In the year of 2020, I flew to Sabah and stayed there for awhile for almost three months. During one of the months, I rented a nice motorbike from A Scooter Monkey, and began my planned journey of traveling around Sabah on a bike. It was supposed to be as long as 30 days but when the pandemic’s new wave striked the East coast, I had to stop and head back to the capital.
Anyway, below is the roadmap of the 9-day journey I managed to hit, before the pandemic has worsened. One day when the coast is clear, I will return and finish what I started. The loop shall be complete in the future.
Explore Sabah in 30 Days - By Motorbike (9/30)
After renting a motorbike in Kota Kinabalu, I started my journey from the capital city. Below are the daily itineraries as guidance if you would like to follow my path:
Day 1
- Leave Kota Kinabalu towards the North, stopping by at Bukit Bongol for a hike.
- Head to Kudat, stopping by for a signature grilled corn, checking in at Tampat Do Aman, and visiting the Tip Of Borneo.
Day 2
- Leave Kudat, stopping by at Kampung Sumangkap Gong Factory.
- Set up camp at Tegudon Tourism Village. (Best camping experience in Sabah!)
Day 4
- Leave the campsite early in the morning. Head to Mount Nungkok for a tough hike.
- After the hike, check-in at Happy Garden Kundasang for 2 nights and relax.
Day 7
- Reach the summit of Mount Kinabalu (Low’s Peak).
- Climb the world’s highest via ferrata on the rock face of Mount Kinabalu.
- Climb back down to Kinabalu Park and spend the rest of the evening resting at Happy Garden.
Day 8
- Take a morning hike to Maragang Hill.
- Visit Sosodikon Hill for a quick & easy hike with magnificent views of Kundasang.
- Leave Kundasang and head to Beluran. Set up camp for the night in Tawai Rainforest Camp.
- P.s. Though it is recommended to get a day rest after climbing Mount Kinabalu, before continuing the above activities.
Other Places To Visit In Sabah
There are also other places not in the 30 days journey above, that are worth visiting. Below are the some of places I went using the same rented bike or by other mode of transportation:
i) Around and Nearby Kota Kinabalu
- Try out Stand Up Paddling at Tanjung Aru
- Talk a short walk up to Signal Hill Observatory Tower
- Have a trail run at Bukit Padang, or jog around Tun Fuad Stephens Park
- Search for WWII Japanese Tunnels at Bukit Kopungit
- Hike up to the grassy hill of Bukit Botak
- Discover the Salt Trail starting from Inobong Substation or Malungung
- Enjoy the views of Tamparuli by taking a short hike to Bukit Perahu
- Experience grade 1-2 river rafting and swim in the refreshing Kiulu River
What To Bring When Traveling Around Sabah - Outdoor Style
Can’t wait to plan your trip to Sabah after reading all the posts above? The ‘What to Bring for Long Trips‘ page will help you on your packing list!
Have this guide helped you? Tag @meowtainpeople in your hiking stories & posts!
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*Captain Planet passing by* Remember, please take care of our environment, and please don’t destroy the Nature. Leave no trash behind and take back only photos and memories (and also some trash if you can). BE ONE WITH NATURE *flies away*
Hai, very interesting piece of story, Thank You very much for sharing so much useful info.
Hv u completed your remaining bike trip of Sabah ???
Hi Mohd Abduh Ng, thank you for reading!
I haven’t got to continue my trip since then but hopefully it would happen soon!
Is the road suitable to ride up to Kundasang? I heard many people say even driving is not easy
Hey Yvonne, I did it with a low cc bike and it wasn’t that difficult. Unless when it’s raining or foggy (low visibility), then you have to go slow and be more careful for unexpected vehicle/obstacle in front and turns. Happy riding!