Mount Kinabalu and Semporna
★ 4.8🇲🇾 Kota KinabaluSuggested visit 3-5 daysBest season March to September, with less rain and calmer seas
World HeritageMountainsDiving
One of the highest peaks in Southeast Asia and Borneo's best diving, montane forest and coral reefs in one state.
Overview
In Sabah and standing at 4,095 metres, Mount Kinabalu is among the highest peaks in Southeast Asia and joined the World Heritage List in 2000. The summit climb takes two days with a night on the mountain, and the park below protects many endemic plants and animals. Semporna in the south-east is the gateway to Sipadan, famous for wall diving and schools of barracuda and turtles, considered one of the world's top dive sites.
History
Kinabalu Park was established in 1964 and inscribed in 2000; Sipadan has capped daily dive permits since 2004 to protect the reef.
Highlights
- •The Mount Kinabalu summit climb
- •Montane forest and pitcher plants
- •Wall diving at Sipadan
- •Island hopping and turtles at Semporna
Practical tips
- •Summit climbs need a booked hut and guide well ahead
- •Sipadan permits are limited; book months in advance
Practical information
- Best time
- March-September
- Tickets
- Climbs from about MYR 1,500; Sipadan dives about MYR 800 per day
- Opening hours
- By arrangement
- Local food
- Sabah bak kut teh, seafood, noodles
- Getting around
- Kota Kinabalu has an international airport; fly to Tawau and drive an hour to Semporna.
- Visa
- Visa-free for stays up to 30 days with a valid passport.
Traveller reviews
…