Kota Kinabalu Borneo Malaysia 7 Day Itinerary

Kota Kinabalu, Borneo 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration

• Morning: Arrive at Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Take a taxi (approximately RM25-30) or Grab ride (around RM15-20) to your hotel.
• Hotel: Stay at Hotel Eden54 or similar, located in the city center.
• Breakfast: Head to Fook Yuen Café for a delicious breakfast of Malaysian delights like nasi lemak and roti canai.
• City Tour:
  • Visit the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, a beautiful mosque with stunning architecture.
  • Explore the Gaya Street Sunday Market, which offers a variety of local goods, souvenirs, and street food.
• Lunch: Try some delicious seafood at Seri Selera Seafood Restaurant.
• Afternoon:
  • Visit the Sabah Museum, which showcases the state’s history and culture.
  • Take a stroll along the Kota Kinabalu Waterfront, offering great views of the city and sea.
• Dinner: Enjoy some local specialties like bak kut teh at Kedai Kopi Fatt Kee.

Day 2: Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park

• Morning: Take a ferry (approximately RM17-20 return) from the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal to Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park.
• Activities:
  • Snorkeling or diving at one of the five islands (Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Sulug, and Mamutik) to explore the coral reefs and marine life.
  • Hiking through the park’s lush rainforest to reach scenic viewpoints.
• Lunch: Pack a picnic lunch or enjoy some seafood at one of the island’s restaurants.
• Afternoon: Return to Kota Kinabalu city by ferry.
• Dinner: Savor some delicious Chinese cuisine at New Dragon Palace Restaurant.

Day 3: Mount Kinabalu National Park

• Morning: Drive to Mount Kinabalu National Park (approximately 2 hours).
• Activities:
  • Hike the Timpohon Gate Trail, a challenging but rewarding trek to the summit of Mount Kinabalu.
  • Explore the park’s visitor center and learn about the unique flora and fauna of the area.
• Lunch: Enjoy some local cuisine at one of the park’s restaurants.
• Afternoon: Return to Kota Kinabalu city.
• Dinner: Try some mouth-watering Korean BBQ at K-Pub.

Day 4: Mari-Mari Cultural Village and Tanjung Aru Beach

• Morning: Visit the Mari-Mari Cultural Village, which showcases the traditional lifestyle of Sabah’s indigenous people.
• Lunch: Enjoy some local delicacies at the village’s restaurant.
• Afternoon:
  • Relax on Tanjung Aru Beach, a scenic beach with crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand.
  • Take a leisurely walk along the beachfront promenade.
• Dinner: Savor some fresh seafood at Salut Seafood Restaurant.

Day 5: Kinabatangan River and Sukau

• Morning: Drive to Kinabatangan River (approximately 2.5 hours) and take a boat ride to Sukau.
• Activities:
  • Spot proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and other wildlife along the riverbanks.
  • Visit the Sukau Village, a traditional Orang Sungai settlement.
• Lunch: Enjoy some local cuisine at one of the village’s restaurants.
• Afternoon: Return to Kota Kinabalu city.
• Dinner: Try some delicious Indian cuisine at Restaurant Sri Karuna.

Day 6: Islands Hopping Tour

• Morning: Take a ferry (approximately RM100-120 return) from the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal to Sapi Island and Manukan Island.
• Activities:
  • Snorkeling or diving at one of the islands to explore the coral reefs and marine life.
  • Relax on the beautiful beaches of Sapi and Manukan Islands.
• Lunch: Pack a picnic lunch or enjoy some seafood at one of the island’s restaurants.
• Afternoon: Return to Kota Kinabalu city by ferry.
• Dinner: Enjoy some Western cuisine at The Bistro.

Day 7: Departure

• Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring the city.
• Check-out: From your hotel and head to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (approximately RM25-30 by taxi or Grab ride) for your departure flight.

Things to Know

• Weather: Kota Kinabalu has a tropical rainforest climate with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year. Be prepared for occasional rain showers.
• Culture: Sabah is a melting pot of different cultures, including Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous communities. Respect local customs and traditions.
• Language: Malay (official language), English, Mandarin Chinese, and various indigenous languages are spoken in Kota Kinabalu.

Transportation

• Taxi: Taxis are widely available, but make sure to negotiate the fare before you start your journey.
• Grab: The popular ride-hailing app is widely used in Kota Kinabalu.
• Bus: Public buses are an affordable option for traveling around the city and to nearby attractions.

Tips

• Be prepared for crowds and long queues at popular tourist spots.
• Respect the local environment and wildlife by not littering and not touching coral reefs while snorkeling or diving.
• Try to avoid traveling during peak hours (7-9 am and 4-6 pm) to avoid traffic congestion.
• Don’t forget to try some of the local fruits, such as durians and rambutans!

Other Things of Interest

• Kota Kinabalu Night Market: A bustling night market offering a variety of goods, souvenirs, and street food.
• Sabah State Mosque: One of the largest mosques in Malaysia, featuring stunning architecture and beautiful gardens.
• Signal Hill Observatory Platform: Offers panoramic views of Kota Kinabalu city and the surrounding islands.