Driving in Sabah as a Tourist: Licence, Roads and Car Hire Tips
Self-driving is the easiest way to see Sabah at your own pace. If you are visiting from abroad, here is what travellers usually want to know before they pick up a car.
Licence and permit
You need a valid driving licence to rent a car. If your licence is not in English or Roman letters, bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) with it. What a rental company accepts can change, so please confirm the requirements with us on WhatsApp before you fly. Bring your passport and your driving licence to the pickup.
Driving on the left
Malaysia drives on the left, with the steering wheel on the right. If you are used to driving on the right, take the first drive slowly. Roundabouts go clockwise, and you give way to traffic already on the roundabout.
The roads
The main roads around Kota Kinabalu, and the road to Kinabalu Park and Kundasang, are paved and signposted. Highland roads climb and bend, and rain can arrive quickly, so slow down and leave space between cars. Village roads can be narrow.
Fuel and navigation
Petrol stations are easy to find in towns and along main roads. Fill the tank before a long rural drive or the highlands. Mobile signal can drop in the hills, so download an offline map before you set off.
Picking up at the airport
Pickup at Kota Kinabalu International Airport is free. Send us your flight details so we can meet you after you land. Our request form has a place for them.
Which car, and where to go
Our car guide helps you choose by group size and roads. For a plan, see the 3-day self-drive itinerary, and every booking comes with a free itinerary.