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Sabah Location Map: Where is Sabah?
Pull up a Sabah Location Map, and you'll see it sitting proudly on the northern tip of Borneo, sharing the island with Sarawak, Brunei, and Indonesia's Kalimantan.
Sabah is Malaysia's easternmost state, surrounded by the South China Sea on one side and the Sulu and Celebes Seas on the other.
To understand the Map of Sabah, think of it as two coasts divided by a central mountain range:
- The West Coast – urban, accessible, and adventure-ready.
- The East Coast – wilder, remote, and full of Borneo's legendary wildlife.
Your Sabah adventure will almost certainly include both.
Sabah District Map - Getting to Know the Regions
Sabah Tourist Map: Top Attractions in West Coast & East Coast
Take a look at your Sabah Tourist Map and you'll notice something magical — this isn't just one destination, it's two worlds in one state.
A spine of misty mountains cuts through the middle, dividing the Adventure West Coast from the Wildlife East Coast. Most travelers explore both — and that's where the real Borneo magic happens.
The West Coast – Where Your Sabah Journey Begins
This is the easygoing, sun-kissed side of Sabah — centered around Kota Kinabalu (KK), the capital and gateway to Borneo.
- Kota Kinabalu – The Gateway to Sabah
This is where the adventure begins.
Fly into Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) and you're minutes away from a lively waterfront lined with seafood grills and sunset bars.
KK is the base for 2–3 days of easy exploring — island-hopping, food-hunting, and maybe a quick massage before your mountain or jungle adventure begins.
- Mount Kinabalu National Park – The Roof of Southeast Asia
Just a 2-hour scenic drive from KK, the cool mountain air greets you at Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you're feeling ambitious, book a climb months ahead — but even if you don't summit, there are plenty of trails, gardens, and canopy walks to enjoy.
- Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park – The City's Island Escape
Just 15–20 minutes by speedboat from Jesselton Point Jetty, this cluster of five islands (Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik, and Sulug) offers a tropical escape right from the city.
Think white beaches, clear water, snorkeling, and cheeky monkeys that might steal your snacks.
The East Coast – Where Borneo Gets Wild
Fly east (a short 40-minute hop from KK) and you'll trade city buzz for the deep green heart of Borneo. This side of the Sabah Tourist Map is all about wildlife, rivers, and coral reefs.
- Sandakan – The city is your base, with its own airport (SDK).
- Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre – Only 30 minutes from Sandakan Airport, this is one of the world's best places to meet orangutans up close (along with the adorable Sun Bear Centre next door).
- Kinabatangan River – Two hours from Sepilok, this lush river is your chance to see wild proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and crocodiles on guided boat safaris.
- Semporna & Tawau – Fly into Tawau (TWU), then travel 1.5 hours by road to Semporna, the jetty town for island hopping.
- Mabul & Kapalai Islands – Stay here! These islands have floating resorts and dive centers that offer easy access to world-class sites.
- Sipadan Island – The superstar. One of the top 5 dive sites in the world, protected and pristine. You can't stay overnight here — only dive by day trip with a special permit, usually arranged in advance by your resort
Sabah Island Map: From City Getaways to World-Class Diving
If you zoom in on your Sabah Island Map, you'll see that this state is surrounded by dozens of little tropical gems — from easy day-trip islands near Kota Kinabalu to world-famous dive spots off Semporna. Let's break it down so you know exactly where to spread your beach towel or strap on your fins.
Islands Near Kota Kinabalu – Easy & Fun
Just off the capital's coast, the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is your instant island escape.
- Gaya Island (Pulau Gaya): The biggest island, with jungle trails, luxury resorts, and coral reefs right offshore.
- Manukan Island (Pulau Manukan): The crowd favorite — long beaches, cafes, and plenty of water sports.
- Sapi Island (Pulau Sapi): Compact and lively, perfect for snorkeling among colorful fish.
- Mamutik Island (Pulau Mamutik): Small, quiet, and ideal for a peaceful swim.
- Sulug Island (Pulau Sulug): The most untouched — bring your sense of adventure and your own snacks!
How to get there: Boats leave every 15–30 minutes from Jesselton Point Jetty (KK city center). You can visit one or hop between several in a single day.
If you've got an extra day and crave something more remote, check out these lesser-known islands on your Sabah Island Map — just a bit farther, but worth every splash.
