KK, as the locals call it, is the capital of the Malaysian state of Sabah, on the island of Borneo. The Temple is set on a small hill, approximately 9 kilometres from Kota Kinabalu city centre. And deep in the jungle that still exits. But hey, it all goes to good causes, and $3 means nothing to us. I left that escapade to my husband, Mark, while I worked on my beach bum abilities on a nearby island. Thereafter, proceed to Kampung Luanti for a fish massage or fish spa at the Tagal Fish Spa. Here, botanical gardens, a butterfly farm and jungle nature treks keep all age groups happy. There is no restaurant on site, but there are numerous food outlets in the nearby vicinity restaurants, cafes and street-hawkers, selling both local and international cuisine. Proceed to visit the Kinabalu Park after breakfast. There is a RM10/$3 fee for bringing your camera in, ridiculous but true. License KPK/LN 7373, Matta member MA4463, 5 days Kota Kinabalu & Kundasang Tour (Suggested Itinerary), Kiulu River for the adrenaline filled whitewater rafting, Bamboo dance in Mari Mari Cultural Village, The host preparing local Sabahan delicacies. Along the way, be accompanied by the serene countryside landscape of paddy fields, villages and nature. Expect to pay RM30 RM60 depending on the length of the journey. From the minute you step off the boat, schools of fish are visible right off the pier. Find a great option here. Within seconds we were surrounded by the tiniest fireflies; they were in our hair, on our faces. We took his advice, and it was the best seafood breakfast Ive ever had. Itll help youavoid the mistakes we made. You can take a quick and cheap ferry ride from Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal (see the details below) and spend the day lounging on white-sand beaches. updated Nov 25, 2022 Kota Kinabalu in 4 days If you only have 4 days to spend in Kota Kinabalu, we've narrowed down the top places you should check out to get the best experience of your time here. Here is the perfect Kota Kinabalu itinerary if you are visiting for a few days in 2023. Possibly less strenuous, explore waterfalls within hiking distance of the hot spring entrance. A cozy, welcoming option, the Mandarin Hotel Kota Kinabalu is in a central spot on Gaya Street so you are in a prime location for the Gaya Street Sunday Market. Here, youll find an impressive observation platform. Its so different than Penang. Two gallery spaces showcase over 3000 paintings, carvings, sculptures, installations and so on. Depending on how much time you have, you can select up to three islands in one day or spend the day lounging on one. EXACTLY How To Go From Sandakan To Lahad Datu [2023], EXACTLY How To Go From Sandakan To Tawau [2023]. From rice-wine making to blow-pipe shooting to fire-starting Soak up the culture and sharpen your survival skills at the Mari Mari Cultural Village, a major Kota Kinabalu tourist attraction. Wake up to a wholesome breakfast at the hotel, and freshen up for the next adventure. Feel romance in the air, and savor the picturesque moment in awe. Our guide had a flashlight, but it wasnt to light the way. Due to the high cost of car rental it is not worth renting a car for the first 2 days of this itinerary. In this itinerary we also include a few activities in the Kinabalu Valley (day 3 and day 4). There is so much to offer in terms of wildlife, nature and lifestyle. Take a brisk walk along the wooden paneled platforms, as one takes in the serene scenery of the blue ocean and the crimson red sunset. Spend a day discovering the beautiful islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Marine Park with its diverse ecosystems and abundant marine life. If youre in Sabah for longer you may also be interested in our FULL 10 day itinerary for Sabah. There are ticket counters where you can buy island hopping tickets and rent masks, snorkels and fins. 5 Days 4 Nights Kundasang Nature & River Cruise & Cultural Tour Explore Sabah Kota Kinabalu offers parts to see and do and the most effective way to ensure you are not passing up any of the fun is to take a visit through Kota Kinabalu. The lonesome males were just hoping to have some wacka-wacka time with the queen. They picked us up from our hotel around 2:00 and drove two hours north to Kota Belud. Before leaving, make a brief stop at the Park Headquarters Office to receive a World Heritage Site Certificate. Its said to have what is the best beach amongst all the islands. All of the tours Ive recommended include pick up and drop off from your hotel. We will visit: Upside Down House (Rumah Terbalik) - It is like a small village and the things inside the house are upside down. We walk you through options whether you have just 2 days in Kota Kinabalu or are looking for Kota Kinabalu 5d4n itinerary blog information. The journey will start . 