Sabah has emerged as one of Malaysia’s most attractive destinations for long-stay tourists, including retirees, remote workers and slow travellers. Beyond short holidays, a growing number of visitors are choosing to remain in the state for weeks or months, drawn by affordability, lifestyle quality and access to nature. Tourism authorities, accommodation providers and local communities have increasingly noted this shift, particularly since international travel resumed after the pandemic.
Affordable cost of living and extended-stay value
One of the strongest pull factors for long-stay tourists is Sabah’s relatively low cost of living compared to major Asian and Western cities. According to cost-of-living comparisons frequently referenced by expatriate platforms and Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme briefings, daily expenses such as food, local transport and domestic services in Kota Kinabalu and secondary towns are significantly lower than in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Hong Kong. Long-stay visitors often rent serviced apartments or condominiums at monthly rates that are competitive even by regional standards, making extended stays financially sustainable.
Natural environment and lifestyle appeal
Sabah’s natural assets play a major role in attracting visitors who prefer slower, nature-oriented lifestyles. The state offers easy access to beaches, islands, rainforests and highland areas within short travel distances. Areas such as Kota Kinabalu, Kundasang and Semporna are frequently mentioned in tourism promotion materials by Sabah Tourism Board as destinations where visitors can combine urban convenience with outdoor activities.
Long-stay tourists often cite the ability to maintain a healthy routine—morning walks along Tanjung Aru Beach, weekend trips to Kinabalu Park or island hopping in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park—as a key reason for remaining in Sabah longer than initially planned.
Infrastructure suitable for remote work
Another factor contributing to longer stays is the growth of infrastructure that supports remote work. Internet connectivity in Kota Kinabalu has improved steadily, with fibre broadband services expanding into residential and commercial areas, as reported by national telecommunications providers. Cafés, co-working spaces and serviced apartments now actively market themselves to digital nomads, particularly in the city centre and coastal districts.
Malaysia Digital Nomad initiatives promoted by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation have also indirectly benefited Sabah, with international remote workers choosing Kota Kinabalu as a quieter alternative to Kuala Lumpur or Penang while still remaining within the country’s digital ecosystem.
Friendly visa options and long-term programmes
Malaysia’s visa policies have made extended stays more accessible. The MM2H programme continues to be a key pathway for retirees and financially independent individuals, while social visit passes allow tourists to remain for up to 90 days, depending on nationality. Tourism Malaysia briefings have consistently highlighted Sabah as a popular base for MM2H participants due to its relaxed pace of life and lower property prices compared to Peninsular Malaysia.
Additionally, frequent domestic flights and regional air links make it easy for long-stay visitors to travel in and out of Sabah to reset visas or explore neighbouring destinations.
Cultural openness and community integration
Sabah’s multicultural society is another attraction for long-stay tourists. Indigenous communities, Chinese Sabahans and Malay cultures coexist with a reputation for openness and hospitality. Long-stay visitors often integrate into neighbourhood routines—shopping at local markets, participating in festivals and forming social networks with residents and expatriates alike. This sense of belonging is frequently cited in expatriate interviews and travel features as a reason visitors choose to stay longer than planned.
Growing demand reflected in tourism trends
Tourism Malaysia data has shown a steady recovery in international arrivals since 2023, with Sabah benefiting from both leisure and lifestyle-driven travel. Industry feedback from hotels and serviced residences indicates an increase in bookings of one month or longer, particularly from visitors from East Asia, Europe and Australia. Sabah Tourism Board promotional campaigns have increasingly highlighted extended-stay experiences rather than short itineraries, reflecting changing visitor behaviour.
Conclusion
Sabah’s appeal to long-stay tourists lies in a combination of affordability, natural beauty, improving infrastructure and welcoming communities. Real-life trends—from extended apartment rentals in Kota Kinabalu to retirees settling under MM2H—demonstrate that the state is no longer just a holiday destination but a place where visitors choose to live, work and slow down. As global travel continues to evolve, Sabah’s ability to offer a balanced, sustainable lifestyle positions it strongly as a long-stay destination in Southeast Asia.
By Barto Erik