The Tourist Gaze

Sabah, Malaysia, located at the northern tip of Borneo, is a dream destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. From its towering peaks to the pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and rich cultural heritage, this Malaysian state offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re looking to tackle the challenging heights of Mt. Kinabalu (which we opted not to climb), discover unique wildlife on a river tour (we did, sort of), or unwind on beautiful beaches, Sabah has it all.

I embarked on a four-day adventure with my cousins, Tita Marie, my mom, and siblings. Despite missing my college graduation picture-taking to join this trip and taking unpaid leave from my first job, it was definitely worth it.

Day 1

We arrived in Kota Kinabalu and headed straight to Tree Lodge, a cozy place to unwind after our journey. After settling in, we enjoyed a delicious Malaysian dinner at a budget-friendly diner. It was the perfect introduction to the local flavors! We then took a long walk, initially thinking we were heading to a supermarket, but instead ended up chatting with the front desk about getting WiFi. Sometimes the best plans are the unplanned ones!

Day 2

Our second day began with a visit to the Mari-Mari Cultural Village, where we learned about the various ethnic groups of Sabah. As the eldest male in our group, I was honored to be appointed the chief of our group during the cultural immersion, which made the experience even more memorable. We were treated to a delicious buffet lunch, sampling a variety of traditional dishes.

Afterward, we traveled to Garama Base Camp for a river tour to look for the elusive proboscis monkeys. Although we didn’t get a close encounter, it was still a fun and interesting experience. We ended the day with another buffet dinner and an indulgent Pad Thai dinner, then bought a postcard with a picture of the famous proboscis monkey as a souvenir.

Day 3

On Day 3, we had a bit of a hiccup when we were late for our bus to Kinabalu National Park. But once we arrived, it was all worth it. The park is home to Mt. Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s highest peak, and offers a range of nature trails and breathtaking views. After a quick lunch (and a memorable experience with squat toilets!), we headed to Poring Hot Springs to relax in the warm waters, which was a much-needed break.

We also did a canopy walk, which gave us a unique view of the rainforest from above. Our afternoon ended with a stop at 1 Borneo Mall and a visit to the night market for some local shopping.

Day 4

On our last day, we set off for the beautiful Pulau Sapi and Pulau Manukan, part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. The islands offered stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming and relaxing. This was actually my first time swimming in a foreign beach—definitely an unforgettable experience!

Afterward, we visited the Filipino Market where I took a picture of a local vendor who looked remarkably like a former churchmate, Get-Get, who had migrated to Canada. We also made our way to Signal Hill for a panoramic view of the city before shopping for chocolates to bring home.

Finally, it was time to depart, but not without feeling grateful for a trip that allowed us to explore Sabah’s rich natural beauty and cultural diversity.

Practical Tips for Visiting Sabah:

• Weather: Sabah is generally warm and humid, so pack lightweight, breathable clothing. Be sure to bring a light jacket for cooler evenings, especially at higher altitudes like Kinabalu National Park.
• Best time to visit: Sabah can be visited year-round, but the dry season from March to October is ideal for outdoor activities. Keep in mind that November to February can bring rain, especially in the mountains.
• Currency: The local currency is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). ATMs are widely available in Kota Kinabalu and other major towns.
• Transportation: Renting a car or using taxis are common ways to get around Kota Kinabalu. For island visits, ferries are available from the mainland to Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park.
• Accommodation: There are plenty of budget-friendly options, from guesthouses to luxury resorts. We stayed at Tree Lodge, which was a great budget choice with easy access to the city center.