Check in hotel at Kota Kinabalu for 1-night. While not many conjure images of Kota Kinabalu when planning a trip to Malaysia, there is so much this charming city has to offer that this offbeat destination should be on your bucket list pronto! It was the hardest decision. Hawker stalls and seafood restaurants sell lip-smacking Malaysian food late into the night. You will find all the options for what to do in Kota Kinabalu. It had been a long time since my last dive, and I needed a refresher. You can find more details for any of the activities mentioned in this itinerary in the section below. If it were up to me, I would have stayed for hours. When we were planning it, I hadnt paid attention to anything other than the monkey stuff. From 775 MYR 2 Days 1 Nights Mount Kinabalu Climbing Package Highlight : Hotel + Transfer + Tour Market : Worldwide market. updated Nov 25, 2022 Kota Kinabalu in 4 days If you only have 4 days to spend in Kota Kinabalu, we've narrowed down the top places you should check out to get the best experience of your time here. Tell me in the comments below. Visitors snorkeling near to the beach in Manukan Island. The capital of the beautiful Sabah state, the journey takes you to see the historical, tropical as well as exciting part of this urban town. If youd like to do a Kota Kinabalu tour, find our best options here. Mark said it was one of the coolest things hes ever done. At RM 2030/$472 it doubles the price, but Mark said it was well worth it, and his favorite part of the entire experience. Other mangrove wildlife includes monitor lizards, fiddler crabs, mud lobsters and turtles. Its a two-day event where if you are lucky, youll get to see the sunrise at the peak. But since moving to Puerto Vallarta, Ill be writing about our misadventures here. As you drive on through the National Park, cool and refreshing mountain air is a welcome relief. They sell a range of fresh fruits and vegetables, a great way to experience the beautiful rural mountain culture. It really couldnt be simpler. 0540H:Summit Lows peak @ 4,095m and catch the sunrise, 0600H:Descend Lows Peak to meet Mountain Torq trainer, 0715H: Meet via ferrata trainer at Sayat Sayat Hut @ 3,668m for Walk the Torq via ferrata experience (introductory via ferrata, French grade PD), 0930H:Return to Pendant Hut for a well earned late breakfast. Our guide had a flashlight, but it wasnt to light the way. Kundasang Itinerary 3D2N | Kota Kinabalu - On Tour Malaysia Youll find alfresco sunset-facing restaurant, with international fine-dining. January to April are the best months because its a bit cooler and drier than normal. After a recuperative session, proceed to the Desa Cattle Farm. We continued down the river, spying several birds, playful macaques romping in the waters edge, and languid monitor lizards watching us watch them. Address: Off, Jalan Bukit Bendera Upper, Kampung Likas, Kota Kinabalu. Price: USD 450 375 (2 to go) BOOK NOW Trip Overview 5D4N Sabah Tour Package includes Kota Kinabalu Kundasang 2 days 1 night Package Tour, Manukan Island & Sapi Island Hopping Snorkeling Day Tour. Whether you keep to this Kota Kinabalu itinerary or not, make sure one evening you go to Rooftop @ Le Mridien. Even if you arent a monkey weirdo, this should be on your Kota Kinabalu itinerary. Visit during the week to avoid the overly crowded weekends. 2.2.3 Kota Kinabalu City Mosque. A quick 25 minute speedboat ride from the mainland, youll enjoy lazy beach picnics, discover the Parks five islands and marvel at the colourful tropical fish and stunning corals. This is a DIY island hopping tour. Welcome Seafood was recommended by a few locals, so we had to check it out. After visiting Poring you could travel back to Kota Kinabalu. Address: Jalan Pasir, Jalan Teluk Likas, Kampung Likas, Kota Kinabalu. gtag('js', new Date()); < You can cross at low tide at the sandbar to Sapi or get a boat to take you across, From Sapi, take a boat to Manukan for a BBQ lunch. Enjoy fresh air and tranquillity at this unique ecosystem where land meets the sea. Just imagine a handful of lush green islands dotting the shore. I left that escapade to my husband, Mark, while I worked on my beach bum abilities on a nearby island. You can book Escape Backpackers on Agoda. The hill is the highest point in Kota Kinabalu, and is a perfect spot to take a wonderful group photo and the excellent time visitors are having on the journey. Relaxing at any one of the splendid beaches or try some water sports, Take the last boat back to Jesselton, around 4pm, Enjoy sunset cocktails at Rooftop @ Le Mridien, After an early start, travel 1.5 hours to Nabalu Market and stock up with snacks, fruits and drinks, Enter the UNESCO World Heritage National Park, paying a fee that includes Poring Hot Springs, Experience some