Unforgettable 5-Day Adventure in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Day 1: Explore Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

8:00AM

Breakfast at D'Place Kinabalu

Start your day with a traditional KadazanDusun breakfast featuring telur masin and tuhau, a local delicacy.
Located near the city center, taking a short taxi ride will get you there quickly.
MYR 20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market

Explore the vibrant stalls filled with local crafts and souvenirs, perfect for a little retail therapy.
A 10-minute walk from the breakfast spot.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Welcome Seafood Restaurant

Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch; try the butter prawns and grilled fish served with local herbs.
A 15-minute taxi ride will take you there.
MYR 60, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit the Sabah State Museum

Dive into the local history and culture through the museum's diverse exhibits.
A quick 10-minute taxi ride from the restaurant.
MYR 15, 2 hours

4:00PM

Stroll along Tanjung Aru Beach

Unwind with picturesque views and soft sandy beaches, perfect for a late afternoon pause.
Around a 20-minute taxi ride from the museum.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Lagoon

Indulge in a delightful dinner with local and international dishes overlooking the waterfront.
A 15-minute taxi ride will take you there.
MYR 80, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening stroll at the Waterfront Esplanade

Enjoy the vibrant evening atmosphere, perfect for people watching and enjoying local life.
A 10-minute walk from the dinner location.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Journey to Kinabalu National Park

Kinabalu National Park, Malaysia

7:00AM

Breakfast at local cafe

Grab a quick breakfast of nasi lemak and coffee at a local café before heading out.
Find cafes around downtown before departure.
MYR 15, 1 hour

8:30AM

Travel to Kinabalu National Park

Travel to the park for breathtaking views and a day filled with nature.
Opt for a guided tour or rental car for the 2-hour scenic drive.
MYR 100 (car rental per day), 2 hours

10:30AM

Nature Walk in Kinabalu Park

Explore the beautiful trails surrounded by diverse flora and fauna.
Follow signs to designated nature trails within the park.
MYR 10 (park entry fee), 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at Balsam Restaurant

Enjoy local cuisine at the park's restaurant, including wild boar curry.
Located within the park's visitor center.
MYR 40, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Kundasang War Memorial

Pay respects and learn about the historical significance of the memorial dedicated to WWII.
A short 5-minute drive from the restaurant.
MYR 5, 1 hour

4:00PM

Return to Kota Kinabalu

After a day of exploring, head back to Kota Kinabalu for the evening.
Drive back via the same scenic route.
MYR 100 (as mentioned above), 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at El Centro

Relax with a lively atmosphere and try their famous chicken flautas.
Located in the heart of the city, easy access right after returning.
MYR 50, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Evening Leisure at Jesselton Point

Relax by the waterfront and enjoy a stunning sunset.
A quick 10-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Conquer Mount Kinabalu

Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia

1:00AM

Departure for Mount Kinabalu

Embark on an early trek towards the summit, ensuring you have the proper gear and guide.
Make sure to arrange a guide through local tours beforehand.
MYR 400 (including guide and park entry), 3 hours

4:00AM

Reach the Laban Rata Resthouse

Take a short break and refuel with snacks before making the final ascent.
Follow the designated paths towards the resthouse.
Included in trek cost., 1 hour

5:00AM

Summit Ascent

Continue your hike to reach the summit just in time for sunrise.
Follow the guide; the trails are marked.
Included in trek cost., 2 hours

7:00AM

Sunrise at Low's Peak

Witness one of nature's most captivating sights as the sun rises over the clouds.
At the summit, take your time to capture photos.
Included in trek cost., 1 hour

8:00AM

Descent to Laban Rata

Carefully descend back to the resthouse for breakfast.
Follow the same trails down.
Included in trek cost., 2 hours

10:00AM

Breakfast at Laban Rata

Savor a warm meal at the resthouse after the climb.
Meals are provided at the accommodation.
Included in trek cost., 1 hour

11:00AM

Complete Descent

Finish your descent back to the external checkpoint.
Follow marked trails back to where you started.
Included in trek cost., 3 hours

2:00PM

Return to Kota Kinabalu

Head back into the city to relax and recover after your climb.
Drive back or join a transport service.
MYR 80, 2 hours

4:30PM

Dinner at Untitled Restaurant

Enjoy a delectable meal with a selection of Asian fusion dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
Located back in the city center.
MYR 70, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Island Adventure

Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Malaysia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Saba Restaurant

Fuel your day with a hearty breakfast of local favorites and fresh fruits.
Located on the waterfront near the ferry terminal.
MYR 30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Ferry to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

Enjoy a scenic 15-minute boat ride to reach the beautiful islands.
Purchase tickets at the ferry terminal.
MYR 30 (return ticket), 0.5 hours

10:00AM

Snorkeling at Manukan Island

Dive into the crystal-clear waters and explore the vibrant marine life.
Ferries drop off customers at designated spots on the islands.
MYR 80 (snorkeling gear rental), 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Manukan Island Restaurant

Recharge with a delicious meal of grilled seafood and local specialties on the beach.
Located along the beach, easily accessible post-snorkeling.
MYR 50, 1 hour

2:00PM

Beach Relaxation

Unwind on the sun-soaked sandy beaches or partake in beach activities like volleyball.
Choose a spot on the popular beaches around the island.
Free, 3.5 hours

5:30PM

Return Ferry to Kota Kinabalu

Sail back and soak in the stunning ocean views one last time.
Ferries run regularly back to the terminal.
Included in earlier ticket., 0.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Night Market

Savor street food delicacies at the famous night market where you can try various dishes.
A short walk from the ferry terminal.
MYR 30, 1.5 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Cultural Exploration

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

8:00AM

Breakfast at Fazlina Roti Canai

Enjoy delicious roti canai with dhal curry and a cup of tea to start your day.
Easily found in the city center.
MYR 15, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Mari Mari Cultural Village

Discover the rich cultural heritage of Sabah's indigenous tribes through interactive experiences.
Arrange transport in advance for a smooth journey; it's about a 30-min ride.
MYR 100 (entry fee including lunch), 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mari Mari Cultural Village

Taste traditional dishes prepared by locals as part of your visit to the cultural village.
Included with your entry fee.
Included in entry fee, 1 hour

2:00PM

Return to Kota Kinabalu

Get back to the city for some last minutes shopping or exploration.
Drive back the same way, about 30 minutes.
Included in entry fee., 0.5 hours

3:00PM

Shopping at Wisma Merdeka

Grab some souvenirs and enjoy shopping at this popular mall.
Located conveniently downtown.
Free (excluding purchases), 2 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at Suang Tain Seafood Restaurant

Relish a farewell dinner featuring excellent grilled seafood and local dishes overlooking the sea.
Just a short drive or taxi ride away.
MYR 80, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Evening stroll at the city marina

Conclude your adventure with a peaceful walk along the waterfront, taking in the views.
Easily accessible on foot from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability