From Hong Kong, it only takes over three hours by direct flight to reach Sabah—the water activity paradise. Sabah maintains a temperature between 21 to 33 degrees Celsius throughout the year, with summer-like weather all year round. Coupled with the crystal-clear and unpolluted waters, Sabah is suitable for various water activities throughout the seasons. The summer vacation period is particularly dry in Sabah, with less rainfall. So why not quickly purchase your tickets and embark on a journey to enjoy the sun and beaches?

Before departure, make sure to prepare your travel data and essential electronic devices along with chargers to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted journey. You'll also need a large-capacity suitcase to neatly store all the necessary equipment for your trip and the clothes and shoes you'll wear for photos.

When traveling to Southeast Asia, some accommodations may not provide a kettle. Bring a foldable travel kettle to conveniently solve the water-boiling issue while also saving space in your suitcase.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Park — A wide range of water activities

Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is composed of five islands and is only a 15 to 20-minute boat ride from Kota Kinabalu. It is Malaysia's first marine ecology national park. The water around the islands are crystal clear and home to abundant coral reefs and diverse marine life, making it an excellent location for snorkeling and diving. Additionally, visitors can enjoy activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, underwater scooters, and parasailing. They can also have picnics and barbecues on the beach, soaking in the leisurely atmosphere of the sun and the beach. Accommodation options are available on the islands as well. For a better experience of the scenic beauty of the five islands, consider planning a two-day, one-night trip and enjoy a short island-hopping journey.

Bring along a action camera with a waterproof case to capture the rare sight of clear seawater and various marine creatures.

Kiulu River — Experience the riverside scenery in the rapids.

Kiulu River is located in the village known as Kiulu, which is considered the second most beautiful village in Malaysia. It is approximately a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu. Among the well-known rafting rivers in Sabah, Kiu Tsui River is considered to have a lower difficulty level, with rapids ranging from level 1 to 2. It provides a thrilling experience suitable for people of all ages, allowing visitors to enjoy the excitement of rafting while appreciating the surrounding scenery. The clean and unpolluted river is home to a rich ecosystem, offering opportunities to see various animals up close, such as crocodiles. Rafting on Kiu Tsui River is a great choice for experiencing the natural beauty of Malaysia.

When traveling in Southeast Asia, it's important to be prepared to get into the water and have fun. Pack a waterproof backpack to protect your electronic devices and valuable belongings. Additionally, bring a transparent waterproof phone case to seize every opportunity to capture memorable moments during your travels.

Weston Mangrove Forest—Explore the wild ecosystem along the river.

Weston Mangrove Forest is one of the largest wetlands in Sabah. It is located in the water village town of Weston, which is about a two-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu. In Weston, visitors can take a speedboat during the day to explore the mangrove forest ecological area. While admiring the beautiful scenery, there is also a chance to spot precious proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, crocodiles, water lizards, and other wildlife inhabiting the mangrove forest. In the afternoon, you can enjoy afternoon tea in the village and experience the local lifestyle and culture. In the evening, you can have a close encounter with fireflies in the mangrove forest, immersing yourself in the magical experience to end the day.

Behind the enjoyment of the natural scenery, it is necessary to withstand the hot temperatures of the summer. Bring a portable neck fan to keep yourself cool and dry at all times, so you can continue to shine throughout the day of exploration and photo-taking.

Mount Kokol — A popular spot for photos

Mount Kokol is located in Kota Kinabalu, on the western side of Sabah. The journey from the city center to Mount Kokol takes only 40 minutes by car, allowing you to ascend this 1,000-meter-high mountain and admire the spectacular rainforest and stunning coastline. Mount Kokol also offers various paid attractions that allow visitors to capture memorable photos in prime locations with beautiful scenery. For example, Le' One Kokol Elf features a giant swing, bird's nest houses, and hammocks, providing plenty of options for your perfect photo backdrop. During sunset, Mount Kokol offers a panoramic view of Kota Kinabalu amidst a golden-orange sky. It is highly recommended to visit Mount Kokol during dusk. If you have enough time, it's worth setting aside a good part of the day to enjoy the breathtaking views, relax, and capture the sunset scene.

In the presence of such beautiful scenery, you definitely don't want to miss the opportunity for Instagram-worthy photos. Bring a selfie stabilizer, so you can easily capture both solo shots and group photos with the stunning natural backdrop, preserving every breathtaking moment.