Kota Kinabalu Borneo Malaysia 7 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration

  • Arrive at Kota Kinabalu International Airport
  • Check-in to Hotel 7 Degrees, a modern hotel located in the heart of the city with easy access to shopping malls, restaurants, and attractions.
  • Visit Central Market, a bustling marketplace where you can find local handicrafts, try street food, and experience the vibrant atmosphere.
  • Explore Kota Kinabalu Waterfront, a scenic area with shops, restaurants, and a beautiful view of the South China Sea.

Day 2: Marine Park and Snorkeling

  • Take a ferry to Manukan Island Marine Park (approximately 30 minutes)
  • Go snorkeling in the island’s crystal-clear waters to see an array of marine life, including turtles and colorful fish.
  • Have lunch at Island Beach Restaurant, which serves delicious seafood and has a great view of the surrounding islands.

Day 3: Mount Kinabalu

  • Take an early morning bus to Kota Kinabalu City Bus Terminal (approximately 1 hour)
  • Transfer to another bus that goes up to Mount Kinabalu National Park (approximately 2 hours)
  • Hike to Lun Bokang Viewpoint, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and a great spot for sunset.

Day 4: Orangutan Sanctuary and Monkey Beach

  • Visit Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where you can see orangutans up close and learn about conservation efforts.
  • Take a boat to Monkey Beach, where you can interact with friendly monkeys and have a unique experience.

Day 5: City Tour and Shopping

  • Visit Filmmakers’ Museum, which showcases the history of filmmaking in Sabah and features interactive exhibits.
  • Explore Imago Shopping Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in Kota Kinabalu, with a wide range of stores and restaurants.

Day 6: Night Market and Food Tour

  • Visit Night Market, where you can try local street food, buy handicrafts, and experience the city’s nightlife.
  • Take a food tour to sample some of Kota Kinabalu’s best dishes, including seafood, noodles, and traditional desserts.

Day 7: Departure

  • Check-out from Hotel 7 Degrees
  • Visit Kota Kinabalu Waterfront for last-minute shopping or souvenirs
  • Depart from Kota Kinabalu International Airport

Transportation:

  • The most convenient way to get around Kota Kinabalu is by taxi, which can be hailed on the street or booked in advance.
  • There are also buses that connect various parts of the city and surrounding areas.

Tips and Essentials:

  • Be sure to try some of the local seafood, especially during your visit to Monkey Beach.
  • Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a hat for protection from the sun.
  • Respect the environment and wildlife by not littering or disturbing the animals.

Places to Eat:

  • Island Beach Restaurant: Serves delicious seafood with a great view of the surrounding islands.
  • Night Market: Offers a wide range of local street food, including seafood, noodles, and traditional desserts.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel 7 Degrees: A modern hotel located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu with easy access to shopping malls, restaurants, and attractions.