sabah travel itinerary

Ultimate Guide to Sabah, Borneo: Top Places & Itineraries

Sabah is one of the most diverse places we have ever visited. It is located in Malaysia , on the northern half of the island of Borneo. We were enticed to go to Sabah to see orangutans and proboscis monkeys in their natural habitat. There are very few places in the world to see these creatures in the wild. 

Orangutans are on the critically endangered list and can only be seen in the wild in Sumatra and Borneo. Reminding me of the creepy dude at the bar, proboscis monkeys are endemic to Borneo. These unique monkeys are so amazing to see in real life. However, due to palm plantation deforestation, they are losing their homes at alarming rates.

Sabah also has so much more to offer. It is teeming with exotic wildlife, beautiful beaches, an epic mountain hike, and world-class scuba diving. Sabah is perfect as part of a bigger Malaysia trip or for a Borneo wildlife holiday! Whether you plan to come for a family vacation or a backpacking trip, Sabah is a wonderful destination nestled in Southeast Asia.

Check out this guide to Sabah as it covers all the best places to visit to help you plan your trip!

Content and photographs provided by Yana Kogan and Timon .

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

Best Time to Visit Sabah, Borneo

The best time to visit Sabah is not as cut and dry as most places. There are different rainy seasons for the east and west of Sabah. When one has more rain, the other is drier. Overall though, March through October is the driest part of the year. Most of Sabah is rainforest, so it is possible for rain at any time of the year.

Currency in Sabah, Borneo

The Malaysian Ringgit (RM) is the national currency in Malaysia and Sabah. As of April 2022, the Ringgit is worth:

• $1 USD = 4.35 RM
• €1 = 4.60 RM

Religion and Language in Sabah, Borneo

Sabah is not as conservative as West Malaysia, such as the Kuala Lumpur area. The majority of people are Muslim, but there are also small pockets of practicing Christians. Malay is the official language of Malaysia. However, English is widely spoken in Kota Kinabalu and the majority of tourism and hospitality businesses around the island.

As always, a few phrases in the native language are good to learn. We found that just saying “thank you” in Malay brings a very friendly response.

• Hello – Helo
• Good morning – Selamat pagi
• Good evening – Selamat petang
• How are you? – Apa khabar
• Thank you – Terima kasih
• I am – Saya
• Your welcome – Sama-sama

Food in Sabah, Borneo

There are typically three types of food you can find in Sabah – traditional Malay, Indian/Bangladeshi, and Chinese. Many of the dishes in Sabah are heavily influenced by Chinese cuisine. Most of the population and places to visit are on the coast, so seafood is widely available.

Malay food is not the best for vegetarians. However, roti canai, similar to a flaky naan beard, was our lifesaver and so delicious. We ate it every day, typically for breakfast and snacking. Also make sure to try teh tarik, a frothy delicious tea.

Some common dishes in Malaysia with typical prices:

• Roti canai – traditional bread with dipping sauces 4 RM – 6 RM
• Telur mata – sunny side eggs 4 RM – 6 RM
• Telur dadar – omelette 8 RM – 10 RM
• Thosai – similar to Indian dosa 12 RM
• Mee goreng – fried noodles 12 RM – 20 RM
• Nasi goreng – fried rice 12 RM – 20 RM
• Teh Tarik – Black tea with condensed milk (frothy) – 4 RM – 6 RM
• Teh “O” – tea with sugar – 4 RM – 6 RM
• Kopi – coffee 4 RM – 6 RM

A few useful words on food/drinks in Malay

• Panas / Sejuk – Hot/Cold for drinks
• Sayur – vegetables
• Tidak ayam – no chicken

Accommodation in Sabah, Borneo

The accommodation is expensive relative to the rest of Southeast Asia. Budget hostels and dorms start from 20 RM to 36 RM ($5 – $8 USD) depending on the area. Basic private double rooms start from 70 RM ($16 USD) per night. A budget room in Sabah also typically means really poor standards. Not all hotels charge it, but legally, hotels and guesthouses are required to charge a tourist tax of 10 RM per night.

One thing we noticed was that prices were ALWAYS higher as a walk-in. We would book ahead, or walk in to check out the room, and if we decided to stay, book the room online. The best prices typically were on  Booking.com .

Transportation in Sabah, Borneo

Getting to Sabah is best with AirAsia, a budget airline based in Kuala Lumpur. They have cheap flights to Sabah from different airports in Asia. A flight from Kuala Lumpur to Sabah is 120 RM ($30 USD) when booking 4+ weeks in advance.

Bus Transport  in Sabah is available between all major cities. Bus departures typically leave from Kota Kinabalu each hour to destinations, such as Sandakan, Semporna, or Tawau. There are several bus companies with similar fares. At the time of writing, the fares were as follows:

• Kota Kinabalu to Mount Kinabalu 25 RM
• Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan 45 RM
• Sandakan to Semporna 45 RM
• Semporna to Tawau 20 RM

Motorbikes  are available for rent in Kota Kinabalu for 45 RM/day.

Car hire companies  are located near the airport in Kota Kinabalu. The price for a small car, such as a Viva, is around 100 RM/day, or a larger Toyota SUV for 200 RM/day.

Grab Car  is excellent and available in all cities in Sabah. When traveling with multiple people, it is often the same price or cheaper than the bus. For example, a Grab Car from Kota Kinabalu to Mount Kinabalu for 80 RM, or from Semporna to Tawau for 65 RM.

Top Places to Visit in Sabah, Borneo

1. what to do in kota kinabalu.

The main city in Sabah – Kota Kinabalu – is filled with hotels, restaurants, and lively night markets. The Filipino market and night market, both centrally located by the waterfront, have local produce, meat, fish, and freshly prepared dinners. There are local BBQ restaurants that cook fresh seafood. Make sure to negotiate.

Gaya street has many bars and Chinese and Malay restaurants. Definitely stop by Yee Fung Laksa on Gaya Street for the best Laksa in all of Malaysia. For 19RM, you get a steaming hot bowl of the good stuff. Trust us on this one! It is worth a stop outside of town to the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque. The reflection of the mosque on the moat is a really awesome photo opportunity.

High-End Stay:   Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort  is located near the city and with a private beach. Rooms start at 800 RM ($190).

2. The Best Beaches in Sabah at the Tip of Borneo

The Tip of Borneo is a picturesque spot on the northernmost point of Borneo. The rocky shoreline is a perfect backdrop for sunset. Some of the best beaches on mainland Borneo are located just south of the tip. The large Kalampunian Beach has several beach cottages and a few restaurants, although a bit rundown. We preferred a smaller more private beach and tent camping at the Secret Place.

High-End Stay:   Kudat Riviera Beach Villas  is located at private beaches with three stunning villas to choose from starting at 1380 RM ($330).

3. Hiking Mount Kinabalu 

Mount Kinabalu is the tallest mountain in Malaysia and one of the highest in Southeast Asia. The hike is expensive at $350 – $400 per person and with limited permits. However, the views from the summit are some of the best of any mountain in SE Asia. Mount Kinabalu is a strenuous hike ascending over 2,200 meters (7,300 feet) and was one of our highlights in Sabah.

Check out our full post on  hiking Mount Kinabalu  for more information.

High-End Stay:   Sutera Sanctuary Lodges Kinabalu Park  is located in the national park with rooms starting at 200 RM ($50 USD).

4. Borneo Wildlife in Sepilok & Sandakan

Sandakan is the gateway to visiting several attractions in the area. We found the waterfront to be quite dirty and pretty smelly. Sepilok is popular for animal sanctuaries to visit. The well-known Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center should not be missed.

The orangutan nursery is just too cute and the twice-daily feeding is a great way to get up and close to adult orangutans. The feedings are at 10 AM and 3 PM, the latter of which is less crowded. Located next door is the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center. Sun Bears are the smallest bears in the world and are threatened by deforestation and illegal hunting. This center is home to 42 sun bears and is open between 10 AM and 3 PM.

There is a proboscis monkey sanctuary in Labuk Bay. However, we do not recommend visiting this attraction. The owner of this “sanctuary” owns the palm plantation surrounding the park, which displaced the monkeys in the first place. Proboscis monkeys can easily be seen in the wild elsewhere in Sabah (see  Kinabatangan River ). From Sandakan, it is possible to visit Turtle Island to see nesting turtles in June.

Entrance Costs:  The entry to the Orangutan and Sun Bear conservation are both 30 RM.

High-End Stay:   Sepilok Forest Edge Resort  is located next to the sanctuaries and has chalets starting from 290 RM ($70 USD).

5. Borneo Rainforest Tours at the Kinabatangan River

Borneo is known for its superb wildlife. The Kinabatangan River is one of the best places in Borneo to see wildlife due to its easy accessibility. Here you can easily see proboscis monkeys, orangutans, pygmy elephants, crocodiles, snakes, exotic birds, and many more in just a couple of days.

Most homestays and resorts are located near Sukau, a village upriver next to palm plantations. There are a few resorts located downriver that are more remote. While staying on the Kinabatangan, resorts usually have an all-inclusive package rate that includes meals, river cruises, and jungle walks. There are a few budget backpackers and homestays on the Kinabatangan, and there are several high-end resorts, leaving few options in between.

Mid-Range Stay :  Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort  has all-inclusive packages for two people at one of their cottages for 1,060 RM ($250 USD/room).

6. Stunning Beaches and Views at Bohey Dulang

An amazing day trip to the beautiful Bohey Dulang island is definitely worth it. The views are incredible and the beaches are some of the best in Sabah. You can arrange a trip from the port town of Semporna, which is the gateway to Bohey Dulang and Sipadan.

However, if it weren’t for these two things, there is absolutely no reason for anyone to ever visit Semporna. It is a filthy city with no redeeming qualities. Streets are littered with trash and an absurd amount of pollution/plastics in the water. I would avoid the cheapest backpackers here, they are truly horrible. Semporna is the necessary evil to get to some amazing places, so get in and out as fast as possible!

Mid-Range Stay :  The Village  is a new and modern hotel with private rooms for 180 RM ($40 USD).

7. Scuba Diving at Sipadan

Sipadan is one of the best dive sites in the world. Doesn’t it seem like you hear that in so many countries? With over 150 combined dives in some incredible places, we can attest to it being one of our favorites! With stringent laws for the protection of the marine environment, there are now only 120 daily permits for diving at Sipadan.

Sipadan is known for its incredible marine diversity. The island is an inactive volcano, with a sloping wall that has a drop-off of 600 meters (2,000 feet) to the seabed. It is home to green and hawksbill turtles, massive schools of barracuda and big-eye trevally, manta rays, reef sharks (white tip/blacktip/grey), as well as an occasional spotting of whale sharks and hammerhead sharks.

Several websites state it is cheaper to stay in Semporna, and maybe it is, but we recommend staying on Mabul Island. Mabul Island has diving as well, which is subpar relative to Sipadan, but it’s inexpensive and has tons of massive turtles.

Mid-Range Stay :  Billabong Scuba  has overwater chalets for 150 RM per person including all meals (price for divers) ($35 USD).

One-Week Itinerary for Sabah, Borneo

Day 1  – Arrive in Kota Kinabalu and check out the Filipino night market and nearby KK night market.

Day 2  – Take a bus to Mount Kinabalu, enjoy views of the park and pick one of the nine shorter hikes near the base of Mount Kinabalu.

Day 3  – Transport to Sandakan/Sepilok, and check out the sun bear conservation and afternoon orangutan sanctuary feeding.

Day 4  – Transport to Semporna.

Day 5  – Bohey Dulang day tour.

Day 6  – Scuba diving at the world-famous Sipadan (permits required).

Day 7  – Return to Semporna and take a flight from Tawau to Kota Kinabalu to finish your one-week trip!

Two-Week Itinerary for Sabah, Borneo

Day 2  – Stop at the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque on the way to Kudat. Spend the afternoon at the beach, and watch the sunset at the tip of Borneo.

Day 3  – Beach day.

Day 4  – Travel to Mount Kinabalu.

Day 5  – Hiking day one up to Labuan Rata Guesthouse  (permits required) .

Day 6  – Summit Mount Kinabalu and descend the mountain, staying the night in Ranau.

Day 7  – Travel day from Ranau to Sandakan. Go to the sun bear conservation and the 3:30 pm feeding at the Orangutan Sanctuary.

Day 8  – Travel day from Sandakan to Semporna.

Day 9  – Boat to Mabul Island, scuba diving at Mabul Island.

Day 10  – Scuba diving at Mabul Island.

Day 11  – Scuba diving at the world-famous Sipadan (permits required).

Day 12  – Return to Semporna.

Day 13  – Day trip to Bohey Dulang, afternoon transport to Tawau, flight to Kota Kinabalu.

Day 14  – End your two-week holiday in Sabah!

That’s it – we hope you enjoy exploring Sabah, Borneo!

Planning a trip to Malaysia? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!

Yana & Timon met at college in Boston, Massachusetts. After graduating, they started their professional careers. They moved to San Francisco in 2010, a city they loved living in for nearly six years. After working and saving up money for several years, they quit their jobs and set off on an adventure of a lifetime. They started living a nomadic lifestyle in December 2015 and have not looked back since.

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BEST Sabah Road Trip With Itinerary: Attractions & Activities

If I would have to pick the most beautiful state in Malaysia, Sabah would be my choice because it has so much to offer from the scenic landscape, spectacular mountains, blue beaches, surreal sunset, rich culture, friendliest people, curvy roads, tall waterfalls, national parks and many more!

In this article, I’ll share my suggestions for a road trip in Sabah and the places of interest along the way that you can visit in Sabah

Page Contents

Road Trip Map

If you’re planning to just see Kota Kinabalu, have a look at my other post about Places of Interest in Kota Kinabalu .

Sabah Road Trip Routes

Below are the towns/cities that you will be vising along the way whilst on your Sabah road trip.

• Kota Kinabalu (Start)
• Ranau (marak parak)
• Kinabatangan
• Kuala Penyu
• Kota Kinabalu (End)

Sabah Road Trip Map

Above is the map that I suggest you follow as it would cover most of the interesting places in Sabah.

• Google Overall Map View: Link
• Distance (Estimation): 2000 +/- KM
• Roads condition: 90% Good, 10% Broken (Passable)

Sabah Road Trip Itinerary

If you don’t have the time or budget, you can always skip some places and/or modify the itinerary accordingly.

• Routes: Kota Kinabalu – Tuaran – Tamparuli – Kundasang
• Map: Google Link
• Travel Distance: 151 KM
• Accommodation: Homestay in Kundasang

Places of Interest :

Sabandar Cowboy Town (Tuaran)

Sabandar Mangrove Park (Tuaran)

Both Sabandar Cowboy Town and Mangrove Park are located in the same area. This place offers horse riding (at RM10 per 1 small round) and there are pathways made from wood at the Mangroove area which I think it’s the highlight of this place.

Pagoda Ling San (Tuaran)

A relatively small but beautifully built pagoda. A great spot for a bird’s eye view of Tuaran town from the top.

Upside Down House (Tamparuli)

Upside down house is called Rumah Terbalik in Bahasa. If you’re into photography, this place would be interesting as they also have a 3D museum. Please note taking photos Inside the upside-down house is prohibited. People often spend about 30 minutes here.

Kiulu River White Water Rafting (Tamparuli)

If you’re in groups/family, River rafting for 21km down the Kiulu River would be a great fun adventure that you can try. It’s also suitable for beginners and you can book this tour via WaveHunterAsia or ask your hotel’s receptionist.

• Entrance Fee: Varies based on package/transfer
• Map Location: Google Link

Sunrise Kayaking

Kayak for 4-8 KM during sunrise to enjoy a breathtaking view of Mount Kinabalu.

You can book this tour via WaveHunterAsia or ask your hotel’s receptionist.

Desa Cattle Farm (kundasang)

Desa Cattle Dairy Farm is a dairy farm located at the foot of Mount Kinabalu in Kundasang Valley, Sabah. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery and view of Mount Kinabalu. You can also buy local products like Milk, Ice cream etc.

Please note that you can only get a clear view of Mount Kinabalu from 05:30 AM – 08:00 AM. Plan your trip accordingly to avoid disappointment or put up a night in Kundasang so you’ll have more time to view the beautiful Mount.

Kinabalu War Memorial (kundasang)

Located about 5KMs away from Desa Dairy Farm, Kundasang War Memorial was built out of respect for those that died in the Sandakan to Ranau “Death Marches”. It is an excellent place to visit and try to imagine the unspeakable horror and atrocities that were inflicted on our soldiers with only 6 survivors out of some 2350 that were forced to march.

I recommend you first visit the audio room for a 20-minute presentation on some of the histories to get acquainted. The memorial is divided into 4 gardens. The Australian, British, Malaysian Borneo, and the garden of Contemplation where an honour roll lists each soldier that died on the 3 marches. You will probably spend an hour here by the time you pay your own respects. It s a place that touches your soul and leaves a lasting effect.

• Routes: Kundasang – Kota Belud (Polumpung Melangkap View Camp Site)
• Travel Distance: 46KM
• Accommodation: Polumpung Melangkap View Camp Site (PMVCS)

Places of Interest

PMVCS (Kota Belud)

If you’re looking for a great campsite and/or crystal clear river, this place should not be missed! For the purpose of overnight camping, the check-in hour is from 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm. Contact:  PMVCS

If it’s not raining and you are a camper here, the splendour scenery of Mount Kinabalu will astonish you from 5.45 am to 7.00 am. If you wish to stay indoors, there are a few homestays available around.

Kampung Sangkir

Another beautiful spot to take photos is with the Majestic Mount Kinabalu as the background.

Tegudon Tourism Village

This is another camping spot (Chalet available)

Looking for more beautiful spots to view Mount Kinabalu? Go to Jalan Lasau Podi and you will enjoy the serene view of the mountain.

• Routes: Kota Belud – Tip Of Borneo – Kudat
• Travel Distance: 183 KM
• Accommodation: Hotels at Kudat Town

Places of Interest:

Tip of Borneo (Kudat)

The Tip of Borneo is the northernmost tip of Borneo located in the district of Kudat, in the state of Sabah, Malaysia. The tip marks the meeting point of the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea

The beach next to Tip Of Borneo (Kudat)

Tindakon Dazang Beach’s Cliff

Kelambu Beach

Kampung Bavanggazo (Rungus long house in Kudat)

Experience the longhouse constructed entirely from traditional materials before it gets wiped away in the future.

• Routes: Kudat – Marak Parak – Ranau
• Travel Distance: 182 KM
• Accommodation: Hotel at Ranau Town

Poring Hot Spring (Ranau)

Honestly, the hot springs aren’t that exciting, they are hot tubs in which you can sit & relax. What is more picturesque & a definite is to walk through the rainforest to the first waterfall, it is a beautiful walk, not too strenuous on the body. Also during your walk you can enter the butterfly garden & do a canopy walk, both though have an extra charge.

Marak – Parak Route Landscape

Drive/ride along the most beautiful route in Sabah which has about 80+ km long twisty corners. Check out the video below.

• Routes: Ranau – Sandakan
• Travel Distance: 238 KM
• Accommodation: Hotel in Sandakan Town

Sabah Tea Garden (Ranau)

Home to the famous Sabah Tea, this valley is like the mini version of  Cameron Highlands ‘ tea plantation. The roads to get here can be a little challenging as it’s not paved.

