Sabah State Museum and Heritage Village
Explore Sabah's rich heritage through traditional houses and historical exhibits, even amidst ongoing renovations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed exploration
Sabah State Museum and Heritage Village
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Sabah's rich heritage through traditional houses and historical exhibits, even amidst ongoing renovations.
"A meaningful event with room for improvement in showcasing Sabah's full heritage. "
🎯 Confirm Main Building Status
Always check if the main museum building is open before visiting to avoid disappointment. :information_desk:
💧 Bring Your Own Water
Bottled water sold onsite might not be the best quality or value; consider bringing your own. :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sabah Heritage Village
Outdoor exhibition area
Explore traditional houses of Sabah's ethnic groups, offering a glimpse into local life and architecture.
Locomotive Gallery
Outdoor exhibition area
Discover the history of the Beaufort train with old artifacts and rich information about Sabah's railway past.
Whale Skeleton
Natural History Museum section (if accessible)
Marvel at the impressive 18.6-meter skeleton of a Bryde's whale, a significant natural history exhibit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Building Status Before You Go
Embrace the Heritage Village
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Confirm Main Building Status
Always check if the main museum building is open before visiting to avoid disappointment. :information_desk:
💧 Bring Your Own Water
Bottled water sold onsite might not be the best quality or value; consider bringing your own. :droplet:
🛍️ Souvenir Shopping
The museum shop offers books and souvenirs at reasonable prices, especially good for field guides. :shopping_bags:
🚶♀️ Explore the Village
The heritage village provides insight into ethnic houses and local culture, even if the main museum is closed. :housewithgarden:
Kota Kinabalu Itinerary Suggestions
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Confirm Main Building Status
Always check if the main museum building is open before visiting to avoid disappointment. :information_desk:
💧 Bring Your Own Water
Bottled water sold onsite might not be the best quality or value; consider bringing your own. :droplet:
🛍️ Souvenir Shopping
The museum shop offers books and souvenirs at reasonable prices, especially good for field guides. :shopping_bags:
🚶♀️ Explore the Village
The heritage village provides insight into ethnic houses and local culture, even if the main museum is closed. :housewithgarden:
📸 Capture the Scenery
The grounds offer opportunities to photograph traditional architecture and natural elements. :camera:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often find the Sabah State Museum's Heritage Village and Locomotive Gallery interesting, offering glimpses into local culture and history. However, frequent closures of the main building due to renovations cause significant disappointment. While the souvenir shop offers good value, the overall upkeep of some accessible areas could be improved.
"17/9/25 : We came here mainly for the Craft Exotica event, which was very interesting and gave us the chance to explore the traditional crafts of North Borneo’s ethnic groups. However, most of the highlights were focused on the Kadazandusun and Bajau communities.
Suggestion: It would be great if the event could also feature other indigenous minority groups, so both local and international visitors can appreciate the diversity of Borneo’s rich heritage.
The handicrafts sold were beautiful, but the prices seemed more targeted at foreign tourists rather than locals. Still, the cultural dance performances were a nice addition and very enjoyable.
A little disappointment: the main museum building is still under renovation. Visitors could only access the old locomotive exhibition and the heritage village. Sadly, these areas also looked a bit neglected and could use better upkeep.
Overall, it’s a meaningful event, but there is plenty of room for improvement in showcasing the full range of Sabah’s heritage."
Anak Putera Abadi
"I visited here on July 22, 2025. The main building is still closed, but I could see the railway exhibition and heritage village. I was able to buy souvenirs at a reasonable price at the museum shop. However, the 2 MYR bottled water was not very tasty, so it would have been better to buy a Coke."
d k
"I brought my family to the museum, and my son was so excited-only to find out that it was "closed until further notice".. Come on... what kind of government establishment puts up a sign like "closed until further notice"? Can't you at least give an estimated date? What kind of contractor does a job with no completion timeline? This is truly a great failure.. At the very least, put up a big banner at the junction to inform people that it's closed, so visitors don't have to drive all the way there just to be hit with such a huge disappointment.. It wasn't just me-you could see the same frustration on the faces of all the other visitors too.. Absolutely shameful.."
