Getting Around Sabah Borneo on a Tropical Vacation

Getting around Sabah, Malaysia Borneo is a breeze, thanks to a well-planned tourism circuit and efficient road system leading to the major tropical vacation attractions. If your holiday is planned by a travel company, then you will not have to worry much about getting around. You will normally travel by coach or van.

If you want to do it yourself, mini buses ply most of the main routes. Or you can take a taxi. Car rental companies are also aplenty if you want to drive yourself. In fact, you can even travel overland around Sabah but do take note that some portion of the road (especially on the Tawau and Interior portion) may be a bit rugged at this moment. So, you may need a 4WD or a SUV.

Flying is often the quickest way to get around. It will also save you quality time from traveling by road. It is also convenient to use Malaysian Airline System (MAS), the main domestic airline to get from Kota Kinabalu to other major towns such as Sandakan, Tawau, Lahad Datu and Labuan. Fares are reasonable priced as well. Click Here for more information on Malaysian Airline System route in Sabah.

If you wish to take an aerial tour or to save traveling time, you can charter a helicopter, available from Sabah Air in Kota Kinabalu. For Layang Layang Island, it is only accessible by air from Kota Kinabalu via Layang-Layang Airways from the old air port terminal (only four flights per week).

Island destinations such as Tunku Abdul Rahman Park (which house the offshore islands of Manukan, Gaya, Mamutik in the West Coast of Sabah), Selingan Turtle Island Park (in Sandakan), diving hotspot in the East Coast (Sipadan, Langkayan, Kapalai and Mabul), Pulau Tiga (or Survivor Island off Kuala Penyu coast) are accessible by fast ferry services, But you are require to make pre-arrangements and bookings unless you utilized a travel company. You can also travel to Labuan by ferry via Menumbok (near Kuala Penyu) if you desire.

The map of Sabah below shows the major towns and islands. Depending on your intended destination, the map will give you some idea of what transportation mode is best for you to get around.