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre (Sandakan)

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre was conceived in 1961 and by 1964 had become reality, funded by the Sabah Government. The reserve is named after the two rivers flowing into Sandakan Bay. The aim of Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is to return orphaned, injured or displaced orangutans back to the wild.

Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

The Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre is part of the wider Sepilok rescue centre and is dedicated to the beautiful but endangered Borneo sun bears.

Sandakan Memorial Park (Sandakan)

The Sandakan Memorial Park is a memorial site built in the former grounds of the former Sandakan camp in the Malaysian state of Sabah. The site is dedicated as a memory for all prisoners in the camp who died during the Sandakan Death Marches, and to those died during a march to Ranau.

Agnes Keith House (Sandakan)

Agnes Keith House is a historic house museum named after Agnes Newton Keith, an American author known for her three autobiographical accounts of life in British North Borneo .

St. Michael’s and All Angels Church (Sandakan)

St. Michael’s and All Angels Church is the oldest stone church in Sabah. The impetus for the construction of the church dates back to the clergyman William Henry Elton, who is also known as the founder of St. Michael’s Secondary School, located next to the church.

Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary

Proboscis monkeys are found all over Borneo but are also an endangered species, so if you want to see them in their natural environment then a trip to the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary is not to be missed.

These cute monkeys are known for their large, prominent noses and this is the best place to learn all about this fascinating species and the efforts being made to get them off the endangered list.

• Routes: Sandakan – Kinabatangan – Lahad Datu – Kunak – Semporna
• Travel Distance: 351KM
• Accommodation: Hotel in Semporna Town

Kinabatangan River

The Kinabatangan River is the second-longest river in Malaysia with a length of 560 km from its headwaters in the mountains of southwest Sabah, to its outlet at the Sulu Sea, east of Sandakan.

Gomantong Cave (Sandakan)

The Gomantong Caves are an intricate cave system inside Gomantong Hill. The hill is the largest limestone outcrop in the Lower Kinabatangan area. The view is great but be aware, there are thousands of cockroaches and the smell in the cave is unpleasant. However, the view is worth it.

Danum Valley Conservation Area (Optional)

Danum Valley Conservation Area is considered one of the world’s most complex ecosystems. This forest serves as a natural home for an unimaginable number of plants and wildlife species such as banteng, clouded leopard, orang utan, slow loris, proboscis monkey including the endangered Bornean pygmy elephant.

REST DAY – Island hopping in Semporna

Have your well-deserved break at the islands around Semporna and enjoy its clear water. You can sign up for the tour package which is easily available at the town/hotel.

I have a separate post about Semporna Attractions which I would suggest you read.

• Routes: Semporna – Tawau
• Travel Distance: 120 KM
• Accommodation: Hotel in Tawau

Bukit Tengkorak (Skull Hill in Semporna)

A great place for a quick hike/walk to the peak of the hill. It only takes 15 minutes or so to reach the top. The views from the peak are nice. If you are into photography, this place is a must-go.

Tanjung Parapat (Semporna)

Another hidden gem in Semporna, is Tanjung Parapat Water village which is recommended for you to visit.

Bohey Dulang Island

The 700M hike to Bohey Dulang viewpoint is treacherous but once you reach atop, the view is breathtaking. The contrasting colours of the water are spell bounding.

• Routes: Tawau – Kalabakan – Nabawan – Keningau
• Travel Distance: 343 KM
• Accommodation: Hotel in Keningau Town

Tawau Hills Park (Optional)

This park has the tallest tree in Sabah; beautiful waterfalls, hot springs and the water crystal-clear river for rafting.

Maliau Basin Conservation Area (Optional)

If you’re into hiking, you can visit this place. I have not been into the deep inside the forest (Only at the main area).

• Routes: Keningau – Tenom – Sipitang
• Travel Distance: 125 KM
• Map: Google Map
• Accommodation: Hotel in Sipitang Town

Tenom Railway Station

Take a look at classic train of Borneo which you can also enjoy the ride from Tenom to Beaufort (or vice versa) and see beautiful scenery along the way.

Tenom Coffee Valley

Tenom Coffee Valley is a cafe which is located next to the Tenom Train station.. This building houses a restaurant offering western and fusion food while serving a selection of fine coffee famously acquainted with the small town of Tenom.

Sipitang Esplande

Enjoy the beautiful sunset at Sipitang and walk around the beautiful and clean park.

Long Pa Sia (Optional)

Long Pasia is a small Lundayeh village, a dwelling lush with an array of plants. Read more here .

Rundum Highlands (optional)

Escape from the heat at stay at Rundum Highlands which has camp area and also traditional dance performed by the locals.

• Routes: Sipitang – Beaufort – Kuala Penyu – Kimanis – Keningau – Tambunan
• Travel Distance: 264 KM
• Accommodation: Hotel in Tambunan Town

From Kimanis – Keningau, you will be driving/riding along the  steepest road in Malaysia ranging from 10% to about 25% steep gradients along the  Crocker Range  National Park followed by the  longest straight road in Malaysia , Jalan Apin-Apin Keningau towards Tambunan which is about 20KM long.

Kuala Penyu Beach

Sinurambi Tambunan (Tambunan Viewing Point)

Enjoy 360 degree view of Tambunan from this tower and the entrance is free. The road towards Sinurambi Tower was fun to ride as it was almost all dry off-road condition but I wouldn’t recommend you to ride there on a rainy day as it can be a real pain in the *ss

• Routes: Tambunan – Penampang – Kota Kinabalu
• Travel Distance: 101 KM
• Accommodation: Hotel in Kota Kinabalu

Mahua Waterfall (Tambunan)

The trail to this waterfall is excellent and it will take you only about 5 minutes to reach. It’s a must-visit if you’re in Tambunan.

Rafflesia Information Centre (Tambunan)

If you’re lucky enough, you will be able to see the biggest flower in the world called Rafflesia. The entrance price here is quite steep, RM 50 for Malaysian.

Gunung Alab (Rest Area)

From Tambunan, you can have a break here at Alab mountain which is usually cold before heading back to Kota Kinabalu.

Renting a Car/Motorcycle

If you’re on a budget or prefer to ride/drive on your own, I would suggest that you rent a motorcycle/car from a reliable company which I have used their services in the past. More details can be found at the link below:

BEST Motorcycle & Car Rental In Kota Kinabalu

For navigation, you can use Google Maps or Waze.

Shipping Car/Motorcycle To Sabah

If you’re from Peninsular Malaysia, you can ship your vehicle via RoRo to Sabah or Sarawak. More information about this can be found  here .

How Many Days Do I Need To Complete Sabah Trip?

Honestly, the longer the better! If you don’t have any idea, I would suggest that you do it for 14 days because in some places you may want to spend more time and you can also visit the attractions in KK as mentioned at the top of this article.

Best Time Travel To Sabah?

The best time to travel to Sabah depends on your personal preferences and the activities you plan to do. Sabah has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures and high humidity year-round. However, there are two distinct seasons: the dry season and the wet season.

The dry season runs from April to October and is generally the best time to visit Sabah. During this time, the weather is generally dry and sunny, with less rainfall and more opportunities for outdoor activities. Temperatures can still be quite hot and humid, but the weather is generally more predictable and suitable for travel.

The wet season runs from November to March and is characterized by heavy rain showers and higher humidity. While the weather can be unpredictable during this time, it’s still possible to travel to Sabah and enjoy the region’s indoor attractions such as museums, galleries, and cultural events.

Overall, the best time to travel to Sabah depends on your preferences and interests. If you’re planning to do outdoor activities such as hiking, diving, or exploring the rainforest, then the dry season is generally a better time to visit. However, if you’re more interested in indoor attractions and cultural events, then the wet season can still be a good time to visit.

That’s it! I hope you’ll like the suggestions I’ve made and I am sure you’ll enjoy your road trip to Sabah. If you need any information, please let me know via the comment box below.

Have you been to Sabah? Which place you liked the most?

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• Places Of Interest
• Trips Report

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Sabah Itinerary 7 Days – Top Things To Do In Sabah Borneo

Introduction

Welcome to Sabah, Borneo – a paradise that offers a perfect blend of breathtaking natural beauty, vibrant culture, and thrilling adventures. With its diverse ecosystems, captivating wildlife, and rich cultural heritage, Sabah has become a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

Sabah is located in the Malaysian Borneo region, known for its pristine rainforests, stunning coral reefs, and towering mountains. From the bustling city of Kota Kinabalu to the remote jungles and remote islands, Sabah offers an array of exciting experiences that will leave you in awe.

Whether you are a nature lover, an avid adventurer, or someone looking to immerse yourself in a different culture, Sabah has something for everyone. This 7-day itinerary will take you through some of the top things to do in Sabah, ensuring you make the most of your trip to this enchanting part of the world.

Get ready for an unforgettable journey as we explore the highlights of Sabah, from climbing Mount Kinabalu to encountering amazing wildlife in the Kinabatangan River. We’ll also discover the cultural heritage in Sandakan, dive into the underwater wonderland of Sipadan Island, trek through the Danum Valley Conservation Area, and relax at the beautiful Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.

Are you ready? Let’s dive into this 7-day adventure and discover the wonders of Sabah, Borneo!

Day 1: Exploring Kota Kinabalu

Welcome to Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of Sabah! Start your adventure by exploring this vibrant city and immersing yourself in its cultural and historical charm.

Begin your day by visiting the stunning Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, also known as the “Floating Mosque.” This architectural marvel sits on a man-made lagoon and offers breathtaking views of the city skyline. Take a moment to admire the intricate design and peaceful ambiance of this religious landmark.

Afterward, head to the Signal Hill Observatory Platform for a panoramic view of Kota Kinabalu. Located on top of the Signal Hill, this platform offers sweeping vistas of the city, nearby islands, and the South China Sea. It’s the perfect spot to capture some memorable photos.

No visit to Kota Kinabalu is complete without exploring the vibrant local markets. Visit the Filipino Market, where you’ll find an array of traditional handicrafts, souvenirs, and fresh seafood. Experience the bustling atmosphere and interact with friendly local vendors as you search for unique treasures.

For a taste of the local cuisine, make your way to the vibrant Gaya Street Sunday Market. Here, you’ll find an abundance of local delicacies, fresh produce, and unique crafts. Treat yourself to some mouthwatering street food like grilled satay, noodle soups, and colorful desserts.

In the evening, stroll along the beautiful waterfront promenade known as the KK Esplanade. Enjoy the views of the sunset over the sea and take in the lively atmosphere. You’ll find a variety of street performers, food stalls, and local vendors selling handmade crafts.

End your day by indulging in a delicious seafood dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants. Feast on fresh fish, lobster, prawns, and other delectable seafood dishes while enjoying the sea breeze and captivating views of the city lights.

After a day of exploration, return to your accommodation and rest up for the exciting adventures that await you in the coming days.

Stay tuned for Day 2 of our Sabah itinerary – climbing Mount Kinabalu!

Day 2: Climbing Mount Kinabalu

Get ready for a challenging and exhilarating adventure as we embark on an unforgettable journey to climb Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Borneo and one of the most iconic natural landmarks in Sabah.

Start your day early as you make your way to Kinabalu Park, the gateway to Mount Kinabalu. Upon arrival, register at the park headquarters, and meet your experienced guide who will accompany you throughout the climb.

The ascent to the summit of Mount Kinabalu is divided into two days, with an overnight stay at the Laban Rata resthouse. Lace up your hiking boots and begin the trek along the well-maintained trail, surrounded by lush rainforest and stunning mountain landscapes.

As you ascend, take breaks to appreciate the diversity of flora and fauna unique to this high-altitude environment. Your guide will provide insights about the fascinating plant and animal species that call this mountain home.

Arriving at the Laban Rata resthouse, take some time to rest and recharge for the final push to the summit the next day. Enjoy a delicious dinner and soak in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

On day two, wake up before dawn and prepare for the highlight of the journey – reaching the summit of Mount Kinabalu. Trek through the darkness, guided by your headlamp, as you make your way up to the summit plateau.

As the sun begins to rise, witness a truly awe-inspiring sight – the breathtaking views from the summit of Mount Kinabalu. With the golden hues of dawn casting a magical glow on the rugged landscapes, take a moment to savor this incredible experience and capture the beauty with your camera.

After spending some time at the summit, begin the descent back to Laban Rata for a well-deserved breakfast. From there, continue your journey back down to the park headquarters where you’ll receive a certificate of achievement for conquering Mount Kinabalu.

End the day with a visit to the Poring Hot Springs, located within Kinabalu Park. Soak in the healing waters and relax your muscles after the strenuous climb. The hot springs also offer a chance to explore the nearby canopy walkway and discover the rich biodiversity of the rainforest.

Reflect on the incredible feat you’ve accomplished as you retire for the night, cherishing the memories of conquering the mighty Mount Kinabalu.

Stay tuned for Day 3 of our Sabah itinerary – a thrilling wildlife safari in the Kinabatangan River!

Day 3: Wildlife Safari in Kinabatangan River

Prepare to embark on an exciting wildlife safari as we explore the Kinabatangan River, home to an incredible array of biodiversity and a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

After breakfast, make your way to the village of Sukau, located along the Kinabatangan River. This is where your wildlife adventure begins. Hop on a riverboat and cruise along the calm waters, immersing yourself in the stunning natural surroundings.

The Kinabatangan River is renowned for its rich ecosystem and diverse wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled as you glide through the lush mangroves and dense rainforest, as there’s a high chance of spotting a variety of animals in their natural habitat.

One of the most iconic and sought-after sightings in the Kinabatangan River is the proboscis monkey. With its unique appearance featuring a long nose and distinct potbelly, this endemic primate is a true symbol of Borneo’s wildlife. Observe these fascinating creatures as they swing from tree to tree, displaying their acrobatic skills.

As the boat navigates further along the river, be on the lookout for other inhabitants, including orangutans, macaques, hornbills, crocodiles, and a plethora of bird species. Your experienced guide will share their knowledge and expertise, providing insights into the behavior and conservation efforts of these remarkable creatures.

As the sun begins to set, witness the breathtaking sight of fireflies illuminating the riverside vegetation. The synchronized twinkling of these magical insects creates a mesmerizing spectacle – a perfect ending to a day of wildlife exploration.

After a full day of adventure, return to your riverside accommodation and relax, surrounded by the sounds of nature. Reflect on the incredible encounters you’ve had and marvel at the wonders of the Kinabatangan River.

Stay tuned for Day 4 of our Sabah itinerary – discovering the cultural heritage in Sandakan!

Day 4: Discovering the Cultural Heritage in Sandakan

On day four of your Sabah adventure, we will take you to Sandakan, a city rich in history and cultural heritage. Explore the fascinating landmarks and immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture.

Begin your day by visiting the Sandakan Memorial Park, a place of remembrance for the prisoners of war who perished during World War II. Gain insight into the tragic history of the Sandakan Death Marches and pay tribute to the brave souls who endured enormous hardship.

Next, head to the famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, located just outside Sandakan. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to witness these incredible primates up close. Watch as they swing from trees, interact with each other, and enjoy their natural surroundings. This conservation center plays a crucial role in rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned and injured orangutans, ultimately preparing them for their eventual return to the wild.

After spending time with the orangutans, continue your journey to the Rainforest Discovery Centre. Explore the canopy walkways, which provide breathtaking views of the surrounding rainforest and its diverse wildlife. Learn about the importance of conservation efforts and the unique ecosystems that thrive in this region.

No visit to Sandakan would be complete without experiencing the bustling and vibrant markets. Visit the Central Market, where you’ll find an array of fresh produce, local handicrafts, and traditional food. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and aromas of this bustling market, and interact with friendly locals as you explore.

To delve deeper into the city’s history, visit the historical landmarks such as St. Michael’s and All Angels Church, Agnes Keith House, and Sandakan Heritage Museum. These sites provide a glimpse into the colonial past and the significant influence of different cultures on the development of Sandakan.

End your day by indulging in a delicious seafood feast at one of the waterfront restaurants. Sample fresh fish, prawns, clams, and other local delicacies while enjoying the picturesque views of Sandakan Bay.

As you reflect on the cultural heritage and historical significance of Sandakan, you’ll realize that this city offers a unique blend of wildlife, history, and diverse traditions that make it a remarkable destination in Sabah.

Stay tuned for Day 5 of our Sabah itinerary – diving and snorkeling in Sipadan Island!

Day 5: Diving and Snorkeling in Sipadan Island

Get ready for an unforgettable day of underwater exploration as we venture to one of the most renowned dive sites in the world – Sipadan Island. Known for its breathtaking coral reefs and abundant marine life, this island offers an unparalleled diving and snorkeling experience.

Start your day by taking a boat ride to Sipadan Island, which is located off the coast of Sabah. As you approach the island, be prepared to be mesmerized by its crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine white sandy beaches.

Upon arrival, gear up for an incredible dive or snorkel adventure. Sipadan Island boasts a diverse range of marine species, including sea turtles, barracudas, reef sharks, and colorful coral gardens. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a beginner snorkeler, there are options and guides available for all skill levels.

Explore Barracuda Point, known for its swirling tornado-like schools of barracuda, or venture to Turtle Cavern, an awe-inspiring underwater cave system that is home to green and hawksbill turtles.

For those who prefer snorkeling, the shallow reefs around the island offer an abundance of vibrant coral formations and marine life. Immerse yourself in the underwater world, marveling at the kaleidoscope of colors and the tranquility of the ocean.

Between dives or snorkeling sessions, you can relax on the palm-fringed beaches of Sipadan and soak in the sun. Take a stroll along the shoreline and enjoy the serenity of the island, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.

As the day comes to an end, you’ll board the boat to return to the mainland, cherishing the memories of your time exploring the magical underwater world of Sipadan Island.

Stay tuned for Day 6 of our Sabah itinerary – trekking through the Danum Valley Conservation Area!

Day 6: Trekking through the Danum Valley Conservation Area

On day six of your Sabah adventure, prepare to immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of the Danum Valley Conservation Area. This pristine rainforest is teeming with diverse flora and fauna, offering an incredible opportunity to explore one of the world’s oldest and most complex ecosystems.

Begin your day by traveling to the Danum Valley Conservation Area, which is located in the eastern part of Sabah. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the lush greenery and the symphony of sounds from the rainforest.

Embark on a guided trek through the dense forest, accompanied by experienced naturalists who will share their knowledge about the incredible biodiversity of the area. Learn about the various plant and animal species that call this rainforest home, including majestic orangutans, pygmy elephants, and the elusive clouded leopard.

As you trek deeper into the forest, keep your eyes peeled for exotic bird species, such as the vibrant Bornean Bristlehead and the rare Bornean ground cuckoo. Your guide will point out these incredible creatures and provide interesting insights into their behavior and habitat.

Discover pristine waterfalls, cascading streams, and hidden pools as you navigate through the forest. Take a refreshing dip in the cool waters, surrounded by the untouched natural beauty of the Danum Valley.

In the evening, go on a guided night walk to witness the nocturnal creatures that come to life in the rainforest. Spot luminous fungi, glowing fireflies, and other fascinating creatures that thrive in the dark. This unique experience will give you a whole new perspective on the rainforest ecosystem.

