Islam landed on Sabah in 1408, according to a manuscript of Idahan found in Lahad Datu. Borneo was ruled by Brunei and Sulu, the Islamic empires, so Islam plays an important part in Sabah history. Even today it also influences every aspects of our culture and living, as 61.4% or 1,062,280 of Sabah population are Muslims (Census 1991). Sabah Islamic Civilisation Museum (Local Name: Muzium Tamadun Islam Sabah) is only 15 minutes walk away from Sabah State Museum, and you can enter it for free on the same day, with the same ticket you visit Sabah Museum.

Sabah Islamic Civilisation Museum is a 2-storey building that requires only 1 or 2 hours to tour around. The five domes of this museum represent Five Pillars of Islam, the five basic acts in Islam which form the foundation of Muslim life. This museum looks like a beautiful mosque by itself.