Sabah, known as 'The Land Below the Wind,' is Malaysia's easternmost state on the island of Borneo, celebrated for its extraordinary biodiversity, towering Mount Kinabalu, and world-class diving at Sipadan Island. The state is home to over 42 ethnic groups, pristine rainforests, and wildlife including orangutans, pygmy elephants, and proboscis monkeys.
Sabah mainland is generally safe for tourists, with Kota Kinabalu and major tourist areas presenting risks comparable to other Southeast Asian cities — primarily petty theft, traffic, and health hazards. The main specific concern is the eastern coastal zone from Sandakan to Tawau, where historical kidnapping by criminal groups requires caution, though no incidents have been reported since January 2020.
Current safety advisory
Moderate
The US State Department rates Sabah/Malaysia at Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) for mainland areas. The UK Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to islands and dive sites off eastern Sabah's coast (Sandakan to Tawau division) due to historical kidnapping risk from criminal and terrorist groups. These advisories do NOT apply to mainland Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Kinabalu Park, or west coast areas.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 1 — Normal Precautions
Exercise normal precautions in Malaysia overall; Sabah mainland is generally safe for tourists
Specific Area Advisory
Advises against all but essential travel to islands and dive sites off eastern Sabah coast from Sandakan to Tawau — does not apply to mainland Sabah or west coast
Water Curfew
6 PM to 6 AM curfew on water travel in 6 eastern coastal districts; 3 nautical mile offshore restriction applies
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Use Grab or licensed taxi apps for all city transport — negotiated street taxis sometimes overcharge tourists
Avoid eastern Sabah coastal waters from Sandakan to Tawau without checking current government advisories — historical kidnapping incidents have occurred in offshore areas
Book islands and dive trips through licensed, registered tour operators only — avoid informal touts at Semporna jetty
Observe the 6 PM to 6 AM curfew on water travel in eastern Sabah coastal districts — violations result in fines or detention
Keep valuables in hotel safes — pickpocketing occurs in crowded markets and night markets in Kota Kinabalu
Never leave bags unattended at beaches or on ferry boats — opportunistic theft does occur at tourist areas
Carry a photocopy of your passport at all times — police checkpoints exist on some Sabah roads
Drink only bottled or filtered water in Sabah — tap water is not safe to consume
Apply DEET-based insect repellent when outdoors, especially near rivers and mangroves — dengue fever is present in Sabah
Inform someone of your itinerary when doing jungle treks or remote activities — mobile signal is absent in many wilderness areas
Book Mount Kinabalu and other multi-day treks through registered operators with licensed guides — mandatory and for your safety
Do not swim at unfamiliar beaches without checking for currents and jellyfish — some Sabah beaches have strong rip currents
Respect wildlife and maintain safe distances — approaching orangutans, proboscis monkeys, or crocodiles is dangerous
Keep all passport, visa, and travel documents secure — Sabah has its own immigration controls separate from Peninsular Malaysia and travellers must carry documents
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Taxi Overcharging
Unlicensed or unmetered taxis at KK airport and city center may quote inflated fares to tourists
How to avoid: Use Grab app for transparent pricing; book fixed-rate airport taxis at official counters inside the terminal
Dive Package Bait-and-Switch
Semporna touts offer cheap 'Sipadan' packages that actually don't include the limited Sipadan permits — you end up diving at other sites
How to avoid: Book only through licensed dive resorts that guarantee Sipadan permits are included; get all inclusions in writing
Fake Tour Guides
Unofficial guides approach tourists at Kinabalu Park or Sepilok offering cheaper tours — they may not be licensed
How to avoid: Book tours only through Sutera Sanctuary Lodges (Kinabalu) or official Sepilok booking systems
Live Seafood Pricing Confusion
At seafood restaurants, live seafood is priced by weight — final bills can be much higher than expected when ordering crabs/lobsters
How to avoid: Always confirm the weight and price per 100g before ordering; ask for the total estimate before the seafood is prepared
Gemstone/Crystal Selling
Sellers approach tourists in KK markets with so-called rare crystals or gemstones — often worthless
How to avoid: Avoid buying gems from street sellers; shop only at reputable certified jewellery stores
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Recommended: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Tetanus-diphtheria, Influenza. Consider: Japanese Encephalitis for rural/agricultural areas; Rabies for extended stays with wildlife exposure. Malaria prophylaxis may be recommended for remote jungle areas — consult a travel doctor before departure.
- Water
- Tap water is NOT safe to drink in Sabah. Use bottled water, boiled water, or filtered water for drinking and brushing teeth.
- Food
- Cooked food from established restaurants is generally safe; street food hygiene varies — choose busy stalls where food is cooked to order. Avoid raw salads washed in tap water.
- Facilities
- Kota Kinabalu has the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (public) and Gleneagles Kota Kinabalu and Lam Wah Ee Hospital (private) with good facilities. Sandakan and Tawau have district hospitals. Remote areas have very limited medical facilities — comprehensive travel insurance is essential.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Kota Kinabalu is generally safe for solo travelers. Stick to well-lit areas at night, use Grab for late-night transport, and inform your accommodation of your plans for jungle or remote activities. Join organised tours for Kinabalu climbing and Kinabatangan River trips for added safety.
Female travellers
Female solo travelers generally report feeling safe in Sabah's main tourist areas. Dress modestly in Malay communities and religious sites. Avoid isolated beaches and poorly lit areas alone at night. Use Grab or hotel transport rather than walking alone after 10 PM. Join group tours for remote wildlife activities.
Families
Sabah is an excellent family destination — major attractions including Sepilok, Tunku Abdul Rahman islands, and Mari Mari Cultural Village are well set up for children. Apply high-SPF sunscreen for beach and island days. Children should drink only bottled water. Strong sun and humidity can be challenging for very young children.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Malaysia has conservative laws regarding LGBTQ+ relationships — same-sex conduct is illegal under both civil and Sharia law. While Sabah's enforcement is generally low-key compared to some parts of Malaysia, public displays of affection between same-sex couples may attract attention or legal risk. LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise discretion and keep a low profile.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 999
- Medical
- 999 (ambulance) or +60 88-218166 (KK hospital)
- Embassy
- Contact your country's embassy in Kuala Lumpur; US: +60 3-2168-5000; UK: +60 3-2170-2200; Australia: +60 3-2146-5555
- Tourist Police
- +60 88-249999 (KK Tourist Police)