After a day of trekking and exploration, retire to your comfortable lodge nestled in the heart of the rainforest. Reflect on the wonders you have witnessed and immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance before drifting off to sleep.

Stay tuned for Day 7 of our Sabah itinerary – relaxing at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park!

Day 7: Relaxing at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

On the final day of your Sabah adventure, it’s time to unwind and enjoy the stunning beauty of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Comprising a group of five islands just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, this marine park offers pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life.

Take a short boat ride from Kota Kinabalu to the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, where you’ll be greeted by white sandy beaches and vibrant coral reefs. Settle in for a day of relaxation, swimming, and snorkeling in the warm tropical waters.

Start your day by exploring one of the islands, such as Manukan Island, which is known for its clear waters and beautiful coral formations. Grab your snorkeling gear and discover the underwater wonders, swimming alongside colorful fish, turtles, and maybe even spot a reef shark or two.

If you prefer a more leisurely activity, simply relax on the beach, sunbathe, or take a stroll along the shore. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and the emerald waters of the South China Sea.

For those seeking more adventure, choose from an array of water activities available on the island, such as kayaking, parasailing, or hiring a banana boat. These activities offer a thrilling way to explore the marine park and create unforgettable memories.

Indulge in a delicious beachside picnic lunch, feasting on local delicacies and tropical fruits as you soak up the beauty of your surroundings. Take your time to savor the flavors and enjoy the serenity of the island.

In the afternoon, continue your exploration of the marine park by visiting different islands like Sapi Island or Mamutik Island. Each island has its own unique charm, and you can choose to snorkel, swim, or simply relax on the beaches.

As the day draws to a close, bid farewell to the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and head back to Kota Kinabalu. Take time to reflect on the incredible experiences and memories you’ve made during your seven-day adventure in Sabah, Borneo.

Whether it was climbing Mount Kinabalu, encountering wildlife in the Kinabatangan River, exploring cultural heritage in Sandakan, diving in Sipadan Island, trekking through the Danum Valley, or relaxing at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Sabah has shown you the magic and wonders of its diverse landscapes and vibrant culture.

As you depart, carry with you the memories of this incredible journey, knowing that Sabah will always hold a special place in your heart.

Congratulations, you’ve reached the end of your incredible seven-day adventure in Sabah, Borneo! Throughout this journey, you’ve experienced the best that Sabah has to offer – from exploring picturesque Kota Kinabalu to climbing the iconic Mount Kinabalu, encountering wildlife in the Kinabatangan River, discovering the cultural heritage of Sandakan, diving in the stunning Sipadan Island, trekking through the pristine Danum Valley Conservation Area, and relaxing at the beautiful Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.

Sabah has truly captivated you with its diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. From the moment you arrived, you were immersed in the natural beauty that this region has preserved, allowing you to witness firsthand the wonders of its rainforests, mountains, rivers, islands, and marine ecosystems.

Not only did you have thrilling adventures and encounters with mesmerizing wildlife, but you also had the opportunity to delve into the local culture, savor delicious cuisine, and forge connections with the friendly people of Sabah.

Reflecting on your journey, you’ll carry with you the memories of standing at the summit of Mount Kinabalu, encountering orangutans in their natural habitat, cruising along the Kinabatangan River, exploring the historical sites of Sandakan, marveling at the underwater world of Sipadan Island, trekking through the ancient rainforest of Danum Valley, and enjoying the beauty of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.

Sabah has shown you the delicate balance between conservation efforts and sustainable tourism, a testament to the commitment of the local communities in protecting their natural heritage. By experiencing this remarkable destination, you’ve become an advocate for wildlife conservation and responsible travel.

As you leave Sabah, remember the beauty and magic that you’ve witnessed and the experiences that have touched your heart. Carry the spirit of Sabah with you, and continue to share your stories and adventures with others, inspiring them to explore and preserve the wonders of this incredible part of the world.

Until we meet again in Sabah, Borneo – Selamat Tinggal!

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SABAH ITINERARY 7 DAYS – THINGS TO DO IN SABAH BORNEO

Here are some highlights from the Sabah itinerary for 7 days to give you a sense of what to anticipate.

Hike in the foothills (or summit) of South East Asia’s tallest mountain

See the endangered Bornean Orangutans and Sun Bears at the incredible Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre

Spot proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants on one of the world’s most biodiverse jungle river systems

Go island-hopping off the coast of Semporna

Dive in one of the world’s best dive sites

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Classic Sabah in two weeks

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From towering mountains to tangled jungles and deep seas, Sabah is chock-a-block with natural wonders. To get a good overview of the popular highlights, allow at least two weeks to complete the classic tourist trail.

Introduction

Expect to feel a little like a package tourist rather than an independent traveller, as many activities are sold as an all-inclusive deal with transport, bed and meals, but if you want to see that mountain/jungle/island, it’s sometimes the only way. For a more in-depth trip, see our four-week Sabah loop itinerary , which gives you ample time to explore.

Sabah has an official wet season from October to February, but it can rain anytime. And it does. It’s hot and humid most of the time (with the exception of the Mount Kinabalu region) and temperatures are around the high 20s to low 30s (Celsius), but the humidity is high at around 80 percent. The driest months of July and August are popular and at this time you may need to book in advance. Sabah is a growing destination for Chinese tourists and during Chinese holidays you’ll have trouble finding a room, particularly around Semporna.

In Semporna, the Regatta Leppa happens around April, and in May, all over Sabah, the indigenous Kadazan-Dusun celebrate the harvest festival Pesta Kaamatan. In October Kota Belud’s Tamu Besar is one of Sabah’s biggest events.

Climbing Mount Kinabalu

If you plan on climbing Mount Kinabalu, you will need to book well in advance of your trip to Sabah, and if you have a particular interest in visiting Turtle Island, advanced bookings are also recommended, though sometimes last-minute bookings are possible if you’re flexible.

Day 1 — Kota Kinabalu A couple of days in Kota Kinabalu will give you time to have a bit of an explore. We suggest you jump on a boat and head out to the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park for some snorkelling, diving, trekking, zip-lining or just lazing on the beaches. At sundown Kota Kinabalu puts on a fabulous show—pick one of the city’s best sunset viewing spots . Be sure to indulge in the culinary feast of Kota Kinabalu’s night market .

Day 2 — Kota Kinabalu On your second day, you could master Sabahan cuisine at A Taste of Borneo cooking class . If you’re more of a trainspotter, the North Borneo Railway runs steam train trips on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Seek out bit of local colour at the markets or Mari Mari Cultural Village . For a peaceful break, head to the Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu , the “floating” mosque or Sabah Museum. If you don’t plan to visit the Kinabatangan, go proboscis monkey spotting on a river cruise.

Day 3 — Kinabalu Park Jump on a bus to Kinabalu Park , the home of Malaysia’s tallest peak, Mount Kinabalu, along with some fascinating endemic pitcher plants and orchids, and all round stunning scenery. If you plan on climbing the mountain, you’ll need to book well in advance—it’s a fantastic experience, but not an expedition to be taken lightly.

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Reviewed by Sally Arnold

Sally spent twelve years leading tourists around Indonesia and Malaysia where she collected a lot of stuff. She once carried a 40kg rug overland across Java. Her house has been described as a cross between a museum and a library. Fuelled by coffee, she can often be found riding her bike or petting stray cats. Sally believes travel is the key to world peace.

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The best 9D8N east Sabah itinerary- endangered wildlife & unique food

Posted on Last updated: November 12, 2022

Categories Sabah , Visit Malaysia

Welcome to the Land Below the Wind, Sabah! This Sabah itinerary is written based on our nine-day trip to the east coast of Sabah, visiting Sandakan, Lower Kinabatangan River, and Tabin.

This is where Orangutans swing branch to branch, where the Sulu Sea and the South China Sea meet, pygmy elephants roam in herds, and where a land of myriad people celebrate their cultural heritage.

During our trip, we saw more animals and birds than we wanted – pygmy elephant, proboscis monkey, sun bear, and orangutan. We also tried the unique Sandakan food and had the freshest seafood.

You will feel disappointed by not including east Sabah in the itinerary if you are from another country.

If you are from West Malaysia and Sarawak, this is the place you should put as your priority for your next adventure.

The ultimate Sabah itinerary to the East Coast of Sabah – Sandakan, Sepilok, Lower Kinabatangan, and Tabin

Below is the 9-day itinerary based on our trip, which will be helpful to you in planning your next trip to Sabah.

I have written a few specific articles on places that I visited. A full-length video also accompanies each article on Youtube. You can refer to this article for more in-depth details about these places.

I invite you to join us on this unforgettable adventure. Let us begin right now!

Our 9D8N east Sabah Itinerary

Day 1 1. Arrived at Sandakan Airport 2. Hunt for various unique food in Sandakan 3. Sandakan City Tour and the Sandakan Heritage Trail 4. Visit the Sandakan Memorial Park 5. Visit Sandakan Central Market 6. Check in to Sepilok Jungle Resort Day 2 1. Continue our food tour 2. Visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre 3. Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary 4. Continue trying the unique Sandakan food Day 3 1. Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) 2. Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre 3. Check in to Bilit Adventure Lodge 4. Join the late afternoon river cruise safari 5. Night safari Day 4 1. Wake up early to join the early river cruise at 6.00 am 2. Depart for a guided jungle walk to experience the riverine forest 3. Join another late afternoon river cruise safari Day 5 1. Wake up early to join the early river cruise at 6.00 am 2. Guided boardwalk at Bilit Adventure Lodge. 3. Learn how to make batik. 4. Learn how to plant a tree. 5. Join another late afternoon river cruise to look for more wildlife. Day 6 1. After breakfast, depart from Bilit to Tabin 2. Jungle trekking to Lipad Mud Volcano Day 7 1. Walk around the resort to spot birds and animals 2. Trekking through the lush green forest to visit Lipad Waterfall 3. Visit the Tabin giant tree 4. Join an extended dusk drive/night safari for more nocturnal wildlife and birds Day 8 1. Visit the Tabin Visitor Center 2. Depart Tabin and back to Sandakan 3. Dinner and check into Hotel Sabah Day 9 1. Breakfast at Sim Sim Water Village 2. Transfer to Sandakan Airport, and goodbye

Click here to download the Sabah itinerary ( PDF file) or read it here ( Flipbook ).

Detail of the East Sabah itinerary

Below is the detailed east Sabah itinerary of our trip. I have also included the link to the respective blog post for more detail.

Day 1 – Sandakan food and city tour

We woke up early at 3:00 am, partly because we were so excited and partly because we had to catch the flight to Sandakan. The excitement of starting the trip kept us awake and fresh.

1. Arrived at Sandakan Airport

Upon arrival at Sandakan, our guide, Johnny, from Sepilok Tropical Wildlife Adventure, brought us on a food tour in Sandakan.

2. Hunt for various unique food in Sandakan

If you are a gastronome, get a local to show you where you can find the amazing food only available in Sandakan. Our guide Johnny promised to let us try the most unique and tasty food in Sandakan.

Our first stop is to try the seafood Bak Kut Teh at Nam Chai Restaurant. The seafood Bak Kut Teh is perhaps Sandakan’s most exceptional local cuisine.

After lunch, we had the famous UFO Tarts at Kedai Roti Gold Crown and the coconut pudding at Kedai Makan Ngee Lee. Both shops are located next to each other.

Dinner was prawn noodles at Empire Seafood Restaurant

We also had a round of avocado shaved ice at Crowd 99 Café opposite Empire.

Trying all the food in a day was impossible, so we left the rest the next morning, and the day we returned from Tabin.

Click here to read the blog post: Sandakan food guide: Ten best restaurants in Sandakan (with unique food) .

Between our food adventures, we also visited some of the most iconic places in Sandakan.

3. Sandakan Heritage Trail

Sandakan was the former capital of North Borneo. Unfortunately, it was almost destroyed during the Second World War. 

The Heritage Trail connects several historical sites and relics of this formal capital, where we can learn more about the history of this town.

We started the Heritage Walk (Jejak Warisan Sandakan) from the entrance, a colorful staircase. There’s also an official heritage trail map to show you all the ten exciting sites. These sites are all within walking distance, and you can complete the trail within two hours.

The Sandakan heritage trail is an hour-long walk that takes you back 100 years history of Sandakan.

The trail begins at the town’s oldest mosque, Masjid Jamek; go through Pryer Monument, 100 steps, explore Agnes Keith’s house, the oldest temple that managed to survive the bombing of World War Two, that is good Yum temple, St Michaels and All Angels Church and Sam Sing Kung Chinese temple.

Click here to read the in-depth blog post on Sandakan Heritage Trail.

4. Sandakan Central Market

After visiting the Heritage Trail, we strolled in Sandakan Central Market, looking through hundreds of stores selling fish, vegetables, fruits, local foods, and snacks. Here is where you can learn what Sabah people eat and buy. That is the place for the locals to purchase their daily groceries. 

5. Sandakan Memorial Park

Lastly, we visited the Sandakan Memorial Park adjoining the original Sandakan Prisoner of War campsite.

The park commemorates the death between January and August 1945 of approximately 2400 Australian and British prisoners of war held by the Japanese in the Sandakan prisoner of war camp.

During world war two, the Japanese decided to move the prisoners of war 260 km west to a small settlement called Ranau.

On three forced marches between January and June, approximately 500 prisoners died. The remainder died at the Ranau and Sandakan camps.

6. Check in to Sepilok Jungle Resort

Today is by far the most tiring day of the trip. The resort is located near the places that we want to visit tomorrow.

Sepilok Jungle Resort offers a different experience, although there are four to five-star hotels in Sandakan. Instead, staying in here is like escaping into the paradise of nature.

The landscape garden is breathtaking. Several bridges join the rooms, and the resort’s restaurant, Banana Cafe, with certain sections crossing over a man-made lake. 

There is also an outdoor pool if you like to swim and relax.

The food served is selective but delicious. It ranges from English breakfast to local dishes. Lunch was ala carte style, and breakfast was a buffet.

Click here to read our review of Sepilok Jungle Resort.

Day 2 – Proboscis Monkey, Rainforest discovery center

1. continue our food tour.

We had our breakfast at Kedai Makan Kong Teck, famous for its fishball and serving the best fish noodles in Sandakan.

Then stop by Ju Xiang 聚香 Sandakan to get some tasty jerky to bring home.

2. Visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre

After breakfast, we visited the rainforest discovery center in Sepilok, just 5 minutes from our resort.

This center is created for public awareness and appreciation of the importance of conserving the forest and sustainable use of forest resources.

The 347-meter-long canopy walkway provides a spectacular view of the lush rainforest of Sepilok from 25 meters above the ground.

The weather was not very good, and we hardly spotted any birds or animals. However, the disappointment was made up by an unexpected encounter. An orangutan nearly chased us, and we had to climb up to the observation tower as quickly as possible.

We were not sure why but that orangutan was in an angry mood, and he tore down the poster along the way.

And an English woman was also trapped by a long-tailed macaque on another observation tower. The long-tailed macaque was about 2 feet tall, blocking the way from coming down.

Never mind not seeing many animals because we have a different experience that we will never expect.

3. Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary

Next, we head to Labuk Bay proboscis monkey sanctuary to catch the 11:00 am feeding session.

This sanctuary is home to about 150 free-ranging proboscis monkeys.

Found only in the coastal forest of Borneo, these monkeys are listed as endangered or on the Red List of threatened species and are also a protected species in Sabah.

The sanctuary offers the opportunity to view Borneo’s indigenous proboscis monkeys, which come in twice a day from the surrounding swamps for feeding near a comfortable viewpoint.

Read our article on Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary here.

4. Continue trying the unique Sandakan food.

We head back to Sandakan to have dinner and have the freshest seafood at Sim Sim Seafood Restaurant, store H90.

The food was excellent. You should come here and have the freshest seafood in Sandakan.

Sim Sim is a seafood paradise with rows of seafood restaurants, but I prefer H90 because the master chef of this Chinese restaurant is always the one who cooks for you. 

Day 3 – Sepilok-Lower Kinabatangan

We visited the Sepilok Orangutan Center and the Sun Bear Conservation Center on the third day. Both are located at Sepilok, within 5 minutes of driving distance from our resort.

1. Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC)

Sun bears (honey bears) are the smallest in the world. Honey, fruits, and termite are your favorite food.

Sun bear survival is threatened by habitat loss, illegal hunting, and killing by the capture of the illegal pet trade.

The BSBCC was established as a non-profit organization in Sabah by the sun bear researcher Dr. Wong Siew Te. 

We were honored to meet Wong during our visit to the center.

2. Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

The best way to watch orangutans closely is during the feeding session at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.

According to our guide Robert, sometimes the orangutans may not show up because they might have already gotten enough food in the jungle.

We are fortunate today because we saw 8-10 orangutans during the feeding session. 

3. Check in to Bilit Adventure Lodge

The Lower Kinabatangan River is our next destination.

After lunch, we took a two-hour drive to Lower Kinabatangan. After that, we will stay at Bilit Adventure Lodge at Kampung Bilit for three days, looking for wildlife and birds.

Day 3- 5 Lower Kinabatangan River

We stayed at the Lower Kinabatangan River for two nights and joined a few cruises. 

We had morning and evening cruises because animals were active at different times of the day. So I have grouped all that we have seen on various cruises together.

You may stay only one night at the Lower Kinabatangan River if you are short of time. We chose to stay for two nights because we wanted to join more cruises, looking for more wildlife.

1. Kinabatangan river cruise

We were lucky to sight a herd of Bornean pygmy elephants at the riverbank in the evening. It was pure luck to spot the elephants. The elephants roamed into the inner land the following day, and visitors could only see one elephant the next day!

Proboscis monkeys are the largest monkey species in Asia. The male is generally about 70 centimeters tall, and his weight can go up to 20 kilos. They have large and long noses for males. Female noses are not as large as the males but larger than most monkeys. In addition, both females have bulging stomachs that look like potbellies.

We saw a few saltwater crocodiles during our cruise, but it was pretty tricky to photograph because they were mostly beneath the water.

We spotted a variety of birds during our cruise.

2. Night Safari

Besides the Kinabatangan River tour, we went for a night walk in the jungle, searching for more wildlife.

Walking in the jungle at night was a different kind of experience because it was pitch dark.

Our guide helped us spot insects, nocturnal animals, and birds while meandering through the muddy bushes. 

3. Trekking through a swampy area

We had another guided nature jungle walk to experience the riverine forest the following day.

Our guide brought us to a different area without any clear trail at certain parts. 

This area is swampy, and the boots given to us came in handy. Few animal animals were found, but walking through the swampy area was quite an experience.

Read our article about the Lower Kinabatangan River here.

4. Activities by Bilit Adventure Lodge

Bilit Adventure lodge provides other activities besides the cruises.

• Our guide brought us on a boardwalk in one of the mornings, identifying some small animals and explaining to us the species of some plants.
• We had some free time on the 3rd day, and the staff of Bilit Adventure Lodge taught us how to make the traditional batik.
• We also participated in the tree-planting activity in the garden.

Read our review article on Bilit Adventure Lodge here.

Day 6 Lower Kinabatangan to Tabin

1. depart from lower kinabatangan to tabin.

