Where it is and how do I get there?
Sabah is a Malaysian State, and forms the Northern Tip of the Island of Borneo, East Malaysia. The Capital City Kota Kinabalu is a 2 hours 35 minute flight from Kuala Lumper or a 20 minute flight from Bandar Seri Begawan the capital of Brunei Darussalam for those flying on Royal Brunei Airlines.
Malaysia Airlines fly from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth Adelaide and Auckland to Sabah via Kuala Lumper to Kota Kinabalu.
Royal Brunei Airlines fly from Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Darwin and Auckland via Bandar Seri Begawan to Kota Kinabalu.
In a land where its eco treasures are as diverse as heaven and earth, the choice of accommodation for families is endless. From five star resorts by leading hotel groups that offer you the latest amenities and facilities, to comfortable lodgings for the budget conscious family, they all feature Sabah’s common aspect of warm hospitality.
Resorts with Kids’ Clubs
Five minutes from the city centre of Kota Kinabalu, downtown five star resort hotels with kids’ clubs include:
Sutera Harbour Pacific Wing and Sutera Habour Magellan Wing
Facilities at Sutera Harbour Resorts include several swimming pools, tenpin bowling, movie theatre, kids’ club, regular kids’ activities and water sports. For mum and dad there is a 27-hole golf course and Mandara Spa and gym.
Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru
Facilities at Tanjung Aru include kids’ club complete with computer banks for the older kids, mini golf, swimming pools, regular kid’s activities, water sports. For mum and dad, there is a spa and gym.
East coast five star resort hotels about 5 minutes from downtown with kids’ clubs:
Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria
For guests of the hotel only an Orang Utan Infirmary adjacent to hotel / bookings essential. Kids’ club, swimming pools, regular kids’ activities, water sports and focus on flora and fauna. For mum and dad, there is Dalit Bay Golf Club, gym and spa.
Nexus Resort
Kids’ club, horse riding, all water sports, and regular kids’ activities. For mum and dad, there is North Borneo Spa and Gym plus golf.
Both Nexus Resort and Shangri-La's Rasa Ria are 30 minutes north of town with regular shuttle services into Kota Kinabalu
Accommodation for the family on a Budget
West Coast
Langkah Syabas Beach Resort at Kinarut just South of Kota Kinabalu
Beringgis Beach Resort, Kinarut
Kudat Golf and Marina Resort, North of downtown near the northern tip of the island. You can visit or overnight a traditional longhouse on the way.
Mt Kinabalu
Sutera Sanctuary Lodges
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Manukan Island Resort 20 minutes by boat from Kota Kinabalu, range of lodge accommodation, great for the family who would like to snorkel enjoy the scenery and wonderful night skies and beach BBQ meals.
 When to go/Weather
Sabah can be visited at any time of year. It has an equatorial climate, with little variation in temperature throughout the year. The temperature rarely rises above 32°C and, along coastal areas, rarely drops below 20°C at night.
|
Average Temperature |
Average Rainfall |
| February-October |
23 – 32°C |
189mm |
| November–January |
22 – 29°C |
407mm |
Food
Gastronomic pleasures await with the spectacular variety of cuisine offered from continental to local cuisine. In a state with over 30 ethnic groups, your palate will be tickled by the wondrous flavours found, whether in delicacies served by the top hotels or by the night market. All the kids’ favourites like fish and chips, burgers can be found on all resort hotel menus. Great smorgasbord buffet at meal times in resorts.
Shopping
Shopping hours are from 10:00am to 10:00pm daily so there is plenty of time to hit the shops and get the latest bargains. There are plenty of Malaysian batik, handicrafts, antiques, jewellery, woodcarvings, pottery, songket and designer goods available and you can have fun bargaining with the shop attendant at bazaars and markets.
Kota Kinabalu’s largest shopping centre is Centre Point Mall. There are several factory outlets in the mall with good prices on branded clothes. There are a number of good day and night markets nearby, including the Central Market and the Filipino Market. For more shopping tips click here.
Banking Hours
Monday to Friday – 10:00am till 3:00pm. Money changers can be found in most major shopping centres.
Airports
Kota Kinabalu’s airport is about 15 minutes from downtown. There could be traffic jams during rush hours, so those with flights to catch should take advice from hotels with regard departure time for airport. Money Changers, Western fast food, ATMs, transport hire and tourist information services are available. Duty free items including cosmetics, perfume, chocolates, pewter and liquor are on offer.
Local Transportation to and from airport
Taxis are available from the airport into the capital city and major hotels.
Consult with your accommodation with regard to transfers and timing for airport departure.
