Kota Kinabalu Trip Overview
Spend a week exploring remarkable Sabah, one of the most stunning corners of the planet with turquoise seas, unparalleled snorkelling and pristine natural jungles packed with hundreds of bird and animal species, plus over 5000 plant species, hot springs and caves to boast!
Highlights:
-Snorkel in the stunning Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
-Discover Mount Kinabalu National Park and Poring Hot Springs
-Take river cruises and go trekking in Kinabatangan
-Visit the Gomantong Caves & Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary
Additional Info
Duration: 7 days
Starts: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Trip Category: Outdoor Activities >> Hiking & Camping
Explore Kota Kinabalu Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Spend a week exploring remarkable Sabah, one of the most stunning corners of the planet with turquoise seas, unparalleled snorkelling and pristine natural jungles packed with hundreds of bird and animal species, plus over 5000 plant species, hot springs and caves to boast!
Highlights:
-Snorkel in the stunning Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
-Discover Mount Kinabalu National Park and Poring Hot Springs
-Take river cruises and go trekking in Kinabatangan
-Visit the Gomantong Caves & Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary
Itinerary
Day 1: Kota Kinabalu Airport Pick-up
Stop At: Kota Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu District, West Coast Division, Sabah
You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel located in downtown Kota Kinabalu. The day is free to explore the city and its surroundings. Depending on the time of your arrival, we recommend making a visit to the Mari-mari Cultural Village or the nearby Sabah Museum.
Duration: 12 hours
No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight at Dreamtel Kota Kinabalu or similar
Day 2: Snorkelling at Tunku Abdul Marine Park (B/L)
Stop At: Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Kota Kinabalu Malaysia
Meet your guide at your hotel between 8:00 – 8:15am. He will collect your insurance details and give you a short briefing about your trip. Transfer to Jesselton point to catch a boat to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. The park was gazetted in 1974 and is home of various types of coral, marine turtles and colourful fish.
Spend the day snorkelling in clear waters and stopping at some white-sand islands. You will share a boat with other travellers. Return to your hotel mid-afternoon
Duration: 1 day
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Overnight at Dreamte Kota Kinabalu or similar
Day 3: Mount Kinabalu and Poring Hot Springs (B)
Stop At: Kinabalu Park, Malaysia
Today you will visit the Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the most important ecological sites in the world, it is home to 5000-6000 species of plants, 326 different birds and 100 mammalian species. Explore the lower trails with an expert guide (you can let him know how much trekking you’re up for!) and learn more about native plants.
Travel to the nearby Poring Hot Springs, a series of pools with different temperatures you can bathe in. Go on a canopy walk to see the rainforest from a bird’s eye view. You may also visit the butterfly or orchid garden before traveling to the Sabah Tea Plantation, the only organic tea plantation in Malaysia. You’ll arrive at 4pm, and can take part in optional activities such as a sunset walk. Say goodbye to your guide and settle in for the night.
Duration: 1 day
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Sabah Tea Garden–Long House (Single Room) or similar
Day 4: Sabah Tea to Kinabatangan (L/D)
Stop At: Kinabatangan District, Kinabatangan District, Sabah
Rise early to take in the majestic views of Mount Kinabalu and the mist laden tea plantation. Travel to the Kinabatangan River, the longest river in Sabah and known for its extraordinary wildlife, a journey of about 5-6 hrs. Stay in the banks of the river amongst rainforest wetlands.
Go on a dusk wildlife in the early evening and keep your eyes open for Orangutans, Crocodiles, Proboscis Monkeys, Silver-Leaf and Macaque Monkeys. Later, you can go on an optional night walk in search of exotic insects.
Duration: 1 day
Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Bilit Adventure Lodge – Fan or AC Room
Day 5: Kinabatangan Trekking (B/L/D)
Stop At: Kinabatangan District, Kinabatangan District, Sabah
Get up early for a dawn river cruise and spot wildlife with the help of your guide. Don’t forget your binoculars! Have breakfast and go trekking in the jungle. In the afternoon, take another river cruise.
Duration: 1 day
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Bilit Adventure Lodge – Fan Room or similar
Day 6: Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary (B)
Stop At: Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Sepilok Malaysia
Say goodbye to your host and meet your new guide before heading to the nearby Gomantong Caves, a favourite filming site of the naturalist David Attenborough. They are famous for their edible swiftlets, harvested for the traditional bird’s nest soup. Although it’s a very traditional dish, there is a strict control on how many nests can be taken.
Continue toward Sepilok, where you will visit the famous Sepilok Orangutan sanctuary and the nursery. See these beautiful animals up close and learn about the rehabilitation process they go through before being released to the wild.
If you still have time, you can also go to the nearby Sunbear centre and rainforest discovery centre.
Duration: 1 day
Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight at Sepilok Jungle Resort – Fan Room or similar
Day 7: Sandakan Airport or Accommodation Drop-Off (B)
Stop At: Sandakan, Sandakan, Sandakan Division, Sabah
This morning you will be transferred to the airport or hotel in Sandakan as your adventure comes to an end.
Duration: 12 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.