Things To Do in Sabah, Malaysia

A comprehensive trip in Sabah can easily take around two weeks. Starting from Kota Kinabalu and moving further inland, the route passes through highlands and valleys, going from one top spot to another (KOTA BELUD SABAH WHAT TO DO). 

At the very northern tip lies Tanjung Simpang Mengayau in Kudat, famously known as the Tip of Borneo. It is literally the northernmost point of Sabah and all of Borneo. Here, the South China Sea meets the Sulu Sea, marking the end of the land and the beginning of the endless sea.

Things to Do in Kota Belud, Sabah, Malaysia

The second-largest state in Malaysia, Sabah, lies along both the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea, making it one of Malaysia’s top nature destinations. Its coastal districts stretch from Kuala Penyu on the west coast to Kinabatangan and Pitas on the east coast. Along the west coast, the shoreline extends northward from Kuala Penyu to Kota Belud, a district on Sabah’s northwest coast.

Kota Belud is home to the Kadazan-Dusun and Bajau communities and is known for its peaceful rural charm and traditional villages. A day is usually sufficient to explore the district, but an overnight stay in Kota Belud allows for a more relaxed pace.

Sabah, Malaysia - Things to Do in Kuala Penyu

Sabah, a state in East Malaysia on the northern part of Borneo Island, is also known as the “Land Below the Wind.” This nickname comes from Sabah’s location south of the typhoon belt in the Pacific, which means it generally avoids the storms that affect the Philippines and northern Pacific islands. It highlights Sabah’s calmer climate and safer location (YOGYAKARTA INDONESIA THINGS TO DO). 

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.

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.