Getting around for families
By Air - You can travel to Sandakan and Tawau on the East Coast of Sabah and Kudat on the northern tip of Sabah on scheduled Malaysia Airlines Service. You can also fly with Malaysian Airlines to the adjoining Malaysian Territory of Labuan and to Mulu in Sarawak (another Malaysian State on the Island of Borneo) .
By Road - Overland journey by bus or car is easy to arrange between Kuching (Sarawak), Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei Darussalam) and Kota Kinabalu (Sabah). Passports are stamped at all border crossings. Most resorts offer regular shuttle bus service to the downtown area.
By Rail - Borneo’s only railway service in operation is in Sabah. It runs from Tanjung Aru Railway station in Kota Kinabalu to Beaufort and Tenom. The journey takes less than 2 hours to Beaufort and about 5 hours to Tenom. The ride by railcar through the Padar River Gorge to Tenom is particularly Interesting to Visitors
Every Wednesday and Saturday, The North Borneo Railways Vulcan steam engine runs out to the Village of Papar with a stop of Kinarut and Tien Shi Temple on the forward journey. Lunch, served in Tiffin tins is included in your fare. All passengers get a North Borneo Railway Passport, which is stamped along the way. This is a great family outing.
By Ferry - Ferry Services between Kota Kinabalu and Labuan operate every day from 7:10am to 3:00pm
Hire Car - Car hire companies offer self-drive sedans or 4-wheel drive vehicles for your family stay.
Sedans cost around MYR150 (AUD$60) per day, while a 4-wheel drive costs from MYR 250 – 300 (AUD$93 – $110) per day.
What to Wear
Light, cool, and casual clothing is recommended all year round, although skimpy/revealing clothing is not acceptable. For more formal occasions, men should wear jackets, ties, or long-sleeved batik shirts, while women should wear dresses.
Population
There are approximately 3 million people in Sabah comprised of 30 different races speaking over 80 local dialects. The beautiful thing is all these groups live together harmoniously while at the same time preserving their own culture, traditions, festivals and customs, to make Sabah a multiculturally exoctic experience unlike any other.
 Language
Bahasa Malaysia is the national language. However English and Chinese are widely spoken. Sabah’s indigenous tribes still speak their native languages.
Time
Sabah is 2 hours behind Eastern Standard Time. Click here for more on time zones.
Currency
The currency used in Sabah is the Malaysian Ringgit (RM). For an up-to-date currency conversion, click here.
Tipping
Tipping is discouraged in Malaysia though most restaurants have a formalised service charge of 10% clearly marked on the bill. If you feel you have been given exceptional service you may offer a small token of gratitude to suit your budget.
Electricity
220/240 volts using European twin plugs with round prongs or English square plugs.
Health precautions
It is best to see your GP before you travel to Sabah and get the necessary vaccinations.
Tap water
The tap water in Sabah is not considered safe to drink. Drink only bottled water from bottles with unbroken seals, and make sure ice is made from bottled water.
Passport and Visa
You need to have a valid National Passport, valid for at least 6 months, or an internationally recognised Travel Document. Australians do not need to apply for a visa if they are only going for a social visit (3 months only).
If travelling with Royal Brunei Airlines from Australia and including a stop in Brunei as part of your journey to or from Sabah, visa for Brunei Darussalam can be obtained on arrival in Bandar Seri Begawan. New Zealand and British passport holders are exempt.
HWK Family Travel Tips
When taking a local taxi in Sabah, make sure that the driver has the meter switched on. If he refuses and asks for a flat rate (which is usually considerably inflated), don't hesitate to refuse the offer and get another cab if needed.
Click here for Things to See & Do in Sabah
Some suggestions for your visit
East Coast and Sandakan
1. See the Orang Utan, Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre
2. Australian War Memorial, Sandakan
3. Visit Agnes Keith’s House
4. Lunch at The English Tea House
5. Wildlife visit – Kinabatangan River Lodges
6. Turtle Island
 West Coast and Kota Kinabalu
7. Mt Kinabalu Park World Heritage Site – home of the Rafflesia, World’s largest flower which can be seen when in bloom
8. Canopy walk at Poring Hot Springs
9. Kundasang War Memorial
10. Tunku Abdul Rahman Park
11. North Borneo Railway
12. Visit the tip of Borneo, Kudat
13. Cycling
14. Rafting
15. Horse back riding
16. Water sports
17. Golf
18. Gaya Street, Sunday Markets
19. Visit Handicraft Market
20. Visit Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary
Trafficking in illegal drugs carries the death penalty. |