We depart from Lower Kinabatangan to Tabin Wildlife Reserve on day six. It was a long journey which took more than four hours.

Tabin Wildlife Resort is located within the reserve, making it highly accessible to jungle trails, waterfalls, and mud volcanoes.

We arrived at Tabin Wildlife Resort at 1.30 pm and had lunch at Sunbird Café.

2. Jungle trekking to Lipad Mud Volcano

The first destination after lunch was the Lipad Mud Volcano. Our guide suggested putting on our leech socks and boots to avoid leech bites.

Our four-wheel drive passed through the narrow and muddy road throughout the twenty minutes ride. Finally, we arrived at the trailhead of the trek leading to Lipad Mud Volcano.

We were lucky to spot a mouse deer.

We walked for about 20 minutes to reach the mud volcano.

The mud volcano acts as a salt lick and is visited frequently by birds and animals. It is an essential source of minerals for the health of wildlife.

We climb up to the top of the observation tower to have a panoramic view of the mud volcano.

Since the mud was newly formed and still soft, our guide said it was unsafe to step inside the mud volcano. So we chose to apply the mud on our face, which we believed to be good for the complexion!

After dinner at Sunbird Cafe, we were supposed to go for a night jungle walk. However, due to heavy rain, we had to cancel this program. However, our guide said he would arrange an extended dusk drive cum night safari for us tomorrow to make back what we missed today.

Day 7 Tabin

Walk around the resort to spot birds and animals

The following day, we walked along the Reserve’s to spot wildlife and birds searching for food. 

We spotted a Crested Serpent Eagle and some butterflies dancing in front of our chalet.

2. Lipad waterfall

It took us twenty minutes to trek through the humid trails and trod across the river to reach the waterfall.

We threw ourselves under the pool of the waterfall. There were damselflies surrounding us, and they finally landed on our fingers. It seemed that they knew we were harmless visitors.

3. Visit the Tabin giant tree

We also stopped by the Tabin Giant Tree, known as Tualang or Mengaris.

The tree trunk is so huge that it is bigger than four, all of us with our arms extended.

4. Dusk drive/night safari

Our dusk drive continued into the night safari, searching for more nocturnal wildlife. 

We were fortunate to witness the flying squirrel in action at dust.

Our guide spotted various birds and nocturnal animals with his huge spotlight.

We found a civet cat, owls, and a monitor lizard.

Day 8 Tabin -Sandakan 

On day 8, we visited the Tabin Visitor Centre before heading back to Sandakan.

1. Visit the Tabin Visitor Center

Tabin Visitor Center is just a ten-minute walk from Tabin Wildlife Resort. 

A replica of the Sumatran rhinoceros is displayed, which is now extinct in Malaysia. 

Besides that, many posters detail different species of wildlife and interesting places at Tabin Wildlife Reserve. It also acts as a center to provide rainforest education to any interested parties.

2. Departed from Tabin and returned to Sandakan.

We drove back to Sandakan after lunch, which took us another 4 hours on the bumpy road.

It was already 6:00 pm when you reached Sandakan. So we decided to go for dinner at the Sim Sim restaurant we visited on the first day. The food was worth it for us to patronage this restaurant again.

After dinner, we check in at Sabah Hotel for a good night’s sleep.

Day 9 – Last day of our itinerary in Sabah

1. breakfast at sim sim water village.

The following morning, Johnny from Sepilok Tropical Wildlife Adventure picked us up to have the last round of specialty food in Sandakan. 

He brought us to Sim Sim water Village again. This time we went to store H84 to try their specialty Century Egg dumpling and fried pork noodles.

2. Transfer to Sandakan Airport and goodbye.

Finally, we will transfer the sun account airport to take the flight back to Kuala Lumpur.

This wraps up our nine days Sandakan food hunt and wildlife adventure tour in east Sabah.

This east Sabah itinerary is catered made for us by Sepilok Tropical Wildlife Adventure. 

I have also created a summary of our nine-day Sabah itinerary, which you can download from my website. 

And if you want to watch all the videos, I have shot during our trip. Please click this link to the Sabah playlist on my YouTube channel.

Watch our video- the ultimate Sabah itinerary, Borneo. 👇👇

If you have read this blog post this far, don’t miss out on our Sabah itinerary in the form of a video. Click the image below to watch on YouTube (shot in high definition!).

Appendix 1- Restaurant we visited in Sandakan

• Kedai Makan Kong Teck – Famous for its springy fishballs and fish noodles
• Go to Ju Xian, A shop where you can find the best beef jerky in Sandakan.
• Try the century egg dumplings at Sim Sim Water Village store H84.
• And the freshest seafood at Sim Sim Seafood Restaurant Store H90.
• I ordered the UFO tart at Kedai Roti Gold Crown, A specialty that only can be found in Sandakan.
• Enjoy the coconut pudding at Ngee Lee in the scorching afternoon next to Gold Crown.
• Have a round of seafood Bak Kut Teh at Nam Chai restaurant.
• Try the famous avocado shaved ice at Crowd 99 cafe.
• You must try the prawn noodles at Empire Seafood Restaurant.
• And lastly, have a relaxing afternoon at the English tea house and restaurant.

Note : The above is the collective list of all the restaurants and shops we visited during our food tour. We visited these restaurants on days one, two, and the day before we left Saba.

On day one, we visited most of the shops and restaurants on the above list, except a few. We went for another food tour on the day we returned from Tabin before leaving Sabah.

Renuka Devi

Saturday 12th of November 2022

Thank you for sharing your itinerary & contacts. Overall, informative video. Useful.

• Amazing Borneo Tours Itinerary

A Journey Through Sabah 10 Days

Suitable for adventurers, nature & wildlife lovers and families with kids

• Introduction

Journey through Sabah on a trip that includes all things relaxing and exciting in 10 days of tropical goodness! Upgrade your culinary skills by learning how to cook up some ethnic cuisine in the kitchen; take a plunge into the waters of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (TARP); hop onto an adrenaline-pumping white water rafting adventure along the Kiulu River; have yourself the opportunity to soak into Poring's natural Hot Springs; enjoy a premier dining cruise experience along the sultry South China Sea for a spectacular view of the sunset; channel your inner adventurer with a visit into Gomantong Cave; seek out Borneo's must-see wildlife along the longest river in Sabah, the Kinabatangan River; visit our friendly Orang Utan brethren at Sepilok, and top it all off visiting interesting landmarks in Sandakan City.

• 10-Day Itinerary
• Starts in Kota Kinabalu City & ends in Sandakan Town.
• Standard Service Level
• Affordable Tourist-Class accomodation & comfortable transport.
• Grade : Leisure - Suitable for any fitness level. Light walking & hiking.
• Tour Type : Couples, family or big group.
• Average Group : 2 pax or more depending on individual physical fitness.

What's Included

All transport between activities to activities & destinations, Professional Guide throughout the tour, meals according to tour booked & comfortable accomodation, rafting equipment, snorkeling equipment, return boat transfer to island, Gomantong cave visit, morning & evening jungle trekking, Sepilok Orangutan visit & Sandakan Town sight-seeing.

Tour Highlights

• Sepilok Orangutan
• Kinabatangan River Cruise
• Ox-bow Lake
• Gomantong Cave
• Kota Kinabalu & Sandakan City Tour
• Kinabalu Park
• Poring Hot Spring
• Canopy Walk
• Kundasang War Memorial
• Cultural Village
• North Borneo Cruises - Sunset Dinner Cruise
• Kiulu White Water Rafting (Grade 1-2)
• SeaTango - Snorkeling & Island Visit

Arrival in Kota Kinabalu

Welcome to Kota Kinabalu! On arrival at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (advisable to arrive after 1200 hrs), you will be transferred to your tour hotel by our airport shuttle. The timing will be based on your flight arrival time. This afternoon is yours to relax and settle in. Later, meet our representative and fellow passengers for a short briefing about the tour expectations.

KKIA - KK Hotel (Check-in) Van 15 mins 7.8km

Mari Mari Cultural Village + City Tour

Celebrate the cultural diversity of Borneo at Mari-Mari Cultural Village, visit the various traditional house displays, rice-wine drinking, blow-pipe shooting and bamboo fire-starting. cultural show performance by the tribes before proceeding for a delectable traditional meal.

KK Hotel - MMCV Van 40 mins 18.5km

Moving on to the sights and sounds of Kota Kinabalu City through leafy streetscapes, heritage streets and the historical sites of this laid-back coastal town.

MMCV - KK City Tour Van 40 mins 18.5km

KK City Tour - KK Hotel Van 40 mins 3.5km

Fun Boat Snorkeling & Island Visit

After breakfast, pick up from hotel lobby and depart to jetty for a day in the sun! Upon arrival at the jetty, hop on to the boat and you will be whisked off for a 20 minutes ride to the first snorkeling point at the cluster of Islands that make up Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. Commence your Snorkeling boat session, accompanied by our experienced Dive Master. Proceed to the next Snorkeling point, for a chance to spot more exotic sea life in the beautiful Marine park. Spend a designated time snorkeling.

KK Hotel - Marina Office Van 10 mins 3.5km

Marina Office - TARP (1st Session) Boat 20 mins 13km

TARP - TARP (2nd Session) Boat 15 mins 13km

All the fun and relaxation will work up an appetite. Upon completion of the second snorkeling session, transfer to Gaya island for lunch. Thereafter, free and easy to relax on golden shores, bask in the sunshine to earn that suntan or explore the short forest trail on your own. If you haven’t got enough of the life in the deep blue sea, snorkel from the shores to say hello to the colorful parade of fishes that reign the underwater world. For those who love an adrenaline rush, jump on the flying fox and zipline between two islands! In the mid afternoon, pack up and take the boat transfer back to mainland, and drop off back at the hotel.

Marina Office - KK Hotel Van 10 mins 3.5km

White Water Rafting (Kiulu) + Nabalu Market + Kundasang War Memorial

Get set for an adrenaline-pumping day as you go white-water rafting down the Kiulu River. Paddling through the scenic Kiulu river, overcome the various river slopes that will give your holiday the dose of thrill it needs. Thereafter, lunch by the river.

KK Hotel - Kiulu (Starting Point) Van 1 hour 30 mins 48km

Depart for Nabalu Market. At Nabalu Market, the native residents gather to sell local produce such as hand-crafted souvenirs, home-grown vegetables and fruits. Mingle with the locals and don’t forget to capture some good shots of Mount Kinabalu from the viewing platform!

Kiulu (Ending Point) - Nabalu Town Van 1 hour 15 mins 53.4km

Next stop is at the Kundasang War Memorial - a gripping history lesson nothing like the high-school days. This memorial is made up of four beautiful gardens- the Australian Garden, the English Garden, the Borneo Garden and the Contemplation Garden and Pool, to represent the different nationalities involved in the tragic war. Established in 1962, this is one of the first memorials commemorating the brave Australian and British Prisoners of War who died during the infamous death march to Ranau during World War II, as well as a touching tribute to the people of North Borneo who risked their lives to help the Prisoners of War.

Nabalu Town - Kundasang War Memorial Van 35 mins 19.2km

Kundasang War Memorial - Mountain Resort Van 15 mins 3km

Overnight at mountain resort.

Kinabalu Park + Poring Hot Spring & Canopy Walk + Seafood Dinner

The temperature cools on arrival in Kinabalu Park. Enjoy the breeze as you get to know the blossoms of Borneo along the trails of the Botanical Garden. If the day is clear, you may even spot a majestic view of Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain between the New Guinea and Himalaya. Kinabalu Park boasts an estimate of 4,500 species of plants which include 1,500 species of orchids, 77 of which are endemic to Kinabalu. The park also supports a whooping 289 species of birds and 290 different types of butterflies.

Mountain Resort - Kinabalu Park HQ Van 15 mins 6.9km

After lunch, depart for another interesting wonder, the Poring Hot Spring. At approximately 47 kilometers from Kinabalu Park, Poring Hot Spring got its name from the tall bamboo plant that is abundant in that area. At this natural hot spring that is believed to have curative powers, soak your senses in sulfur-rich waters. For a magnificent view of the rainforest, the canopy walk, suspended 43 meters above the lush tropical jungle of Borneo holds a length of 157 meters that will give you plenty of time to take in all the beauty it has to offer. A 30 minute hike is all it takes to witness the natural wonder.

Kinabalu Park HQ - Poring Hotspring Van 1 hour 42km

Depart back to Kota Kinabalu for Seafood Dinner. Overnight Promenade Hotel.

Poring Hotspring - Seafood Dinner KK Van 2 hours 40 mins 125km

Seafood Dinner KK - KK Hotel Van 15 mins 3km

Free and Easy / North Borneo Cruises - Sunset Dinner Cruise

Free and Easy day to discover the charms of Kota Kinabalu, on your own.

4.30 - 4.45PM - Your tropical evening on the North Borneo Cruise begins at Sutera Marina Jetty. Get ready to become acquainted with the charms of Kota Kinabalu on a whole new level.

4.50PM - All aboard! Your evening unfolds along the sultry sun-tinged South China Sea, cruising pass the islands and water villages that dot Sabah’s west coast.

You are free to wander around the vessel. Panoramic ocean views, warmth of the setting sun and gentle sea breeze grace the upper-deck while a live band serenades the ethnic themed air-conditioned restaurant below with acoustic favorites.

5:30PM - Dinner will be served buffet style. Time to sink your teeth into Sabah’s most sought after culinary experience.

As the sun sets and the stars come out, Kota Kinabalu’s coastline now comes alive with dazzling city night lights. The North Borneo Cruise will glide across the Waterfront as you indulge in dessert or your next glass of wine.

7.00PM - Your rendezvous at sea comes to an end. You will disembark from the cruise at the Sutera Marina Jetty.

(Flight) Sandakan + Gomantong Cave + Kinabatangan River Cruise

Depart to airport for Flight to Sandakan.

KKIA - SDK Airport Flight 40 mins

First up, a guided tour along the plank walk will unveil the intricate chamber system of Gomantong Cave, located within the Gomantong Forest Reserve. It is the largest bird’s nest cave in Sabah, home to millions of bats and swiflets.

SDK Airport - Gomantong Cave Van 2 hours 20 mins

Next up, continue on an approximately 30 minute drive to one of the world’s richest ecosystems on the Lower Kinabatangan River, Sukau. Arrive at Kampung Bilit, hop on a boat and cruise down the river heading to Bilit Rainforest Lodge where lunch will be served. After settling in, the real adventure starts. A river cruise awaits you, where you can spot endemic Proboscis Monkeys, wild Orang Utans, leaf monkeys, gibbons and macaque, even sometimes if you are lucky, the rare Borneo Pygmy Elephant.

Gomantong Cave - Kinabatangan River Jetty Van 45 mins 28.9km

Kinabatangan River Jetty - Kinabatangan Resort Boat 15 mins

At 1900hrs, dinner at the lodge restaurant. After dinner, you can go for a complimentary night safari cruise where you can spot nocturnal animals, crocodiles and birds.

Overnight at Bilit Rainforest Lodge.

Oxbow Lake or Jungle Trekking

Wake up to the call of Gibbons and Hornbills at 6am. Relish in an early morning cruise on the Ox-bow Lake for some bird-watching and tranquil moments amidst the lush wilderness. You will return back to your forest lodge in the late morning for lunch and leisure time on your own. More wildlife spotting in the evening bat the Sukau Kinabatangan River Bank.

Or go trekking instead.

Overnight Bilit Rainforest Lodge.

Sepilok Orangutan + Sandakan City Tour

After breakfast, check out and proceed to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre (0.5hrs journey) situated in the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve for video show. Visit the Nature Education Centre and watch the video documentary show to learn about the rehabilitation of orphaned orang utan before taking a boardwalk through the lowland rainforest to view the feeding platform. Trek ten minutes through the rainforest on wooden plank walks to witness the feeding of the orang utans at 10:00hrs.

Kinabatangan Resort - Kinabatangan River Jetty Boat 15 mins

Kinabatangan River Jetty - Sepilok Orangutan Van 2 hours 15 mins 111km

After lunch, continue the journey and proceed for Sandakan City Tour . Visit various landmarks and historical points in Sandakan, once known as the "Little Hong Kong." The landmarks include:-

Sepilok Orangutan - Puh Jih Syh Temple Van 30 mins 23.4km

Puh Jih Syh Budhist Temple - Sandakan Central Market Van 18 mins 5.6km

Sandakan Central Market - Sim Sim Water Village Van 15 mins 5.5km

Transfer to Sheraton Four Points Hotel for check-in. Overnight Sheraton Four Points Hotel (4 Star).

Sim Sim Water Village - Sheraton Sdk Van 10 mins 3.2km

Departs Sandakan (Or Extend Tour)

Pack-up, check out and depart Sandakan.

SDK Airport - TBA Airport Flight

Dossier Disclaimer

Amazing Borneo Tours has taken great care in compiling this Tour Itineraries document and all information is provided in good faith. The information provided is subject to change and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured at time of print is considered as correct at that time. Our main focus is to provide you with an unforgettable experience yet changes may occur due to unforeseen circumstances like climate changes, political turbulence or improvement due to client input or research by ourselves.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Tour Itineraries to be reviewed before departure in case of any changes that may affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer

It is our intention to adhere to the route as published on our website and in or Tour Itineraries. There is though a certain amount of flexibility build into our itinerary and on occasion it might be necessary or desirable to make alteration. Our published itinerary is brief, as we don't always know where our journey will take us. Our travel style and the regions we visit can be unpredictable, which might force us to make changes to the route. The Tour Itinerary is a general guide for the tour and regions and any mentioning of specific destinations, wildlife or activities cannot be guaranteed to be visited or encountered. Travel times are approximate and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

• Important Notes

Group Leader Description

Throughout your tour with Amazing Borneo tours you are accompanied by professional guide who are a registered & a licensed tour guide in Malaysia. To make your travel more at eased, they are equiped with first aid emergency responce, assist you on your accomodation, transportation, meals & tour arrangements. They are a ready walking encylopedia for you to storm your interest on Sabah's culture, tradition, history, political, sosio-aspect, religion, race, celebration, flora & fauna & etc.

Group Size Notes

Meals included.

9 Breakfast, 8 Lunches, 6 Dinner

It is important to eat regular meals to ensure your body gets the energy it needs to go for day to day activities. During the 10 days trip, be prepared experience variety of local cuisine from desserts, to the wild vege of borneo, to the traditional local meal and if it's your lucky day, u might even get to try some of the exotic cuisine such as "Bbq Wildboar" or the famous pickles ""hinava", "tuhau" or "bambangan" that may be available during your tour.

Comfortable van & coach. Boat for islands & river cruise. Walk or hike.

Domestic Flights

All local flights will be arranged by Amazing Borneo Tours provided that we have all the necessary information of your passport to process for your flight tickets. Internal flight tickets will be given to you prior to the flight departure.

Solo Travellers

We take pleasure in attending to solo travellers who wish to join with other travellers and share the transportation & accomodation at fair price. Single travellers will be paired with another solo traveller with the same sex throughout the tour. Some may arrange for their own privacy for accomodation which can also be arranged at a single trip price.

Accommodation

Hotels/Guesthouses & jungle lodge.

My Own Room Exceptions

If you have booked for "My Own Room" option throughout your tour, you will received your own single accomodation for all night stops.

