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

8-Day Family Friendly Relaxation Itinerary in Kota Kinabalu

Viewed by 141 travelers

Day 1: Arrive & Relax

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

10:00AM

Check-in at Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa

Your relaxation journey begins as you settle into this luxurious resort, complete with family-friendly amenities.
Upon arrival at Kota Kinabalu International Airport, take a 10-minute taxi to the resort.
MYR 100, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Coconut House

Enjoy a local seafood lunch amidst a serene atmosphere at this family-friendly restaurant with a view of the beach.
Take a short 5-minute walk from the resort to reach Coconut House.
MYR 80, 1 hour

2:00PM

Relax at the hotel pool

After lunch, unwind by the infinity pool while the kids splash around in their designated area.
Just walk downstairs to the pool area.
Free for hotel guests, 3 hours

5:00PM

Stroll along Tanjung Aru Beach

Take in beautiful views as the sun sets, creating a perfect family photo opportunity.
Head to Tanjung Aru Beach, a quick walk from your resort.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at Welcome Seafood Restaurant

Dine on fresh seafood dishes that are sure to delight the whole family at one of Kota Kinabalu's most recommended eateries.
A 10-minute taxi ride from the beach to the restaurant.
MYR 120, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kota Kinabalu

Day 2: Island Adventures

Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Malaysia

7:30AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Fuel up with a buffet breakfast featuring a variety of local and international cuisine before your day of fun.
At the hotel's restaurant, located on the ground floor.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Day trip to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

Take a short ferry ride to this stunning national park and enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing at the beautiful islands.
Catch the ferry from Jesselton Point, a 10-minute taxi from the hotel.
MYR 100 per family, Full day

12:30PM

Picnic Lunch at Manukan Island

Pack a picnic to enjoy on the beach or indulge in local delicacies at one of the eateries on the island.
Organise lunch while at Manukan Island.
MYR 70, 1 hour

3:00PM

Return to Kota Kinabalu

Enjoy a relaxing ferry ride back to the mainland after a fun-filled day at the island.
Ferry back to Jesselton Point.
Included in initial ferry cost, 30 mins

5:00PM

Dinner at SEDCO Square Food Court

Experience the local food court that serves various dishes, perfect for families with diverse tastes.
A short 10-minute taxi ride from Jesselton Point.
MYR 100, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

Day 3: Nature Exploration

Kinabalu Park, Malaysia

7:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Another delightful buffet breakfast to prepare for a day exploring the natural beauty of Kinabalu Park.
At the hotel's restaurant.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Kinabalu Park

Take a scenic drive to Kinabalu Park, known for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse flora and fauna.
Arranged private transport from the hotel, approximately 2 hours.
MYR 200, 2 hours

11:00AM

Nature Walk at Kinabalu Park

Embark on an easy nature walk suitable for the whole family, discovering the unique biodiversity of the region.
Follow the marked trails in the park.
MYR 30 per person, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the park cafe

Enjoy a simple lunch while soaking in the stunning mountain views from the café.
Located within Kinabalu Park, easy access.
MYR 80, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Botanical Garden

Explore the carefully curated gardens showcasing the diverse plant life found in the area.
Adjacent to the main park facilities.
Included in park entry, 1 hour

4:00PM

Return to Kota Kinabalu

Head back to Kota Kinabalu after a fulfilling day immersed in nature.
Private transport arranged back to the hotel.
Included in earlier transport cost, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Stonegrill

Enjoy a unique dining experience with a stone grill menu that will excite and amuse the family.
Just a 10-minute taxi ride from the hotel.
MYR 150, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Kinabalu Park

Day 4: Relax & Refresh

Poring Hot Springs, Malaysia

7:30AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Delight in another scrumptious buffet breakfast to begin your day of relaxation.
At the hotel's restaurant.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Poring Hot Springs

Embark on a family-friendly trip to the soothing Poring Hot Springs, known for its therapeutic bathing pools.
Private transport arranged, approximately 2 hours.
MYR 200, 2 hours

11:00AM

Soak in the Hot Springs

Enjoy unwinding in the mineral-rich waters, perfect for relaxing the body and mind.
Entry to Poring Hot Springs within the complex.
MYR 50 per person, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the park restaurant

Savour a hearty meal as you refresh after soaking in the hot springs.
Located conveniently at Poring.
MYR 80, 1 hour

2:30PM

Canopy Walkway Adventure

Venture across the canopy walkway amidst the treetops for a thrilling family adventure!
Follow the signs to the entrance of the walkway.
MYR 30 per person, 2 hours