2 Day 1: Island Hopping + Night City Tour. If that freaks you out, they will do it for you. Comfortable walking shoes, hat and sunglasses at the ready, lets explore all the best things to do in the coastal town of Kota Kinabalu. Refresh and unwind from the busy morning. The Poring hot springs are open daily from 8am 3pm. Address: Off, Jalan Bukit Bendera Upper, Kampung Likas, Kota Kinabalu. There are loads of tour companies that will take you to a couple of islands and provide lunch, but it's not worth the premium you'll pay. Or try Udgan Butter, battered fried prawns with a crunchy fried egg! 5 day itinerary to explore Kota Kinabalu. On the road that leads to the hot springs there are a couple of Rafflesia gardens. A guided tour will lead one across a series of forest treks, in which they will be able to see the various kinds of plants cultivated within the garden grounds like the exclusive pitcher plant, various herbs and spices and medicinal flora. The nearby noisy aviary will definitely catch your attentio, with a myriad of sounds from mynahs and parrots. We can help in this Kota Kinabalu itinerary blog. From March to October, water visibility is awesome at 10-15 metres. Ensure to pack swimwear, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and towels. Day 1: Island Hop & Sunset at The Waterfront Spend your first-day island hopping in the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park (TAR). Ten large statues of deities adorn the temple with the Goddess of Mercy, Kwan Yin, standing tall at the main entrance and a Chinese-style reclining Buddha inside. Day 4 Discover UNESCO Mount Kinabalu National Park. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Here, youll find several displays of old trains and memorabilia of the railway system of Kota Kinabalu and Northern Borneo. Shangri-La luxuries such as balconies, king-size beds and ensuite bathrooms come as standard. Our top pick of things to do in Kota Kinabalu at night, immerse yourself in the local community as you select seafood from the Wet Market, haggle over the price, and decide on the cooking method Freshly grilled, steamed or boiled! Relax in the sun over a lazy beach picnic or enjoy an action-packed day boating between islands, snorkelling, diving, zip-lining and trekking island trails. Or you can register with scuba operators at each island to join boat trips. This gives rise to the regions nickname, the Little New Zealand of Sabah. One can also have a go for scuba diving, as well as opt to partake in the various sea sports activities provided on the island (includes banana boat, parasailing, jet skiing and more). Or have a full-course dinner of freshly-caught lobster, fish, stingray and a variety of shellfish. 4 Nights/5 Days: Shopping,Adventure,Leisure,Nature,Devi Falls,Religious: Amazing Nepal Tour Package From Chennai: 5 Nights/6 Days: Sightseeing,Adventure,Leisure,Nature,Temple,Budget: This tour will take you on a journey to witness the magnificent temples of Nepal along with the tour to explore the architectural wonders. A brisk 20 minute walk takes one up a series of suspension bridges spread at the top of the tropical rainforest. The natural spring water, which has a very positive and therapeutic effect stimulates the body and helps ease muscle aches and. The Mari Mari cultural Village you can see traditional clothing, art and jungle houses. We really want to see. 5 Days/4 Nights Kota Kinabalu Itinerary 3rd October 2016 No comments Article Day 1 : Fly into Kota Kinabalu, East Malaysia 1735H:Flight depart from Singapore to Kota Kinabalu by AirAsia 2005H: Arrive Kota Kinabalu 2100H: Check into Hostel Day 2: Climb Mount Kinabalu Keep the first three days of the above KK itinerary, but instead of hiking, take a day trip. Kipungit Waterfall is only 15 minutes walk and drops from 10 metres. Alternatively check out Zen Garden on Agoda or Zen Garden on booking.com. info@borneofullforce.com +6013-8586018 Its helmed by an Italian chef, is very authentic and comes with views to die for. You can visit all year long, but I would suggest avoiding the rainier months if you