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Relaxed 8-Day Itinerary to Explore Kota Kinabalu, Kundasang, and Island Escapes

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Day 1: Arrival and Relax

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia on August 1, 2025

8:35pm

Arrive at Kota Kinabalu International Airport

Land and proceed to your hotel for check-in and rest, ready for the days ahead.
Included in flight ticket, 1h

9:45pm

Dinner at Welcome Seafood Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed seafood dinner near the city centre open until 10:30pm — perfect for a late arrival meal.
MYR60 per person approx., 1h
Find Hotels in Kota Kinabalu

Day 2: Gaya Street & City Sights

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia on August 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at My Harbor Restaurant

Kickstart with local Malaysian breakfast favourites including kaya toast and coffee.
MYR15 per person, 1h

9:00am

Visit Gaya Street Sunday Market

Explore the vibrant local market full of handicrafts, fresh produce and souvenirs. Premium for cultural immersion and photo opportunities. The market operates from 6am to about 1pm.
Free entry, 2h

11:30am

Visit Sabah State Museum

Gain insight into Sabah’s rich heritage, with exhibits focused on its indigenous cultures and natural history, open from 9am to 5pm.
MYR10 per person, 1.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at D’Place Kinabalu

Savour authentic Kadazan-Dusun dishes, a delicious way to connect with local culinary traditions.
MYR40 per person, 1h

2:30pm

Leisurely walk at Tanjung Aru Beach

Enjoy the peaceful coastal views with an easy walk along the shoreline, great for relaxing without exertion.
Free, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Little Italy Kota Kinabalu

Dine on well-prepared Italian favourites for a change of pace after a culturally rich day.
MYR50 per person, 1.5h
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Day 3: Island Leisure

Pulau Manukan, Sabah on August 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading to the islands.
Included in hotel, 1h

9:00am

Ferry to Manukan Island

A short boat ride to a beautiful island known for sandy beaches and easy snorkeling.
MYR15 roundtrip per person, 0h20m

9:30am

Relax and snorkel at Manukan Island

Spend the day relaxing and enjoying gentle snorkeling in calm, clear waters.
MYR10 entrance fee, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Manukan Island Café

Light snacks and local dishes served in a chilled beachfront setting.
MYR30 per person, 1h

2:30pm

Return to Kota Kinabalu

Catch your ferry back and rest on arrival.
Included in ferry fare, 0h20m

6:30pm

Dinner at Suang Tain Seafood Restaurant

Delight in fresh seafood with relaxed ambiance, convenient for your return from the islands.
MYR60 per person, 1.5h
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Day 4: Floating Mosque & Transfer

Kota Kinabalu to Kundasang, Malaysia on August 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day gently with a calm breakfast.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Kota Kinabalu Floating Mosque (Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu)

Admire the stunning architecture of the mosque built on stilts over the water. The mosque is accessible and offers peaceful views, ideal for a gentle visit. Open typically from 8am to 5pm.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Leisurely drive to Kundasang

Depart for Kundasang, approximately 2-hour scenic journey with stops for photos of countryside views.
Private transfer approx. MYR200, 2h

12:30pm

Check-in and Lunch at Kundasang

Have a light lunch and settle into a hotel in Kundasang renowned for its cool climate.
MYR30-40 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Desa Cattle Dairy Farm

Take an easy walk around this peaceful farm with mountain backdrop, perfect for relaxing and photography.
MYR10 per person, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy nostalgic local dishes prepared at your hotel’s comfortable dining space.
MYR50 per person, 1.5h
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Day 5: Kundasang Scenic Day

Kundasang, Malaysia on August 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Breakfast with stunning views of Mount Kinabalu and surrounding valleys.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Kinabalu Park

Explore the beautifully maintained, relatively flat paths of the UNESCO World Heritage Site botanical gardens and visitor centre.
MYR15 per person, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Kinabalu Park Cafe

Light meals and refreshments in a serene mountain environment.
MYR30 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Poring Hot Springs (optional)

Take a short, gentle walk to hot springs and relax in warm waters, perfect for soothing tired muscles.
MYR10 entrance fee, 2h

5:00pm

Return to Kundasang

Head back to your accommodation to rest before dinner.
N/A, 0h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Hotel

Enjoy a quiet dinner with local flavours in a calm atmosphere.
MYR50 per person, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Kundasang

Day 6: Return & Beach

Kundasang to Kota Kinabalu on August 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a peaceful breakfast enjoying fresh mountain air.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Return to Kota Kinabalu

Drive back to Kota Kinabalu, approximately 2 hours; rest during the ride.
Private transfer approx. MYR200, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Waterfront Seafood Village

Enjoy fresh seafood with views over the harbor in a relaxing environment.
MYR55 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Rest and Leisure at Tanjung Aru Beach

Spend the afternoon at leisure by the beach with minimal walking needed, soaking in the sea breeze.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Zara’s Fish & Grill

Finish your day with grilled specialities near the beach and a relaxed atmosphere.
MYR60 per person, 1.5h
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Day 7: Shopping & Light Tour

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia on August 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Prepare for your day with a peaceful breakfast.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Shopping at Suria Sabah and Imago Malls

Spend the morning exploring two large shopping centres with air-conditioning and easy access for all mobility levels.
Free entry, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Nasi Lemak Tanglin

Try Malaysia’s beloved nasi lemak in a comfortable mall setting.
MYR15 per person, 1h

2:00pm

Light City Car Tour

Enjoy a guided car tour visiting Atkinson Clock Tower and Signal Hill Observatory for panoramic views without strenuous walking.
MYR100 private car (4 persons), 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Welcome Seafood Restaurant

Celebrate your final night with favourite seafood dishes in a relaxed environment.
MYR60 per person, 1.5h
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Day 8: Departure Day

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia on August 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your last meal at a relaxed pace.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Optional Spa or Gentle Walk

Opt for a light walk along the waterfront or a spa session at your hotel to unwind before your flight.
Spa MYR150 approx., 2h

11:30am

Checkout and Transfer to Airport

Leave for the airport with enough time for check-in and security before your flight at 3:35pm.
Included with hotel transfer, 1h

3:35pm

Flight Departure

Fly back home refreshed from your Sabah getaway.
Included in ticket, N/A
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