About Accommodation

The accomodation used on this tour will vary greatly from place to place. Unlike what you used to back home, some may just be a very simple guesthouse/hotels. Some nights will be spent in twin or triple-share hotels, other nights in cool and quirky hostels in multi-share dorms. The accomodation used will be clean, comfortable and in a good location. There are times way there may only be shared toilet facilities and showers. Staff can occasionally demonstrate less than perfect customer service. As accomodation is in short supply, especially during peak seasons.

Joining Instructions

If you have arranged in advanced for your arrival transfer in Kota Kinabalu International Airport, you will be welcome by our local tourist guide waiting for you at the gate with a paging board. There will be three different arrival gates you may encounter, either International, Domestic (within Malaysia), Domestic (within Sabah Only). Please wait at your arrival gate for our tourist guide to meet & greet you. In case if you are not able to locate our representative, you may directly call our Local Support Line +6012-827 2009.

Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities will be commencing for that day other then your welcoming meeting. So you may arrive at any time of the day.

Arrival Complications

We don't wish for your to have any problems, or complications for your booked tour but if by any reasons that you are unable to commence your tour as scheduled, do contact your Local Tourist Guide the soonest possible so that they may assist you with the issue. If by any chance that you are not able to reach the Local Tourist Guide, you may also direct with our Support HotLine +6012-827 2009 or your Tour Consultant for assistance.

Emergency Contact

If there is unexpected situation or problems occur that you are in need to contact us, do directly contact our Support Team Hotline. Should they be any complications to reach the hotline number given, you may also contact directly with your Tour Consultant.

AIRPORT TRANSFER If you have purchased domestic flight through Amazing Borneo Tours, the transfer is included in the cost of your tour.

Should there be any changes of your flight schedule within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, you are advised to update with your tour consultant. We will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer as best as we could. Our Tourist Guide will be meeting you at the arrival hall. Any delays more than 30minutes after you have exited the arrival hall, please contact with our Support Team Hotline.

Support Team Hotline +6012-827 2009

1. SAFETY & SECURITY

Malaysia is genereally very safe, even more so in a group. Reasonable precaution is advised; do not bring valuable jewellery or watches (even fakes can catch the eye of a thief), do not walk by yourself at night, heed your tour guuide's advice and always keep an eye and a hand on your camera and bags in public places. Amazing Borneo Tours cannot accept responsibility for any valuables left in safe deposits in hotels or in our vehicles.

2. PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Malaysia's Public Holidays is subject to it's own calender year. These dates may be modified as official changes are announced by the Malaysian Government, so please check back regularly for updates.

3. ACCOMODATION

It is important to note that that accomodation in Borneo tend to be quite different to other areas of the world you may travelled in. It will vary from place to place. There will be some nights where you will have to spent in twin or triple-share hotels, other nights in cool and quirky guesthouse or of a lower standard than normal.

Ramadan, a month-long festival, falls in the ninth month of the month of the islamic calendar and last 29-30 days. Muslims fast every day for its duration and most restaurants will be closed until the fast breaks at dusk. Nothing (including water and cigarettes) is supposed to pass through the lips from dawn to sunset. Non-muslims are exempt from this, but should still refrain from eating or drinking in public as this is considered very impolite. Working hours are decreased as well in corporate world. Exact date of Ramadan depend on local astronomical observations and may vary somewhat from country to country. Ramadan concludes with the Festival of Eid- al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

• What to Bring

Pack only what is necessary for the tour as you will be on the move for each daily tour. We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-size suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essentials for your convenience during the trekking other than for carrying daily items. It will be at your own responsible to carry your own luggage. You are to be prepared to carry your own luggage up and down stairs, on and off transportation, and to hotels when elevators, bellboy or porters are not available.

• Headlamp (Compulsory)
• Medicinal Items (Diarrhoea remedy, pain killers, travel sickness tablets & etc.)
• Suitable Footwear (Trekking or running shoes with good grip)
• Personal Toiletries
• Daypack (Used for daily tour excursions)
• Small Travel Towel
• Jacket / Wind breaker
• Comfortable Walking Shoes / Sandals
• Universal Adapter
• Insect Repellent
• Extra change of clothes
• Flashlight/Torch
• Camera (Extra Memory Card)
• Cash, Credit or Debit Card
• Flight Info (Required) (Printout of e-tickets may be required)
• Insurance Info (Required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (Required) (With photocopies)
• Additional Info

Optional Activities

Night Cruise or Jungle Trekking

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge or ask your Tourist Guide where the closest laundromat is. There are some guesthouse do not have laundry facilities. You may do or have to do your own laundry from time to time.

Visas and Entry Requirements

According to Malaysia's Immigrations Department, a visitor should fulfill the following requirements to enter Malaysia:

• Valid Passport or Travel Document (At least 6 months validity)
• Valid Return Travel Ticket and Suffiecient Funds
• Not Classified as a Prohibited Person
• Completion of the Arrival/Departure card

VALID VISA Foreign nationals who require a Visa to enter Malaysia must apply and obtain a Visa in advance at Malaysian Representative Office before entering the country.

A visa is and endorsement in a passport or other recognized travel document of foreigner indicating that the holder has applied for permission to enter Malaysia and that permission has been granted.

Foreign national who require a Visa to enter Malaysia must apply and obtain a VIsa in advance at any Malaysian Representative Office abroad before entering the country.

Visa which has been granted is not absolute guarantee that the holder will be allowed to enter Malaysia. The final decision lies with the Immigration Officer at the entry point.

Spending Money

Malaysia uses the Ringgit Malaysia. There are no 1 and 2 cent coins in Malaysia, so expect your prices is rounded up or down a tiny bit. You will find cash machines in most of the city & town areas, but it is advised to keep some cash with you in case of emergency, optional activities, tipping or unexpected situations. Some remote areas may not have such facilities to obtain or change money.

Emergency Fund

It can be difficult to obtain cash or find money changer at remote areas, so please ensure you obtain enough cash to cover some meal that are not included in the tour as well as for any optional excursions before you travel. Local operators do not accept any notes that are marked or torned and you may have difficulty exchanging these notes elsewhere in Malaysia. So, please check your cash carefully at the point of purchase. While bank cards provide a very good way to access funds overall, it is not recommended to rely on them as your sole source of funds as cash machines do not always work and may not be available in remote locations. We recommend to prepare atleast RM100 daily cash for emergency purpose.

In Malaysia, tips are not expected, not even in restaurants as service is always included. If you feel you have received excellent service or someone really has gone out of their way to help you, feel free to tip - the recipient is normally pleased. But if your tip is declined, don't push it.

No pre-existing medical conditions or disability exist which may prevent active participation in the tour. Persons suffering from medical conditions or disabilities will contact us before making a booking to discuss requirements.

The person making the booking confirms that he/she has full authority to enter into a contract on the basis of these conditions on behalf of all persons named on the booking and confirms that all such persons are fully aware of and accept these conditions. The person confirms that he/she is at least 18 years old and has full authority to enter into a contract.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory if you travel with us. We strongly advise comprehensive insurance that will cover personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and lost of luggage and personal effects. Depending on the reason for the cancellation, you may be able to reclaim the cancellation charges (less any applicable excess) under the terms of your insurance policy. Cancellation charges in excess of the amount already paid to us by the time of cancellation, applies only to the booking at that time and cannot be transferred or added on to as a part paryment for another booking. We reseve the right to waive cancellation fees in case of family emergencies. We should be notified immediately if this is the case by telephone as well as in writing.

A Couple of Rules

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking Marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towrads everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. the exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our Tourist Guide has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Local Dress

Malaysia is hot and humid, so you need to dress comfortably. It's a modern nation with a mix of ethnic groups and religions. Majority Muslim, with Buddhist, Taoist, Hindu, Christian and Sikh -- all of whom have their own acceptable dress standards for men and women.

There is no specific dress code for visitors in the capital, Kuala Lumpur.

You'll see Malaysian women wearing a scarf or veil over their hair, some wearing loose clothing that covers them entirely, as well as women in skirts, fitted tops and heels.

Wearing T-shirts or short-sleeve shirts with long pants, calf-length dresses that also cover your shoulders or skirts that drop below the knee will help you minimise sunburn, keep cool and feel culturally comfortable. If visiting mosques and temples (Hindu & Sikh), you may be required to wear a scarf over your hair and wear a long skirt instead of pants. Places of worship popular with tourists, such as Kota Kinabalu State Mosque & City Mosque may have "robes" for tourist to rent or lend.

Remember, too, many places of worship require visitors to remove their footwear, so wear shoes that slip on and off easily.

Experience Mari Mari Cultural Village, visit tourist landmark of Kota Kinabalu, hop on a boat and snorkeling at the open sea of TARP, river rafting at Kiulu River, Upside-Down house with optional 3D room adventure, learn to cook exotic cuisine, Kinabalu National Park stay, see majestic Mt. Kinabalu, enjoy suplhur spring at Hotspring, canopy treetop walkway experience, embark onboard on North Borneo Cruise, rivercruise at Kinabatangan river, Sepilok Orangutan visit & sight-seeing Sandakan Town historical buildings.

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• About Sabah
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• Quick Facts about Sabah
• People and Culture
• Things to Do in Sabah
• Moving Around Sabah
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Call us now: + (60) 88-448409 Email: [email protected]

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Sabah Travel Guide - A Complete Itinerary To The Unexplored Part of Malaysia

Where is sabah, how to reach sabah.

Flight Options For Sabah

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Visa and Immigration

Currency in sabah, best time to visit sabah.

5- Days Suggested Itinerary for Sabah

What to Pack for Sabah

• Bright coloured summer clothes like dresses, shorts, and t-shirts.
• Dry fit activewear, t-shirts, and shorts.
• Sports Shoes for adventure sports.
• Small towel for use during adventure activities.
• A raincoat/umbrella for the unexpected rains.
• Sunglasses.
• Sunscreen lotion preferably SPF 50+.
• Insect repellant.
• Small backpack to carry your stuff.

Things To Do In Sabah

Adventure Activities

• Mountain Cycling/Biking
• Off-Road Driving
• Crab Catching
• Firefly Watching

Enjoy the beach cafes at the waterfront

Go for a river cruise, people and culture.

Our Experience At Sabah

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5D4N Muslim-Friendly Itinerary For The Best Of Kota Kinabalu, Kundasang And Beyond

Cheng Sim  •  Jun 27, 2023

Majestic mountains, outdoor adventures, and scenic islands are just a few of the reasons why Sabah is an enchanting destination. Situated in northern Borneo, this Malaysian state has something for every traveller – whether you’re an adventure seeker, nature lover or city slicker. Sabah isn’t just home to Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia’s highest peak, there are other things to do and sights to see too. If you’re ready for an adventure, here’s how to make the most of your trip to Kota Kinabalu, Kundasang and Kinabatangan in less than a week!

Your next adventure awaits! Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to explore breathtaking destinations, get insightful travel tips and itineraries!

Getting there

Getting to Kota Kinabalu is easy thanks to the increasing number of direct flights to this Malaysian state. Whether you’re departing from Malaysia or Singapore, here’s how to get there.

From Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu

• Take a 2-hour 45-minute flight from KLIA or KLIA2 to Kota Kinabalu International Airport
• Some of the airlines that fly directly to Kota Kinabalu include AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, and Malindo Air.
• The average price is between RM300 and RM400 for a return flight

From Singapore to Kota Kinabalu

• Take a 2-hour 25-minute flight from Changi Airport to Kota Kinabalu International Airport
• Some of the airlines that fly directly to Kota Kinabalu include Scoot, AirAsia, and Malaysia Airlines
• The average price is between SGD100 and SGD280 for a return flight

Day 1: Kota Kinabalu

Arrive at kota kinabalu international airport.

• Take a taxi or book a Grab ride from Kota Kinabalu International Airport to your hotel. The fare varies depending on where you’re staying. The estimated Grab fare from Kota Kinabalu International Airport to the city centre (around Gaya Street) is between RM17 and RM20.
• While public transport and Grab are available in major areas in Kota Kinabalu, driving is one of the best ways to get around and most attractions and nature spots are within driving distance. In the city, the road conditions are good but may be congested during peak hours. Do note you might come across tight bends along the way to nearby natural attractions.
• To drive in Malaysia, international travellers are required to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) in their home country. The JPJ office (Malaysia’s Road Transport Department) can only process the IDP for driving license issued by your home country.
• There are many car rental companies in Kota Kinabalu including NH Travel Rent A Car and AFS Car Rental & Tours. The car rental fee varies depending on the type of car and rental duration. At NH Travel Rent A Car, the estimated fee for a Perodua Myvi (fits 5 people) is RM130 per day and an Avanza (fits 7 people) is RM220 per day.

Check in to your hotel

There are many hotels in Kota Kinabalu that are suitable for every traveller’s budget. Here are some of our recommendations:

• Hilton Kota Kinabalu Address : Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Asia City, 88000 Kota Kinabalu Rate : Starts at RM350 per night on Agoda
• Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu Address : 12, Lorong Api - Api 2, Api-api Centre, 88000 Kota Kinabalu Rate : Starts at RM230 per night on Agoda
• The Klagan Hotel Address : Unit 25-28, Ground Floor, Block D, Warisan Square, 88000 Kota Kinabalu Rate : Starts at RM150 per night on Agoda

Lunch at Kung Fu La Mian (2 hours)

Helmed by a Chinese-Muslim owner, Kung Fu La Mian specialises in hand-pulled Xinjiang-style noodles. Noodles are freshly made and pulled daily to achieve the soft and chewy texture that is widely raved by their diners. When you’re here, be sure to try the restaurant’s braised lamb ramen and braised beef noodles.

Halal status : Muslim-owned

Average price of main dishes : RM8.50

Opening hours : Open daily; 10AM-11PM

Address : Basement, S12-S14, Centre Point Sabah, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Explore Kota Kinabalu City Centre

• The best way to experience the city life of Kota Kinabalu is by exploring the streets, visiting the shops and eating at local restaurants.
• Perfect for first-timers to Sabah’s capital city, join the free walking tour that is held every Tuesday and Thursday. Meet your guide at Sabah Tourism Board building in Gaya Street, and you’ll explore at least 10 places of interests in this 2-hour tour. Make sure to register your slot in advance as the group is limited to 15 people per tour.
• If you prefer to explore at your own pace, there are many other things to do in Kota Kinabalu.

Shop at Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market (1.5 hours)

Formerly known as Filipino Market, Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market is perfect for a shopping spree! The market is known for its variety of handicrafts, local souvenirs, dried food, and snacks.

• Since it’s a tourist-friendly market, bargaining is encouraged to get a good deal at this bustling market
• #HHWT Tip : Look out for Kuih Cincin, a crunchy traditional snack that is also known as Ring Crackers. Made from rice flour and brown sugar, it’ll make a great souvenir for your loved ones back home.
• Opening hours : Open daily; 9AM-10PM
• Address : Jalan Tun Fuad Stephen, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu

Visit the Sabah State Museum (1.5 hours)

• First established in 1965, the Sabah State Museum was originally situated in the shophouses at Gaya Street before it moved to its current location in 1984.
• Just a 10-minute drive from Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market, this museum has a range of galleries that are dedicated to Islamic civilisation, archaeology, natural history, and traditional ceramics.
• The best part about this museum is the Heritage Village where visitors can see replicas of traditional houses belonging to the ethnic groups in Sabah including a Bajau House, a Murut longhouse, and a Chinese farmhouse.
• Opening hours : Open daily; 9AM-5PM
• Address : Jalan Muzium, 88300 Kota Kinabalu
• Admission rate : RM2 per person (Malaysian adult or child), RM15 per person (Non-Malaysian adult or child)
• Website | Facebook | Instagram

Admire the sunset at Signal Hill Observatory Platform

• Take a 10-minute Grab ride to the Signal Hill Observatory Platform , a popular sunset spot in Kota Kinabalu.
• This is a good spot to see the evening horizon amidst the city landscape.
• Be sure to arrive at the platform before 6PM to catch the sunset. If you’re hungry, you can find a small cafe selling drinks and ice cream near the platform.
• #HHWT Tip : If you’re driving to Signal Hill, there are very limited parking spaces and we recommend arriving early.
• Opening hours : Open daily; 9AM-11PM
• Address : 78, Jalan Asrama, Signal Hills, 88400 Kota Kinabalu
• Admission rate : Free

Pray at Kota Kinabalu City Mosque (1 hour)

You can also catch the sunset after you perform your prayers at Kota Kinabalu City Mosque , the second main mosque after the Sabah State Mosque in Sembulan. It’s only a 15-minute drive from the Sabah State Museum.

• Known as the floating mosque, it sits on a man-made lagoon so you can capture the reflection of its beautiful minarets and Islamic architecture.
• Opening hours : Mon-Fri; 8AM-5PM, Sat; 8AM-12.30PM (Closed on Sun)
• Address : Jalan Pasir, Jalan Teluk Likas, Kampung Likas, 88400 Kota Kinabalu

Dinner at Restoran D’KL (2 hours)

Just a 3-minute drive from Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, Restoran D’KL is a humble eatery that serves home-style Malay cooking. Gather around a low-table and prepare to indulge in ayam penyet, kambing madu, udang butter, sotong sambal petai, and more. If you prefer the table and chair setup, it’s available in the outdoor section of the restaurant.

Average price of main dishes : RM10.90 per main dish

Opening hours : Open daily; 5PM-11PM

Address : Jalan Patin, Likas, 88450 Kota Kinabalu

Contact : +6016 849 4849

Optional: Dinner at Thien Thien Seafood Restaurant

If you're craving fresh seafood in Sabah, look no further than Thien Thien Seafood Restaurant . Just a 15-minute drive from Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, this halal-certified Chinese restaurant serves various dishes including steamed oysters, curry prawns in fresh coconut, Canton-style scallops, steamed pomfret and more.

Halal status : Halal-certified

Opening hours : Wed-Mon; 10.30am-2PM, 5.30PM-10PM (Closed on Tue)

Address : Jalan Tanjung Aru, Pekan Tanjung Aru, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Contact : +6088 211 537

Shop at Imago Shopping Mall

• Take a 15-minute drive to Imago Shopping Mall , one of the most popular shopping spots in Kota Kinabalu.
• It’s a one-stop centre selling anything from apparels, bags, toys, accessories and more. Don’t forget to buy a packet of Sabah Tea at Everrise Departmental Store.
• Opening hours : Open daily; 10AM-10PM
• Address : KK Times Square, Phase 2, Off Coastal Highway, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
• Website | Facebook

Day 2: Offshore Islands

Time to explore the beautiful islands.

• Take the ferry at Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal in Kota Kinabalu, which offers island transfer service to the islands at Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. It takes about 20-30 minutes to reach your destination at Manukan, Mamutik, Sapi, Sulug or Gaya Island.
• For ferry schedules and boat service operators, click this link . If you’re planning to visit during the weekends, we suggest taking the last boat ride at 3PM, instead of 4.15PM to avoid the crowd.
• #HHWT Tip : For snorkelling, diving, island-hopping, and other water-based activities, it’s best to book your tours in advance. There are many local tour operators around Jesselton Point including Diverse Borneo, Sunny Reef Divers, and Scuba Junkie KK. Since the package prices and reviews vary, we recommend researching online before confirming your booking. It’s also cheaper to book your tours directly with the local operators.
• Opening hours : Open daily; 8.30AM-4.15PM (boat service), Open daily; 8AM-6PM (counter operation)
• Address : 4th Floor, Wisma Perkasa, Jalan Gaya, 88200 Kota Kinabalu
• Contact : +6088 235 787
• Fee : RM23 per adult (boat fare – return), RM18 per child below 11 years (boat fare – return)

Arrive at Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park

When you arrive at Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park , visitors are required to pay a conservation fee of RM3 per person (Malaysians) or RM10 per person (non-Malaysians).

