If you’re thinking of renting a car and exploring Sabah or Sarawak by road, this guide will help you understand what you’re getting into. Driving in East Malaysia is a different experience compared to Peninsular Malaysia. It’s less about expressways and toll booths, and more about winding mountain roads, small towns, and informal rest stops.
If you haven’t already, check out my full guide to driving in Malaysia as a tourist. It covers all the basics — licensing, tolls, petrol, and city driving — mainly from a Peninsular perspective. This post builds on that and focuses specifically on what makes driving in Malaysian Borneo a little different.
Road conditions: A mix of smooth and rough
In and around major cities like Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Miri, and Sandakan, roads are generally well-paved and easy to drive. But once you venture out toward rural areas, national parks, or the interior, conditions vary a lot. Expect stretches of good tarmac followed by potholes, narrow lanes, or gravel patches — especially during or after heavy rain.
Four-wheel drives aren’t always necessary, but if you’re planning to visit more remote areas (like Bario, Ba’kelalan, or the Crocker Range), a higher-clearance vehicle is a better idea.
No toll roads in Sabah & Sarawak
Unlike in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak don’t have toll roads at all. That means you won’t need to worry about getting a Touch ’n Go card, figuring out how to reload it, or keeping enough balance just to pass through a toll plaza.
All the major roads — from city highways to rural inter-town routes — are free to use. Of course, the trade-off is that road quality can be a bit more hit-and-miss, since there’s no dedicated toll revenue for maintenance. But in terms of cost and logistics, it’s one less layer of complication, and a nice bonus if you’re road-tripping on a budget.
Rest stops
Instead of formal R&R (Rehat & Rawat) facilities like in West Malaysia, rest stops here are more informal. You’ll likely stop in small towns, roadside stalls, or petrol stations when you need a break.
Some places have basic facilities — toilets, snacks, and maybe a small restaurant. Toilets are usually free, but quality varies. It’s a good idea to carry tissues and hand sanitizer just in case. In very rural areas, toilets might just be a squat-style setup with a bucket of water.
Read: Toilets in Malaysia: What to Expect and How to Handle It Like a Local
People are used to travelers stopping to rest, so it’s safe to pull over and stretch your legs. If you’re tired, it’s common to nap in your car at a petrol station or roadside pull-off.
Petrol: Plan ahead especially outside cities
Fuel is cheap in Malaysia — around RM2.05 per liter (about USD $0.45), depending on the type. But in Sabah and Sarawak, petrol stations aren’t always close together outside urban areas. You might drive 100 km or more before seeing another station, especially on inland roads.
If you’re headed toward a rural area or national park, fill up early, and consider topping up even if your tank isn’t low.
Most petrol stations are self-service. Some have attendants to help, but many don’t. Payment is usually by card or cash at the counter. In remote areas, locals may sell petrol in bottles or jerry cans. This is more expensive, but can be a lifesaver if you’re running low.
Parking
In towns and cities, parking is usually straightforward. There’s a mix of:
- Coupon-based parking (you scratch off the time and date on paper coupons and display them on your dashboard)
- Metered parking (older meters may require coins)
- Mobile app systems like Sabah Smart Parking and Flexi Parking
Parking fees are cheap — often RM0.50 to RM1.00 per hour — but enforcement can be strict in cities.
You might still see people double parking in busy areas, though it’s not as chaotic as in KL. Sabah and Sarawak aren’t as packed with cars as the Klang Valley in Peninsular Malaysia, so parking is generally easier. Outside of major city centers, you won’t have to circle around for ages looking for a spot. In smaller towns, parking is often free and unregulated, and even in cities like Kota Kinabalu or Kuching, it’s usually far less stressful than trying to park in KL or PJ.
Navigation & connectivity
Google Maps generally works well in Sabah and Sarawak, particularly around major cities and towns. You’ll get accurate directions for most places, and landmarks like petrol stations, hotels, and restaurants are usually pinned correctly.
But once you drive outside populated areas — into the highlands, along coastal backroads, or through jungle-covered routes — mobile signal gets patchy really fast. Some rural stretches have no data coverage at all, and in certain areas, you might not even get a basic phone signal. When that happens, navigation becomes guesswork if you didn’t prepare in advance.
That’s why it’s a good idea to download your maps offline before you hit the road if your route includes rural towns, national parks, or interior villages. Google Maps lets you save entire regions for offline use — just zoom into the area, hit “Download,” and it’ll store the maps on your phone. That way, your GPS can still show your location and directions even without an internet connection.
Other apps like Maps.me also allow offline navigation and can be helpful in remote spots. Waze is popular with locals and gives traffic updates in real time, but only works properly when you have a strong mobile signal — so it’s better for city driving than rural exploration.
Also, it’s smart to screenshot or write down directions for any tricky turn-offs or lesser-known destinations, especially if you’re staying somewhere that might not show up clearly on digital maps.
Is it safe to drive in East Malaysia?
Generally, yes. Driving in Sabah and Sarawak is safe for visitors who are reasonably cautious and used to road trips. Roads are far less congested than in Peninsular Malaysia, especially once you leave the main towns. There’s also less pressure from aggressive drivers, and people are used to long distances,so things move at a more relaxed pace overall.