- Pulau Tiga (aka “Survivor Island”): Famous as the filming location of the first Survivor TV show, Pulau Tiga is a natural wonder with volcanic mud baths and clear water. About a 2-hour journey from KK (by car + boat via Kuala Penyu).
- Lovely Paradise Island (Pulau Dinawan): A private-island-style escape just 25 minutes from KK.
- Mengalum Island (Pulau Mengalum): About 1 hour by speedboat from KK, this remote coral island offers incredible snorkeling and diving in crystal-clear water.
- Mermaid Island (Pulau Mantanani): A bit farther away (about 2 hours from KK, including a scenic drive and boat ride), this trio of islands offers stunning blue water, cute homestays, and the chance to spot dugongs if you're lucky!
Islands Off Semporna – Dive into the Deep Blue
Now, shift your Sabah Island Map to the state's far east — the real treasure chest for divers.
- Mabul Island: A small island surrounded by crystal-clear water and cozy overwater resorts — the classic base for divers.
- Kapalai Island: A dreamy sandbank resort that feels like floating on the sea.
- Sipadan Island: The crown jewel. A protected marine park ranked among the world's top 5 dive sites. You can't stay overnight here — but day dives (by permit only) are unforgettable.
- Mataking Island: A romantic spot with a unique underwater “post office” where you can literally mail a postcard from the sea!
Getting There: Fly to Tawau Airport (TWU) → 1.5-hour drive to Semporna Jetty → 30–60-minute boat transfer depending on your island.
Sabah Transportation Map: How to Travel Across Sabah
Looking at your Sabah Transportation Map, one golden rule stands out: fly between coasts — it saves hours and keeps your trip smooth.
From Kota Kinabalu (BKI) to Sandakan (SDK), it's just a quick 40-minute flight, with several departures daily.
Divers can also fly straight from KK or Kuala Lumpur to Tawau (TWU), then continue by car to Semporna — only 1.5 hours away.
Prefer a road trip? You can drive the KK–Sandakan–Tawau highway, but be warned — while scenic, it's a long ride: 7–8 hours from KK to Sandakan, plus 5–6 more to Semporna.
In short: fly more, explore more — spend your time with orangutans, coral reefs, and sunsets, not car seats!
Sample Itineraries on the Map: Building Your Perfect Sabah Trip
If you're wondering how to turn your Sabah Map into a real trip, here are two easy-to-follow itineraries.
A. The Peak & Primate Combo (7 Days / 6 Nights):
Perfect for first-time visitors who want a bit of everything.
Day 1–3: Start in Kota Kinabalu (KK) — explore the city, take a boat to the islands, and enjoy the sunset by the waterfront.
Day 4: Drive or fly to Sandakan on the east coast.
Day 5: Visit the Sepilok Orangutan and Sun Bear centers.
Day 6: Head deep into nature on a Kinabatangan River safari, spotting monkeys, crocodiles, and maybe even pygmy elephants.
Day 7: Return to Sandakan Airport for your flight home — full of jungle memories!
B. The Ultimate Borneo Adventure Adventure: Sabah & Sarawak (12 Days):
For travelers who want to see more of Borneo — both Sabah and Sarawak.
Days 1–3: Begin in Sarawak (Kuching). Visit Bako National Park, spot proboscis monkeys, and learn about local culture at the Sarawak Cultural Village.
Days 4–5: Fly to Mulu National Park to explore its famous caves.
Days 6–12: Continue your journey in Sabah — start in Kota Kinabalu, enjoy the mountains and islands, then fly to Sandakan for the orangutans and river safari.
The Asia Odyssey Advantage: Your Expert Sabah Navigator
Planning your dream trip on a Sabah Map is exciting — but also, let's be honest, a bit tricky. Between domestic flights, remote jungle lodges, and limited Sipadan permits, things can get confusing.
That's where Asia Odyssey Travel comes in. We're your personal Sabah navigators, turning maps into memories.
- ✅ Seamless Logistics: Flights, private transfers, guides — all synced perfectly.
- ✅ Insider Access: The best lodges on the Kinabatangan, trusted dive operators in Semporna, and priority help with Sipadan permits.
- ✅ Tailor-Made Journeys: Whether it's a short wildlife escape or a full-blown Borneo expedition, we'll design a trip that's exactly your style.
So grab your Sabah Map, pack your sense of adventure, and let's turn that blueprint into your next great story.
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