want to climb Mt. 2. All I cared about was seeing the proboscis. Its actually kind of seaweed that looks like tiny green grapes on a stalk that pop in your mouth when you eat them. If youre looking for snorkeling, diving and crystal clear waters why not travel on to Semporna and Mabul island? Tour Schedule >>Day 1 Pick Up Hotel/Homestay 7.30-8.00 am 1st destination is Rumah Terbalik (Upside Down) about 30 minutes drive Experience walking on the famous Jambatan Tamparuli (Hanging Suspension Tamparuli) Proceed to Kinabalu Park with winding and hilly roads along crocker range about 1 hours dan 30 minutes 0.00 hrs: Arrive at Kundasang. A terrific family fun Sabah Kota Kinabalu attraction! The Sabah State Mosque is uniquely beautiful with its modern silver and gold domes.5. This includes the 2-3 hour Liwagu Trail that covers 5,620 meters and crosses small streams, narrow ridges and enters the lush canopy of trees making for an excellent adventure! Located at Kundasang, Ranau, a visit here can easily be tagged onto your day at Mt. With its traditional Chinese roofing and design, the Puh Toh Tze Buddhist Temple stands out, making this one of the more stunning Kota Kinabalu attraction places to visit. Designed as an octagonal basket-shaped building, the museum exhibits the decorative cultural motif panels of the indigenous people of Sabah. Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in Malaysia and the 20th in the world. A longer taxi Journey may cost RM50 to RM100. This is currently closed at the time of updating this article, but click here to see if its back. After breakfast, proceed for a half day city tour to various landmarks of Kota Kinabalu. The first ferry starts at 8:30am. Marvel at the cornucopia of flowers and plants, while learning about this biological treasure trove. Exploring markets is a delightful way to discover native handicrafts, food culture and interact with local people. Day 1: Kota Kinabalu - Klias Peninsula Sunset Dinner Cruise - Kota Kinabalu. At 41 metres above the ground and spanning 157 metres in length, one can take in the sights and sounds of the Borneo jungle as they embrace the beauty of the wilderness. However, it wasnt. Alternatively, walk twenty minutes uphill through the Borneo tropical rainforest to a 41 metres high tree-top Canopy Walkway. 4 Day 3 Night KOTA KINABALU SABAH. Day 5 Transfer to the airport. 2.2.1 Atkinson Clock Tower. There are 49 dives sites to choose from within a 10-minute boat ride of each other, so you dont spend the whole day on the ship, just minutes. If you would like to know the things to prepare and why you should make this trip to Kota Kinabalu, read more at this link. Rooms are air-conditioned, with flat screen TV, sofa and ensuite bathrooms with either a bath or walk-in rain shower. 2 hrs, 0730H: Arrive at Beaufort, hop on a train and indulge in a thrilling 1 hour scenic train-ride, 1030H: Arrive at PANGI Station, enjoy some light refreshments for an energy boost while the river guide briefs one through important safety measures. They taste salty and fresh, just like the ocean. The butterfly garden is on the path that leads to the Canopy Walkway entrance. So I figured Id start with a Kota Kinabalu 5d4n itinerary blog instead. Day 1: Kota Kinabalu. There are 81 rooms which include double, junior suite and family rooms. Day 2: Poring Hot Spring Tagal Fish Spa Desa Cattle Farm. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Long-distance buses connect the main towns in Sabah including Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Semporna and Tawau. Its an iconic image of things to see in Kota Kinabalu. Take a dip into the crystal clear blue ocean or laze under the tropical sun with a book in hand, while listening to the soft echoes as the wave hits the shore. The males have big pot bellies and very phallic long noses that hang down and can grow up to 17 centimeters. The climb will take approximately 4-5 hours, 1500H:Arrive at Pendant hut @ 3,289m and settle in, 1530H:Attend the mandatory Via Ferrata familiarization in Pendant Hut and meet your Mountain Torq trainer, 1800H:Buffet Dinner at Laban Rata restaurant and overnight at Pendant Hut, 0130H:Wake up for early supper & pack up. window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; More information about our Privacy Policy. Stick around for a while after the feeding, sometimes stragglers come a little late to the party, and you might just have the little furry guy all to