Crystal blue waters, white sandy beaches and palm trees swaying in the wind. Nope, this is not the Maldives. Unbelievable right!

Credit: GIPHY If you want an escape from city life to relax and maybe have an adventure or two along the way, Sabah is the perfect destination for you! [P.S Click here to find out how you can spend your long weekend in Sabah!]

1. Go island hopping

Sabah is home to more than 300 islands, all just as beautiful as Maldives. It's no wonder Sabah is dubbed the Maldives of Southeast Asia.

Credit: MEMANG RIZALIS ENT. on Flickr If you want to go island hopping, we suggest heading to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. This Marine Park comprises of 5 islands and there are special prices available if you wish to visit all the islands. Click here for more information.

2. Watch the beautiful sunset

Who doesn't love sunsets? The way the sky changes colour is just so mesmerising ? So you definitely cannot miss out on catching the sunset while in Sabah!

Credit: Marcellian Tan on Facebook P.S. Kota Kinabalu in Sabah is one of the top 8 places in the world to watch the sunset. #HHWT Tip: Get your cameras ready ? Record a time lapse of this amazing view while you're there!

3. Go scuba diving

Many divers flock to Sabah due to its rich marine biodiversity ? Sipadan Island is the most popular diving site and is rated as one of the top 3 diving sites in the world! But there are other islands where you can dive as well.

Credit: Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0 Lankayan Island is another popular choice with some of the largest corals and colourful fishes you'll ever get to see. And if you visit at the right time, you might catch a glimpse of migrating whale sharks.

4. Hike Mount Kinabalu

No trip to Sabah is complete without at least seeing Mount Kinabalu! But since you're already there, you might as well lace up your hiking boots and get some exercise done ?

Credit: Chris Wary on Flickr The hike up to the low peak will take 2 days and 1 night and there are currently 2 trails available - Ranau Trail and Kota Belud Trail. If you're a beginner, the Ranau Trail will be perfect for you? #HHWT Tip: Remember to book your climbing permits early as only 135 permits are issued each day.

5. Try parasailing

Parasailing is way better than parachuting (at least that's how we feel ?)! Not only do you get to feel the rush of air against your face but you also get to enjoy a spectacular bird's eye view of the sea ?

Credit: mardhiah mahmood Get strapped to your harness and enjoy as you get lifted up into the air by a moving boat. What a way to enjoy a view!

6. Experience white water rafting

If this is your first time trying out white water rafting, Sabah is the perfect destination! The course at Kiulu river features rapids that are between grade 1 to 2 with a rafting distance of up to 15 kilometres. The rates are also very affordable so it’s perfect for your first rafting experience.

Credit: Aye Thiri Phyo on Facebook If you're up for a challenge, Padas river offers a much more exhilarating course with Grade 3 to 4 rapids that stretches over a 9 kilometre course!

7. Eat yummy local cuisine

You can't leave a country without sampling their local delicacies and seafood. Sabah is surrounded by the sea so it's no surprise that they'll have the freshest seafood for you to feast on?

Credit: @mailasaad on Instagram Besides seafood, Sabah also offers an array of snacks! At the Filipino market, you get to sample the keropok before buying them.

P.S. Don't forget to buy some back as souvenirs ?

8. Learn about local Sabahan culture

Sabah is home to more than 35 ethnic groups, making the food and culture there so diverse! Experience what life was like as a native Bornean at Mari Mari Cultural Village. 5 out of the 35 ethnicities are featured here.

Credit: @nuargtm on Instagram As part of the experience, you'll get to visit the houses of the 5 different tribes, learn how to start a fire, and even shoot from a blowdart. How cool is that!?

Credit: Mari Mari Cultural Village on Facebook Tours are available at 3 different timings and meals are included as part of the tours. Hotel pick ups are also available. Check the website here for more details. Whether you're looking for an adrenaline rush or a place to relax, Sabah has it all. Definitely a much cheaper (and better?) alternative than Maldives ?

8 Activities That’ll Make Your Trip To Sabah Unforgettable