Sabah Highway 500: Kota Kinabalu to Tambunan
Malaysia
In short: Sabah Highway 500: Kota Kinabalu to Tambunan is a 75 km scenic road trip in Malaysia, typically driven over 1 day, best in Mar–Sep. Highlights: Kota Kinabalu, Crocker Range, Tambunan.
A clearly locatable Crocker Range crossing from Kota Kinabalu through Penampang to Tambunan, built around one realistic principal nature stop.
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Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1Kota Kinabalu to Tambunan via Sabah Highway 500
Rafflesia trek or Mahua Waterfall · Restoran Tambunan
Stops along the route
Things to Do
Where to Eat
Nearby and similar drives
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Sabah Highway 500: Kota Kinabalu to Tambunan drive?
The Sabah Highway 500: Kota Kinabalu to Tambunan covers 75 km from start to finish.
How long does the Sabah Highway 500: Kota Kinabalu to Tambunan take to drive?
Most travellers spend 1 day on the Sabah Highway 500: Kota Kinabalu to Tambunan, depending on stops and pace.
When is the best time to drive the Sabah Highway 500: Kota Kinabalu to Tambunan?
The recommended season for the Sabah Highway 500: Kota Kinabalu to Tambunan is Mar–Sep.
Where does the Sabah Highway 500: Kota Kinabalu to Tambunan start and end?
The Sabah Highway 500: Kota Kinabalu to Tambunan runs from Kota Kinabalu to Tambunan.
What are the main stops on the Sabah Highway 500: Kota Kinabalu to Tambunan?
The Sabah Highway 500: Kota Kinabalu to Tambunan passes through Kota Kinabalu, Crocker Range, Tambunan.
How difficult is the Sabah Highway 500: Kota Kinabalu to Tambunan to drive?
The Sabah Highway 500: Kota Kinabalu to Tambunan is rated moderate and is best handled with any vehicle.
Can I drive the Sabah Highway 500: Kota Kinabalu to Tambunan in a regular car?
Yes — the Sabah Highway 500: Kota Kinabalu to Tambunan is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.
Is the Sabah Highway 500: Kota Kinabalu to Tambunan safe to drive?
Malaysia is Level 1 as of 22 February 2026. Carry the licence and IDP required for the rental, insurance, water and snacks. Highway 500 has steep grades, mist and heavy rain; use low gear and never ride brakes downhill. The Rafflesia Information Centre normally closes at 3 p.m.; check Sabah Tourism for current hours, fee, bloom status and guide arrangements before leaving. Blooms are rare, and the trek is challenging, so choose it or Mahua Waterfall as the main stop—not both.
What scenic tier is the Sabah Highway 500: Kota Kinabalu to Tambunan?
The Sabah Highway 500: Kota Kinabalu to Tambunan is a notable drive — Notable scenic drives — strong character routes that locals know well and that reward travellers willing to step beyond the most-photographed roads.