• Depending on your tour, you will be taken to different islands for snorkelling, diving, island-hopping and other water-based activities. In this itinerary, we’ll be sharing the general activities you can do on each island and some activities you shouldn’t miss!
• Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park consists of five beautiful islands: Gaya, Manukan, Sapi, Mamutik and Sulug Islands. A standard day tour can cover about 2-3 islands in a day, so get ready for an afternoon of sun, sand and sea!
• #HHWT Tip : Avoid visiting Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park between November and February due to the rough sea conditions.

Explore the islands at Tunku Abdul Rahman

Gaya island.

• Gaya Island is the largest island in the park, and the name originates from the word ‘Gayo’, which means ‘big’ in the Bajau language.
• The best ways to appreciate your time on the island are by swimming at Police Beach and diving to see the fish and coral gardens around the island.
• Thanks to its clear and calm water, snorkelling and diving at Gaya Island are suitable for beginners except during the wet season between November and February.
• If you’re planning to stay overnight, check out Gaya Island Resort and Bunga Raya Island Resort .

Manukan Island

• Manukan Island is the second-largest island in the park and the country’s first marine national park.
• Famous for its beautiful white sandy beach, it’s no surprise to see families and couples swimming in the crystal-clear water.
• It’s also a popular snorkelling site to see parrotfish, butterflyfish, and sergeant major fish. It’s advisable to wear a life jacket while snorkelling, and you can rent a life jacket on the island. Children’s sizes are available but in limited quantities.
• P.S. You can stay overnight at the Sutera Sanctuary Lodges at Manukan Island to make the most of your time here.

Sapi Island

• Sapi Island is widely frequented by adventure seekers thanks to the popularity of the Coral Flyer, the world’s longest island-to-island zipline.
• Connecting Sapi Island to Gaya Island, visitors can cross the 250-meter zipline above the clear turquoise water for an island experience unlike any other.
• The fee is RM64 per person (Malaysian) and RM86 per person (non-Malaysians). Children below 12KG need to sign up for a tandem zipline (accompanied by an adult) with an additional fee of RM30 per person.

Mamutik Island

• Mamutik Island is the smallest island in Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. It’s also less touristy, which is perfect for anyone who enjoys some quiet time by the beach.
• It’s safe to snorkel at Mamutik Island, but the water condition is rougher here as compared to the other islands. We recommend only experienced divers or snorkelers here and do adhere to safety precautions at all times.
• When swimming along the sandy beach, do note that the water gets deep at approximately 10 meters from the shore (don’t worry, just look out for the markers!). If you’re not a good swimmer, be sure not to swim too far.

Sulug Island

• Sulug Island is also a great choice to escape the beach crowd as it’s the furthest island in Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park.
• Since it has the least number of tourists (almost none!), you won’t find facilities or food stalls here. Instead, you’ll be treated to a view of the sea complete with seashells and corals lining along the beaches.
• #HHWT Tip : Since it’s the least frequented island, most boat operators would likely turn down anyone who is visiting alone as the boat transfer service is expensive. We recommend coming in a group if you’re interested to visit.

Dinner at Borenos Fried Chicken

There’s a reason why Borenos Fried Chicken is a local’s favourite. With two outlets in Kota Kinabalu (the other one at Star City Mall), this Sabahan fast-food chain specialises in deep-fried and juicy spring chicken. Complete your dining experience by enjoying it with cciss-cut fries, mashed potatoes, and Coke.

Average price of main dishes : RM14

Opening hours : Open daily; 9.30AM-9.30PM

Address : L9-B1, Basement Floor, Jalan Centre Point, 88000 Kota Kinabalu

Contact : +6018 963 2280

Day 3: Kundasang

Take a road trip to kundasang.

• Take a 2-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu to Kundasang , a scenic town located in Ranau that is famous for its mesmerising mountainous landscape.
• Besides planning a Kundasang trip, take the chance to explore Kinabalu Park and Poring Hot Spring, which are only a short drive away.
• If you’re not planning to drive, there are many travel agents in Kota Kinabalu that offer a day tour to Kinabalu Park, Kundasang and Poring Hot Spring. Depending on your travel agent, the estimated tour price is between RM180 and RM220 per person.

Visit Kinabalu Park

• Kinabalu Park is Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site and home to the majestic Mount Kinabalu, the country’s highest peak. It’s less than 2 hours drive from Kota Kinabalu.
• If you’re not planning to climb Mount Kinabalu during this trip, Kinabalu Park is a great place for nature lovers to experience the lush rainforest minus the hike!
• For first-time jungle trekkers, the Silau Silau Trail is popular among beginners as this 3KM trail has flat terrains and many exit points. Another one is the Mempening Trail, an easy 2.5KM trail that’ll lead you to the Silau Silau stream.
• While jungle trekking, try to spot a Rafflesia, the biggest flower in the world.
• Known for its reddish-brown colour, Rafflesia is a five-petaled flower with vertical spikes in the middle.
• You can tell if there’s a Rafflesia nearby due to the repugnant smell, similar to rotting meat. The scent is said to attract flies, so it can help to pollinate the flower.

Visit Desa Cattle Dairy Farm

• Take a half an hour drive to Desa Cattle Dairy Farm in Kundasang, known as the New Zealand of Sabah.
• Situated at the foothill of Mount Kinabalu, spot the Friesian cattle, a breed of dairy cattle, backed by the picturesque mountain view. You won’t find scenery like this anywhere else in Malaysia!
• You can also feed the cows with bottled milk or watch how the milk is processed at the farm for an additional fee.
• Before you leave, don’t forget to buy the farm’s homemade fresh milk, yoghurt and gelato too! We’ve checked with the farm and all ingredients used are sourced from halal-certified suppliers.
• #HHWT Tip : The temperature in Kundasang can go as low as 21 degrees Celsius, and we recommend wearing a sweater when you’re here.
• Opening hours : Open daily; 8AM-5PM
• Address : off Jalan Cinta Mata Mesilou, 89308 Kundasang, Sabah
• Admission fee : RM5 per adult, RM4 per child (7-12 years old), Free (children aged 6 and below)

Lunch at Restoran Syah Adilah

Just an 18-minute drive from Desa Dairy Cattle Farm, Restoran Syah Adilah is a humble eatery that serves Chinese-Muslim dishes such as mee udang, dry butter prawn, sweet and sour chicken and bihun goreng. To stay warm in the chilly Kundasang weather, enjoy your meal (and hot tom yam soup) at the restaurant’s indoor seating area.

#HHWT Tip : This restaurant has a small prayer space. Do remember to bring your own prayer garment

Opening hours : Open daily; 6AM-9PM

Address : Jalan Tamparuli-Ranau, 89300 Kundasang, Sabah.

Contact : +6019 530 3441 / +6019 860 6969

Soak your feet at Poring Hot Spring

• Before you leave, make your way to Poring Hot Spring located in Ranau, Sabah, which is a 45-minute drive from Restoran Syah Adilah.
• If you’ve paid an entrance fee for Kinabalu Park & Poring Hot Spring, you can enter using the same entrance ticket. Otherwise, the admission fee is RM3 per person (Malaysians) or RM15 per person (non-Malaysians).
• Packed with outdoor pools of mineral-rich hot spring water, it’s a lovely place to soak your feet after a long day. It is said that the hot spring water helps to improve blood circulation.
• There are many pool options to choose from, ranging from public outdoor hot spring pools to private indoor bathtubs (with additional charge). The outdoor pools have low barriers between the pool and the indoor bathtubs are located in private rooms.
• To adjust the temperature, each open-air pool has 2 taps, one for the hot water from the natural hot spring and the other for the cold water from the waterfall.
• Changing rooms and toilets are also available at this hot spring.

• Explore the canopy walk to get a closer look at the nature and biodiversity of Poring Hot Spring. There’s a separate admission fee for the canopy walk, which is RM3 per adult (Malaysians) and RM5 per adult (non-Malaysians)
• You can complete the entire canopy walk in 30 minutes, but the bridge may be nerve-wracking for small children or anyone who’s afraid of heights.
• Do note that the canopy walk closes at 4PM, so be sure to arrive latest by 3.30PM.
• Opening hours : Open daily; 8AM-6PM
• Address : Jalan Poring, 89300 Ranau, Sabah

Drive back to Kota Kinabalu

It takes about 2 hour 30 minutes to drive back from Poring Hot Spring to Kota Kinabalu, and we recommend driving before it gets dark.

• Once you’ve arrived in Kota Kinabalu, it’s time to experience the evening landscape of Kota Kinabalu.

Dinner at Night Food Market

Head over to Night Food Market on Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens to experience the bustling nightlife of Kota Kinabalu.

• Visit every stall to choose from a variety of street food including grilled and deep-fried seafood as well as barbecued meats. Do check with the stall owners if the meats and ingredients used are sourced from halal-certified suppliers.
• Opening hours : Open daily; 5.30PM-11PM
• Address : Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Day 4: Kinabatangan

Take a flight to sandakan.

• Time to explore Kinabatangan River , the second-longest river in Malaysia!
• From Kota Kinabalu International Airport, take a 50-minute flight to Sandakan. The average flight fare is between RM120 and RM220 for a return flight.
• Some of the flights that fly directly to Sandakan are AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, and Firefly.

Get ready for a Kinabatangan River adventure

• If you’re a first-timer to Sandakan, make the most of your Kinabatangan River adventure by joining a tour. It’ll be tricky to get there on your own, so we recommend signing up for a tour for this part of your trip.
• There are many resorts and travel agents in Kinabatangan that offer 2D1N or 3D2N packages, which include multiple river cruises along the Kinabatangan River. The tours usually cover accommodation, transportation, and food (unless stated).
• In this itinerary, we’ll cover where to stay and things to do at the Kinabatangan River in 2D1N. The experience differs according to your tour package.

Check in to your accommodation

• Start your adventure at Bilit where Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort , Nature Lodge Kinabatangan and Bilit Rainforest Lodge are among the accommodations located along the river. If you have a specific budget, there are other affordable riverside resorts and lodges to choose from.
• Situated along Kinabatangan River, here’s where you can catch a first glimpse of Sabah’s rich ecosystem and wildlife.
• Home to Borneo’s famous primates, the orangutan and proboscis monkey, you might chance upon them during your river cruises too.

Enjoy a river cruise along Kinabatangan River

• Known as the second-longest river in Malaysia, the Kinabatangan River (Sungai Kinabatangan) has a length of 560KM that flows from the mountains of southwest Sabah to the Sulu Sea.
• Most tours will offer 2-3 Kinabatangan river cruises, which provides plenty of opportunities to spot the diverse wildlife along Kinabatangan River. For a 2D1N package, you’ll go on two river cruises on the first day and the final cruise on the second day.
• If you arrive at noon, you can join the evening cruise at 4PM where you can spot proboscis monkeys, silver leaf monkeys, long-tailed macaques, hornbills, flying lemur and kingfishers along the river. Be sure to bring your binoculars!
• Alternatively, you can hop on the night cruise that starts at 7PM. You will spot fewer animals during this time, but this is your chance to see nocturnal creatures like saltwater crocodiles or birds such as kingfishers and hornbills sleeping on the branches. If the weather is good, you may even spot some fireflies too.
• Since you’ll be spending time outdoors, it’s best to wear insect repellent, sunblock, walking shoes, leech socks and a comfortable t-shirt and long pants. Remember to bring a raincoat during the wet season between November and February.

Return to your accommodation

• After a fun-filled day, head over to your accommodation and enjoy a restful evening amidst the sounds of nature.

Day 5: See you again, Sabah!

Optional: sepilok orangutan rehabilitation centre & bornean sun bear conservation centre.

• If you have an extra day to spend in Sandakan, we suggest visiting the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre .
• Located at Sepilok, the centre takes great care of young orangutans that are orphaned or injured due to illegal logging, deforestation and hunting.
• The tour begins with a video presentation before you explore the platform to see orangutans swinging from tree to tree.
• To catch the feeding times at 10AM or 3PM, come early at 8.45AM or 1.45PM, so that you’ll have time for the presentation and platform walk.
• #HHWT Tips : Visitors are not allowed to have hands-on contact with the orangutans as the primates are very susceptible and vulnerable to human diseases. Therefore, human contact is kept to a minimum at this centre.
• Opening hours : Open daily; 9AM-11AM, 2PM-3PM
• Address : Sabah Wildlife Department, W.D.T. 200, Sandakan, Jalan Sepilok, Sepilok, 90000 Sandakan
• Admission rate : RM5 per person (Malaysians), RM30 per person (non-Malaysians)

Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

• Just a 2-minute walk from Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre , home to the world’s smallest bear!

• The centre focuses on raising conservation awareness and providing rehabilitation of the Malayan sun bear, which is currently listed as Vulnerable (to extinction) in the IUCN Red List.
• Living in tropical lowland forests, the Malayan sun bear can only be found in Southeast Asia and here’s a good opportunity to see it up close!
• During feeding, these bears are known for its very long tongue that helps them to extract honey from beehives. That’s why, the sun bear is also called the ‘honey bear’ in Malaysia and Indonesia.
• Opening hours : Open daily; 9AM-3.30PM
• Address : PPM 219, Elopura, 90000 Sandakan
• Admission fee : RM5 per adult (Malaysians) and RM30 per adult (non-Malaysians)

Take a flight to Kota Kinabalu International Airport

• Take a 50-minute flight from Sandakan Airport to Kota Kinabalu International Airport .
• From Kota Kinabalu, you can take another direct flight back to Kuala Lumpur or Singapore.

There are many things to do in Sabah, and that’s the exciting part about planning your adventure here. You’ll never know the amazing and unique experiences you’ll have at Kota Kinabalu, Kundasang and Kinabatangan until you step foot into Sabah. Whether you’re an adventure seeker or nature lover, there’s more to Enchanting Sabah than meets the eye. #BahMariLah

To help you plan your trip, check out these articles:

• 10 IG-Worthy Attractions In Sabah That’s Worth Driving From Kota Kinabalu
• 8 Homestays In Kundasang With Stunning Mountain Views
• Alpaca Club Sabah: Make Your Way To This Adorable Attraction Near Mount Kinabalu

This article was brought to you by Sabah Tourism.

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• Sabah Experience

The Perfect Itinerary For Sabah

Sabah is a place of incredible landscapes, magazine-worthy beaches, magnificent mountain ranges and mouth-watering food which means that in order to experience it all, you will need a well-planned out itinerary to make sure you don’t miss anything. I was lucky enough to get an opportunity to travel to Sabah as a travel blogger for Travel.earth and the Borneo Trails group planned out the perfect itinerary for us. I have reworked this itinerary to feature the best of what we were given as well as activities that you may find in other parts of the world but ones I feel would be better experienced in Sabah so scroll down for more!

Day 1                                                     

Being that there are no direct flights from India to Sabah , we were thankful for Malindo Air for their quick and convenient flights which connected us from Kuala Lumpur to Sabah. We were a little tired after our journey which is inevitable which is why I suggest that for your first day, you opt for the river rafting activity. We chose the easiest level (grade 1&2) which meant that our journey was both exciting and relaxing (If you’re more daring and not too exhausted, you can go for a higher graded route). The guide Andre and his team were extremely experienced and will make sure you feel safe throughout and they even allow you to stop and body surf on the water- if you’re up for it! We had moments where we had our hearts in our mouths and others where we could just sit back, relax and enjoy the beauty around us and after we were done, we were treated to some of the best food I had eaten in Sabah and being the foodie that I am, I have high standards for food that are often not met, but at Extreme Paddlers, I had more than two helpings of the scrumptious food and juicy fruits that followed. If you think that river rafting is something you would enjoy (which I doubt you wouldn’t), click the following link for more information on Extreme Paddlers… https://www.travelritetours.com/xtremepaddlerskadamaianriver

After your eventful day 1, its time to hit the road! Catch up on your sleep in the two-hour drive to the world famous Kinabalu National park.This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts of 4500 species of plants and animals, many of which are endemic to the region. If you would like to trek up the mountain, you will have to keep aside two days to do so as it is a time consuming and physically taxing climb. We spent about an hour in the park as it was just a pit stop on our way to the Sabah Tea Resort, but I suggest that you keep aside a few hours to discover the park and all its hidden treasures.

From the National Park, head to the Sabah Tea Resort for an overnight stay and wake up bright and early the next morning for a breath-taking view of the sunrise over Mt. Kinabalu. Follow this up with a feast of some of the incredible local foods the restaurant has to offer like the fried rice sprinkled with crispy anchovies or the more popular matcha tea infused pancakes.

For information on the National park and the Sabah Tea Resort, please click on their respective links.. http://www.sabahtourism.com/destination/kinabalu-park ; https://www.sabahtea.com.my/resort/

On day 3, Borneo Bayau is the place to be. After a traditional Malaysian breakfast at the Sabah Tea Restaurant , you can head to Borneo Bayau to get there in time for tea (you can stop at a local food joint for lunch, the food is mouth-wateringly good and very affordable). Once you reach your destination and are done with your nice cup of hot tea, you set off in a speedboat in a scenic search for the endemic Proboscis Monkey. After the river cruise, you are treated to a buffet of some delicious hot dinner and dessert followed by a night firefly cruise where you will quietly cruise on the river in complete darkness as the guide beckons the fireflies towards you. These two activities make for a lovely, unique experience and a relaxing one as well.

Day 4 & 5

The next two once-in-a-lifetime experiences can either be spread out over two days or completed in one day depending on the energy you have left after your thus-far jam-packed trip. The first activity (and my personal favourite) is the Ocean Walk which involves you wearing an oxygen helmet and taking a stroll underwater(I have written a separate article on my Ocean Walk experience if you would like to know more). You get to have a very interactive experience with Sabah’s abundant aquatic life and they even document your entire experience for proof!

The second, more thrilling, activity is the 250m long island to island zipline. Zip from one island to another with the crisp ocean breeze in your hair and the incredible view of the water and greenery all around you and you’ll find yourself wanting to go back(I know I did!)

All in all, this itinerary covers the activities that I took part in and enjoyed the most and I tried to fit in the best of what I experienced into a short span of 5 days (keeping in mind that sometimes you may not have the luxury of week-long holidays). That being said, there is a lot more that Sabah has to offer and you might take more than one trip to discover it all (I know I’m definitely going to return!) so don’t waste another minute because you know what they say…there’s no better time than now!

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The PERFECT 3-Day Itinerary For Kota Kinabalu (If You’re Not Into Mountain Climbing)

September 12, 2023 by Bino 5 Comments

Kota Kinabalu has become synonymous to its namesake mountain, one of the tallest in Southeast Asia. While Mt. Kinabalu often overshadows the city, this cosmopolitan hub stands as an increasingly popular gateway to the exotic island of Borneo, the world’s 4th largest. It’s quite apparent that this destination offers plenty for those with a knack for outdoor pursuits but few realize that KK works just as well even for those not planning to climb a single step up the well-trodden peak. Every time I tell my friends that I’m going to the state capital of Sabah, they ask me if I’m climbing – leaving them with a perplexed expression when I tell them I’m not.