That said, there are a few things worth being aware of:
Animals on the road
It’s not unusual to come across animals crossing the road in rural or forested areas. At night, visibility is low and animals like wild boars, stray dogs, cats, and even monkeys can suddenly appear in front of you. In some interior regions, cattle or goats may graze close to the road without any fencing.
It’s important to stay alert, especially on quiet roads where you might be the only car around. Slow down on curves, use your high beams when there’s no oncoming traffic, and try not to drive too fast after dark.
Rain and slippery roads
East Malaysia gets a lot of rain, especially in the highlands and during monsoon seasons. Even if it starts sunny, rain can move in quickly and make the roads slippery on winding or steep terrain. Drainage systems aren’t perfect in rural areas, so flash floods and small landslides can happen during heavy rain.
If you’re unfamiliar with a stretch of road, take your time. Locals might drive through the rain like nothing’s happening, but there’s no pressure to keep up.
Driving in hilly areas
In mountainous or hilly regions, you’ll encounter steep inclines and descents, sometimes without guardrails.
Always use low gear when going downhill to avoid wearing out your brakes — this is especially important if you’re driving an older rental car. Don’t ride the brakes all the way down; shift into gear and let the engine do the work. It’s safer and gives you more control on long slopes.
Driver behavior
Compared to KL or Penang in West Malaysia, drivers in Sabah and Sarawak are more relaxed — people aren’t in as much of a rush, and you’ll rarely encounter aggressive honking or road rage. But that doesn’t mean it’s all perfect. You’ll still see:
- Sudden lane changes without indicators
- Motorbikes overtaking unexpectedly, especially on narrow roads
- Drivers ignoring stop signs or pulling out slowly at junctions
The general rhythm is slower, so you have more time to react — but don’t assume everyone will follow the rules. If someone does something unexpected, just slow down, give space, and carry on.
Renting a car in East Malaysia
Renting a car is a great way to explore East Malaysia, which is not as well-connected by public transport as the Peninsula. Major international rental agencies like Avis and Hertz operate in airports, but you’ll also find plenty of local operators and smaller car rental companies. Prices tend to be slightly higher than in Peninsular Malaysia, especially if you’re going for 4WD vehicles, which are common here due to the terrain.
If you’re not picky and just need a basic vehicle, private rentals from individuals or smaller outfits in smaller towns are also an option. These are often advertised on local Facebook groups, travel forums, or even through word of mouth. They can be cheaper, but do keep in mind the trade-offs:
- Condition varies: Not all vehicles are well-maintained, and it’s not always clear what backup you’ll get in case of breakdowns.
- Insurance may be minimal or unclear, and you’ll need to ask directly what’s covered (sometimes, it’s little more than a verbal agreement).
- Payment and deposits might be in cash or bank transfer only.
- No guarantees on roadside assistance or replacement vehicles.
- You’ll also want to double-check that the car is legally registered for rental — there are occasional cases of tourists being held liable for accidents in unlicensed rentals.
That said, plenty of travelers use these local options without issues — just do your due diligence. One-way rentals (e.g. pick up in Kuching and return in Sibu) are sometimes possible with local companies, but they usually come with extra fees.
Can you drive into Brunei or Indonesia?
Yes — but it takes preparation, and most car rental companies won’t allow cross-border trips. This type of crossing is more suited for overlanders with their own vehicles. If you plan to cross, do your homework well in advance — this isn’t something to figure out on the road.
Brunei
If you’re driving from Miri to Lawas, you’ll likely pass through Brunei, and it’s also a common destination on its own. There are several border checkpoints, and you might go in and out of Brunei more than once depending on your route.
To enter Brunei with a car, you’ll need:
- A valid passport (visa-free for many nationalities, including Americans)
- A valid driving license or International Driving Permit (IDP)
- Vehicle registration card (Grant / VOC)
- Entry and exit pass (EES) – only required for the driver, not the passengers
- E-arrival card – mandatory for all visitors
Kalimantan (Indonesia)
Crossing into Indonesian Borneo is a little trickier. There are two borders between Malaysia and Kalimantan: Aruk border and Entikong border. They both require:
- A valid passport (and possibly an Indonesian visa)
- Temporary vehicle import permit (TIP) / Surat Izin Masuk Sementara (SIMS)
- Indonesian car insurance
- International Driving Permit (IDP)
Honestly, there’s not much reliable info online about the current process, and requirements can change. I’ll update this section as I find clearer details — if you’ve done this drive recently, feel free to share your experience.
Final thoughts
Driving in East Malaysia is a great way to explore its national parks, coastal drives, rural villages, and lesser-known spots that buses don’t reach. You’ll need to be a bit more flexible — infrastructure is still catching up in some areas — but with good prep, it’s totally doable.
Do check out my main guide to driving in Malaysia as a tourist for all the general info on licenses, city traffic, toll roads, and car rentals. The combination of both posts should cover just about everything you need to know for a smooth road trip.
Also read: 10 Things That Might Confuse You About Driving in Malaysia
Have you driven in East Malaysia before? Or are you planning a road trip soon? Drop your thoughts, tips, or questions in the comments!
