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DJ Garden Lodge

DJ Garden Lodge

Buka AROB Arawa
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Find out more about Sabah

Top reasons to visit Sabah

  • Stunning Natural Beauty: Sabah offers breathtaking landscapes, from lush rainforests to pristine beaches, perfect for nature lovers.
  • Adventure Activities: Experience thrilling hikes up Mount Kinabalu, explore beautiful national parks, and enjoy water sports along the coast.
  • Vibrant Local Markets: Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of Sabah's markets, sampling fresh produce and traditional delicacies.
  • Rich Cultural Experiences: Engage with the friendly locals and discover Sabah's unique customs, traditions, and heritage.
  • Gateway to Exploration: Use Kota Kinabalu as a base to explore the diverse attractions and hidden gems throughout the region.

Where to stay in Sabah

Sabah, the gateway to stunning adventures, offers travellers a chance to explore its vibrant capital, Kota Kinabalu, known for its breathtaking views and lively markets. Experience the beauty of Sabah's scenic locations, from lush rainforests to pristine beaches. Don't miss the chance to discover the best cities in Sabah, where rich culture and natural wonders await at every turn. Whether you're hiking Mount Kinabalu or relaxing by the coast, Sabah promises an unforgettable holiday experience.

  • Buka Town: Situated 45.1km from Sabah, Buka Town is the vibrant capital of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. With its rich cultural heritage, visitors can explore local markets, historic sites, and stunning coastal views. The town's friendly atmosphere invites tourists to engage with the community and enjoy traditional Bougainvillean cuisine. Adventurous souls can also discover nearby beaches and lush landscapes, making Buka Town an ideal base for exploration and relaxation.

Things to do in Sabah

Sabah, in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, boasts vibrant markets that showcase the rich local culture and produce. Visitors can immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere, sampling fresh fruits and traditional delicacies while mingling with friendly locals. These bustling markets provide a unique opportunity to experience the region’s flavours and crafts, making them a must-visit for any tourist looking to enjoy the authentic essence of Sabah.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Sabah

When planning your trip to Sabah, consider utilising Expedia’s search tool to sort accommodation options by price, ensuring you find the best deals. Combine your hotel stay with flights and activities for extra savings through package deals. For public transport, look for local buses to get around affordably. Additionally, explore free activities such as hiking or visiting local markets to immerse yourself in the culture without breaking the bank. Travelling during the off-peak season can also help you score the lowest prices and exclusive deals, maximising your savings.

  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you’re looking for. For the best value, make sure to sort the price filter from lowest to highest to uncover the most affordable options and deals available.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay in Sabah with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

Best time to go to Sabah

The best time to visit Sabah depends on your weather preferences. The hottest average temperature in Sabah is in January and February. February is mostly cloudy. The coolest average temperature in Sabah is in August when weather is mostly cloudy and rainfall is frequent rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudiness
January78.1°F (25.6°C)Frequent RainMostly Cloudy
February78.1°F (25.6°C)Frequent RainMostly Cloudy
March77.5°F (25.3°C)Frequent RainMostly Cloudy
April77.5°F (25.3°C)Frequent RainMostly Cloudy
May77.9°F (25.5°C)Frequent RainMostly Cloudy
June77.2°F (25.1°C)Frequent RainMostly Cloudy
July76.6°F (24.8°C)Frequent RainMostly Cloudy
August75.9°F (24.4°C)Frequent RainMostly Cloudy
September76.1°F (24.5°C)Frequent RainMostly Cloudy
October76.8°F (24.9°C)Frequent RainMostly Cloudy
November77.2°F (25.1°C)Frequent RainMostly Cloudy
December77.5°F (25.3°C)Frequent RainMostly Cloudy

The nearest major airports for your trip to Sabah

When visiting Sabah, you can conveniently fly into Buka Airport (BUA), which is located 45.1km from the region. This airport serves as a key gateway to the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. Nearby accommodations include the charming Buka Village Hotel and the comfortable Bougainville Hotel, both offering easy access to the airport. Transportation services such as taxis and shuttle services are readily available, ensuring a smooth transfer from your hotel to the airport. With its local airlines and picturesque surroundings, Buka Airport makes for a pleasant entry point to your Sabahan adventure.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best area to stay in Sabah?
The best area to stay in Sabah is Kota Kinabalu, particularly the city centre and its coastal areas.

Kota Kinabalu is the capital city and the main gateway to Sabah. The city centre is very walkable, with a mix of modern shopping malls, local markets, and a lively waterfront promenade. Key streets like Gaya Street are known for their Sunday Market and a wide array of eateries. Many hotels offer views of the South China Sea and nearby islands.

For couples, the waterfront hotels in Kota Kinabalu city centre offer convenience and lovely sea views. You're within easy reach of sunset cruises, seafood restaurants, and the Jesselton Point ferry terminal for island hopping to places like Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. It's an ideal base for exploring both the city and its natural surroundings.

Families often find the resorts along the coast just outside the city centre to be an excellent option. These resorts typically provide spacious accommodation, multiple swimming pools, and direct beach access.
When is the best time to go to Sabah?
The best time to visit Sabah is during the dry season, which runs from March to October, offering the most consistent sunny weather.

During these months, you'll experience less rainfall and lower humidity, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking Mount Kinabalu or exploring the Kinabatangan River. The seas are generally calmer, which is superb for diving and snorkelling trips around islands like Sipadan.

For those interested in wildlife, the dry season increases your chances of spotting orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and various bird species as they are more active and easier to observe. This period is particularly good for families looking for comfortable conditions for jungle treks and beach outings.

While November to February is the monsoon season, it doesn't mean constant rain. Showers can be heavy but often short-lived, and you might find fewer tourists and lower prices.
Can I cancel my hotel reservation on Expedia?
You can cancel your hotel reservation on Expedia, though it depends on the cancellation policy of your booking. Most bookings are refundable if cancelled within 24-48 hours of the scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. If free cancellation is available, you can cancel directly through your Expedia account by logging in, going to "My Trips", and selecting your reservation. To find flexible deals, filter your search by "Fully refundable property" for hotels in Sabah.
How can I save on a hotel booking in Sabah with Expedia?
One Key™—Expedia's free travel rewards program—gives you instant access to discounts with Member Prices on Sabah hotels. Plus, you'll earn OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings to use on future trips. Booking an Expedia hotel and flight package is another great way to save, where bundling can result in significant savings. *Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
How much is the nightly rate for a hotel in Sabah?
Prices for hotels in Sabah often vary, but you can find a great deal on Expedia. All sorts of factors affect price, such as the time of year or the days of the week you choose for your stay. Find the best deals by being flexible with your dates, and sort search results by "Price: low to high" for our cheapest rates.