Sabah is the second largest state of Malaysia which is 73631 km² in area and is located north of the island of Borneo. It is famously known as Negeri di bawah bayu, or land under the wind, because of its geographic location under the circular area typhoon of East Asia. Still, the state remains utterly safe from mother nature’s wind of destruction.
It is also where the famous mount Kinabalu is located, along with abundant beaches, rainforests, and wildlife. You can expect that you can do many things in this large state. So, without further ado, let me introduce to you the 30 best things you can do in Sabah 2023.
How frequently do tourists visit Sabah?
100%, without a doubt, all the time! The locals are lovely, the country’s government is looking after it, and Sabah remains safe from natural disasters. Furthermore, its geographical location has given birth to a picturesque nature view.
How do I get to Sabah?
Depending on where you want to travel in Sabah, you can take a flight to the closest district airports of your destination. Airports in Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau are the big city airports you can travel from your base location. From then on, you can take a taxi or bus to your desired and specific destinations.
30 Best Things To Do In Sabah 2023
1. Tanjung Aru Beach
Tanjung Aru Beach is located in Kota Kinabalu and got its name from the Aru trees that fringe all over the fine sands. This is where you can experience the greatest sunset every evening as the crimson sun dips slowly into the horizon, making the skies turn an incredible shade of red. There are multiple activities that you can do here such as kite flying, picnics, team building as well as leisurely strolling alongside the beach while enjoying the sunset with your loved ones.
Operating Hours: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm (Daily)
Address: Tanjung Aru, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
2. Desa Dairy Farm
Desa Dairy Farm is a dairy farm located at the foot of Mount Kinabalu in Kundasang Valley and is owned by the Desa Cattle (Sabah) Sdn. Bhd. It is where most of Sabah’s cow milk and dairy products are produced. The farm covers a large area of 199-hectare and has always been known as Sabah’s “Little New Zealand” due to its geographic panorama scenery view that makes it look like you are in New Zealand. Its cow breed of Holstein Friesian is also imported from the country. This tourist attraction is an ideal place to visit as you can get close to the cows, breathe in the fresh air of Mount Kinabalu as well as snap as many pictures as you like with its breathtakingly incredible sceneries.
Operating Hours: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm (Daily)
Address: Jalan Cinta Mata Mesilau, 89308 Kundasang, Sabah
Phone No: 088-889562
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/desadairyfarm/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desadairyfarm/?hl=en
3. Poring Hot Spring
Poring Hot Spring got its name after a species of giant bamboo that grows in the area. It is located within the eastern boundaries and is situated about 40km (25miles) from the Kinabalu Park Headquarters. This tourist attraction is popular for its hot sulphur spring bath which was firstly developed by the Japanese during World War II. The hot waters of the spring are piped into open-air baths so you can enjoy a refreshing spring bath located in the lush greenery. There is also an indoor bathtub for those who seek privacy. The world’s largest flower, Rafflesia is also one of the main reasons why people decide to visit this place.
Operating Hours: 8:00 am – 3:00 pm (Daily)
Address: 89300 Ranau, Sabah
Phone No: 014-6958577
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
WEBSITE INFO4. Kundasang War Memorial
Kundasang War Memorial is a famous memorial site located in the small town of Kundasang, Sabah. It is dedicated to the British and Australian soldiers who passed away in the Sandakan POW camp during their death marches to Ranau. It is divided into four connected areas consisting of the Australian Garden, the English Rose Garden, the Borneo Garden with wildflowers of Mount Kinabalu and the Contemplation Garden which are connected by a trail for better access. Its last stop is the “POW Route” which marks the stations of the three death marches in the field.
Operating Hours: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm (Daily)
Address: Jalan Kundasang Kauluan, Kundasang, 89300 Ranau, Sabah
Phone No: 019-8992041
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Google Reviews: Here
5. Sabah State Museum
Sabah Museum is the state museum of Sabah, Malaysia located in Kota Kinabalu. The building consists of museum properties with an ethnobotanical garden, a zoo and a heritage village that can be visited alongside the Sabah Art Gallery. The other galleries display multiple information on Islamic civilisation, archaeology, history, natural history, ceramics and Brassware for visitors to admire. The museum’s mission is to collect, preserve, conserve and document ethnographic, archaeological, historical, numismatic, art-historical, botanical, zoological and mineralogical collections throughout the state.
