Kota Kinabalu Borneo Malaysia 3 Day Itinerary

July 7, 2024

Kota Kinabalu, Borneo 3-Day Itinerary

8:00 AM - Breakfast: Start the day with a delicious breakfast at Kedai Kopi Fatt Kee, a local coffee shop serving traditional Malaysian dishes.
9:00 AM - Gaya Street Sunday Market: Visit the bustling Sunday market, where you can find souvenirs, local handicrafts, and try some street food.

1:00 PM - Lunch: Head to Little Italy for a delicious Italian meal with a Malaysian twist.
2:30 PM - Sabah Museum: Learn about the history and culture of Sabah at this well-curated museum.

6:00 PM - Signal Hill Observatory Platform: Watch the stunning sunset from this panoramic viewpoint.
8:00 PM - Dinner: Enjoy a seafood dinner at Waterfront Seafood Restaurant, overlooking the South China Sea.

8:00 AM - Breakfast: Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
9:30 AM - Depart for Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park: Take a ferry to the park, which comprises five islands.

12:00 PM - Snorkeling and Beach Time: Spend the day snorkeling, swimming, or simply relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Sapi Island.
4:00 PM - Return to Kota Kinabalu: Head back to the city after a fun-filled day at the islands.

7:00 PM - Dinner: Savor local Malaysian cuisine at Serena Brasserie, located in the Pacific Sutera Hotel.
9:00 PM - Explore Night Markets: Visit the night markets at Lintas or Foh Sang to try some street food and buy souvenirs.

7:00 AM - Breakfast: Have a quick breakfast at The B Side Cafe.
8:30 AM - Depart for Mount Kinabalu National Park: Drive to the park (about 2 hours) and explore the visitor center.

12:00 PM - Lunch: Enjoy a packed lunch or try some local food at the park’s restaurant.
1:30 PM - Botanical Garden and Rainforest Walk: Explore the beautiful botanical garden and take a guided walk through the rainforest.

5:00 PM - Return to Kota Kinabalu: Head back to the city after a fulfilling day in nature.
7:00 PM - Farewell Dinner: Celebrate your last evening in Kota Kinabalu with a dinner at El Centro, serving Mexican-inspired dishes.

Hotel: Stay at the Pacific Sutera Hotel or similar, located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu.
Hostel: Alternatively, stay at the Borneo Backpackers or similar, a popular choice among backpackers.

Airport Transfer: Book a private transfer from Kota Kinabalu International Airport to your hotel.
Local Transport: Use taxis or ride-hailing services like Grab for getting around the city.
Island Hopping: Take a ferry to Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park and back.

Weather: Kota Kinabalu has a tropical rainforest climate, so be prepared for hot and humid weather with occasional rain showers.
Clothing: Pack light, breathable clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
Currency: The Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) is the local currency. You can exchange currency at banks or use ATMs.
Language: Malay is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Respect Local Culture: Dress modestly when visiting mosques or temples, and remove your shoes when entering homes or places of worship.

Scuba Diving: Explore the underwater world at Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park with a certified diving operator.
White Water Rafting: Take an exhilarating rafting trip on the Padas River (about 2 hours from Kota Kinabalu).
Kinabatangan River Safari: Cruise along the river and spot proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and other wildlife (about 2.5 hours from Kota Kinabalu).

Remember to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and respect local customs and traditions during your trip to Kota Kinabalu!