Believe me, there are a lot of things to see and do in Kota Kinabalu whether or not you choose to spend a few days to scale Mt. Kinabalu. I have been to the city twice and still feel that there’s much more to do. Here is my suggested itinerary for a short trip to Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, East Malaysia.

Day 1 – Explore the City

Kota Kinabalu, previously known as Jesselton, is one of Malaysia’s most pleasant cities. Sitting on a narrow strip of land between the sea and the mountains, the city has in recent years expanded around the coast leaving plenty of majestic sea views to go around. This relatively small-sized city is walkable although the sweltering heat may deter some. In any case, most rides within the city won’t cost more than MYR 5 or less than US$2 so there’s really no excuse to stay in one place. Obtain your bearings at the city center and visit the local handicraft market which is known as the Filipino Market (daily 9AM to 10PM) due to the foreign origin of most sellers there. In this covered bazaar, you’ll find sarongs, woodwork, jewelry as well as plenty of souvenirs to bring back. The most interesting items in my opinion are the tools and instruments being used by the local headhunting tribes such as the Murut or blowpipe. If you are feeling adventurous, take your pick among the seafood stalls next door and have your fresh crabs, prawns and fish cooked just as you like.

signal hill observation deck

Late morning is just the right time to climb up to Signal Hill for a bird’s eye view of the city. Admission here is free and you can spend some time with a cup of coffee – there is a cafe up there – while admiring the view. Make your way back to the city via the stairs adjacent to the observatory tower and you’ll find yourself at Lorong Dewan – Kota Kinabalu’s burgeoning hipster area. Here, you’ll find plenty of cafes, interesting eats and backpackers’ hostels housed in heritage buildings. Visit Nook Cafe (daily 8AM to 7PM; til 9PM on weekends) for their specialty coffee or Biru Biru (daily 12pm to midnight) for their poke bowls. At the end of the street, you’ll see the Atkinson Clock Tower . Built in 1905, it’s the oldest standing structure in the city. It will be around noon by this time so stop by one of the eateries here for lunch.

Tip: If you are in Kota Kinabalu on a Sunday, don’t miss out visiting the Gaya Street Sunday Market. This market is a bit more interesting than the typical Malaysian bazaars. This particular market starts early at 5AM and lasts until around 2pm. Here, you’ll find plenty of antiques, local handicrafts, coffee beans and even pets. Remember to bargain.

Stop by the Sabah State Museum (daily 9AM to 5PM) to understand the city and the region better. The 3-storey museum contains exhibits related to science, art and even has a heritage village within. From here, the Sabah State Mosque is just next door. Its bulbous dome which is decked in real gold may immediately catch one’s fancy. Do note that the mosque is generally open from 8AM to 12nn and then from 2PM to 5pm daily except for Fridays when it is only open during the afternoon from 2PM to 5PM.

sunset view from the yacht

After a tiring first day exploring the city, you can spend the late afternoon catching the sunset either at the Tanjung Aru Beach or if you’re feeling luxurious you can also charter a yacht which is a popular activity in Kota Kinabalu. North Borneo Yacht Charter offers different types of itineraries including a sunset cruise in the late afternoon with visits to Manukan and Gaya islands. Alternatively, you can also visit the relatively secluded Dinawan Island which offers clear waters for snorkeling, kayaking and even diving.

d’place kinabalu

Try some local Sabah food for dinner at My Native Sabah (Plaza 333 in Lorong 333, daily except Sunday, 11:30AM to 8:30PM). When I say local, I don’t just mean the usual Malaysian food. They serve some pretty exotic meals that come from the indigenous  Kadazan Dusun tribe. These are served in a set so you can try different dishes without necessarily having to overload yourself. Alternatively, you can join a tour that takes you to an actual Dusun tribal village and you can participate in a cooking class there.

Day 2 – Cultural Village & Island Hopping

kota kinabalu city mosque

Start the day early with a visit to the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque . The place of worship which sits next to a pond is best visited in the early morning or late afternoon when the purplish sky is reflected through the still waters. Highly recommended for architecture buffs.

mari mari cultural village

From here, proceed to Mari Mari Cultural Village (MYR 175 per adult) for a quick run through of Sabah’s indigenous people. The place can feel a bit touristy but it’s undeniably fun. There are also few other places in Malaysia that give visitors the same ease to witness local life. Choose one of the two available daily sessions for your visit – 10AM or 2PM. The tours are highly interactive and allow visitors the opportunity to taste local snacks and sample certain elements of local culture.

Mari Mari Cultural Village can be done as a half-day trip which leaves your afternoon free assuming you do it in the morning. The afternoon can be spent on an excursion to Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park . Comprising 5 islands, the park is popular for snorkeling, diving, para-sailing or simply lounging by the beach. 

As mentioned previously, the park comprises of 5 islands. Namely, these are Gaya, Manukan, Sapi, Mamutik and Sulug. Gaya is the largest one and is situated closest to Kota Kinabalu. Depending on where you dock, you can reach Gaya Island in as little as 10 minutes from Kota Kinabalu. 

manukan island by amrufm

The most popular among the 5 islands is arguably Manukan Island . The eastern part of the island offers some pristine beaches while the coral reefs offshore are ideal for snorkeling. 

Another well-visited island within the marine park is Sapi . It is considered to have some of the nicest beaches among the 5 islands and it also possesses better facilities for daytrippers. 

You can visit Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park by hiring your boat and crew for the day or if you are traveling as a small group/solo, you can sign-up for a join-in tour here .

If you are not climbing Mt. Kinabalu but have a desire to at least see it or breathe the fresh mountain air, head over to the mountain town of  Kundasang and spend the night there in one of the chalets. Alternatively, you can choose to rest in your Kota Kinabalu hotel and do Kundasang as a day trip in Day 3.

Day 3 – Kundasang

Wake up early when the chances of clear weather are at its highest. You’ll see Mt. Kinabalu directly in front of you as you enjoy the cool weather at 2,000 meters above sea level.

There are many ways to get to Kundasang but a car hire is definitely the most convenient. A popular day tour involves a morning departure from Kota Kinabalu where you will be taken to Desa Cattle Farm for a glimpse of the alpine life. After lunch and some other activities such as a canopy walk and a soak in the hot springs, you return to Kota Kinabalu just before dinner time. You can book such tours here .

Afterwards, head back to Kota Kinabalu and spend your last few hours wandering around town before catching your flight back.

Other Tips for Kota Kinabalu

• Travel Insurance: If you reside in Singapore, check out this aggregator here for a list of travel insurance promotions. They have a promotion running until 1st July that comes 4x KrisFlyer miles plus lucky draw of 125,000 miles and free lounge access in the event of flight delay.  
• Weather: The wettest time of the year is usually in the later months like November and December. That being said, you won’t find it raining all day but plans for outdoor activities may be dampened by strong winds, flash floods and other inconveniences.
• Practicalities: Kota Kinabalu is not a particularly dense city with few tall buildings. As such, if you walk outdoors during the day; you’ll most likely be baked under the sun. It’s wise to put sunblock even if you’re just staying within the city.
• Farther afield: Kota Kinabalu serves as a hub for Northern Borneo so if there’s an interest in exploring more, you can fly or take the ferry to Brunei and Labuan . Sandakan and Tawau  are also reachable by air.

Where to Stay in Kota Kinabalu

hyatt centric kota kinabalu (source: the hotel)

Tourism has boomed in recent years in Kota Kinabalu with a plethora of new hotels to cater to every budget. One of the most established hotels in the city is the Hilton Kota Kinabalu which is just next to the Star City Mall. Rooms come well-appointed and are among the most tech-forward in the city. If you prefer a hotel with panoramic sea views, you can’t go wrong with the Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu . Among cheaper options, the Hotel Sixty3 in Gaya Street is situated close to the Sunday market and comes with a family room category.

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Hi, my name is Bino and I started I Wander around 15 years ago with the aim of sharing about some of my personal journeys and experiences, hoping that the information may benefit readers like yourselves. Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below. Alternatively, you can also email me at b i n o (at) iwandered.net. You can follow I Wander on Facebook , Telegram , or Instagram . Also, if you liked this article, please feel free to SHARE or RETWEET

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June 11, 2018 at 10:29 am

Sounds like the perfect itinerary!

August 26, 2018 at 1:39 pm

Great posts and beautiful photos you got there! Kota Kinabalu is a great place to visit. We got everything in here. You can go scuba diving after 15 minutes after arrive at the international airport. Then, you can go climb the highest mountain peak in south east asia at Mount Kinabalu.

September 30, 2018 at 8:30 am

Sounds like you had a great time! I really wish I had more time in KK! It feels like I missed out on a lot of stuff to do!

June 11, 2019 at 9:59 pm

I’m going to KK on next month for 3 days. I think I will skip Kundasang and do water activities. Still looking for ideas..

January 18, 2020 at 3:27 pm

There are more explore in Kota Kinabalu beside climbing Mt. Kinabalu, such as going for a rivercruise, water rafting (class 1, 2,3,4,) Island hoping are highly recomended here..

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The summit of Mount Kinabalu from far

After visited the UNESCO World heritage inscribed Kinabalu Park, proceed to a nearby restaurant for a sumptuous lunch.

After lunch, head back onwards Tamparuli town to the unique architecture known as ‘Rumah Terbalik’ or the Upside Down House. The first of its kind in South East Asia, it is among the seven such reversed structures in the world, and commands a great deal of interest due to its distinct construction methods. Opened since early 2012, the house is literally flipped ‘up-side down’, including the furniture, appliances and wardrobes that hang in backward positions over one’s head. Feel the disorientation kick in, as the walls become floors and vice versa, and right in the garage is an upside down car as well! Visitors will surely be fascinated by the uniqueness of the landmark.

After the visit to Rumah Terbalik, head back to the city of Kota Kinabalu. Be welcomed by the scenic views of quaint villages, serene lakes and waterfronts as the coach heads on.

Upon arrival at the hotel, freshen up and have the rest of the day on free-and-easy. Take a leisurely stroll by the waterfront, explore the resort or take a walk to the nearby town to see the streets come alive at night. See the many stalls selling trinkets, accessories, souvenirs and the like at the local night market, before proceeding for a delectable dinner at one of the restaurants nearby. After that, head back to the hotel for a good night’s rest.

Day 4: Jesselton Point Jetty – Sapi Island – Manukan Island Wake up to a wholesome breakfast at the hotel, and freshen up for the next adventure.

Next, head on to the Jesselton Point Jetty. Home to an array of harbored vassals and ferries, the landmark is a fantastic sight to behold, showcasing an incorporation of colonial as well as modern architectural design. The platform is built on stilts upon the ocean, and is home to all kinds of water sport service providers, and is also a perfect place for visitors to hire a boat for island hopping and tour the remote and tranquil islands around the continent. Visitors can also find several restaurants by the sea that offers excellent food and service. Take a brisk walk along the wooden paneled platforms, as one takes in the serene scenery of the blue ocean and the crimson red sunset. Watch the anchored vessels, yachts, steam ships and cargo vessels docked by the bay, lazily floating by the currents of the ocean.

Take the next available boat out to the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park . You should visit some of the most beautiful cluster of islands – Sapi Island and Manukan Island. A chartered speed boat is arranged to take visitors to the islands, which boast pristine shallow waters, rich coral gardens and fine, white sandy beaches. Take a dip into the crystal clear blue ocean or laze under the tropical sun with a book in hand, while listening to the soft echoes as the wave hits the shore. For those who prefer to just relax and unwind, then kick back and chill along the sandy beach, and bask in the warm rays of the tropical sun. Gears can be rented for snorkeling and diving activities, which gives visitors a breathtaking view of the beauty of the underwater world.

Visitors snorkeling near to the beach in Manukan Island

At noon, enjoy a sumptuous BBQ lunch on the islands at the designated dinner hall. Unwind and rest the tired soul.

After lunch, continues with more options to snorkel by the shorelines, or simply just watch the waves brush against the shoreline in complete serenity. One can also have a go for scuba diving, as well as opt to partake in the various sea sports activities provided on the island (includes banana boat, parasailing, jet skiing and more).

After a relaxing island tour for the day, pack up your belongings and gather at the jetty. The boat will bring the group safely back to Jesselton Point Jetty, and proceed for a transfer to the hotel. Refresh and relax, as the rest of the evening is at free-and-easy.

Day 5: Kiulu River Rafting – Mari Mari Cultural Village Wake up to a hearty breakfast at the hotel dining hall before proceed for a transfer to Kiulu River for the adrenaline filled whitewater rafting .

The journey takes about 1.5 hour on road. Along the way, be accompanied by the serene countryside landscape of paddy fields, villages and nature.

Upon arrival, the River Guide will proceed with a briefing and demonstration on the tools, equipment and safety measures during rafting, and most importantly the guide will explain the different levels of river rapids to look out for. After that, proceed to collect the provided rafting gear – helmets, life jackets and paddles.

Begin the rafting activity, which comprises of a total 9km river course down Kiulu River, taking up to 1hr 30 minutes subject to the strength of the currents and river conditions. It is good for beginners as it is not too rapid, and is just enough for one to enjoy the thrills. Experience the sensation and adrenaline pumping as visitors maneuver across the bumpy riverbeds at high speeds through steep and shallow waters, before finally making it to the final point. Take the occasional breather and be mesmerized by the natural views of the surrounding tropical rainforest, as visitors cruise down the various points along the Kiulu River rapids – Body Rafting, The Wall Rapid and Holy Smoke Rapid.

After the rafting activity, change into dry clothes and proceed for a delectable lunch provided along the Kiulu River.

After lunch, proceed to visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village , which is approximately 25 minutes away from Kota Kinabalu city centre. On arrival to the village, visitors will be welcomed by the sight of ancient Borneo architecture, and take a step back in time of days of old. Be dazzled by the authentic wooden towers, distinct wooden houses and structures decorated by nature. Take the opportunity to experience the different lifestyles of different indigenous tribes of Sabah. Blend in and see the culture like it really is. The houses here are all built by generations of Sabah native tribesmen, and are different in terms of style and design, each representing their own tribe. One can also visit the replica huts and see the daily routines of the olden Borneo natives come to life. Have a go at blowpipe making, fire-starting, and understand tribal tattoos to learn the mythical meanings behind each symbol. Also get a chance to see how the locals make vests out of tree husks, and also experience the traditional dance atop the ‘Lataran’ or traditional woven trampoline like floor. Also not forgetting are the various Sabahan delicacies that one will get to try, like the Montoku or rice wine, steamed rice and fish as well as vegetables cooked using bamboo shoots. Embrace the warm hospitality and partake in the cultural performances by the tribe representatives.

At the end of the tour in Mari Mari Cultural Village, your holiday in Sabah ends with a transfer to the Kota Kinabalu Airport , where visitors take their respective flights to home sweet home, taking along the sweet memories of the tour with them.

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4 Days Sabah Kundasang Tour (FY)

Arrival kota kinabalu.

Arrival at Kota Kinabalu, the state capital of Sabah, also known as "The Land BelowThe Wind". Upon arrival, warmest welcome by representative and proceed to visit Kota Kinabalu City Tour: Sabah State Mosque, Atkinson Clock Tower, Floating Mosque, Tun Mustapha Building, Poh Tou Temple & Filipino Market. Then proceed to Sunset dinner Cruise.

Overnight in Kota Kinabalu

Kundasang Trip

After breakfast, take an easy 2-hour scenic drive from Kota Kinabalu to south-east of Sabah to the Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site of Mount Kinabalu which designated by UNESCO in December 2000. Stop by Nabalu, a small town located near the foot of Mount Kinabalu to buy some local fruits & handicrafts. After being freshened up by the cool air in Kundasang, proceed to the Poring Hot Spring for a relaxing soak in the hot sulphuric mineral rich water, which is claimed to have curative powers. The main attraction here is the CANOPY WALK over the 157.8 meter long suspension bridge. After lunch, proceed to Desa Farm which also known as ‘Little New Zealand’. Then make a brief stopover at the KINABALU PARK stop by at the vegetable & fruits market in Kundasang. Have a visit at Kinabalu Park Headquarters.

Overnight in Kundasang

Mari Mari Cultural Village - Klias River Cruise

Breakfast at Hotel ,0930hrs Pickup from Hotel and transfer to Mari Mari Cultural Village. Upon arrival at the entrance of the village, you will be ushered in to the warmth of different homes of the ethnicities of Sabah to get acquainted with each village tribe and experience their rich culture. Get to see the demonstration of cutting tree harks into making a vest and a chance to dance and jump for “prize” on a built-in Lansaran, a traditional trampoline-like floor. Also get a chance to sample Sabahan traditional delicacies from each ethnic group such as the Montoku (rice wine) and witness bamboo cooking. Have fun and enjoy the cultural show performance by the tribes. Lunch at local restaurant. 1300hrs After lunch continue to Klias River Cruise. 1600hrs upon arrival, you will be served a simple local style high tea before proceed to the river cruise. Get ready to board a boat for the river cruise to look for Proboscis Monkey and other wildlife. Dinner by the river. After Dinner, go on a short river cruise to experience the spectacular view of Fireflies.

KOTA KINABALU - PENANG

After breakfast , transfer to airport for flight back to Penang.

Additional Info

Price include:

• Flight ticket
• Hotel accommodation
• Meals as per itinerary
• Sightseeing as mention in itinerary

Price exclude:

• Domestic travel insurance

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12 fantastic things to do in sabah – full guide 2024.

Table of Contents

Sabah is one of the most beautiful and fascinating parts of the world. Sabah is packed with wildlife, natural beauty and adventure. There are so many amazing things to do in Sabah in 2024 – it can be hard to narrow it down.

In this article we will recommend the best things to do in Sabah in to make sure you don’t miss anything. We have included prices and locations to help you plan your own independent budget adventures in Sabah. 

Don’t miss our step by step 10 day itinerary for Sabah . Independent budget and totally epic self guided itinerary for Sabah. Alternatively, if you’re short of time you may be interested in our 5 day itinerary for Sabah

Map of the best things to do in Sabah

Join the Backpacking Family in Sabah

What is it like to visit Sabah? (best things to do in Sabah)

Sabah is a state in East Malaysia on the island of Borneo that shares a land border with Indonesia, Brunei and the Malaysian state of Sarawak. Located in Borneo, Sabah is a tropical climate with mountains, jungles and oceans with coral reef and crystal clear waters. Sabah is hot throughout the year and often experience tropical downpours. The mountains are a little cooler due to the altitude. 

1 See Orangutans up close

Don’t miss the FULL GUIDE to seeing Orangutans up close in Sabah (we have some very handy secret tips in this article so it is well worth a read)

In Sabah you can see orangutans in their natural habitat. We have intentionally put this at the start of our list because it is the reason that many people visit Sabah. The Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary is a wooden platform that leads through the jungle where you witness orangutans in their natural habitat. There are no cages, fences or bars separating you from the jungle where orangutans live. Sometimes it is possible to see these majestic animals very close up when they actually climb onto the walkway.

