Sabah Visitor Arrivals 2026 — 3.79M by Market & Month
Sabah welcomed 3.79 million visitors in 2025: 2.1 million domestic (55%) and 1.69 million international (45%). 78% enter via KKIA, with 12% by sea and 10% overland. Peak arrival months are July, August, and December. Average stay is 5.2 nights. International visitors come primarily from China, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and Indonesia.
July, August, and December are peak months. January and February see lowest volume due to monsoon and post-holiday lull.
Source: Sabah Tourism Board
Entry Points & Ports
The overwhelming majority of visitors — 78% — arrive via Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA), the main international gateway. KKIA handled 7.96 million passengers in 2024 and is the second-busiest airport in Malaysia.
12% of arrivals use seaports: primarily the KK Passenger Terminal (cruise ships and ferries) and ferry services from Brunei and Labuan. Cruise tourism has been recovering, with 23 vessels bringing 24,634+ passengers in 2025.
10% arrive overland: mostly Malaysians from Peninsular Malaysia driving to Sabah via Sarawak (Kuching area). This is a growing segment as Pan Borneo Highway improvements make road travel more convenient.
KKIA dominates as the primary entry point. Sea and overland modes are growing as infrastructure improves.
Source: Sabah Tourism Board & MAHB
Top Source Markets
International visitor source markets are diverse and resilient. The top 10 countries account for approximately 85% of international arrivals, but the distribution prevents over-reliance on any single market.
China leads by a wide margin, followed by Southeast Asian neighbors. Australian and British tourists represent strong leisure segments.
Source: Sabah Tourism Board
Seasonality & Peak Periods
Sabah\u2019s arrival patterns follow clear seasonal trends driven by school holidays across East Asia and regional weather conditions.
Peak Season (June–August): School holidays across Malaysia, Singapore, China, and other East Asian countries drive family tourism. The dry season and optimal diving conditions create 350,000+ arrivals in July and August alone. Accommodation fills quickly; prices rise 20–30%.
Secondary Peak (November–December): Year-end holidays (Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year prep) drive 300,000+ arrivals per month. However, northwest monsoon rains on the east coast deter some beach/diving tourism.
Shoulder Season (September–October, March–May): Fewer crowds, good weather, and lower prices attract budget-conscious travelers. September and October see 280,000–295,000 arrivals monthly — ideal for those avoiding crowds.
Low Season (January–February): Post-holiday lull and northeast monsoon rains on the east coast reduce arrivals to ~200,000 monthly. Weather can be wet, particularly in Sandakan and Tawau areas. Excellent for finding deals on accommodation and activities.
Length of Stay
The average tourist stays approximately 5.2 nights in Sabah. This masks important variation: international tourists typically stay 5–7 nights, while domestic tourists often stay 3–4 nights (weekend getaways or 1-week trips). Long-haul international tourists from Australia, UK, and Europe tend to stay longer (7–10 nights) to justify the flight cost.
Attraction-specific patterns are notable: Mount Kinabalu climbers stay 2–3 nights (one night at the summit shelter); Sipadan divers book 3–5-day packages; city tourists (KK) often 2–3 nights; eco-tourism visitors (Danum Valley, Kinabatangan) 4–5 nights. Extended trips combining multiple regions average 8–10 nights.
Frequently asked questions
Q What are visa requirements for visiting Sabah?
Q Do I need a separate visa for Sabah if I've already entered Peninsular Malaysia?
Q Which nationalities get visa-on-arrival in Malaysia?
Q Why are Chinese tourists the top market for Sabah?
Q What is the best airport to arrive in Sabah if I'm diving?
Q Are there direct flights to Sabah from other countries?
Sources & References 6 sources
Last verified: 11 April 2026