yourselves. Alternatively, if you have a little more freedom in your budget consider the Horizon Hotel. Ancient artefacts from Middle East countries showcase the history of the spread of the Islamic religion throughout Southeast Asia including the roots of its arrival into Sabah and Malaysia. Visit the Agro Flower Nursery or the Mountain Garden where youll discover pitcher plants, more orchids and ferns. Start our Island Hopping Kota Kinabalu Package | Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. At the town of Tamparuli, visit the local food stalls for brunch. Purchase your ticket. Program Summary. It is often why people come to KK, to climb the beast. Well help you get ready for your trip! I absolutely love this post and youve made me want to go there and visit it properly (not just on a cruise!). Its surprising to some parents just how many things there are to do in Kota Kinabalu with kids, and we feel it should be on all family holiday-to-do-lists as there are so many reasons to visit. We continued down the river, spying several birds, playful macaques romping in the waters edge, and languid monitor lizards watching us watch them. Depending on arrival time, we will visit Chines Temples, The Astana, City Tower, Cat Museum, waterfront, New DUN, The Golden . Turtles, morays, nudibranchs, sponges, scorpionfish, parrotfish, batfish, lionfish and giant clams can all be easily spotted. An hour before we were getting picked up, it started to pour, not just a little drizzle, a complete black-out deluge. Day 1: Kuala Lumpur - Kota Kinabalu - Kundasang. This family-oriented park covers 280 acres of land and is split into zoological and botanical sections. Have any questions? This market sells fresh seafood dishes and is a great way to experience some of the Sabah seafood. Your email address will not be published. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Grab a coffee at the on-site cafe and sit back to watch an epic sunset across the city and distant islands. 2.2 Night City Tour. This is a fun action packed and adventurous itinerary. The market itself is housed within a wooden structure, with unique pointed arches that juts out of its main building. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Im a Chicago girl who was living in Penang, Malaysia with my hubs, Mark until 2022. Below weve listed a few different places to consider, including a budget, mid-range and a more expensive option. Day 3 and day 4 involve traveling a lot further. If I hadnt seen it with my own two eyes, I wouldnt have believed it. On the way back, you will head to the therapeutic Poring Hot Springs to reward your tired muscles. What? Feel the disorientation kick in, as the walls become floors and vice versa, and right in the garage is an upside down car as well! My 2 questions are Is there enough to do in KK to spend 5 days? The Sabah State Museum is a great place to learn about the rich heritage, culture and history of Sabah and more. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Split into three sections, the beach is simply named First Beach, Second Beach and Third Beach. The locals have a spiritual bond with the mountain and consider it sacred. Choose to take a brisk walk along the beach or bask under the warm rays of the sunlight. Therapeutic and healing, the springs are said to work their magic on your body and soul. The Park is open 7 days a week, 9.30am-5.30pm. In case youre wondering, I have mad beach bumming skills. As I donned my stiff plastic raincoat and boarded what could only be described as a small barge, I wasnt hopeful. Check out my friend Marcos Perfect 2 Week Borneo Itinerary he leaves no stone unturned! The word Poring originates from the Kadazandusun name for a tall bamboo plant that grows bountifully in that area. If youre not a diver, there are a bunch of snorkeling options. Pick up and start our Kuching Tour Package | 3 Days 2 Nights. It has some of the most amazing scenery you can imagine! Report inappropriate content 1-6 of 6 replies Sorted by 1 David N United Kingdom Level Contributor 1,667 posts 162 reviews 120 helpful votes 1. This Kota Kinabalu itinerary is packed with adventure. Kinabalu, almost 200 hectares of beautiful green pastures are dotted with roaming Holstein Friesian cows. After youve relaxed, you can go on a Canopy Treetop Walk, which is a 105-meter length walkway suspended 30 meters above the lush jungle. Open daily 8 am-5 pm, its best to bring a sweater! Spend your first-day island hopping in the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park (TAR). After a relaxing island tour for the day, pack up your belongings and gather at the jetty. The adjoining Heritage Village has traditional tribal dwellings. 