Belud absolutely deserves a spot on your bucket list.Last week, I made a trip around Sabah and stopped by here. Honestly? I had no idea there was a hidden spot in Kota Belud where the water is so crystal clear it doesn't even look real
Mahua Waterfall: A Hidden Gem for Your Sabah Tambunan Getaway
If you're planning a trip to Sabah's Tambunan district, one destination you absolutely cannot skip is Mahua Waterfall. Tucked away from the noise and rush of city life, this is one of Tambunan's most captivating attractions — offering the kind of cool, untouched mountain water and lush tropical forest atmosphere that genuinely refreshes the soul. Nestled within the Crocker Range, Mahua is far more than just another waterfall. It's a living symbol of Sabah's natural beauty, and a perfect retreat for anyone seeking a peaceful, grounding escape.
Times Three Jesselton Quay: Kota Kinabalu's Most Aesthetic Hangout & Date Spot
Searching for a place to eat in KK with a stunning ocean view? If you're after a modern, laid-back atmosphere, Times Three at Jesselton Quay has quickly become one of the city's most sought-after spots. Whether you're hunting for the perfect coffee hangout in KK or simply want to catch the sea breeze on a quiet evening, this café delivers a vibe that's equal parts calm and effortlessly cool.
Babarian Food Court Tuaran Bypass: Sabah's Most Hyped Food Haven Worth Every Visit
Looking for a great place to eat in Sabah that packs a wide variety of options all under one roof? If you're passing through the Tuaran Bypass road, there's one spot that's been on everyone's lips lately — Babarian Food Court.
Sayap Substation: The Hidden Gem in Sabah That Most People Don't Know About
Sabah never runs out of incredible places to explore. But there's one destination that has somehow stayed off the radar for most travellers — whether they're visiting from abroad or are Sabahans themselves. It's called Sayap Substation, and if you're the kind of person who loves exploring Sabah in a deeper, more extraordinary way, this place was made for you.
Yit Foh Likas: The Sabah Eatery You Need to Visit At Least Once in Your Life
Ask anyone from Kota Kinabalu where to find a genuinely good cup of coffee and proper toast, and Yit Foh will come up almost every time. This isn't just a breakfast spot — it has become part of the identity of KK itself. And if you've never stepped foot inside Yit Foh Likas, you're missing out on something that absolutely belongs on your Sabah food bucket list.
Gua Liang Keningau: A Remarkable Hidden Treasure for Your Sabah Adventure
Looking for something different on your next Sabah holiday? If beaches and islands have become familiar territory, why not drive inland and discover Gua Liang Keningau. This is far more than just a cave — it's one of the most intriguing attractions in Keningau (and conveniently accessible for those planning a trip through Papar via the Kimanis-Keningau road), filled with mystery and breathtaking natural beauty. For families who enjoy active outdoor experiences, Gua Liang offers an exploration adventure that no one will forget in a hurry.
Explore the Uniqueness of Kampung Budaya Borneo Papar
A Papar Getaway: Discover the Wonders of Kampung Budaya BorneoLooking for a unique and laid-back holiday spot in Sabah? If you're planning a trip to Papar, one destination that absolutely must be on your list is Kampung Budaya Borneo (Borneo Cultural Village).For those searching for things to do in Papar, this place is far more than an open-air museum — it's a living, breathing learning centre that's genuinely fun to explore. It's ideal for a family outing in Papar, combining entertainment and historical education all in one place.