Planning a Sabah tour in 2025 feels a little different compared to the past few years. Travellers are looking for something more grounded, more meaningful, and sometimes a bit slower in pace. Sabah has always been known for its mountains, islands, and wildlife. However, when you look closely, you will notice that each experience has its own quiet charm that often goes unnoticed. I want to emphasise this right at the start. Sabah rewards the travellers who pay attention.
This guide walks you through the Top 10 Sabah Tours for 2025, based on what travellers consistently enjoy, what local operators have improved recently, and what many first-timers often miss. If you are planning a Sabah tour that truly feels complete, then consider this your practical, no-nonsense breakdown.
1. Mount Kinabalu Climb & Kundasang Highlands Tour
Anyone researching a Sabah tour will eventually end up reading about Mount Kinabalu. The climb is iconic, and you will probably notice that people talk about it as if it is a life milestone. To be honest, it can feel that way, especially if you have never done a hike above 3,000 metres.
Let me give you a quick example. Many climbers say the first day feels manageable. A bit tiring, yes, but nothing too aggressive. The real test comes on summit day. The early morning cold, the thin air, the granite slopes, everything feels amplified. It is not dangerous if you follow the guides, but I want to emphasise that you will feel the altitude. Some climbers are surprised by this.
What makes this Sabah tour option special in 2025 is the improved facilities around the climb. The Panalaban huts have become more comfortable, and the local rangers are very organised. After the climb, most travellers pair it with a stay at the Kundasang Highlands. Think rolling green hills, vegetable farms, and a climate that feels like someone switched on natural air-conditioning.
Small note: If you want sunrise photographs, Kundasang offers soft morning light that looks surprisingly better than many city viewpoints.
2. Kinabatangan River Wildlife Safari
A Sabah tour that includes the Kinabatangan River is almost guaranteed to deliver wildlife sightings. The river is famous for orangutans, proboscis monkeys, hornbills, crocodiles, and sometimes even pygmy elephants. I have to mention this because many visitors assume sightings are rare. They are not. The river ecosystem is incredibly lively.
The experience usually involves boat cruises during sunrise and sunset. There is something very calming about drifting on a brown, slow-moving river while listening to wildlife you cannot fully see yet. Here is something interesting, travellers sometimes say that the sounds are more memorable than the sights. The forest has its own rhythm.
Just set your expectations correctly. The accommodations along Kinabatangan range from simple to moderately comfortable. Do not expect luxury, but do expect hospitality that feels sincere. Most operators are community-based, which means your Sabah tour directly supports locals.
3. Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre + Wildlife Tour
Sepilok remains one of the most educational and meaningful experiences in Sabah. This Sabah tour appeals to travellers who want something close to wildlife but without venturing too deep into the jungle. The orangutan rehabilitation programme is well-known, but many visitors do not realise how much patience the staff put into caring for young orangutans.
When you visit, you will observe how the orangutans behave slightly differently compared to videos you might have seen online. They are semi-wild, and sometimes their personalities show very clearly. Some are shy. Others walk around with a level of confidence that surprises people.
The feeding sessions and the nursery windows are often the highlights, but I want to emphasise one thing that the centre is not a zoo. The animals come and go as they wish. That is part of the philosophy.
A Sabah tour that includes Sepilok usually adds nearby attractions such as the Sun Bear Conservation Centre or the Rainforest Discovery Centre. If you enjoy slow forest walks with elevated walkways, then this combination gives you a very pleasant half-day or full-day experience.
4. Danum Valley or Tabin Wildlife Reserve Rainforest Tour
If you want a Sabah tour that feels untouched and deep, this is where you go. Danum Valley is considered one of the most pristine rainforests in Southeast Asia. Tabin, while slightly more open, offers its own unique landscape filled with mud volcanoes, rare wildlife, and very quiet nights.
Visitors often say that they did not expect the rainforest to feel so alive. The humidity, the density of the trees, the constant background noise, everything blends together into a kind of natural soundtrack. You will probably notice that your phone signal disappears almost instantly. For most travellers, that is part of the appeal.
Guided night drives are a major attraction. You might spot civets, owls, leopard cats, or other nocturnal animals that you rarely hear about. Just keep in mind that this Sabah tour is slightly more expensive due to its remote location and limited accommodations. But if you enjoy raw nature, it is worth it.
5. Island Hopping & Snorkelling – Semporna / Mantanani / KK Islands
Sabah always surprises people with its island tours. A Sabah tour in Semporna feels completely different from one in Kota Kinabalu, and Mantanani has its own quiet beauty.
Semporna
Many travellers come here for the famous turquoise waters and coral gardens. Some islands, such as Mataking, Bohey Dulang, and Mabul, are popular for snorkelling and photography. You may want to prepare yourself for crowds during peak season, but the water clarity often compensates for that.
Mantanani
Mantanani is more relaxed. The marine life is gentle, the beaches feel soft, and the pace is slow. People who prefer a peaceful Sabah tour tend to enjoy this island more.
Kota Kinabalu Islands
The Tunku Abdul Rahman Park islands are the most accessible. They are only 15 to 20 minutes from the city. The snorkelling is decent, the beaches are convenient, and the day trips suit families.
Here is something interesting: fish tend to swim very close to the shore at Sapi Island. Visitors often find this surprising because they assume they must go deeper.
6. Cultural Tour – Mari Mari Cultural Village and Beyond
A Sabah tour that includes the local culture gives you a deeper appreciation for the state. Mari Mari Cultural Village is probably the most organised cultural experience in Sabah. It recreates traditional houses from multiple indigenous groups, complete with demonstrations such as fire-starting, food preparation, and dances.