2.1 Explore Sapi, Manukan, and Mamutik Islands. 08.30 hrs: Arrive at jetty. There is an island for everyone, you could easily spend a full day a day at each, but half the fun is popping over to the next island. Its easy to get to Kota Kinabalu by flight, bus, taxi or car assuming you are already in Sabah or Brunei for the overland options. I couldnt believe it; I had been waiting years to see these crazy looking monkeys, and here I was, a few hours away, and the chances were slim to none that Id see anything in this rain. Traditional huts sprout along the village, with each tribe house offering a unique display of culture, folklore and lifestyle practices through interactive demonstrations for the whole family to participate in. Yes, seeing monkeys in the wild makes me giddy, I realize Im a total weirdo. Gaya Street Sunday morning market. The vendor will help you if you are unsure of what to order. After that, proceed onwards to Signal Hill a hilltop point which gives one a birds eye view of the panoramic Kota Kinabalu city skyline, its vast surrounding greenery and exotic tropical islands. Even though it had been raining the few days before our dive, the visibility was still excellent, and we saw loads of curious creatures bright purple sea slugs 7cm long, colorful coral teeming with tiny fish darting in and out of their crevices, and massive parrot fish with their blue pout. Arrive at Kansai Airport. Its fabulous for snorkelling. Day 1 - Arrive at Kansai Airport. After that, head back to the hotel for a good nights rest. 0900H: Guide will arrange for all necessary registrations, assign you a mountain guide and apply for your ID TAG. There is a whale skeleton, exhibits on head hunters, and one of the largest collections of ceramic in Southeast Asia.3. Kota Kinabalus Central Market, found on the busy waterfront a few steps from the Handicraft Market, is a riot of colour and smells. One can also visit the replica huts and see the daily routines of the olden Borneo natives come to life. Required fields are marked *, Copyright TheGuyTravel 2017 The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. If youd like to do a Kota Kinabalu tour, find our best options here. Beyond destination forums. Youll meet Sabahs five major ethnic communities the Bajau (sea gypsies), Lundayeh (hunters and fishermen), Murut (headhunters), Rungus (longhouse residents) and Dusun (rice farmers). I think sea walking would def be something easier and less scary! You will find all the options for what to do in Kota Kinabalu. Address: 401, Jalan Tun Fuad Stephen, Pusat Bandar, Kota Kinabalu. Here, youll find tailors working on old pedal-powered sewing machines. Its best to book a day trip to visit the islands click here for a range of options., otherwise you can read our full guide on island hopping in Kota Kinabalu here. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-diveintomalaysia_com-banner-1-0-asloaded{max-width:250px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'diveintomalaysia_com-banner-1','ezslot_8',118,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-diveintomalaysia_com-banner-1-0'); A possible highlight of your Kota Kinabalu 3 day itinerary is this day exploring the splendid UNESCO World Heritage Mt. 3.1 White Water Rafting at Kiulu River. Tanjung Aru is approximately six kilometres from Kota Kinabalu city. Alternatively from Poring you can travel on to Sandakan to visit the orangutans, sun bears and proboscis monkeys. 3 Day 2: White Water Rafting + Mari Mari Cultural Village. Proceed for pickup from the airport terminal and head to the alluring town of Kota Kinabalu for breakfast. If they do have a flower in bloom you can normally see it for around RM20. Lets do it! If you have time, consider taking a Kinabatangan river cruise. Ive never had the guts to try it againalthough I love the idea of sea walkingmaybe one day! If the above 5 day itinerary doesnt sound like you, below we have listed everything there is to do in Kota Kinabalu so you can plan out your own itinerary. It also includes hotel pick up/drop off, all jetty and national park fees, and lunch. About Package. It is not possible to use buses to get to small attractions in Sabah. 