Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

Discovering the Beauty of Kota Kinabalu in 5 Days

Viewed by 52 travelers

Day 1: City Centre Exploration

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Yee Fung Laksa

Start your day with a delicious bowl of laksa at this popular local eatery.
Yee Fung Laksa is located in the city centre, easily accessible by taxi or a short walk from most hotels.
10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Atkinson Clock Tower

Explore the oldest standing structure in Kota Kinabalu and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Atkinson Clock Tower is a short walk from Yee Fung Laksa.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Welcome Seafood Restaurant

Indulge in fresh seafood dishes at this renowned restaurant overlooking the sea.
Welcome Seafood Restaurant is a 15-minute taxi ride from Atkinson Clock Tower.
30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Gaya Street

Stroll through this vibrant market street lined with shops selling local goods and souvenirs.
Gaya Street is a 10-minute walk from Welcome Seafood Restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

4:00PM

Relax at Tanjung Aru Beach

Unwind on the sandy shores of this popular beach and catch a stunning sunset.
Tanjung Aru Beach is a 20-minute taxi ride from Gaya Street.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Twilight Beach Restaurant

Enjoy a seafood dinner with a view of the South China Sea at this beachfront restaurant.
Twilight Beach Restaurant is located at Tanjung Aru Beach.
50, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kota Kinabalu

Day 2: Island Hopping Adventure

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Lido Square

Start your day with a variety of local breakfast options at this bustling food court.
Lido Square is a 15-minute taxi ride from the city centre.
10, 1 hour

9:30AM

Depart for Manukan Island

Take a boat from Jesselton Point to Manukan Island for a day of snorkelling and relaxation.
Jesselton Point is a 10-minute drive from Lido Square.
30, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Manukan Island Resort

Enjoy a buffet lunch at the resort while taking in the beautiful beach views.
Manukan Island Resort is located on the island.
40, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Snorkelling at Sapi Island

Hop on a boat to Sapi Island for more snorkelling adventures and beach relaxation.
Sapi Island is a short boat ride from Manukan Island.
20, 2 hours

6:00PM

Back to Kota Kinabalu

Return to the city and freshen up before dinner.
Take a boat back to Jesselton Point and then a taxi to your accommodation.
30, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at Upperstar Restaurant

Savour a mix of Western and Asian dishes at this popular restaurant in the city centre.
Upperstar Restaurant is a short taxi ride from your accommodation.
20, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kota Kinabalu

Day 3: Nature Discovery

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Little Italy

Enjoy a hearty Italian breakfast at this charming cafe in the city.
Little Italy is located in the city centre, easily accessible by taxi or walking.
15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Kinabalu Park

Embark on a nature walk in Malaysia's first UNESCO World Heritage site, home to diverse flora and fauna.
Kinabalu Park is about a 2-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu city centre.
50, 4 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Balsam Cafe

Enjoy a meal surrounded by lush greenery and mountain views at this cafe within Kinabalu Park.
Balsam Cafe is located inside Kinabalu Park.
25, 1.5 hours

4:30PM

Poring Hot Springs

Relax in the natural hot springs and take a canopy walk to admire the rainforest from above.
Poring Hot Springs is a short drive from Kinabalu Park.
20, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Kedai Kopi Jia Siang

Try local Malaysian dishes at this casual eatery in the city centre.
Kedai Kopi Jia Siang is a 2-hour drive from Poring Hot Springs.
15, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kota Kinabalu

Day 4: Cultural Immersion

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

8:30AM

Breakfast at Yuit Cheong Coffee Shop

Start your day with traditional Malaysian breakfast dishes at this local favourite.
Yuit Cheong Coffee Shop is located in the city centre.
10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Sabah State Museum

Explore the rich cultural heritage of Sabah through various exhibits and artefacts.
Sabah State Museum is a short taxi ride from the city centre.
5, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at D'Place Kinabalu

Enjoy a fusion of Malaysian and international cuisines at this restaurant near the museum.
D'Place Kinabalu is within walking distance from the museum.
30, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Mari Mari Cultural Village

Immerse yourself in the traditions of various Borneo ethnic groups through cultural performances and activities.
Mari Mari Cultural Village is about a 30-minute drive from the museum.
80, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Welcome Seafood Restaurant

Return to the city centre and indulge in fresh seafood dishes at this popular restaurant.
Welcome Seafood Restaurant is a short taxi ride from Mari Mari Cultural Village.
40, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Kota Kinabalu

Day 5: Beach Relaxation

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

9:00AM

Breakfast at Kedai Kopi Yee Fung

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at this local coffee shop known for its traditional Malaysian dishes.
Kedai Kopi Yee Fung is located in the city centre.
10, 1 hour

10:30AM

Relax at Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa

Spend the day lounging by the pool or on the private beach of this luxurious resort.
Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa is a short taxi ride from the city centre.
100, 4 hours

2:30PM

Lunch at Sunset Bar & Grill

Enjoy a casual lunch with ocean views at this restaurant within the resort.
Sunset Bar & Grill is located at Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa.
50, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Beach Activities

Try water sports or simply relax on the beach before heading back to the city.
Enjoy the facilities at the resort or take a taxi back to the city centre.
20, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at El Centro

End your trip with Mexican cuisine and cocktails at this lively restaurant in the city centre.
El Centro is a short taxi ride from Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa.
40, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Kota Kinabalu
0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version

More About Kota kinabalu

Trip Packing List: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia (late Feb)
Packing List
Trip Packing List: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia — July 10 (snorkeling, beach, jungle)
Packing List
Kota Kinabalu Weather: A Year-Round Tropical Climate Guide
Weather Guide
Kota Kinabalu Travel Guide: Entry, Safety & Top Tips
Travel Expert
Itinerary created by AI-assisted, human-reviewed

Plan Your Kota kinabalu Trip

Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go