amazing scenery in the foothills of Mt. Find one here or click here for our best Mt Kota Kinabalu tours. Using renewable energy and rainwater for automatic lighting and air conditioning, it was the first green building in Borneo. After stopping at a Rafflesia Garden, go to the Poring hot spring. A visit to the nearby Poring Hot Springs National Park is both relaxing and thrilling with their sulphur pools and the highest canopy walk in Sabah. Long distance buses are very cheap in Malaysia. Take an island hopping day trip around the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. End your visit with a live ethnic dance performance, the ancient Magunatip bamboo-dance by the Murut Tribe. This is a popular attraction and one of the unique places to visit in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. It costs RM15 to visit (international) and RM2 (Malaysian). My Great Escape: 4-day Itinerary in Kota Kinabalu, a Coastal City 2 hrs, 0730H: Arrive at Beaufort, hop on a train and indulge in a thrilling 1 hour scenic train-ride, 1030H: Arrive at PANGI Station, enjoy some light refreshments for an energy boost while the river guide briefs one through important safety measures. From expanses of beach, beautiful unspoilt islands, lush rain forests, unexplored coral reefs, and the great Mount Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu tours will not disappoint you. There is a ferry terminal fee of RM7.63/$1.80, which is sometimes included in the ticket and a conservation fee of RM20/$4.85 for the park. Kota Kinabalu City Night Tour with Seafood Dinner (Private Tour) Tour Code: ABK-LT02: Duration: 5.5 Hours: Minimum: 2: . Its surprising to some parents just how many things there are to do in Kota Kinabalu with kids, and we feel it should be on all family holiday-to-do-lists as there are so many reasons to visit. Rooms range from standard, superior, family or executive deluxe to suite and super-standard, all with king or twin bedding. Stick around for a while after the feeding, sometimes stragglers come a little late to the party, and you might just have the little furry guy all to yourselves. Kindly help me create my itenerary. In between the feedings, you can head next door to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC). The climb isnt for the faint of heart. Travelling to Malaysia? Well help you get ready for your trip! It was a great adventure for sure! Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! They are continually shuttling in between the islands, so youll never have too long of a wait. Feel the spirit of adventure fill the air through adrenaline pumping activities, breathtaking scenery, delicious food and an array of tranquil islands. On the road that leads to the hot springs there are a couple of Rafflesia gardens. Planning a trip to Malaysia? 5 Days/4 Nights Kota Kinabalu Itinerary 3rd October 2016 No comments Article Day 1 : Fly into Kota Kinabalu, East Malaysia 1735H:Flight depart from Singapore to Kota Kinabalu by AirAsia 2005H: Arrive Kota Kinabalu 2100H: Check into Hostel Day 2: Climb Mount Kinabalu We will visit: Upside Down House (Rumah Terbalik) - It is like a small village and the things inside the house are upside down. The lonesome males were just hoping to have some wacka-wacka time with the queen. Click here to see all our recommendations for exactly where to stay in Kota Kinabalu. Ten large statues of deities adorn the temple with the Goddess of Mercy, Kwan Yin, standing tall at the main entrance and a Chinese-style reclining Buddha inside. will also keep you occupied. Required fields are marked *, Copyright TheGuyTravel 2017 Have any questions? Food is relatively cheap and good in Malaysia. You will surely never run out of things to do in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. Also, check out the BW Bus Restaurant (located between Kundasang and Ranau). Even though it had been raining the few days before our dive, the visibility was still excellent, and we saw loads of curious creatures bright purple sea slugs 7cm long, colorful coral teeming with tiny fish darting in and out of their crevices, and massive parrot fish with their blue pout. More information about our Privacy Policy. Our top pick of things to do in Kota Kinabalu at night, immerse yourself in the local community as you select seafood from the Wet Market, haggle over the price, and decide on the cooking method Freshly grilled, steamed or boiled! So here is the scoop. 