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (Daily)
Address: Jalan Muzium, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 088-225033
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Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMuziumSabah/
VIEW WEBSITE6. Rumah Terbalik
Want to try defying the laws of physics? Come to Rumah Terbalik located in the district of Tamparuli. This village house is literally upside down. From the living room to the kitchen to the bedroom and all. Kind of a tipsy experience, but also a fun experience. There will be a helpful guide to bring you inside the house and give you a full tour. Note that you are only allowed to take pictures outside the house. Just next to Rumah Terbalik, there is a 3D museum where inside you are freely allowed to take photos of yourself with interactive, 3D images.
Operating Hours: 8 am – 5 pm (Daily)
Address: Mile 21, 89250 Tamparuli, Sabah
Phone No: 088-260263
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/upsidedownhouseborneo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rumahterbalik/?hl=en
7. Lok Kawi Wildlife Park
Lok Kawi Wildlife Park is located along the Penampang-Papar old road and was officially opened on 17th February 2007 to the public. It is a wildlife and safari park that was fully developed by the Sabah Wildlife Department. The park includes two categories which are zoological and botanical with its main objective to be a family-friendly park. It houses the Borneo Pygmy elephants, Proboscis monkeys, Malayan tigers as well as some different species of deer. The botanical component provides its visitors with the possibility of jungle trekking along the green botanical trail.
Operating Hours: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm (Daily)
Address: Lok Kawi Putatan, 88200 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 088-765793
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Google Reviews: Here
8. Polumpung Melangkap View
Polumpung Melangkap View is a beautiful eco-tourism site where there is a clean river for you to swim and play in. This place is also famous as a camping site and amenities like BBQ tables, toilets, convenient stores, food stalls and swimming equipment are provided for you. Tents and chalets are also provided if you think bringing your own camping tent is inconvenient. Besides camping and swimming, you can feed the fish in Polumpung Melangkap View ponds, participate in flying fox rides or take a picture of the majestic Mount Kinabalu that can be seen from here.
Operating Hours: 8 am – 5 pm (Daily)
Address: Kg. Melangkap Baru, 89158 Kota Belud, Sabah
Phone No: 011-36244723
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://ms-my.facebook.com/pmvcs/
9. Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is located in Sandakan and was finally opened in 1964 as the first official orangutan rehabilitation project for baby orangutans that were rescued from logging sites, plantations, illegal hunting or kept as pets. These rescued orangutans are trained to learn how to survive again in the wild and will be released as soon as they are ready. There is a section where visitors have visibility of the nursery that houses the young orangutans. Here, visitors are able to see the orangutans that first learn to be outside and play on a huge climbing frame.
Operating Hours: 9 am – 4 pm (Daily)
Address: Sabah Wildlife Department, W.D.T. 200, Sandakan, Jalan Sepilok, Sepilok, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah
Phone No: 089-633587
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Google Reviews: Here
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sepilokorangutan/
10. Kinabalu National Park
A world heritage site that is 754 square kilometres in area, it covers 3 districts of Sabah, thus a substation system is applied to better monitor the whole park effectively. You don’t need to wander all the 3 districts, but you need to contact or come to its headquarters in the city of Kota Kinabalu first before going to the park’s main entry point in Ranau. Famous for its activities like strolling in the mountain garden, which is a plant biodiversity kingdom and a guided walk through the nature trails with an interpretation guide present. Accommodation like hostel type, but also luxury chalet is available.
Operating Hours: 8 am – 5 pm (Daily)
Address: Sabah Parks Main Headquarters, Lot 45 & 46, Level 1-5, Blok H, Signature Office KK Times Square, Coastal Highway, 88100 Kota Kinabalu
Phone No: 088-523500
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://ms-my.facebook.com/SbhParks/
VIEW WEBSITE11. Mari Mari Cultural Village
Mari Mari Cultural Village provides you with a little glimpse into the lives of Sabah’s rich culture and its distinctive houses, costumes and traditional skills of five major ethnic groups in Sabah which are the Dusun, Rungus, Lundayeh, Bajau and Murut. There are many activities that you can do such as fire starting at Rungus House, tree bark craft at Lundayeh House and bamboo cooking at Dusun House. You can feel the uniqueness of Sabah by spending your day in this historical tourist attraction.
