Take an early budget or connecting flight Perth → Kota Kinabalu (often via KL); book AirAsia or Malaysia Airlines early for the cheapest fares and baggage deals.
Grab an airport taxi or arrange hotel transfer (20–40 mins) and pick up a local SIM; July is good weather-wise so you’ll arrive into warm, dry conditions.
Try cheap grilled fish, sambal and rice or nasi lemak at the Filipino Market food stalls or a local seafood joint — fresh, inexpensive and open midday.
Dinner at the open-air night market: cheap skewers, grilled seafood and local desserts — an inexpensive, lively food experience; market opens around 5pm and runs until late.
Hire a shared transfer or minibus to Kinabalu Park (2–2.5 hours) — the road climbs into cooler scenery and dramatic views; park visitor centre typically open 8:00am–5:00pm.
Explore short boardwalks and botanically rich trails in this UNESCO World Heritage area — excellent for orchids, pitcher plants and cooler mountain air.
Soak in hot springs and walk the canopy suspension bridge for tree-top views; Poring typically opens around 9:00am–5:00pm — perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
Early breakfast and check-out for transfer back to Kota Kinabalu airport (or direct to Sandakan if flights available); aim to fly midday to maximise time in Sandakan.
Early domestic flight to Sandakan (approx 1 hour); small domestic fares can be very cheap if booked ahead — good base for wildlife and river adventures.
Visit the famous Sepilok centre for the 3:00pm feeding (centre open 9am–5pm); arrive earlier to see the interpretive centre and follow the short boardwalks.
Early pickup and transfer to the river lodge; morning wildlife cruises often start at dawn (5:30–6:00am) to see proboscis monkeys and bird life — check lodge schedule.
Search for orangutans in nearby forest, crocodiles, macaques and diverse birdlife — afternoon cruises run until dusk and are included with many overnight packages.
Early cruise for final wildlife viewing, then transfer back to Sandakan to catch a flight to Tawau (gateway to Semporna); timings vary but morning departures are common.
Public or lodge boat transfers run in the afternoon; Mabul is a budget-friendly base for snorkelling and muck diving — arrive and check into simple beachfront guesthouse.
Pre-book a Sipadan day trip or dives (permits required — book months ahead). Sipadan is world-class for turtles, barracuda and endless schooling fish; boats depart early (around 6–7am).
If you return to Semporna town in the evening, check out the local night market for cheap seafood and snacks — markets usually start late afternoon into evening.
Short boat trips to islands are available until mid-afternoon; snorkel clear waters and relax on beaches — park boats typically run until late afternoon depending on season.