Best Road Trips in Sabah for Scenic Views

September 23, 2025

5/5 (3 Votes)

Sabah, the jewel of Borneo, offers some of Malaysia’s most breathtaking road trips. From misty mountains to lush rainforests and pristine coastlines, these drives provide unforgettable experiences for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers alike. Discover the top scenic routes, wildlife hotspots, and cultural highlights Sabah has to offer.

1. Kota Kinabalu → Kundasang & Ranau

Drive from the coastal city of Kota Kinabalu to the highlands of Kundasang and Ranau. Enjoy panoramic mountain views, tea plantations, and tropical forests.

Distance & Duration

~90 km | ~2 hours

Difficulty & Surface Type

Moderate – winding mountain roads | Asphalt, well-maintained

Route

Kota Kinabalu → Penampang → Tambunan → Ranau → Kundasang

Why Nature Lovers Love It

Stunning vistas of Mount Kinabalu
Rolling green valleys and terraced farms
Access to tropical forests and hot springs

Highlights Points

Desa Dairy Farm – “Little New Zealand” with lush pastures
Kinabalu Park – UNESCO World Heritage Site
Poring Hot Springs – Natural thermal pools
Sabah Tea Garden – Picturesque highland plantation
Kundasang War Memorial – Scenic cultural landmark

Visit Malaysia: Wang Kelian View Point

Ideal For

Photographers, hikers, families, and nature enthusiasts

2. Kota Kinabalu → Kudat (Tip of Borneo)

A scenic coastal drive to the northernmost tip of Borneo with ocean vistas and local culture.

Distance & Duration

~190 km | ~3 hours

Difficulty & Surface Type

Easy to Moderate | Asphalt, some narrow stretches

Route

Kota Kinabalu → Tamparuli → Kota Marudu → Kudat → Tip of Borneo

Why Nature Lovers Love It

Unspoiled coastal scenery and cliffs
Ideal for sunrise and sunset photography
Secluded villages with cultural charm

Highlights Points

Tip of Borneo – South China Sea meets Sulu Sea
Kudat Beach Villages – Secluded beaches
Sunset Views – Perfect for photographers and couples

Ideal For

Couples, photographers, road trip adventurers

3. Kota Kinabalu → Sandakan

Long drive through eastern Sabah with tropical lowlands, river ecosystems, and wildlife encounters.

Distance & Duration

~430 km | ~6 hours

Difficulty & Surface Type

Moderate | Mostly asphalt, occasional rough roads

Route

Kota Kinabalu → Tamparuli → Ranau → Telupid → Sandakan

Why Nature Lovers Love It

Tropical rainforest and riverine ecosystems
Opportunities to spot wildlife in natural habitats
Access to biodiversity hotspots

Highlights Points

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre – Observe rescued orangutans
Kinabatangan River – River safari for proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants
Rainforest Discovery Centre – Birdwatching and canopy walks

Ideal For

Wildlife enthusiasts, adventure seekers, eco-tourists

4. Kota Kinabalu → Tambunan via Crocker Range

Scenic drive through Crocker Range mountains with cool highland climate and lush forests.

Distance & Duration

~73 km | ~1.5–2 hours

Difficulty & Surface Type

Moderate | Asphalt, narrow stretches

Route

Kota Kinabalu → Penampang → Tambunan via Crocker Range

Why Nature Lovers Love It

Lush mountain forests and fresh air
Rare flora including Rafflesia flower
Peaceful highland landscapes

Highlights Points

Crocker Range Scenic Drive – Panoramic views
Tambunan Rafflesia Reserve – World’s largest flower
Local Highland Villages – Cultural immersion

Visit Malaysia: Pekan Nenas

Ideal For

Botanists, photographers, nature enthusiasts

5. Kota Kinabalu → Klias River, Beaufort

Scenic river drive to mangrove forests and wildlife-rich wetlands in western Sabah.

Distance & Duration

~110 km | ~2 hours

Difficulty & Surface Type

Easy | Asphalt, well-maintained

Route

Kota Kinabalu → Papar → Beaufort → Klias River

Why Nature Lovers Love It

Mangrove ecosystems teeming with wildlife
Firefly sightings along the river at dusk
Peaceful river landscapes for photography

Highlights Points

Klias Wetland – Diverse mangrove ecosystem
Firefly River Cruise – Magical firefly display
Proboscis Monkey Sightings – Rare wildlife encounters

Ideal For

Families, wildlife photographers, eco-tourists

Tips for Sabah Road Trips

Best Months: March to November (dry season)
Driving: Exercise caution on winding mountain roads
Vehicle: 4WD recommended for rural/off-the-beaten-path routes
Etiquette: Respect local culture and natural habitats

Kuala Lumpur Weather Now

Kuala Lumpur

6:45 pm, Jul 23, 2026

28°C

broken clouds

Humidity: 41 %

Pressure: 1008 mb

Wind: 2 mph

Wind Gust: 4 mph

Clouds: 64%

Visibility: 10 km

Sunrise: 7:11 am

Sunset: 7:27 pm

Visit Malaysia: Seri Manjung

Temperature
Precipitation
Rain Chance
Wind
Humidity
Pressure

8:00 pm

28°/30°°C 0.81 mm 81% 1 mph 41% 1009 mb 0 mm/h

11:00 pm

28°/29°°C 0 mm 0% 0 mph 55% 1010 mb 0 mm/h

2:00 am

28°/28°°C 0 mm 0% 1 mph 74% 1010 mb 0 mm/h

5:00 am

27°/27°°C 0 mm 0% 2 mph 92% 1009 mb 0 mm/h

8:00 am

28°/28°°C 0 mm 0% 1 mph 90% 1010 mb 0 mm/h

11:00 am

31°/31°°C 0 mm 0% 3 mph 62% 1011 mb 0 mm/h

2:00 pm

32°/32°°C 0 mm 0% 4 mph 46% 1008 mb 0 mm/h

5:00 pm

30°/30°°C 1 mm 100% 5 mph 63% 1007 mb 0 mm/h

Conclusion

Sabah’s road trips are perfect for adventure seekers, wildlife enthusiasts, and photographers. From coastal cliffs to misty highlands and riverine ecosystems, these drives offer unforgettable views and rich cultural experiences. Whether you want to relax in a hot spring, spot orangutans, or photograph the sunset at the Tip of Borneo, Sabah has a scenic drive for every nature lover.