Kota Kinabalu \(Borneo\), Malaysia 3 Day Itinerary

Title: 3-Day Itinerary for Exploring Kota Kinabalu, Borneo, Malaysia

Day 1 - Discovering the City & Cultural Immersion

Morning:

  • Breakfast at Sabah Tea Garden Restaurant (overlooking Mount Kinabalu)
  • Visit the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque (open from 9 am to 5 pm, free entry)
  • Explore the Philip and Janice Wong Centre for Creative and Cultural Industries to learn about Borneo’s culture and arts

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at MarryBrown or 33 KK, famous local fast food restaurants
  • Visit the Atma Alam Batik Boutique & Studio, a social enterprise supporting local artisans
  • Stroll along the Jesselton Point Waterfront and check out the fish market

Evening:

  • Dinner at Seafood Island, famous for its seafood buffet on Tg. Lungga (boat shuttle available from Jesselton Point)
  • Enjoy nightlife at 1 Borneo Hypermall, or unwind at a rooftop bar like Santorini by the Sea

Day 2 - Exploring Nature & Wildlife

Morning:

  • Early breakfast at your hotel
  • Take a taxi/grab to Kinabalu Park Headquarters (1.5 hours)
  • Hike the Mount Kinabalu trails or visit the botanical garden (entry fees apply)

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at Poring Warisan Cafe, located inside the park
  • Visit the Poring Hot Springs, enjoy the hot springs, canopy walk and bamboo bridge (entry fees apply)

Evening:

  • Return to Kota Kinabalu
  • Dinner at Kedai Kopi Lanchin (Chinatown) or Sarawak Kampung Seafood (Luyang)

Day 3 - Island Hopping & Beach Relaxation

Morning:

  • Breakfast at your hotel
  • Book a Tourist Boat Service (TBS) from Jesselton Point to Manukan Island, Sapi Island, or both (boat rides are around 30 minutes)
  • Spend the day snorkeling, sunbathing, and enjoying the tropical paradise

Afternoon:

  • Return to Kota Kinabalu and lunch at Sea Harvest Restaurant (Jesselton Point) or other seafood restaurants near the waterfront
  • Explore Signal Hill Observatory Tower for panoramic views of the city and islands

Evening:

  • Farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant like Fish & Co. or Santorini by the Sea

Things to Know:

  • Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) is the local currency. Major credit cards are accepted in most places, but it’s good to have cash for smaller shops and stalls.
  • English is widely spoken, especially among younger generations.
  • Taxis and Grab are common transportation methods within the city. Motorbike taxis (grabBike) can be a faster option but less safe.
  • Be mindful of monsoon season from October to February when rainfall is heavier.

Stay Options:

  • Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa - Luxury resort with beachfront access
  • Gaya Island Resort - Eco-friendly, secluded luxury resort on Gaya Island
  • Mantanani Island Resort - Budget option for those looking for a peaceful island escape

Enjoy your trip to Kota Kinabalu! 🇲🇾 🐨 🌴