Operating Hours:
10 am – 4 pm (Tuesday – Sunday)
Monday (Closed)
Address: Jalan Kionsom, Inanam, 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 013-8814921
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Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marimariculturalvillageborneo/
VIEW WEBSITE12. Tamu Kota Belud
The biggest open-air market place in Sabah. It is a weekly market situated in Siasai village in Kota Belud. Vendors from all districts of Sabah come and sell their produce, handcrafts, food, drinks, and other products here. This market is a melting pot of Sabah ethnic cultures. The different languages, different dialects, food, crafts, ornaments, and music- all of which come from the ethnic groups of Kadazandusun, Bajau, Irranium, Chinese Hakka and more. People here are just friendly and nurture the value of community.
Operating Hours:
Sunday (6 am – 2 pm)
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday (Closed)
Address: 89150 Kota Belud, Sabah
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
13. Mount Kinabalu
Mount Kinabalu is one of Malaysia’s famous mountains and is the highest mountain in Borneo and Malaysia. Due to its elevation of 13,435 feet (4,095 m), Mount Kinabalu is the third-highest peak of an island on Earth and at the same time makes it the 20th most prominent mountain in the world by topographic prominence. Sabahans aim to preserve the mountain and its surroundings as it houses between 5,000 and 6,000 species of plants, 326 species of birds and more than 100 mammalian species. Challenge yourself and hike this exciting mountain with your family or friends.
Operating Hours: Always Open
Address: Mount Kinabalu, Ranau, Sabah
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
14. Cabana Retreat
Cabana Retreat is a fantastic getaway for spiritual retreats, honeymoons, weddings, birthdays and family gathering because of its secluded with scenic nature and calm area. If you were to take pictures from this place, I could guarantee you would get thousands of likes on Instagram. Moreover, activities included kayaking, surfing on the beach, riding ATVs, going to Matani island, fireflies touring and more. For staying the night, there are cute, traditional tents and cabins as accommodations.
Address: Jln Rampayan Laut, 89150 Kota Belud, Sabah
Phone No: 013-8850903
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cabanaretreat/?_rdc=1&_rdr
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cabanaretreat/
VIEW WEBSITE15. Sosodikon Hill Kundasang
If you want to go for a hike but hate how tiring it can be, come to Sosodikon Hill Kundasang. This hill is meant for beginner hikers; the trail is not very steep and has stairs. Even children have no problem hiking to the peak. Although, small children and older people will have a problem hiking here. The hike is only 400 meters to the peak. Along the hiking trail, you’ll see beautiful rocks and plants. After completing the whole hike, you will get a certificate of completion from the administrator.
Operating Hours: 6 am – 5 pm (Daily)
Address: Kg Kauluan Peti Surat 873, 89308 Kundasang, Sabah
Phone No: 017-8956192
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sosodikonhill/
VIEW WEBSITE16. Fish Spa Bombon Kg. Marakau
This is unlike any spa you have ever visited. The fish will do the spa for you, specifically your feet. Upon entering a river, hundreds of fishes from all size ranges will come to you and suck the dead skin off your feet. It is a ticklish experience and maybe frightening for some to see the fishes jumping and squirming towards you but don’t worry as there will be a guide watching over you. Here, there is also a mini zoo for you to go to after you’re done with your spa session.
Operating Hours: 8 am – 5 pm (Daily)
Address: Jalan Marakau, Libang Kg Marakau, 89300 Ranau, Sabah
Phone No: 014-5448084
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fishspabombonkgmarakau/
17. Sabah Art Gallery
Are you the kind of person that loves and appreciates art? Go to Sabah Art Gallery. Loads of art by Sabahan artists are on display such as abstract art, realism art, surrealism art, portraits art, 3D art, expressionism art, minimalist art, symbolism art and more. There are also handcrafts, wood crafts and metal crafts for exhibition.
Operating Hours:
9 am – 4 pm (Tuesday – Sunday)
Monday (Closed)
Address: 14, Jalan Shantung, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 088-268748
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/www.sabahartgallery.com.my/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sabahartgallery/
VIEW WEBSITE18. Mahua Waterfall
Situated in a verdant jungle inside the district of Tambunan, this gorgeous waterfall site is actually a part of Crocker Range Park substation. The waterfall is 17 metres tall and falls into a 1.3-metre-deep pool. Water is cold, clear and clean. If you don’t want to swim, you can do jungle trekking as a choice of activity. Picnic facilities are provided along with washrooms. Accommodations like houses are provided for those who wish to stay here for the night.