Izi Gomez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Sabah State Museum is located a short drive from the city center. Taxis or ride-sharing services are readily available and are the most convenient way to reach the museum. Public buses might also be an option, but check local routes for the most direct access.
Yes, there is typically parking available at the Sabah State Museum for visitors arriving by car.
For a city tour that includes the museum, combining it with other nearby attractions via taxi or a pre-booked tour is efficient.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The opening hours can vary, and importantly, the main museum building has been closed for renovations. It's crucial to check the latest status before visiting, as only specific sections might be open.
Admission fees can vary. While the main building might be closed, access to the heritage village and locomotive gallery may have a nominal fee. It's best to confirm current pricing upon arrival or check their official channels.
Generally, advance booking is not required for the Sabah State Museum, especially if only visiting the accessible outdoor exhibits. However, for special events, it's advisable to check for ticketing requirements.
As of recent reports, the main museum building has been temporarily closed for upgrading and is 'closed until further notice.' Visitors should verify its operational status before planning their trip.
Information on discounts for students or seniors is not widely publicized. It's recommended to inquire directly at the ticket counter upon arrival for any available concessions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Even with the main building closed, you can explore the Locomotive Gallery with its old train artifacts and the Heritage Village showcasing traditional houses of Sabah's ethnic groups.
The heritage village and locomotive gallery can be interesting for children, offering visual learning about traditional life and history. However, the lack of access to the main exhibits might limit the overall experience for younger visitors.
Information on guided tours is limited. It's best to inquire at the information desk upon arrival to see if any tours are offered, especially for the heritage village.
Wander through the village at your own pace, taking time to observe the architectural details of the traditional houses and imagine life in them.
Accessibility information for the Sabah State Museum, especially with ongoing renovations, is not readily available. Visitors with specific needs should contact the museum directly for details.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There might be a small cafe or shop selling refreshments, but dining options within the museum complex are generally limited.
Several local eateries and restaurants can be found in Kota Kinabalu city center, a short drive away, offering a variety of Malaysian and international cuisines.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to consume outside food and drinks in designated areas or before entering the exhibition spaces.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is usually allowed in most areas of the museum, but flash photography might be restricted in certain exhibits to protect artifacts. Always check for signage.
The traditional houses in the Heritage Village and the old locomotive in the gallery offer great photographic opportunities. The whale skeleton is also a striking subject if accessible.
Drone usage is typically prohibited at cultural heritage sites and museums to ensure the safety and preservation of the exhibits and structures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to manage expectations regarding the full museum experience. Bringing snacks and drinks might be a good idea, as on-site options can be limited.
🏛️ History Buffs & Culture Enthusiasts
While the main museum's exhibits on archaeology and Islamic civilization are currently inaccessible, the available sections still provide a solid foundation for understanding Sabah's past. Visitors are encouraged to seek out any available informational materials or inquire with staff about the historical context of the exhibits. The museum shop also often carries a good selection of books on local history and natural sciences, which can further enrich your understanding.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Sabah State Museum Amidst Renovations
Despite the ongoing work, the Locomotive Gallery remains a highlight, offering a fascinating look at the history of the Beaufort train with preserved artifacts and detailed information. Equally engaging is the Heritage Village, an outdoor exhibition that allows visitors to step into traditional houses representing various ethnic groups of Sabah. This provides a tangible connection to the region's diverse cultural tapestry, even if some structures show signs of wear.
For those interested in natural history, the Bryde's whale skeleton is a remarkable exhibit that showcases the marine biodiversity of the region.
Cultural Immersion at the Heritage Village
Exploring the village offers a glimpse into the past, where you can imagine daily life within these traditional dwellings. While some visitors note that certain areas could benefit from better upkeep, the village remains a valuable educational resource.
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