Kota Kinabalu Borneo Malaysia 4 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

Morning

Afternoon

  • Visit the Tun Jugah Market (9:00 AM - 7:00 PM) for a taste of local culture and to buy souvenirs
  • Take a short walk to the nearby Kota Kinabalu Waterfront (7:00 AM - 10:00 PM), where you can enjoy the views of the South China Sea

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at [D’Sea Restaurant](https://www.facebook.com/dsea restaurantkk/), which serves fresh seafood and Malaysian cuisine
  • Take a stroll along the waterfront or visit the Kota Kinabalu Night Market (7:00 PM - 12:00 AM) for a night of shopping and dining

Day 2: Island Hopping

Morning

  • Depart from Jesselton Point to Manukan Island ( approx. RM50-70 / USD12-17 per person, including snorkeling gear)
  • Visit the Manukan Island Turtle Sanctuary and see the beautiful beaches on the island

Afternoon

  • Visit Sapi Island (approx. RM60-80 / USD15-20 per person) for more snorkeling and swimming
  • Enjoy lunch at one of the island’s restaurants or bring your own picnic lunch

Evening

  • Return to Kota Kinabalu and enjoy dinner at Kampung Ayer Waterfront Restaurant, which serves local cuisine with a waterfront view
  • Visit the KK Night Market (7:00 PM - 12:00 AM) for shopping and dining

Day 3: Nature and Adventure

Morning

  • Take a day trip to Mount Kinabalu (approx. RM180-250 / USD45-60 per person), Malaysia’s highest peak
  • Hike through the lush tropical rainforest and enjoy breathtaking views from the summit

Afternoon

  • Visit the Klias Peninsular Forest Reserve for a chance to see proboscis monkeys, fireflies, and other wildlife
  • Enjoy lunch at one of the reserve’s restaurants or bring your own picnic lunch

Evening

  • Return to Kota Kinabalu and enjoy dinner at Restoran Famosa, which serves delicious Malaysian cuisine
  • Visit the Kota Kinabalu Night Market (7:00 PM - 12:00 AM) for a night of shopping and dining

Day 4: More Island Hopping

Morning

  • Depart from Jesselton Point to Gaya Island ( approx. RM50-70 / USD12-17 per person, including snorkeling gear)
  • Visit the Gaya Island Turtle Sanctuary and see the beautiful beaches on the island

Afternoon

  • Enjoy a relaxing day on the beach or take a boat trip around the island
  • Enjoy lunch at one of the island’s restaurants or bring your own picnic lunch

Evening

  • Return to Kota Kinabalu and enjoy a farewell dinner at Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa
  • Transfer back to the airport for your departure ( approx. RM50-70 / USD12-17 per trip using Grab or taxi)

Transportation

  • Taxi: approx. RM10-20 / USD2.50-5 per km
  • Grab: approx. RM8-15 / USD2-3.75 per km
  • Bus: approx. RM1-3 / USD0.25-0.75 per ride (depending on route)
  • Car rental: approx. RM80-120 / USD20-30 per day

Tips and Things to Know:

  • Try the local cuisine, including dishes like seafood fried rice, char kway teow, and laksa
  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions
  • Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat for outdoor activities
  • Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water
  • Exchange your currency to Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) at the airport or in town

Other Things to Do:

  • Visit the Sabah State Museum to learn about the history and culture of Sabah
  • Take a short walk along the Kota Kinabalu Waterfront, which offers stunning views of the South China Sea
  • Go shopping at the Tun Jugah Market for local handicrafts and souvenirs