Sabah | Kota Kinabalu Itinerary and Guide

 

Sabah is probably the most popular East Malaysia destination. So, after exploring some of the sights in East Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Penang) two months prior to this trip. I was eager to see the often heard from part of Malaysia due to its close proximity to the Philippines – Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. I actually went first to the other country in Borneo island – Brunei, then land and sea travel to Sabah’s city center – Kota Kinabalu. It was a long route to go but actually worth it once you’ve arrived in KK. Here’s the sample itinerary of this leg of my trip:

Sample 6 Days 5 Nights Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival PM
See
Check in at Hotel Grandis
Sunset from the hotel room or roofdeck view

Day 2
Experience the KK Heritage Walk
Lunch
Tour at Mari Mari Cultural Village
Floating KK City Mosque and KK Government Buildings sidetrip

Day 3
Puh Toh Si Chinese Temple
Tour at Kinabalu Park: Malaysia’s 1st world Heritage Site
Lunch
Desa Cattle Dairy Farm

Day 4
Sapi Island
Experience Coral Flyer’s island to island zipline
Manukan Island
Lunch
Marlin and I love KK Statue
Sundown at the boulevard

Day 5
Rest day: Enjoy Hotel Grandis amenities
Buy food or souvenirs

Day 6
Checkout
Departure

Mine was designed to rest and study before classes start for my masters when I go back to the Philippines. If you are conscious with the days to take off from work. Skip Day 6’s rest day.

What tours do you recommend in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah?

All of the said tours and activities can be arranged for your ease and comfort. Mine was tailored with the help of Sabah Tourism which I visited since it is just walking distance from my hotel. If you have not booked any tours, It is recommended to rent a car or motorcycle for easier exploration in the city. Otherwise, Uber and Grab all you want but just make sure there is a possible WiFi hot spot in the area you are going or you have a local sim with data.

What are the places to see in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah?

Other places that I would have wanted to explored would be further parts of Sabah. So I am saving it for the next trip. The rest that can be done near the city of KK are the following:

-Bird watching at KK Wetland
-North Borneo Railway
-Tanjung Aru Beach
-Perdana Park
-Sabah State Mosque
-Sabah Museum

What are the dishes you must try in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah?

For food explorations, you can opt any of the following, also famous across Malaysia: Nasi Campur, Sambal, Laksa, Beef Rendang, Ikan Bakar, Sate, Ice Kacang, Durian, Teh Tarik

What are the food places in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah?

The famous place for Laksa is found in the heart of the city – Yee Fung Laksa.

Where to stay in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah?

Various hotels, resorts, hostels and the like found in Kota Kinabalu. Stayed at Hotel Grandis which is at the heart of KK city. I suggest you do find a place near here it is close to the mall, food places, and restaurants.

How to get there? What airlines have flights going to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah?

From Manila

Manila to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah flights via any of the following airlines around 2 hours of travel:
    -Cebu Pacific
    -Air Asia
    -Malaysian Airlines

From Brunei

There are three options to travel from Brunei to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia:
    1) Land trip via bus (discouraged by locals due to around 5 borders to cross)
    2) Ferry + [Second Ferry or Fast Craft + Bus] (recommended due to single            border crossing)
        >Brunei city center to Muara via bus or private hired vehicle
        >Ferry at Muara, Brunei to Labuan, Malaysia
        >Next options are either of the following:
                *Ferry from Labuan to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
                *Fast craft from Labuan to Menumbok, Malaysia, then bus from                         Menumbok to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
    3) Brunei to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia flights via any of the following airlines           around less than an hour of travel:
        >Royal Brunei
        >Malaysian Airlines

 

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