08.15 hrs: Pick-up from hotel. In the rain, the orangutans tend to hide, but that is when the sun bears come out to play, so use the weather as a guide and go between the two centers. Then, take a tour to the Mountain Garden and Exhibition Hall. 02 - 02.15pm: We will pick you up from your hotel in Kota Kinabalu and head to Klias Peninsula. Not sure why but the sunsets in KK produce some of the most vividly colorful skies Ive ever seen make it a priority. Locals adore First Beach at Tanjung Aru, settling in mid-afternoon to view the iconic sunset which is said to be in the worlds top ten. Take a visit to the Desa Dairy farm, situated in the hills around 5km north of Kundasang. Or you can register with scuba operators at each island to join boat trips. Its a surprisingly charming city with seaside views, friendly locals and colourful markets. Wake up to a wholesome breakfast at the hotel, and freshen up for the next adventure. Be dazzled by the hospitality of Sabahan and see the historical and cultural aspects of the different cities from metropolitan to peaceful villages. You will need a permit and a guide to climb which is all handled by the tour company you choose. Visitors must dress appropriately (special clothing is provided). Currently living in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, 2023 Sand In My Curls. This is a perfect place to get mementos and gifts for your loved ones. Location, location, location! Discover the 32 indigenous groups of Sabah, which have around 100 spoken languages, at the Ethnology Gallery. There is a whale skeleton, exhibits on head hunters, and one of the largest collections of ceramic in Southeast Asia.3. Find detailed day wise itinerary of Kota Kinabalu tour package below which will be further customized . As we drove two hours through the downpour, the guide told us not to get our hopes up. 0700 Enjoy breakfast at hotel. Arrive at the Kinabalu Park Headquarters, and take a quiet stroll along the natural trails of the Botanical Gardens, and feel the refreshing air caress your cheeks. The word Poring originates from the Kadazandusun name for a tall bamboo plant that grows bountifully in that area. Give a go at haggling, or simply indulge in the pleasure of seeing the interesting and lively catches that are brought to shore. Day 1 - Arrive at Kansai Airport. And deep in the jungle that still exits. If the above 5 day itinerary doesnt sound like you, below we have listed everything there is to do in Kota Kinabalu so you can plan out your own itinerary. Some of the tour operators offer a Kota Kinabalu 3 day itinerary or 4 day itinerary. ), Discover the region with a couple of hours at the Sabah State Museum, Taxi to the Central Market (Pasar Besar), explore and snack on cheap local street-food, Check-out the Handicraft (Filipino) Market in search of souvenirs, Taxi to the Po Toh Si Temple to marvel at the reclining Buddha, Walk 20 minutes to the stunning Floating Mosque, taking a pedal boat around the lake, Drop by the 1902 Atkinson Clock Tower before heading up the hill behind it to the Signal Observatory Hill for panoramic sunset views, Return to the seafront for a freshly cooked seafood dinner at the eclectic Night Market, Arrive early morning at the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, Buy your tickets and pay the Sabah Parks Conservation Fee. Kota Kinabalu on the island of Borneo presents visitors with an exotic and idyllic holiday destination. 2.2.1 Atkinson Clock Tower. If you want a hotel in the middle of the city, read our review of Le Mridien Kota Kinabalu here. There they were, a whole troop of them; the huge floppy nosed males with their turned-up pointy-nosed companions. If the name conjures up visions of headhunters, indigenous tribes, and people living in the jungles hunting food with blowpipes, you are spot on. Here alternatives are given to explore the different trails around Kinabalu Park. At the botanical site, trek a 1.4 kilometre trail to the Herbal and Ginger Garden while you spot plants such as the carnivorous pitcher-plants and other rare specimens. Thats how it used to be. The building itself is an objet-dart! The structure, known as Menara Tun Mustapha or the Sabah Foundation Building, is a 30 storey circular glass marvel of architecture. Sabah State Museum and Heritage Village is more than just a museum. Personally, I love the idea of doing the Via Ferrata but hate the idea of hiking to get to it! There are over 326 bird species and 850 butterfly species to spot as well. Your email address will not be published. I absolutely love this post and youve made me want to go there and visit it properly (not just on a cruise!). Made up of five small Bornean islands, the national park is a 25 minute boat ride from Kota Kinabalu. Pick up some souvenirs popular dairy products such as Desa Cattles milk-in-a-box or enjoy freshly made frozen yoghurt and delicious ice-cream. There are no cages or walls, but you must respect their space and let them eat their bananas in peace. Before returning to the city, take a cool swim at the nearby Kiansom Waterfall, only 400 metres from the Village.