National Parks
Sabah is home to some of Borneo's most important protected areas — from the UNESCO-listed Kinabalu Park to pristine marine reserves and ancient rainforest. Here's what each park offers and how to visit.
Kinabalu Park
Malaysia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site (2000). Home to Mount Kinabalu (4,095m), Southeast Asia's tallest peak, and one of the most biodiverse places on Earth — over 5,000 vascular plant species.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | 90 km from KK (~2 hours drive) |
| Entry fee (foreigner adult) | RM50 |
| Climb permit | RM100 (under 18: RM50) |
| Daily climb limit | 163 permits/day |
| Booking | sabahparks.org.my — 3–6 months advance |
| Guide (mandatory) | RM350/guide (up to 5 people) |
You don't have to climb to visit. The park headquarters area has botanical gardens, nature trails (Liwagu Trail is excellent), and guided walks. Nearby Poring Hot Springs has sulphur pools and a canopy walkway (temporarily closed as of mid-2025).
A day visit to Kinabalu Park is free once you pay the entry fee. The climbing permit, guide, and accommodation at Panalaban (3,272m) are only required if you're summiting.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Five islands (Gaya, Manukan, Sapi, Mamutik, Sulug) just minutes off KK's coast. The most accessible marine park in Sabah — easy half-day or full-day trips.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Departure | South Jetty, KK (relocated March 2026) |
| Ferry | RM35–65 depending on islands |
| Conservation fee (foreigner) | RM20 |
| Hours | 8am–5pm daily |
See our Islands Guide for full details on each island.
Crocker Range Park
The largest protected area in Sabah, stretching across the mountain spine that divides the west coast from the interior. Less visited than Kinabalu but rich in biodiversity.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Area | 1,399 km² |
| Location | Between KK and Tambunan/Keningau |
| Access | Via KK–Tambunan highway (scenic mountain pass) |
| Activities | Jungle trekking, birdwatching, waterfall hikes |
| Facilities | Minimal — self-sufficient visitors only |
The Tambunan Rafflesia Centre on the Crocker Range highway sometimes has blooming rafflesias (the world's largest flower). Blooms are unpredictable — call ahead to check.
Tun Sakaran Marine Park
Eight islands near Semporna, home to Bohey Dulang — one of the most photographed viewpoints in Sabah. Also the ancestral waters of the Bajau Laut (sea nomads).
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Conservation fee (foreigner) | RM20 |
| Bohey Dulang hike | RM10 entry + RM10 guide |
| Day trip packages | RM110–250/person |
| Access | Speedboat from Semporna (~45 min) |
Covered footwear is required for the Bohey Dulang hike — a 700m uphill trail. The viewpoint overlooking the volcanic crater lake is worth the effort.
Turtle Islands Park
Three islands (Selingan, Bakkungan Kecil, Gulisan) north of Sandakan. One of the most important green turtle nesting sites in Southeast Asia.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Access | 1-hour boat from Sandakan (10am daily) |
| Stay | Overnight only (must stay to see turtles) |
| Nesting | Year-round, peak Jul–Oct |
| Booking | Through licensed operators, advance booking essential |
Danum Valley
130 million years of uninterrupted primary rainforest. One of the most pristine jungle environments in Southeast Asia, rivalling the Amazon for biodiversity.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | 82 km from Lahad Datu (gravel road, 4WD essential) |
| Access | Borneo Rainforest Lodge or Danum Valley Field Centre |
| Wildlife | Orangutans, pygmy elephants, clouded leopards, 340+ bird species |
| Min stay | 2 nights recommended (3 nights ideal) |
Danum Valley is remote and premium. Borneo Rainforest Lodge packages start around RM2,000+ per person for 2 nights all-inclusive. Budget travellers can try the Field Centre at lower rates.
Tabin Wildlife Reserve
Sabah's largest wildlife reserve at over 1,200 km². Less known than Danum but more accessible and more affordable.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | ~50 km from Lahad Datu |
| Access | Tabin Wildlife Resort (the only accommodation) |
| Wildlife | Pygmy elephants, orangutans, mud volcanoes |
| Best for | Budget wildlife alternative to Danum |
Entry Fees Summary
| Park | Foreigner Adult | Malaysian Adult |
|---|---|---|
| Kinabalu Park | RM50 | RM15 |
| TARP (conservation) | RM20 | RM10 |
| Tun Sakaran (conservation) | RM20 | RM10 |
| Turtle Islands | Included in package | Included in package |
Tips for Visitors
- Book ahead — Kinabalu climb permits and Turtle Islands fill up months in advance
- Bring cash — Many park facilities don't accept cards
- Leech socks — Essential for jungle trekking, especially after rain
- Reusable containers — Single-use plastics banned in all Sabah Parks
- Guide/permits — Always check if a licensed guide is mandatory for your activity
- Start early — Wildlife is most active at dawn and dusk
Frequently Asked Questions
Q Do you need permits to enter Sabah's national parks?
Q What is the best national park for wildlife?
Q Can you camp in the national parks?
Q What is the difference between climbing Kinabalu Park vs just visiting?
Q What is the best time to visit the national parks?
Q Can you visit Kinabalu Park without climbing?
Sources & References 4 sources
Last verified: March 2026