The official language in Malaysia is Bahasa Melayu, although many Malaysians speak several languages and will use them all in general conversation. Several Chinese dialects are also spoken widely in Sabah. English is compulsory subject in all schools and is widely understood, especially in the main towns, tour operators and guides.

Borneo's large number of ethnic peoples has resulted in over 20 major native dialects being spoken in Sabah. Around Mount Kinabalu most local people are from the Dusun tribes. All but the elderly will speak Malay as well as Dusun, and most will also speak some English.