Halal Travel Guide to Sabah Malaysia: A Local's Guide

By Deidre Casandra M. | 26, Apr, 2023
Halal Travel Guide to Sabah Malaysia: A Local's Guide

Sabah, "Land Below the Wind" is located in the northern part of Borneo Island in Malaysia, known for its natural beauty, diverse culture, and rich heritage. Due to its location just below the typhoon belt in Southeast Asia, the state is primarily sheltered from typhoons and other severe weather patterns that can occur in the region. As a result, Sabah has a tropical climate with warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year, which makes it an ideal destination for outdoor activities such as hiking, snorkeling, and wildlife watching, as well as for cultural experiences, like visiting local villages and markets.

If you are traveling to Sabah as a Muslim and are looking for Halal-friendly options, here are some Halal-friendly travel guides to get you started.

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1. Food

Sabah offers a wide variety of Halal food options, from traditional local dishes to international cuisine. You can easily find Halal restaurants and food stalls in cities and tourist destinations. Some popular exotic food options in Sabah you should try include Tuaran Mee, Hinava, Latok, Bambangan and Tuhau. For a less exotic option, nasi goreng, satay, ayam penyet and roti canai are some of the food that is widely available here. These are just a few examples of Sabah's many delicious Halal food options. You can find Halal restaurants and food stalls throughout the state, and many local food markets also have stalls that serve Halal food.

 

2. Accommodation
Sunset from Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort

Sunset from Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort. Photo by Dynamic Wang on Unsplash

Many hotels and resorts in Sabah cater to Muslim travelers, offering Halal food and prayer facilities. Here are a few hotels in Sabah that you might consider:

  • Hyatt Regency Kinabalu: A luxury hotel in the heart of Kota Kinabalu that offers Halal-certified dining options and a prayer room.
  • Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort & Spa: A beachfront resort located in Tuaran that offers a range of Halal dining options, including a dedicated Halal-certified restaurant.
  • The Pacific Sutera Hotel: A beachfront resort in Kota Kinabalu that offers Halal-certified dining options and a prayer room.
  • The Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa: A secluded island resort located off the coast of Kota Kinabalu that offers Halal dining options and a prayer room.

These are just a few examples of the many Halal-friendly hotels in Sabah. When making your reservation, check the hotel's website or contact them directly to inquire about their Halal facilities and dining options.

 

3. Attractions
Mount Kinabalu

Mount Kinabalu view from roadside of Kundasang. Photo by Mohd Azmir Mohd Razli on Unsplash.

Sabah is a state known for its natural beauty, diverse cultures, and rich history. Some must-visit attractions in Sabah include Mount Kinabalu, Sipadan Island, Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, Sabah Art Gallery, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Rabbit Farm Ranau, Desa Dairy Farm Kundasang, Mari-Mari Cultural Village and many more. These attractions are all welcoming to visitors of all backgrounds and religions, and they offer a range of activities and experiences suitable for Muslim travellers. Whether you're interested in outdoor adventure, natural beauty, or cultural heritage, there is something for everyone in this diverse and vibrant state.

 

4. Transportation

Several public transportation modes are available in Sabah, Malaysia, including buses, trains, taxis, private car hire, and ferries. But locals here prefer to take the bus for long and short-distance rides, which is a cheaper alternative than other modes of transport. If you plan to ride a bus here, you can book your ticket online via KK Central or Tung Ma Express, depending on your destination. E-hailing services such as Grab and Taxi Maxim are also readily available in Sabah.

 

5. Prayer facilities
Masjid Kota Kinabalu Mosque

Kota Kinabalu Mosque. Photo by mo jo on Unsplash.

Sabah, Malaysia, is a culturally diverse state with a significant Muslim population, and many mosques are located throughout the state. Here are a few mosques in Sabah that you might be interested in visiting: Sabah State Mosque, University Malaysia Sabah Mosque and the famous floating Kota Kinabalu Mosque. Be sure to visit the floating mosque, one of the unique and largest mosques in the city of Kota Kinabalu in Sabah whose building architecture is inspired by the Nabawi Mosque in Medina. This Mosque is one of the most significant places of worship for the local Muslim community here in Kota Kinabalu, and it is open for prayer and other religious activities. Be sure to visit this popular tourist destination and a well-known landmark in Sabah and check out its distinctive architecture and stunning view.

Following these guidelines, we hope you can have a comfortable and memorable trip to Sabah while staying true to your religious beliefs. Follow Halaltrip for more Muslim-friendly travel guides.

 

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