5:00PM

Travel back to Kota Kinabalu

After a fun day at Poring Hot Springs, return back to the hotel.
Private transport arranged back to the hotel.
Included in earlier transport cost, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Al-Maeda Restaurant

With a focus on Middle Eastern cuisine, experience a flavourful dinner that will satisfy all palates.
A 10-minute taxi from the hotel.
MYR 120, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Poring Hot Springs

Day 5: Mountain Day

Mt. Kinabalu, Malaysia

7:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy the diverse buffet breakfast for a hearty start before heading for your mountain journey.
At the hotel's restaurant.
Included, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Mount Kinabalu National Park

Journey into nature as you head to the impressive Mount Kinabalu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Private transport to the park, approximately 2 hours.
MYR 200, 2 hours

11:00AM

Natural Interpretative Centre Visit

Learn about the mountain's ecology and heritage at the centre designed for education and engagement.
Located within the national park facilities.
MYR 20 per person, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at The Park Restaurant

Dig into a delicious meal while soaking up the picturesque views of the national park.
Located conveniently within the national park.
MYR 80, 1 hour

2:00PM

Short Nature Walk

Take a family-friendly guided walk to experience the unique high-altitude flora and fauna.
Follow your guide from the restaurant.
Included in previous park entry, 2 hours

4:30PM

Travel back to Kota Kinabalu

Return to the hotel after a fulfilling day surrounded by nature.
Private transport arranged back to the hotel.
Included in earlier transport cost, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at D'Place Kinabalu

Indulge in authentic Kadazan dishes prepared with local ingredients in a welcoming atmosphere.
Just a quick 10-minute taxi ride from the hotel.
MYR 130, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Mt. Kinabalu

Day 6: Island Relaxation

Manukan Island, Malaysia

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

The final buffet breakfast to ensure the family is energised for another day of island fun.
At the hotel's restaurant.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Ferry to Manukan Island

Head to the ferry terminal for a day spent swimming, snorkelling, and relaxing on beautiful beaches.
Catch the ferry from Jesselton Point.
MYR 100 per family, 30 mins

10:30AM

Beach Day at Manukan Island

Enjoy a full day of leisure, with the option to rent snorkelling gear and explore the underwater beauty.
The island has facilities to hire equipment.
MYR 50 for snorkelling gear, 6 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at the beachside café

Savour light meals and refreshing drinks at one of the beachside cafés as you relax by the ocean.
Located conveniently on the island.
MYR 90, 1 hour

4:00PM

Ferry back to Kota Kinabalu

Conclude your day of sun and fun as you take the ferry back to the mainland.
Catch the ferry to Jesselton Point.
Included in initial ferry cost, 30 mins

5:00PM

Dinner at the hotel

Celebrate your last island adventure with a relaxing dinner at the hotel, relishing the memories made with family.
At the hotel's restaurant.
MYR 150, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Manukan Island

Day 7: Cultural Insights

Mari Mari Cultural Village, Malaysia

7:30AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy your final buffet breakfast at the hotel, reminiscing about the week's highlights.
At the hotel's restaurant.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Travel to Mari Mari Cultural Village

Immerse your family in the rich cultural heritage of Sabah at this interactive village.
Private transport arranged, about 30 minutes from Kota Kinabalu.
MYR 150, 30 mins

10:00AM

Explore Cultural Experiences

Participate in hands-on activities, learning about local customs, dances, and traditional crafts.
Guided tours available at the village.
MYR 100 per family, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at the village

Savour delicious local dishes, prepared with care, served in a picturesque setting.
At the village dining area.
MYR 90, 1 hour

2:00PM

Return to Kota Kinabalu

Reflect on the wonderful experiences before your final evening in the city.
Private transport back to the hotel.
Included in earlier transport cost, 30 mins

5:00PM

Dinner at Tanjung Aru Seafood Restaurant

Indulge in some of the best seafood dishes, making for a perfect family feast to wrap up the journey.
10-minute taxi from the hotel.
MYR 200, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Mari Mari Cultural Village

Day 8: Departure Day

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy one last buffet breakfast while recounting family memories before heading home.
At the hotel's restaurant.
Included, 1 hour

10:00AM

Check-out and Last-minute shopping

Wrap up your visit with some last-minute shopping for souvenirs at the local markets.
Visit the markets nearby; the hotel is centrally located.
Varies by purchase, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at a local café

Savour some final local flavours before your departure.
Find a café within walking distance.
MYR 60, 1 hour

2:00PM

Transfer to airport

Bid farewell to Kota Kinabalu as you take a pre-arranged taxi to the airport.
Taxi arranged beforehand, about 10 minutes drive.
MYR 50, 30 mins
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