Sabah is bordered by Sarawak to the southwest and Indonesian Kalimantan to the south, and lies across the sea from the Philippines to the northeast. Sabah is surrounded by the South China Sea to the west, the Sulu Sea to the north and northeast, and the Celebes Sea to the east.
Travelling to Sabah, Malaysia
Travelling to Sabah typically starts with
flying into Kota Kinabalu (KK) Airport. Kota Kinabalu is the main gateway to
the rest of Sabah, no matter which destinations are part of the trip.
For international travelers, Sabah can be
an affordable destination, especially for those from countries with a higher
exchange rate to the Malaysian Ringgit (RM). For Malaysians from West Malaysia,
flight tickets to Sabah can be as expensive as travelling to Thailand or other
countries. Depending on the season and early hotel bookings, Sabah can be
budget-friendly, but at other times, travel costs may be above average (TOP THINGS IN HOKKAIDO, JAPAN).
Travelling to Kuala Penyu, Sabah
Transport to Kuala Penyu
Car rental in Kota Kinabalu is available for travelling to Kuala Penyu. Another
option is hiring a car with a driver, with locals and hotels as contact points
for such services. Minibuses are also available, but for those who prefer a
free and flexible way to explore Kuala Penyu, self-driving or private cars are
best, allowing stops along the route for other attractions in Sabah.
Travel Time to Kuala Penyu
Route via Beaufort or Membakut
This common route to Kuala Penyu takes about 2.5 to 3 hours. It is the route
for those less familiar with Sabah’s roads. The distance is around 130 km, with
better road conditions and smoother flow. There are some winding sections near
Beaufort, but the drive is generally easy.
Route via Bongawan or Menumbok
Travel time to Kuala Penyu is around 3 to 3.5 hours, with a distance of roughly
125–135 km, depending on the turn-off points. This route is longer, with some
narrower rural roads where driving may be slower. It is mainly used by locals,
and Sabahan drivers familiar with the route should have no difficulty.
Whether taking Route 1 or Route 2, the
total time to Kuala Penyu depends on driving speed. A slower pace or stops
along the way, such as for a short break, will add extra time.
Accommodations in Kuala Penyu
A day in Kuala Penyu is sufficient to
cover the main attractions, but staying overnight offers a more relaxed and
complete experience. Accommodation options are simple and unassuming,
consisting mainly of guesthouses, homestays, and small hotels. Some may not
provide food unless requested in advance. As overnight stays are limited, it is
important to make prior arrangements or confirm bookings early.
What to See in Kuala Penyu, Sabah
The drive begins by passing landmarks in
Kota Kinabalu via the highway. There is little to see for at least the first
hour on either route. It is mainly driving through suburban stretches,
plantations, and small villages, with long quiet sections where the road seems
to go endlessly ahead.
Route via Beaufort or Membakut Scenery
The scenery gradually shifts to greener surroundings - wider fields, local
shops, and small riverside settlements. Nearing Kuala Penyu, it becomes
distinctly rural, with palm trees, mangrove areas, and occasional views of the
coastline hinting that the sea is near.
Route via Bongawan or Menumbok Scenery
The change in scenery comes a little later. The road passes through flat
agricultural land and sparsely scattered homes before opening up to the
countryside. Closer to Menumbok, the coast and stretches of blue water become
visible, indicating that Kuala Penyu is nearby.
What to Do in Kuala Penyu
Kuala Penyu is a quiet and calm nature
spot in the south-western part of Sabah, Malaysia. Located along the west coast
of Borneo and facing the South China Sea, it is bordered by Beaufort and
Menumbok. The town is surrounded by unspoiled nature, with wide beaches, clear
sea, open lands, hills, rivers, and small coastal villages. Kuala Penyu is
ideal for walking, relaxing, and experiencing the local culture of Sabah.
Coastal Attractions in Kuala Penyu
The coastline of Kuala Penyu stretches
with clear blue and turquoise waters, gentle waves, and soft sand that ranges
from white to brown. It is one of Sabah’s most natural coastal areas, ideal for
quiet recreation and leisure. Kuala Penyu is considered one of the top nature
spots in Sabah. The locals are simple and humble, with no air about them. Those
living along the coast even offer drinks as a welcoming gesture and are open to
questions about what to do in Sabah.
Kuala Penyu is also one of the top fishing villages in Sabah, which is why fishing boats and nets are seen at the beaches. Locals can be seen in the waters even during the afternoons fishing. Early mornings are one of the best things to do in Sabah, being among the locals as they get ready for fishing. Perhaps also seeing them return with fresh fish from Sabah waters.
Beaches in Kuala Penyu, Sabah
The coastline in Kuala Penyu includes some of the best beaches. Though not all
the beaches are conducive for swimming or water activities, they are certainly
mesmerizing and among the top attractions in Sabah. Whether driving past,
glimpsing for a few minutes, or resting, it becomes clear why a trip to Kuala
Penyu, Sabah, is worth it.
Tempurung Beach (Pantai Tempurung)
About 5 to 10 minutes from Kuala Penyu town is Tempurung Beach, the main beach
in Kuala Penyu. Tempurung Beach is popular for its wide stretch of sand, calm
sea, and open views of the South China Sea. It is an ideal spot in Kuala Penyu,
Sabah, for walking and watching the sunset.
Batu Luang Beach (Batu Luang)
A short drive from Kuala Penyu town along Menumbok Road is Batu Luang Beach. A
large rock stands alone on Batu Luang Beach, surrounded by sand and sea. Legend
has it that the rock is about a bride turned into stone. The best time to visit
Batu Luang Beach is during low tide for closer access, and at sunset for photos
and videos in Kuala Penyu.
Pulau Tiga Island (Survivor Island)
About 30 minutes by boat from Kuala Penyu Jetty is Pulau Tiga Island. Pulau
Tiga Island features clean beaches, volcanic mud pools, and walking trails,
example of nature in Kuala Penyu. It became known as “Survivor Island” after
the first Survivor TV series was filmed here. Pulau Tiga Island is ideal for a
day trip in Kuala Penyu and for swimming.
Kuala Penyu Waterfront (Esplanade Area)
Part of Kuala Penyu town, the Waterfront is where locals gather. The Kuala
Penyu Waterfront is a spot in Sabah for strolling, sitting back, and viewing
fishing boats along the shore.
Sawangan and Mempakul Beaches
Sawangan Beach and Mempakul Beach are lesser known, located along the rural
coastline between Kuala Penyu and Menumbok. The roads leading to these beaches
pass through small villages and open coastal land.