Operating Hours: 8 am – 5 pm (Daily)
Address: Kg. Mahua, 89650 Tambunan, Sabah
Phone No: 016-5521905
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
VIEW WEBSITE19. Manukan Island
Manukan Island is the second-largest island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park which is also Malaysia’s first-ever marine national park. It is located in the East Malaysian state of Sabah and can be accessed by boat. Manukan has incredible stretches of beaches and is a well-known island that is visited by both locals and tourists. Its coral reefs offshore make it perfect for snorkelling, diving and swimming. Among all of the islands in Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, Manukan offers you the most developed tourist facilities consisting of 20 units of chalets, a clubhouse, a few restaurants plus a diving centre.
Operating Hours: Always Open
Address: Manukan Island, Sabah
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Google Reviews: Here
20. Sabah Tea Resort Cottage
Away from the city life, here is the peaceful Sabah Tea Resort Cottage. Surrounded by tea plantations, lush forest and a cold environment, it is the perfect getaway for relaxing. There are 3 accommodations provided such as longhouses, cottages and campgrounds. Each accommodation has its adequate amenities for visitors. Besides drinking the teas, you can have fun activities like jungle trekking, river trekking, insect night walk, commander course, DIY batik painting and more.
Operating Hours: 7 am – 6 pm (Daily)
Address: Sabah Tea Resort Sdn. Bhd., Lot 83, Block 1-6, Lorong Kilang D, Jalan Kiang, Sedco Industrial Estate, Kolombong, 88851 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 088- 440 882
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
VIEW WEBSITE21. Danum Valley Conservation Area
Danum Valley Conservation Area is one of the homes of complex and conserved ecosystems in Malaysia and it has ancient years old trees still healthy and growing. It has over 300 species of birds and wildlife animals such as Gibbons, Hornbills, Red Leaf Monkeys, wild cats and more. – You can also go to INFAPRO, which is 30 minutes away from Danum Valley Conservation Area, to plant trees in the tree nursery for the greater good of Earth. Suppose you plan on staying here for the night. In that case, you have 2 options- a luxury room provided by Danum Valley in the Borneo Rainforest lodge or a cheaper accommodation that includes a dorm, rest houses and chalet.
Address: Lembah Danum, Lahad Datu, Sabah
Phone No: 088-486168 & 010-9529005
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanumValley.net/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danumvalley/
VIEW WEBSITE22. Lankayan Island Dive Resort
Lankayan Island Dive Resort is a resort on the Lankayan island and is one of the famous tourist attractions in Sabah that embraces the eco-tourism concept. Thick forest everywhere and a beautiful sandy beach that provides a panoramic view of the island. There are rich flora and fauna as you can see many plants and animals. Diving in the sea will expose you to a beautiful marine ecosystem like colourful corals, turtles, stingrays, barracudas, guitarfish and more. Accommodations are wooden chalets just in front of the beach and provide great amenities such as a fridge, hot bath, power supply, internet and more.
Address: Ground Floor, Lot 38 & 39, Block C Bandar Tyng, Mile 5, North Road, PPM 255, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah
Phone No: 017-8991700 & 089-673 999
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lankayanresort/
VIEW WEBSITE23. Maragang Hill
Maragang Hill is also another scenery hiking spot that is 2232 meters tall and compared to Sosodikon Hill, this hill is meant for adventurous hikers only as its trail is entirely arduous. Its trail will be wet and muddy and you’ll be hiking inside a jungle, so wear appropriately. Don’t worry because you’ll have a guide along the way guiding and showing you how to navigate the hiking trail to reach the heavenly peak.
Operating Hours:
7 am – 5 pm (Monday & Tuesday)
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday (Closed)
Address: Kg. Mesilou, Kundasang 89308 Ranau, Sabah, Malaysia
Phone No: 017-895 2753
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaragangHill/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maraganghill/
VIEW WEBSITE24. Sabah Agriculture Park
This park comprises of many species of jungle trees, fruits, vegetables and plants such as cacti, carnivorous plants, orchids, bougainvillaea and more. The park is divided into 2 areas- outdoor and indoor and you may ride its mini train or bicycles to explore the park. Accommodations for staying in the night are also available
Operating Hours:
8:30 am – 4:30 pm (Tuesday – Sunday)
Monday (Closed)
Address: W.D.T No. 28, Taman Pertanian Sabah, Sabah, 89909 Tenom
Phone No: 087-737952 & 087-737982
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=138055066268801
25. Karanahan View
Karanahan View is a recreation centre that’s located in a village. There is a water park and swimming pools for adults and kids to swim in along with various kinds of activities that you can do such as flying kites, boat riding and fish feeding. The scenery here is stunning and its ‘floating umbrellas’ is a famous Instagram background shot. You will be immersed in the Kota Belud locals’ culture because you can explore the paddy fields, ride cattle, talk with friendly locals and wear traditional costumes. This place also provides comfy homestays.
