Things To Do in Sabah, Malaysia

Sabah, Malaysia’s second-largest state, is located on the northern tip of Borneo and is known for its unspoiled nature, from rich flora and fauna to highlands, beaches, jungles, and coastal towns. It easily wins the hearts of travellers from all over the world, especially nature lovers. With its cool weather and laid-back pace, there's much to discover and experience.

From landing in Kota Kinabalu to exploring places like Kuala Penyu and Kota Belud, don’t miss out on Ranau and Kundasang, two spots that should be on your travel checklist. Start in Ranau, then head up to Kundasang for the cool highlands experience (KOTA BELUD SABAH TRAVEL GUIDE).

Kota Belud Travel Guide, Sabah Malaysia

While Kuala Penyu (KUALA PENYU TRAVEL GUIDE) offers a quiet coastal escape, Kota Belud deserves equal attention on your Sabah itinerary. Located in the northwestern part of Sabah, it’s easily accessible whether you're travelling from Kuala Penyu (approximately a 2-hour drive via Putatan, Inanam, Suromboton, and Kampung Kobusak) or from Kota Kinabalu (about 1 hour via Inanam and Kg. Kelawat).

Along the drive, you’ll pass by small towns, rural stretches, and roadside stalls,  ideal for a short stop to enjoy local snacks or a meal before arriving in Kota Belud.

Kuala Penyu, Sabah Travel Guide

For those exploring Sabah, Kuala Penyu is often included as a quiet stop worth visiting. Sabah, fondly known as “The Land Below the Wind,” is all about nature, beaches, local life, and cultural heritage. While Kuala Penyu may not be packed with major attractions, it offers something many travellers crave, space to slow down and enjoy the moment (SURAKARTA INDONESIA TRAVEL).

Whether you're passing through or planning to stay overnight, Kuala Penyu, Sabah offers a peaceful escape. You can book a beach lodge, a simple villa, or a guesthouse near the coast. Even a short half-day visit is enough to appreciate the calm setting and laid-back atmosphere.

Cumin Rice (Rice-Cooker Style)

The daily cooked rice, a staple food for Asians, Malaysians included, can easily be elevated to another level. Everyday white rice can get mundane and boring, and to break away from it, all you need is to reach for common kitchen ingredients. A handful of cumin seeds, one of the essential Indian spices (INDIAN LEAFY VEGGIE STIR-FRY) for curries and stir-fries, when cooked with rice, infuses fragrant, subtly spiced, and peppery notes.

Fry the cumin seeds in ghee first, letting its buttery aroma coat the rice, then add a red chili for a hint of heat (VEGETARIAN KANGKUNG/WATER SPINACH SALAD). This simple step brings the much-loved flavors of Indian cooking to life. The best part? It’s cooked entirely in the rice cooker, Cumin Rice Indian-Style, the homely yet flavorful upgrade to your daily rice.

Indian Fish Curry Recipe

A long list of ingredients is typical for Indian Fish Curry, but it’s the spices that truly define its deliciousness. Without them, the curry would be simple and mild, lacking the bold Indian flavors. The good news is, with easily available store-bought spice powders or ready-made fish curry powders, this dish becomes simple and convenient to prepare.

But this isn’t your ordinary fish curry (TAMARIND FRIED FISH). It’s enhanced with mango, adding a natural burst of sourness that complements the spices. The curry also uses tomatoes and tomato paste, which not only add depth but give it a vibrant color. This version is somewhat similar to a South African Fish Curry, explaining the choice of ingredients and flavor profile (MALAYSIAN MUTTON CURRY).

Vegetarian Bak Kut Teh

The food culture has changed over the years. For reasons of healthy living or a wellness lifestyle, more people are becoming vegetarians, vegans, or following a plant-based diet. Some are born vegetarians, while others convert to embrace the vegetarian lifestyle. This shift has increased the demand for vegetarian food, especially for home-cooked meals.

Take Bak Kut Teh  as an example. The traditional Chinese herbal soup (QUICK CHINESE VEGETABLE STIR-FRY) made with Chinese herbs as the core ingredient. These days, there are choices, and it’s easy to pick one that’s affordable.

Vegetarian Water Spinach Salad (Urap Kangkung)

In Malaysia, water spinach, commonly known as “kangkung”, is a well-loved vegetable in Malaysian cuisine. A simple favorite is stir-fried kangkung with garlic, while Kangkung Belacan, water spinach stir-fried with shrimp paste, is another popular dish. Among the most common Malay (VEGETARIAN ASAM PEDAS/SOUR SPICY CURRY) and Indonesian dishes featuring kangkung is Urap Kangkung, a traditional vegetarian water spinach salad.

 

Urap Kangkung is a type of salad related to Kerabu Kangkung, though the ingredients can vary. In both dishes, the water spinach is softened in hot water before being tossed or mixed with other ingredients. The result is a fresh, tasty, and healthy Southeast Asian salad.