The tour is guided, and the pacing feels comfortable. You might find yourself learning small details that locals sometimes forget to mention. For example, the purpose of certain wooden structures or why specific herbs are used in daily life.
Travellers who enjoy conversations with guides tend to love this experience. If you are curious about local food, the tasting sessions add a nice touch. It is a Sabah tour that blends storytelling with hands-on learning, and it leaves you with a clearer idea of Sabah’s multi-ethnic identity.
7. Kota Kinabalu City Tour
For travellers who enjoy light sightseeing, the Kota Kinabalu City Tour gives a simple but pleasant overview of the capital. It covers popular landmarks such as:
- Signal Hill Observatory
- Sabah State Mosque
- Handicraft Market
- Jesselton Point
- Sabah State Museum (depending on the operator)
- Sunset
Some travellers underestimate this tour, but it has its charm. You get to understand the layout of the city, the coastal views, and the subtle mix of old and modern influences. Here is something worth noting. The city tour becomes more enjoyable if done early in the morning or just before sunset when the light feels softer.
A Sabah tour like this works well on Day 1, especially if you want to familiarise yourself with the area without doing anything too physically demanding.
8. Water Rafting Kiulu (Beginner) & Water Rafting Padas (Advanced)
If you want a Sabah tour with a bit of excitement, rafting is a favourite. Kiulu is the beginner-friendly option. Families enjoy it because the rapids are gentle, the river is wide, and the scenery is bright and open. You can actually relax while rafting, which sounds unusual but makes sense once you experience it.
Padas, on the other hand, is very different. It is fast, energetic, and meant for travellers who enjoy adrenaline. The train ride to Padas is a unique part of the experience. The entire journey feels like a day of adventure, especially during wetter months when the rapids become stronger.
I want to emphasise safety here. The operators are experienced. They brief participants thoroughly, and the equipment is well-maintained. Just choose the level that suits your comfort.
9. Kundasang / Kinabalu Park Day Tour
This is one of the most popular Sabah tour options for travellers who prefer something calm. Kinabalu Park is Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you will notice immediately that the air feels different the moment you enter the park. It is cool, fresh, and slightly earthy.
The botanical garden is surprisingly interesting even if you are not usually into plants. The diversity is impressive. You might see orchids, carnivorous plants, and trees that you rarely encounter in city environments.
Kundasang usually completes the experience. Travellers often visit Desa Dairy Farm, Strawberry Garden, and various scenic viewpoints. The landscape feels almost pastoral. On a clear day, Mount Kinabalu sits in the background like a giant, peaceful guardian. It is a Sabah tour that offers simple pleasures, scenery, clean air, and easy walks.
10. Birding / Birdwatching Tour in Sabah’s Rainforests
Sabah is one of the best birding destinations in Southeast Asia, although many travellers do not realise this. A birding Sabah tour usually takes place in areas like Kinabalu Park, Crocker Range, Danum Valley, or Tabin.
Birdwatchers come to Sabah hoping to see species such as:
- Bornean Banded Kingfisher
- Rhinoceros HornbillWhitehead’s Broadbill
- Bornean Bristlehead
Here is something interesting. Even non-birders often find themselves unexpectedly fascinated during these tours. The guides have sharp eyes, and when they point out a rare species sitting quietly on a branch, there is a moment of shared excitement. The pace is slow, and that is part of the charm.
A birdwatching Sabah tour suits travellers who want a peaceful experience surrounded by nature, with early mornings that feel crisp and quiet.
A Small Look Toward 2026
Since we are already in the last month of 2025, I want to mention something that travellers have started asking quite often “What will Sabah tour experiences look like in 2026?” It is a fair question because the tourism landscape has changed more quickly than people expected.
Based on what local operators have been preparing behind the scenes, 2026 seems promising in a few interesting ways. You will probably notice more community-based experiences becoming mainstream. These are small-scale tours hosted by local families, guides, or villages that want to preserve culture while providing income to their communities.
There is also growing interest in niche activities. More Sabah tour packages for 2026 are expanding into micro-experiences such as forest bathing, photography-specific itineraries, responsible wildlife observation, and even silent retreats in cooler highland areas. These may sound like small additions, but they actually reflect what travellers want now, slower moments, nature-filled mornings, and tours that let them reset after long urban routines.
Sabah has always been about balance. The balance between adventure and calm, between modern travel expectations and natural environments that remain largely untouched. If the current trend continues, 2026 will likely be the year where Sabah tour packages become even more personal and flexible, allowing travellers to choose experiences that match their own pace instead of following rigid itineraries.
A Quick Note From Us as a Licensed Sabah Tour Agency
Since we are a licensed tour agency based here in Sabah, I want to share something from our day-to-day experience. Travellers often ask which Sabah tour suits their travel style, and the truth is that every traveller arrives with a slightly different idea of what they want. Some want wildlife. Some want scenery. Some want adrenaline. Some just want quiet mornings with mountain views.
Because we handle these Sabah tour packages directly, we see the practical side of things that visitors may not notice online. Weather patterns, the best times for wildlife sightings, what to expect during the Mount Kinabalu climb, which islands feel calmer on weekdays, and even small things like whether a particular route gets muddy after rain. These details matter, and they often determine whether a trip feels smooth or stressful.
Our goal has always been simple, to create Sabah tour experiences that feel real, comfortable, and well paced. Nothing rushed. Nothing unnecessarily complicated. Just the right match between what you want and what Sabah naturally offers.
If you ever need personalised suggestions, we are always happy to share honest, practical recommendations based on current local conditions.
