Family-Friendly Road Trip Itinerary in Sabah, Malaysia

Day 1: Kota Kinabalu Exploration

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

8:00AM

Breakfast at D'Place Kinabalu

Start your day with a delicious traditional Sabah breakfast featuring 'Nasi Rames', a local favorite with rice and assorted dishes.
Located close to the waterfront, easy to reach.
MYR30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque

Admire the stunning architecture of this floating mosque, known for its picturesque views and serene surroundings.
Just a short drive from breakfast.
MYR0, 1 hour

11:00AM

Explore Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

Take a boat ride to nearby islands for some swimming and snorkeling amidst beautiful corals and fish.
Boat rides available from Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal.
MYR80 per person, 4 hours

4:00PM

Late Lunch at Welcome Seafood Restaurant

Enjoy freshly caught seafood at this popular local eatery; try the garlic butter prawns!
Back to the main city area.
MYR150, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Visit a Local Night Market

Experience the local culture by strolling through the market and tasting various street foods.
Just a short walk from the restaurant.
MYR40, 2 hours
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Day 2: Nature and Adventure

Kinabalu National Park, Malaysia

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hearty buffet breakfast offered by your hotel before departing for Kinabalu.
Hotel-based dining is convenient.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Kinabalu National Park

Enjoy the scenic drive through lush greenery to reach one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
An easy 2-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu.
MYR0, 2 hours

10:30AM

Guided Nature Walk

Join a ranger for a guided nature walk to learn about the diverse flora and fauna of the park.
Meet-up point at park headquarters.
MYR50 per person, 2 hours

12:30PM

Picnic Lunch at the Park

Have a pre-packed picnic lunch amidst the stunning mountain backdrop; don’t forget to include local snacks!
Find a grassy area near the visitor center.
MYR30, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Kinabalu Botanical Garden

Explore the garden showcasing various plant species native to the region, great for family photos.
Just a short drive within the park.
MYR20 per person, 2 hours

4:00PM

Drive to Ranau

Head to the nearby town of Ranau for your overnight stay.
A 30-minute drive from the park.
MYR0, 30 minutes

5:00PM

Dinner at The Cottage Restaurant

Savor local dishes while enjoying a view of Mount Kinabalu; try the 'Hainan Chicken Rice'.
Located in the main area of Ranau.
MYR100, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Wildlife Encounters

Sandakan, Malaysia

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a nutritious breakfast at your accommodation before heading out.
Take advantage of the hotel’s offerings.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Drive to Sandakan

Set off for Sandakan, known for its rich wildlife, via scenic roads.
Approximately a 3-hour drive.
MYR0, 3 hours

11:30AM

Visit the Sandakan Memorial Park

Take a moment to reflect at this historical site dedicated to the WWII events.
Conveniently located in Sandakan.
MYR0, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Restoran Taman Palm Cafe

Enjoy a mix of Asian dishes and local delights, with great views of the promenade.
A short distance from the memorial.
MYR80, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Experience the unique opportunity to see orangutans in a natural habitat during the feeding session.
A short drive from the lunch location.
MYR65 per person, 2 hours

4:30PM

Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Visit the world’s smallest bear species and learn about their conservation efforts.
Located next to the orangutan center.
MYR30 per person, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Sandakan Seafood Restaurant

Indulge in fresh seafood, especially the crab dishes, as seafood is a specialty in Sandakan.
On the waterfront, picturesque setting.
MYR120, 2 hours
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Day 4: Rainforest Adventure

Sepilok, Malaysia

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at your hotel before today's adventures.
Utilize the hotel amenities.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Canopy Walk at Rainforest Discovery Centre

Take a thrilling canopy walk high above the forest floor to see the serene rainforest from a different perspective.
Just a 30-minute drive to the discovery center.
MYR20 per person, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Nature Trail

Continue your adventure with a walk on the nature trails, perfect for family exploration.
Trails accessible directly from the canopy walk.
MYR0, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at a Local Eatery

Choose from various local eateries; try the local Laksa for a spicy yet flavorful meal.
Nearby restaurants; easy access.
MYR60, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Sepilok Forest Reserve

Explore this pristine rainforest reserve and partake in various guided tours available.
Short drive from the restaurant.
MYR50 per person, 2.5 hours

4:30PM

Return to Sandakan

Make your way back to your accommodation and relax for the evening.
A brief drive back to Sandakan.
MYR0, 30 minutes

6:00PM

Dinner at Banana Cafe

Enjoy a casual dinner with local dishes, perfect after a long day of exploration.
Located centrally in Sandakan.
MYR80, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Island Retreat

Sipadan Island, Malaysia

5:30AM

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Grab an early breakfast to fuel up for a day of relaxation and adventure.
Quick question with the hotel staff for takeaway options.
Included, 1 hour

6:30AM

Travel to Semporna

Set off early for Semporna where you will take a boat to Sipadan Island.
About a 2-hour drive to Semporna.
MYR0, 2 hours

8:30AM

Boat Ride to Sipadan Island

Enjoy a beautiful boat ride to the island; spot marine life along the way.
Boats depart from Semporna jetty.
MYR150 per person, 1 hour

9:30AM

Snorkeling and Relaxation

Spend the day snorkeling in crystal clear waters or relaxing on the beach, perfect for family fun.
Accessing different snorkeling spots is easy.
MYR0, 5 hours

3:30PM

Lunch on Sipadan Island

Enjoy a packed lunch or dine at the island's cafe focusing on local cuisine.
Plan in advance; some places offer lunch.
MYR60, 1 hour

4:30PM

Return Boat to Semporna

Head back to Semporna after a day of sun and sea.
Boats leave regularly.
MYR0, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Little Italy

Savor Italian dishes and pizzas at this family-friendly restaurant in Semporna.
In the heart of town.
MYR100, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Return to Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

8:00AM

Breakfast in Semporna

Start your day with a breakfast at your hotel or a local cafe before your journey back.
Simple dining options are available.
MYR40, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive back to Kota Kinabalu

Begin your return journey to Kota Kinabalu, reflecting on the adventures of the past few days.
A scenic 4-hour drive.
MYR0, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Nasi Kandar Al-Munawwarah

Enjoy some delicious Nasi Kandar, a popular Malaysian dish with curry and rice.
Close to the city center, easy to find.
MYR60, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Mari Mari Cultural Village

Immerse your family in Sabah’s diverse culture with interactive experiences and traditional crafts.
Requires a short drive from lunch location.
MYR80 per person, 2 hours

4:30PM

Relax at Hotel

Check-in at your selected hotel and unwind after a full day.
Back to your original accommodation.
MYR0, 1 hour

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at The Seafood Place

Celebrate your last evening with a grand farewell dinner featuring a feast of local seafood.
Along the waterfront; great ambiance.
MYR120, 2 hours
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