Kota Kinabalu (Borneo), Malaysia-4-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration

Morning

  • Arrive at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI)
  • Take a taxi or grab car to your hotel in the city center ( approx. 30 minutes, RM 30-40)

Afternoon

  • Check-in at Hotel Eden54 or similar
  • Visit the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque (Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu), a beautiful mosque with stunning architecture
  • Walk to the nearby Signal Hill Observatory, which offers panoramic views of the city

Evening

  • Head to the Night Market at Foh Sang for some street food and local souvenirs
  • Try some local delicacies like grilled fish, satay, or rojak at one of the many food stalls
  • Return to your hotel for a good night’s rest

Tips and Insights

  • Kota Kinabalu is a relatively small city, so getting around on foot or by taxi is easy
  • Be respectful when visiting mosques and dress modestly

Day 2: Island Hopping and Snorkeling

Morning

  • Take a ferry from Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal to Manukan Island ( approx. 15 minutes, RM 17 return)
  • Check-in at Manukan Island Resort or similar
  • Spend the morning snorkeling and swimming in the crystal-clear waters

Afternoon

  • Take a ferry to Sapi Island ( approx. 10 minutes, RM 10 return)
  • Go on a guided snorkeling tour to explore the island’s vibrant coral reefs
  • Enjoy a beachside BBQ lunch at one of the many food stalls

Evening

  • Return to Kota Kinabalu city center and try some seafood dinner at Welcome Seafood Restaurant
  • Explore the Anjung Senja waterfront area, which offers great views of the city skyline

Tips and Insights

  • Book your ferry tickets in advance to avoid long queues
  • Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun

Day 3: Kinabalu National Park

Morning

  • Take a bus or taxi from Kota Kinabalu to Kinabalu National Park ( approx. 2 hours, RM 20-30)
  • Register at the park’s headquarters and start your hike to the Timpohon Gate, the starting point for Mount Kinabalu climbers
  • Explore the park’s botanical garden and visit the Nepenthes Garden

Afternoon

  • Take a guided tour to explore the park’s rainforest trails and scenic viewpoints
  • Visit the Kadazandusun Cultural Village to learn about the local indigenous people’s traditions and customs

Evening

  • Return to Kota Kinabalu city center and try some traditional Kadazandusun cuisine at D’Place Kinabalu
  • Explore the Gaya Street Sunday Market, which offers a wide range of local handicrafts and souvenirs

Tips and Insights

  • Book your national park tour in advance to avoid availability issues
  • Bring comfortable hiking shoes, insect repellent, and plenty of water

Day 4: Departure

Morning

  • Spend the morning shopping for last-minute souvenirs or exploring a local market
  • Check-out from your hotel and head to the airport for your departure flight ( approx. 30 minutes, RM 30-40)

Tips and Insights

  • Make sure to leave enough time for your departure flight
  • Consider purchasing travel insurance before your trip to Malaysia

Transportation

  • Taxis are widely available in Kota Kinabalu city center
  • Grab car is a popular ride-hailing service in Kota Kinabalu
  • Bus services are also available from the city center to nearby attractions

Accommodation

  • Hotel Eden54: A comfortable and centrally-located hotel with modern amenities
  • Manukan Island Resort: A beachside resort on Manukan Island with stunning ocean views

Food and Drink

  • Welcome Seafood Restaurant: A popular seafood restaurant in Kota Kinabalu city center
  • D’Place Kinabalu: A restaurant serving traditional Kadazandusun cuisine
  • Night Market at Foh Sang: A street food market offering a wide range of local delicacies

Things to Know

  • Malaysia is a multicultural country with a mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous cultures
  • Kota Kinabalu is a relatively safe city, but take usual precautions to protect yourself and your belongings
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting mosques or cultural villages