Operating Hours: 6 am – 10 pm (Daily)
Address: Kampung Tempasuk 1, Jalan Sangkir II, 89150 Kota Belud, Sabah
Phone No: 017-898 1380
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Karanahan-View/100043347202509/
VIEW WEBSITE26. Kawa Kawa River Cruise
Kawa Kawa River Cruise enables you to explore lush mangroves in the brackish river of Kawa Kawa. Sightings of Proboscis monkeys are prevalent upon cruising the river and a tour guide who is very friendly and insightful about giving information about the plants and trees in the mangrove. This place is a great viewing point for sunset and at night, fireflies roam freely as if they are Christmas lights in the sky.
Operating Hours: Always Open
Address: Jalan Port Usukan, 89150 Kota Belud, Sabah
Phone No: 019-833 6130 & 0145532007
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kawakawarivercruise/
27. Miki Survival Camp
If you want to up your skills so you can live in the actual outdoors, the forest, come to Miki Survival Camp. Experts in this camp will teach you the art and skills of surviving the harsh terrain such as building a hunt with only nature used for construction, identifying edible and medicinal plants, setting up animal traps and more. You will be in the rainforest for 1 or 2 days, so bring the necessary stuff before coming here and don’t worry as guides will always be with you during these periods.
Address: 89150 Kota Belud, Sabah
Phone No: 019-851 0786 & 088-232821
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Miki-Survival-Camp/100057636250980/
VIEW WEBSITE28. Tuaran Crocodile Farm
Founded by a legendary crocodile farmer and breeder, Mr. Chai, who has 50 years of experience with crocodiles and managing their well-being. His vision was to make a conservation site for endangered crocodile species; thus he built a 7 acres farm with more than 1000 crocodiles of various species. Moreover, the farm has other animals such as snakes, large fishes, otters, deer, ostriches, bearcats, lizards, birds and more. You can watch the live farm shows at 11 am and 3 pm, Monday to Saturday or 11 am, 1 pm and 3 pm, Sundays and public holidays. The live farm show includes workers of the farm interacting with crocodiles by giving them basic commands, lying on top of them, sticking their heads into the crocodiles’ gap mouths, and most thrilling of all, feeding the crocodiles. This place also provides authentic and raw, not endangered and approved for slaughter crocodile skins, meats and eggs along with crocodile bags, wallets, biliary, oils and merch.
Operating Hours: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm (Daily)
Address: Sulaman Highway, 89200 Tuaran, Sabah
Phone No: 088 – 793377, 019 – 8338336, 016 -744 8622 & 012 – 8861021
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://ms-my.facebook.com/tamanbuayatuaran/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tbtcrocodile/?hl=en
VIEW WEBSITE29. Alpaca Club
Are you an alpaca lover? Well, head over to Alpaca Club where you can see them in front of your own eyes. Alpaca Club has a barn filled with many adorable and colourful adult and baby alpacas. You can hug them, feed them and take pictures with them as the alpacas there aren’t scared to be around visitors but don’t forget to give them some space as well.
Operating Hours: 9 am – 5 pm (Daily)
Address: Jalan Cinta Mata Mesilou, 89308 Kundasang, Sabah
Phone No: 011-58683622
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alpacaclubsabah/
30. Mesilou Highland Strawberry Farm
Mesilou Highland Strawberry Farm is located in the highland of Kundasang so, the atmosphere is always cold and peaceful. You can pick up strawberries and bring them home or just eat them there. The cafe there provides other strawberry food and drinks you can indulge in and taking pictures here is a must because its scenery looks like you are in the English countryside. Accommodations include homestays with adequate utilities.
Operating Hours: 8 am – 5 pm (Daily)
Address: Jalan Cinta Mata Mesilou, 89308 Kundasang, Sabah
Phone No: 014-5552737
Google Map: Navigate now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SabahStrawberry/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sabahstrawberry/
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Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us [email protected]. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
