National Parks in Sabah — Kinabalu, Danum Valley & More
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
One of Malaysia's first two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, both inscribed in 2000 with Gunung Mulu (UNESCO, checked 7 October 2026). Gazetted in 1964 as Sabah's first park, it covers about 754 km². It is home to Mount Kinabalu (4,095 m), the highest mountain in Malaysia and on Borneo, and Sabah Parks estimates 5,000 to 6,000 vascular plant species in the park (Sabah Parks, checked 7 October 2026). Nearby Kundasang offers highland produce markets and scenic viewpoints.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Park Headquarters about 92 km from KK, at around 1,520 m (Sabah Parks, checked 7 October 2026) |
| Conservation fee | RM50 international adult, RM25 aged 17 and under; RM10 Malaysian adult, RM5 aged 13–17 (Sabah Parks, checked 7 October 2026) |
| Climb permit | RM400 international adult (RM200 aged 17 and under); RM100 Malaysian adult (RM50 aged 17 and under) (Sabah Parks, checked 7 October 2026) |
| Sabah Parks hostel packages | Lemaing Hostel 20 climbers a day (Malaysians), Panalaban Hostel 30 climbers a day (Sabah Parks, checked 7 October 2026) |
| Booking | Online only through Sabah Parks; book as early as you can |
| Guide (mandatory) | RM350 per guide for up to 5 adults (Sabah Parks, checked 7 October 2026) |
You don't have to climb to visit. The park headquarters area has botanical gardens, nature trails (Liwagu Trail is excellent), and guided walks. Poring Hot Springs, about 40 km from Park Headquarters, has sulphur pools and a canopy walkway that has been closed since 30 July 2025 for maintenance and upgrades (Sabah Parks, checked 7 October 2026).
A day visit to Kinabalu Park only needs the conservation fee. The climbing permit, guide, and hostel package at Lemaing or Panalaban are only required if you're summiting.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Five islands (Gaya, Manukan, Sapi, Mamutik, Sulug) about 3 km off KK, gazetted in 1974 as Sabah's second park and covering about 50 km² of islands, reefs and sea (Sabah Parks, checked 7 October 2026). The most accessible marine park in Sabah — easy half-day or full-day trips.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Departure | South Jetty, Kota Kinabalu Port, where Jesselton Point operations have moved (Jesselton Point, checked 7 October 2026) |
| Boat fare | Depends on how many islands — see the ferry page |
| Conservation fee (international) | RM25 adult, RM20 aged 17 and under |
| Conservation fee (Malaysian) | RM8 adult, RM5 aged 13–17, free 12 and under (Sabah Parks, checked 7 October 2026) |
| Boats | First departure usually 8am to 8.30am, last boat to the islands usually 1pm to 1.30pm, last return boat 4pm (Jesselton Point FAQ, checked October 2026) |
See our Islands Guide for full details on each island.
Crocker Range Park
Sabah's largest terrestrial state park, stretching across the mountain spine that divides the west coast from the interior. Less visited than Kinabalu but rich in biodiversity.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Area | 139,919 hectares (about 1,399 km²), about 75 km long and 15 km wide (Sabah Parks, checked 7 October 2026) |
| Location | West coast, spread over eight districts; headquarters at km 14 of the Keningau–Kimanis road |
| Access | Via KK–Tambunan highway (scenic mountain pass) |
| Activities | Jungle trekking, birdwatching, waterfall hikes |
| Facilities | Basic: hostel at headquarters, campsites at headquarters, Mahua and Inobong (Sabah Parks, checked 7 October 2026) |
The Tambunan Rafflesia Centre on the Crocker Range highway sometimes has blooming rafflesias (the genus that includes the world's largest single 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 | RM20 international adult, RM8 Malaysian adult (Sabah Parks, checked 7 October 2026) |
| Bohey Dulang hike | Climbing fee RM50 international adult, RM20 Malaysian adult (RM30 and RM10 aged 17 and under), plus RM50 per climb for a guide for up to six people (Sabah Parks, checked 6 October 2026) |
| Day trip packages | Varies by operator; Bigfin Divers lists RM270 for a snorkelling and hiking day trip (checked 6 October 2026; confirm whether Sabah Parks fees are included) |
| Access | Speedboat from Semporna (about 45 min) (Sabah Parks, checked 7 October 2026) |
The Bohey Dulang trail is about an hour's climb up an old volcano, with views over the park's islands from the top (Sabah Parks, checked 6 October 2026).
Turtle Islands Park
Three islands (Selingan, Bakkungan Kecil, Gulisan) about 40 km north of Sandakan, covering 1,740 hectares with the surrounding reefs and sea. Green and hawksbill turtles nest here throughout the year (Sabah Parks, checked 7 October 2026).
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Access | About 1 hour by fast boat from the jetty at Jalan Buli Sim-Sim, Sandakan |
| Stay | Overnight only (must stay to see turtles) |
| Nesting | Year-round; green turtle peak July to October, hawksbill peak February to April (Sabah Parks, checked 7 October 2026) |
| Booking | Through licensed operators, advance booking essential |
Danum Valley
A Class I (Protection) Forest Reserve of primary lowland rainforest covering 43,892 hectares (MyBIS, checked 7 October 2026). It is home to the 100.8 m yellow meranti known as Menara, measured as the world's tallest tropical tree (Sabah Tourism, checked 7 October 2026).
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Around 80 km from Lahad Datu; only permit-registered vehicles may enter (Sabah Tourism, checked 7 October 2026) |
| Access | Borneo Rainforest Lodge or Danum Valley Studies Centre (formerly the Field Centre) |
| Wildlife | Orangutans, pygmy elephants, banteng, clouded leopards, slow lorises |
| Stay length | Packages run from 3 days 2 nights to 5 days 4 nights |
Danum Valley is remote and premium. Borneo Rainforest Lodge sells all-inclusive packages; ask the lodge for current rates. Budget travellers can ask about chalets, resthouse and hostel rooms at the Danum Valley Studies Centre.
Tabin Wildlife Reserve
Declared a wildlife reserve in 1984 and covering about 120,500 hectares (about 1,205 km²) of regenerating lowland rainforest (Tourism Malaysia, checked 7 October 2026). Less known than Danum but more accessible and more affordable.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Inland from Lahad Datu, reached by a laterite road through oil palm estates |
| Access | Stay at Tabin Wildlife Resort |
| Wildlife | Pygmy elephants, orangutans, mud volcanoes |
| Best for | Budget wildlife alternative to Danum |
Entry Fees Summary
Conservation fees per adult, from the Sabah Parks pages for each park (Sabah Parks, checked 7 October 2026).
| Park | Foreigner Adult | Malaysian Adult |
|---|---|---|
| Kinabalu Park | RM50 | RM10 |
| TARP (conservation) | RM25 | RM8 |
| Tun Sakaran (conservation) | RM20 | RM8 |
| Turtle Islands | RM60 | RM20 |
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: October 2026