Seeing orangutans in their natural habitat is one of the most epic and memorable things that you can do in Sabah. There are different ways to see orangutans in their natural habitat. The easiest and most reliable way to get close to Orangutans is to visit them at the Sepilok orangutan sanctuary located near Sandakan. This sanctuary has two daily feeding times and the orangutans reliably gather at the feeding platform during these times. One thing that we love about the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary is that the orangutans are genuinely free and it is the humans that are restricted to remaining on the platforms in the viewing area.

The Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary is open daily from 8.45am – 4pm (closed for lunch from 12pm – 2pm). There are TWO feeding times per day 10am and 3pm. We recommend arriving around 30 minutes early as the orangutans also like to arrive early for their food. 

Prices are as follows: RM15 (2 – 17 year olds), RM30 (adults) and RM10 camera fee (phone cameras FREE of charge). 

You are not allowed to bring any bags into the Sepilok Orangutan sanctuary. There is however a free locker area available to leave bags.

Top tip: If you would like to see these majestic creatures close up we recommend visiting during the afternoon feeding time. Aim to arrive around 2pm – and you may be able to see the orangutans climbing on the walkways. 

If you would like to see orangutans in the wild you can also organize orangutan tours in Sabah. A tour to see orangutans in the wild is likely to take a couple of days and maybe quite expensive. However, if you are determined to see these beautiful creatures in the wild then Sabah offers lots of great opportunities.

KEEP IT SIMPLE – Get your Sepilok Trip Booked on KLOOK (from Sandakan including guide & transportation)

2 Take an island hopping trip in Kota Kinabalu

If you are planning to visit Kota Kinabalu you can arrange a cheap one day island hopping trip to some of the local islands close to the city. The Kota Kinabalu island hopping trip is very affordable and allows you to visit and experience some of the beautiful Sabah islands. The water is clear, however this is not the best option for snorkeling if you are hoping to see beautiful coral reef and sea life. 

There are 4 islands that you can visit. Once you are on a tour they will give you timings and provide a boat between the islands. 

• Gaya island – the biggest island 
• Manukan island – busy and developed 
• Mamutik island – nice small quiet island – nice snorkeling
• Sapi island – small and lovely island just next to Gaya – nice beach but minimal snorkeling

You can see a little bit of coral reef and there is some sea life in the area, however it does not compare to other locations around Sabah. Tickets can be arranged on the same day at the ferry jetty in Kota Kinabalu. We recommend arriving between 8am – 10am.

• 1 island: Adult RM35 Child RM30
• 2 island: Adult RM45 Child RM40
• 3 island: Adult RM55 Child RM50
• 4 island: Adult RM65 Child RM60

Rental of snorkel and fins should cost around RM10 and can also be arranged at the jetty. You also need to pay an island conservation fee (ONE fee per adult of RM20). Keep the ticket as this can be presented at each island. 

NEED A LOW STRESS OPTION – Kota Kinabalu Island hopping – Book it on KLOOK

TOP TIP: We found the snorkeling quite controlled and restricted. There are netted areas to stay in. Some areas also have lots of sea urchins. There is also a risk of toxic stone fish on the seabed. Avoid touching sea life and do not walk on the coral. If you are looking for amazing snorkeling consider Semporna or Marbul. 

3 Go for a sea kayaking adventure

Another fun way to explore the beautiful Sabah sea is to take a sea kayak. Many costal resorts and hotels in Sabah offer sea Kayak Rental. Prices vary but it normally costs around RM30 – RM50 per hour (roughly £6 – £10 or $8 – $13). If you stay on Mabul island you can rent a transparent kayak at the Seahorse Resort (near Mabul backpackers).

This is a fun and novel way to explore the crystal clear coast of Mabul. Be aware that transparent Kayaks are not as buoyant or stable as standard Kayaks. We also recommend that you wear a life jacket and only attempt Kayaking in good weather.

4 Stay at a mountain homestay – best things to do in Sabah

If you have a little bit of free time in Sabah we recommend spending some time in a mountain home stay in the Kinabalu valley. This beautiful area has loads of great things to do and also affords breathtaking views of Mount Kinabalu. The climate in this region is also cooler due to the high altitude.

Kundasang is the most popular and iconic place to take a mountain home stay. Just be aware that most properties are listed as “home stays”. Some are apartments, some are guest houses and some are more developed hotels. There are other GREAT options further down the valley towards Ranau.

We absolutely LOVED our stay at the Pogimpaan Homestay . This small property really is a hidden gem in the Sabah Mountains. Pogimpaan Homestay is beautiful, well kept and affords a breathtaking view of Mount Kinabalu and the surrounding hills. It is also a great location to explore Kundasang, Ranau, and Poring. We do recommend having access to your own vehicle if you plan to stay here because this location is quite remote. 

5 Climb mount Kinabalu 

If you’re up for a real challenge and you are willing to pay the high financial price – it is possible to climb up Mount kinabalu. Kinabalu is a very high and challenging Mountain. The summit is called Low’s Peak and 4095m altitude. To climb Kinabalu you will need to get a permit and tour package. The most common type of permit is a 2day, 1night permit. Stay at the Laban Rata Rest house (part way up the mountain). This is very basic dorm style accommodation. You then wake up very early and climb to the summit for sunrise. The weather at the summit is variable. Many mornings the summit is cold, windy and 

• Limited climb permits per day (several hundred)
• Range of packages available ranging in price between RM1,200 and RM2,500.
• Different lengths and include different things.
• A good package should include a guide, food, accommodation and permits.

You can now book a 2 day 1 night Kinabalu Climb on KLOOK for as little as £200 (around $240) – This may sound like a lot – but for a Kinabalu Trek this is actually good value for money 🙂

6 See the world’s largest and rarest flower

Find out more about seeing the rafflesia flower in Malaysia

In Sabah it is also possible to see the world’s largest flower. The Rafflesia is genuinely a remarkable and unique flower and if you get the chance to see it we highly recommend it. The best place to see Rafflesia flowers in Sabah is in Poring close to the hot springs. 

The Rafflesia flower is truly unique amongst flowers. For a start Rafflesia is extremely rare and almost impossible to cultivate outside its natural ecosystem. Rafflesia flowers have no leaves, stems or roots. Furthermore this bizarre flower is also parasitic and exudes a strong odor of rotten meat. This attracts carion flies which the Rafflesia flower uses for cross-pollination. Rafflesia flowers are best known for being the largest flower in the world, a mature Rafflesia can be between 60cm and 80cm in diameter.

There are a couple of Rafflesia Gardens in Poring which may have Rafflesia flowers in bloom. Each Rafflesia Bud takes around 9 months to mature and then flowers tend to bloom for around 5 days only. The Rafflesia Gardens in Poring tend to have several Rafflesia premature buds at any given time.

On average, they are likely to have Rafflesia blooming at least one time every 4 to 8 weeks. So you do still need to be lucky to catch a bud blooming. You can also try calling in advance to see if they have a Rafflesia flower blooming. They generally charge RM20 to see these beautiful flowers.

Vienna Rafflesia Garden: +6019 744 3097 or +6013 560 7619

Top tip: The Rafflesia Gardens are also located close to the Poring Hotspring and canopy walkway. 

7 Visit a dairy farm in the hills

Visiting a dairy farm may not be the first thing that you associate with the wild mountains of Sabah. However, this is genuinely one of the awesome things to do if you are staying in the Kinabalu valley. The Desa dairy farm is located high up in the hills close to Mount Kinabalu. This is a TOP PICK for families.

This dairy farm supplies dairy products such as fresh milk, cheese, yoghurt and ice cream to many locations around Sabah. At the Desa dairy farm it is possible to see the cattle, learn about dairy production and sample fresh milk products. The soft serve ice cream and frozen yoghurt is especially popular and we highly recommend trying this. The panoramic location of this dairy farm also affords stunning views of the Kinabalu Valley and surrounding mountains.

We highly recommend a visit to the Desa dairy farm if you are planning to visit Kundasang or the Kinabalu valley. The Desa dairy farm is also great value for money. Entrance tickets only cost RM5 for adults, RM4 for children 7-12 years old, and FREE four children 6 years old and below. The Desa dairy farm is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets are only available in advance and must be booked through their official ticket website: Desa Dairy farm ticket website

8 Try incredible seafood

Sabah has a reputation for great seafood. Sabah has an impressive variety of delicious Seafood. In Sabah you can try an array of fresh fish, shellfish, squid and lobster. You can even find speciality seafood like succulent mantis shrimp in Sabah. This is the chance to try something unique and new. We particularly enjoyed the butter shrimp and the crab in Sandakan.

We also LOVED trying mantis shrimp. This strange creature looks like an alien life form but the flesh is tender, succulent and slightly sweet. If you stay on the islands in Sabah, fresh fish is likely to be your staple food. You can get very meaty and delicious fish very cheaply. 

Seafood in Sabah is very tasty but not very cheap. The cheapest way to enjoy seafood is to find a very local street food BBQ where you may pay around RM10-15  to try fish, crabs or shrimp. If you go to a seafood restaurant, expect to pay RM50 – RM250 per dish (depending on the type or seafood and the size). Even on the islands a fresh lobster is likely to start at around RM150.

There are cheaper places in the world to enjoy fresh seafood. However the variety of seafood in Sabah and the unique methods of preparing Seafood are genuinely impressive and well worth the experience.If you are hoping to try amazing Seafood in Sabah we recommend heading east. Sandakan, Semporna and the islands are the best location for seafood. Don’t miss Sim Sim 88 in Sandakan for a super tasty seafood meal.

9 Take a dip at a hot spring

Hot Springs may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you are thinking of Sabah. However, there is an awesome hot spring located in Poring not too far from Mount Kinabalu. The Poring hot springs are lots of fun and cheap to visit. There are several different hot spring pools that you can try.

At the top there are some hot spring baths which are almost too hot to touch. As you walk down the hill you can see small hot spring baths that can be filled up using a tap, and some larger hot spring pools. There is one hot spring pool that is big enough to swim in. At the hot springs there are also changing rooms, toilets and showers.

The prices for the hot springs are as follows: RM15 for adults (£3 or $4), RM10 for children 7 – 17 years old (£2 or $2.50), children 6 years and below are FREE. The Poring hot springs are open daily from 8am – 3pm. 

TOP TIP: if you plan to visit the hot springs, consider making time to try the canopy walkway and also to visit one of the Rafflesia Gardens nearby.

Don’t miss this Poring Hot Sping Day Trip from Kota Kinabalu on KLOOK – it also includes the canopy walkway and some other great attractions in the area.

10 Try a canopy walkway

Right next to the Poring hot spring is an impressive canopy walkway . This canopy walkway is a series of suspended rope Bridges which provide an impressive view of the jungle canopy and surrounding mountains. This canopy walkway is impressively high, we do not recommend this for anyone who has a fear of heights.

To get to the start of a canopy walkway you need to take a steep 10 minute walk up the jungle Hill and then climb to the start of the walkway course. The height and the rope bridge style of this canopy walkway creates a very exhilarating experience. This is also an excellent way to spot jungle wildlife in Sabah.

• Opening hours: 9am – 4pm (closed on mondays)
• Adults RM5 (around £1 or $1.20)
• Children RM2.50 (under 18 years old)

11 See the big nose monkeys (Proboscis monkeys)

One of the more unique things to do in Sabah is see the bizarre proboscis monkeys. These strange specimens are probably the most unique and unusual looking monkeys in the world, with their long protruding noses. In Saba the proboscis monkeys are not particularly rare, so there is a good chance of seeing them if you get yourself to the right places.

The best way to see proboscis monkeys in the wild is to take a river cruise along the Kinabatangan river . As you journey down this river you are very likely to see proboscis monkeys sitting in the trees and playing in the canopy. 

12 Experience some of THE BEST diving in the world

Find out about the best Mabul island resorts

No article on things to do in Sabah would be complete without a mention of the amazing diving. In Sabah you can visit some of the best diving locations in the world. Sipadan has a reputation for being one of the best diving spots in the world. The range of depths, water currents and temperature leads to a unique and impressive biodiversity.

In this area you can see a wide range of marine animals including reef sharks, turtles, tropical fish and you can even see the stunning barracuda tornados. It is quite expensive to get a permit to dive at Sipadan and many diving schools require a minimum number of dives or an advanced diving certificate.

You can also try diving in cheaper locations nearby. Marbul is also a great location for diving and you can stay on this island relatively cheaply. 

• Dive in Mabul RM100 per dive (roughly £20 or $25)
• Dive in Sipadan RM1,200 – RM1,500 (roughly £240 or $300)

The cheapest and BEST way to dive in Mabul and Sipadan is to arrange your accommodation and trip through the Mabul Backpackers Hostel located on Mabul island. 

Mabul Backpackers offer the CHEAPEST accomodation in the Mabul Sipidan area and arrange diving trips (RM100) and snorkelling trips (RM50) in the area.

13 Go snorkeling in Semporna

Another great way to experience the amazing oceans in Sabah is to take a snorkeling trip. If you don’t have enough time to visit the small islands consider taking a snorkeling trip from Semporna . In Semporna you can arrange snorkeling day trips which visit several islands and top snorkeling spots.

The water is beautifully clear and there is some very impressive coral reef and ocean life to experience. HERE are some of the islands that you can visit for snorkeling near Semporna:

Bohey Dulang island – no swimming, trek up a steep jungle trail to an impressive viewpoint

Mantabuan island, Sibuan island, Kapalai island, Mataking island and Timba Timba island

Snorkeling island hopping trips in Semporna normally cost in the range of RM120 – RM200 per person (for a shared boat trip) and normally include equipment rental (snorkel, mask, fins and a life jacket) and lunch. 

TOP TIP: Bohey Dulang island has an amazing viewpoint but they don’t let kids under 12 years old hike (honestly this rule seems ridiculous – our 5 year old is seriously better at jungle trekking than many adults!). AND they don’t even let people swim near the island. SO, if you have young kids, organize a trip that does not include Bohey Dulang island.

14 Try local chocolate

If you don’t believe Sabah has it all – you can even try LOCAL chocolate here. If you are interested in trying Sabah chocolate and learning about the chocolate making process you need to get yourself over to Tawau – a small city located in the south east of Sabah not far from the Indonesian border. This town has a lovely national park and a chocolate museum – The Teck Guan Cocoa Museum. Book in advance for demonstrations and a tour.

There is also a chocolate village in the hills outside Tawau. This is a beautiful and peaceful destination to relax and sample some local chocolate products. Unless you are very keen we wouldn’t recommend travelling to Tawau just to visit the museum. BUT this is a great activity if you plan to travel through Tawau or intend to visit any other attractions in the area.

The chocolate museum in Tawau city is small, cute and fun. RM35 for adults, RM25 for children (6 – 12 years old) and RM10 for infants (3 – 5 years old). 0-2 years old FREE. Please pre-book at least 1-2 days in advance (at least two adults required). You can book by phone: +6016 8269579 or +6089 772277

Life loving, adventure chasing, Mum of 3 who loves travel. Over 10 years of travel writing experience. Emma now loves to give the best tips to help other travel loving parents plan adventures with their kids. Whether you need to find the best accommodation or just need to know how to pack your bag Emma is that travelling mum who love to help you.

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London’s luxury hotels unveil ‘gig-tripping packages’ with karaoke and glittery welcome drinks—ahead of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour

As it becomes clearer that Taylor Swift fans are more than happy to pay top dollar for their concert-going vacations, five-star hotels are starting to court the sequin set.

In London, the plush  Four Seasons Hotel London at Park Lane  has unveiled its own “gig-tripping package,” ahead of Swift’s series of eight Eras Tour shows at Wembley Stadium, which begins on June 21. Though it’s best known for its 10th floor spa with spectacular views of London and destination restaurant Pavyllon from star chef Yannick Alléno, it’s significantly turning up the volume this summer.

Among other perks, guests who book the package will find karaoke machines in their rooms—an invitation to belt their hearts out before or after the shows. Besides that, there are glittery welcome drinks, portable phone chargers for the show (also glittery) and friendship bracelet-making kits, an Eras Tour tradition. All this adds £200 ($319) to each booking on top of the standard room rates, which run around £1,000 a night in June—up to a 20% markup, depending on how long you stay. 

Given the strong data supporting the “Taylor Effect”—a rise in spending tied to Swift’s shows—all around the world since the tour start in March 2023, it was only a matter of time before the hotel industry attempted to cash in with add-ons. Last year, the first leg of her US tour contributed $4.3 billion to gross domestic product, according to  estimates  from Bloomberg Economics. And Four Seasons is not the only hotel brand trying to get in on the fun:  Marriott International Inc.  has used Swift’s popularity to  court new loyalty members with sweepstakes packages   and hotel events in such cities as Madrid and Stockholm.

Raquel Pirola, Park Lane’s marketing and sales director, says her team came up with the amenity as they saw more guests, particularly Gen Z and millennial travelers, working Four Seasons stays into itineraries that are driven primarily by concerts—not just in London but all around the world. The amenity comes ahead of the Swift tour dates, but it can be personalized around other concerts happening this summer, she says, citing excitement around the  British Summer Time festival  in neighboring Hyde Park. The lineup includes Kylie Minogue, Stevie Nicks and SZA. 

“In recent years, entertainment and cultural events have started to really drive luxury travel trends,” says Pirola, adding that she’s seen Americans booking the gig-tripping package. Luxury is the key word: A report from Skyscanner says 44% of US adults are willing to travel short-haul to see their favorite acts live, but only 18% are willing to fly long-haul for the same reason.

Still, the demand is significant enough to fill planes crossing the Atlantic. Data from  United Airlines Inc.  shows bookings for US flights to Milan during Swift’s tour dates in July are up 45% compared with the same period last year. Demand to Munich is similarly high, with bookings up 40% during the Eras shows.

The billionaire superstar is also outshining the Olympics, according to data from travel agency Embark Beyond shared exclusively with Bloomberg, which showed Swift being a  bigger driver of demand to Paris for luxury travelers  than the upcoming games in Paris. For example, the Shangri-La Paris saw a 120% increase in bookings over Swift’s travel dates in May, giving the palace hotel a revenue boost before peak summer season, according to data from the hotel shared with Bloomberg. The Shangri-La has launched a concert concierge in response; the hotel’s teams can arrange things like pre-show beauty services to help guests get bejeweled before the gigs. 

Pirola is confident that the story will play out similarly in London, where data from Barclays shows the Eras Tour is likely to provide a  £1 billion boost to the UK economy . “Guests will no doubt find a Swiftie or two to exchange friendship bracelets with here at the hotel,” she says.

But there may be signs that hotels are coming into the phenomenon too late. Even as Swift continues to smash records, demand for concerts is fading, with some mid-tier acts struggling to sell tickets. Bad Bunny and the Black Keys have canceled tour dates this summer, while Jennifer Lopez canceled her entire tour. 

For Swifties, getting a chance to sing  London Boy  inside a room at one of London’s top hotels could be a dream come true. But the hotel is aware that it’s not for everyone. Pirola says that the rooms are soundproofed well enough that guests blasting their hearts out to one of Swift’s chart-topping hits ahead of the Eras tour won’t keep any of their neighbors up at night . 

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