Kota Kinabalu (Borneo), Malaysia-3-day-itinerary

Day 1: Sunday

Morning

  • 9:00 am: Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Kampung Kraft Café, a local café serving traditional Malay dishes.
  • 10:00 am: Visit the Sabah State Mosque, a beautiful mosque with stunning architecture and a peaceful atmosphere.

Afternoon

  • 11:30 am: Head to the Kota Kinabalu Waterfront for some shopping, dining, and people-watching. Take a stroll along the esplanade, enjoy the sea breeze, and try some local street food.
  • 1:00 pm: Grab lunch at The Galleria, a popular eatery serving Western and Asian cuisine.

Evening

  • 7:00 pm: Watch the sunset from the Kota Kinabalu Waterfront.
  • 9:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at Sangkar Restaurant, a local restaurant serving traditional Malay dishes.

Where to Stay

Transportation

  • Airport Transfer: Book a taxi or ride-hailing service from the airport to your hotel.
  • Public Transport: Use the bus or taxi for local transportation.

Day 2: Monday

Morning

  • 9:00 am: Visit the Monsopan Rum Distillery, a local distillery that offers guided tours and tastings.
  • 11:30 am: Head to the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque for a visit. Take some photos and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 pm: Grab lunch at The Ferringhi Garden, a restaurant serving Western cuisine.
  • 2:30 pm: Visit the Sabah Museum, which showcases the history, culture, and art of Sabah.

Evening

  • 7:00 pm: Enjoy dinner at Jumbo Seafood Restaurant, a seafood restaurant serving fresh local seafood.
  • 9:30 pm: Take a stroll along the Kota Kinabalu Waterfront and enjoy the evening breeze.

Transportation

  • Hotel Transfer: Use the hotel’s shuttle service for transportation to and from the airport.
  • Public Transport: Use the bus or taxi for local transportation.

Day 3: Tuesday

Morning

  • 9:00 am: Visit the Manukan Island, a beautiful island located just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu. Take a boat ride to the island and enjoy snorkeling, swimming, or simply relaxing on the beach.
  • 12:30 pm: Grab lunch at The Beach Bar & Restaurant, a restaurant serving Western cuisine.

Afternoon

  • 2:00 pm: Visit the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, a beautiful park with scenic views of the ocean. Take some photos and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
  • 4:30 pm: Return to your hotel and spend some time relaxing or shopping for souvenirs.

Transportation

  • Hotel Transfer: Use the hotel’s shuttle service for transportation to and from the airport.
  • Public Transport: Use the bus or taxi for local transportation.

Things to Know

  • Weather: Kota Kinabalu has a tropical climate, with high temperatures and humidity levels throughout the year. Be sure to pack accordingly and stay hydrated.
  • Respect Local Customs: Dress modestly when visiting mosques or temples, and respect local customs and traditions.
  • Safety: Take necessary precautions when traveling, especially at night or in crowded areas.

Tips

  • Book in Advance: Book your accommodations and tours in advance to avoid sold-out situations.
  • Try Local Cuisine: Try some of the delicious local cuisine, such as seafood, traditional Malay dishes, or Western food.
  • Be Prepared: Be prepared for rain showers and high temperatures by packing accordingly.

Other Things

  • Shopping: Visit the Gaya Street Night Market, a popular night market selling local handicrafts, souvenirs, and street food.
  • Nightlife: Enjoy the nightlife at Sutera Harbour Marina & Yacht Club, a popular spot for seafood dining and live music.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Kota Kinabalu!