5 Days Borneo - August2013. Also, check out Gayas popular scenic white sandy Police Beach at Police Bay. Clean, quiet and with great family-deluxe rooms, this is a super midrange Kota Kinabalu accommodation option. This bar on the 15th floor of the Le Mridien Hotel is open to everyone and serves great drinks and some snacks in the perfect surrounds for the perfect sunset. Manage Settings Even if you arent a monkey weirdo, this should be on your Kota Kinabalu itinerary. Visitors snorkeling near to the beach in Manukan Island. This walkway affords breathtaking views of the jungle and the surrounding hills. On arrival to the village, visitors will be welcomed by the sight of ancient Borneo architecture, and take a step back in time of days of old. Tranquil and relaxing, Tanjung Aru is nature at its best which is why its one of the top things to do Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu is a treasure trove of adventure, wildlife and culture, and we hope that our ideas and rundown of Kota Kinabalu famous places have piqued your interest enough to visit! Visitors can marvel at the modern architecture and take breathtaking photos of the scenic view. Youll need another holiday to recover! 0700 Enjoy breakfast at hotel. The Borneo Jungle Tours 4 Days 3 Nights Kinabatangan River Safari is an exciting and adventurous tour package that allows you to experience the natural beauty of Sabah's rainforests and the rich cultural heritage of the region. At the last count, its over 360 species! Grab, which is Southeast Asias version of Uber, is everywhere and the cheapest way (other than buses) to get around. Gain an insight into the mystical belief systems of each group. In the evening visit the Sabah Seafood market along the seafront. The hill is the highest point in Kota Kinabalu, and is a perfect spot to take a wonderful group photo and the excellent time visitors are having on the journey. They also lay claim to being the largest flowers in the world. Find a great option here. Visitors can also find several restaurants by the sea that offers excellent food and service. Itinerary Highlight: The tour is a 5 day 4 night journey of amazement to the heart of the beautiful Sabah state - its capital, Kota Kinabalu. Wash it all down with bright pink bandung an iced beverage of condensed milk sweetened with rose cordial and soak up the buzzing markets atmosphere. Kota Kinabalu City Night Tour with Seafood Dinner (Private Tour) Tour Code: ABK-LT02: Duration: 5.5 Hours: Minimum: 2: . Be dazzled by the authentic wooden towers, distinct wooden houses and structures decorated by nature. There is a ferry terminal fee of RM7.63/$1.80, which is sometimes included in the ticket and a conservation fee of RM20/$4.85 for the park. For younger children, check out the ponies and goats at the Kids Zoo area. The females have the daintiest little turned-up button nose, which is absolutely adorable. Look out for favourites such as the blue-ringed octopus or search out blacktip sharks amongst the colourful corals. The Coral Flyer is a thrilling zipline that spans between Gaya and Sapi Island, letting you fly across the blue ocean! This includes Kadazan bamboo houses and a Chinese farmhouse, beautifully set on a lily-pad lake. There are antiques, batiks, sarongs, traditional jewelry, food, and more. Zip Borneo is an outdoor activity center with an obstacle course, climbing wall, high rope course and an epic zipline. However, it will take about two hours to get there from KK, so be sure you know the return bus schedule. Its advisable to carry some snacks and water. But it was also the most rewarding one. Kinabalu, Take a jungle trek selecting from any of the well marked trails, Admire the exotic flora and fauna along the Botanical Garden Walk. This is really a must-do in Kota Kinabalu! Collect your packed lunch. Sabah really does have SO MUCH to offer. You can get competitive prices for Pogimpaan on Agoda. After lunch, proceed to visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village, which is approximately 25 minutes away from Kota Kinabalu city centre. Its one of those places where you get to walk up to the tanks and pick out your dinner. 04.00 pm: Upon arrival at the jetty, local hi-tea favourites will be served. The TAR marine park is an aquatic paradise for divers and snorkelers. Enjoy guided or self-discovery walks, environmental education programmes and bird sessions at the on-site bird-hide. Theres a treasure trove of clothing, local crafts and jewellery.