Sabah is one of those rare places where you can wake up by the sea, climb a mountain the next day, and soak in the rainforest right after. The tricky part is deciding where to spend your time. Island, mountain, or rainforest? Each offers a completely different way to experience Borneo.
If you’re planning your trip and weighing up island getaways in Sabah, here is how to choose the Sabah escape that fits your travel mood.
Manukan Island: Best for beach bums and first time visitors to Sabah
If your idea of a holiday starts with blue water and ends with sunset skies, Manukan Island delivers. Located just off Kota Kinabalu, it is one of the most accessible island getaways in Sabah and a favourite for travellers who want nature without long travel times.
Sutera Sanctuary Lodges offer island-style Manukan Island accommodations just steps from the beach. Mornings are for calm walks along the shore. Afternoons are perfect for light adventure or simply doing nothing at all. It feels remote, yet you are minutes from the city.
Mount Kinabalu and Kinabalu Park: Best for active travellers and hikers
If crisp mountain air and a bit of adventure appeal to you, a Mount Kinabalu climb package might be exactly what you need. Climbing Mount Kinabalu is one of Sabah’s most iconic experiences, attracting travellers from around the globe.
Even if reaching the summit is not on your agenda, a Kinabalu Park tour is still a must. The cooler climate and lush landscapes are a welcome contrast to the tropical coast. Winding trails take you through ancient forests, with scenery that feels worlds apart from island life.
Sutera Sanctuary Lodges offers cosy mountain lodges and rooms surrounded by fresh air, providing a perfect base whether you are tackling the climb or enjoying a relaxed day exploring Kinabalu Park. This is the Sabah experience for those who love movement, nature, and a sense of achievement.
Poring Hot Springs: Best for wellness seekers and rainforest lovers
For those who prefer shade, water, and slower exploration, the rainforest around Poring Hot Springs is the answer. Located near Kinabalu Park, this area offers a softer kind of adventure.
The Poring hot spring canopy walk gives you a bird’s eye view of the rainforest, while the hot springs themselves are ideal for unwinding after a day outdoors. When you’re done for the day, Sutera Sanctuary Lodges places you close to nature, with comfortable rooms near jungle trails and easy access to highlights like the Poring Hot Spring canopy walk.
This experience suits travellers who want nature without physical extremes. It is peaceful, sensory, and a beautiful contrast to both island and mountain environments.
So which Sabah experience is right for you?
Whichever you choose, Sabah delivers something memorable. It might be a quiet sunset by the water, a misty trail in Kinabalu Park, or a moment of stillness high above the forest canopy. These are the kinds of experiences that stay with you long after the holiday ends. What matters most is choosing the setting that fits how you want to feel on this trip.
Start planning your stay with Sutera Sanctuary Lodges and find the experience that suits you best
