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10 Days of Adventure in Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan Itinerary
Last updated: 2024 Jun 14Exploring the Islands and Cultural Heritage
Morning
Start your day with a visit to Gaya Island (Pulau Gaya). This island is part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park and offers pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and excellent snorkeling opportunities. Spend your morning exploring the underwater world and relaxing on the beach.
Afternoon
Head back to Kota Kinabalu for lunch at Welcome Seafood Restaurant, known for its fresh seafood dishes. After lunch, visit Mari Mari Cultural Village. This cultural village offers a unique insight into the traditional lifestyles of Sabah's indigenous tribes. You'll get to see traditional houses, watch cultural performances, and even try some local delicacies.
Evening
For dinner, enjoy a meal at El Centro, a popular spot offering a mix of Western and Asian cuisine. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the Kota Kinabalu waterfront to enjoy the evening breeze and vibrant atmosphere.
Bedtime
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Island Hopping Adventure
Morning
Begin your day with an island-hopping tour starting with Sapi Island (Pulau Sapi). Known for its beautiful coral reefs and clear waters, it's perfect for snorkeling or just relaxing on the beach.
Afternoon
Continue your island adventure by heading to Manukan Island (Pulau Manukan), another gem in Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. Enjoy more snorkeling or take a short hike around the island. For lunch, have a picnic on the beach or grab something from one of the local vendors.
Evening
Return to Kota Kinabalu in the late afternoon. For dinner, head to Little Italy, where you can enjoy delicious Italian cuisine in a cozy setting.
Bedtime
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Wildlife Encounters and Local Cuisine
Morning
Start your day with an exciting wildlife experience at Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre. This protected area is home to various bird species and other wildlife. Take a guided tour to learn more about the local ecosystem.
Afternoon
Have lunch at Fook Yuen, known for its affordable yet tasty local dishes. Afterward, visit Sabah Museum (Sabah State Museum) to delve into Sabah's rich history and culture through its extensive exhibits.
Evening
For dinner, dine at Chilli Vanilla, which offers a fusion of Hungarian and local flavors. End your evening with a visit to Signal Hill Observatory Platform for panoramic views of Kota Kinabalu.
Bedtime
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Cultural Immersion and Scenic Views
Morning
Kick off your day with breakfast at Kedai Kopi Yee Fung, famous for its laksa. Then head over to explore Monsopiad Cultural Village, where you can learn about the legendary Kadazan warrior Monsopiad through various exhibits and performances.
Afternoon
Enjoy lunch at Shoney's Dining & Bar before visiting the iconic Sabah State Mosque (Masjid Negeri Sabah). The mosque's stunning architecture makes it one of Kota Kinabalu's must-see landmarks.
Evening
For dinner, savor Indian cuisine at Mother India Restaurant. Conclude your day by taking an evening river cruise with Kawa Kawa Wildlife River Cruise where you might spot fireflies lighting up the night.
Bedtime
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Snorkeling and Island Hopping
Morning
Start your day with a visit to Kota Kinabalu | Snorkeling Sapi Island/Manukan Island. These islands are known for their beautiful coral reefs and clear waters, making them perfect for snorkeling. Spend your morning exploring the underwater world and relaxing on the beach.
Afternoon
Return to Kota Kinabalu for lunch at Gusto Food & Wine, which offers a delightful mix of Western and Asian cuisine. After lunch, head to Signal Hill Observatory Platform for panoramic views of the city and surrounding islands.
Evening
For dinner, enjoy a meal at The B Side, a trendy spot known for its delicious food and vibrant atmosphere. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the Kota Kinabalu waterfront to enjoy the evening breeze.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Kota Kinabalu.
Cultural Exploration and Scenic Views
Morning
Begin your day with breakfast at Fook Yuen, known for its affordable yet tasty local dishes. Then head over to explore Mari Mari Cultural Village + Kokol Haven Day Tour, where you can learn about Sabah's indigenous tribes through various exhibits and performances.
Afternoon
Enjoy lunch at Chilli Vanilla, which offers a fusion of Hungarian and local flavors. Afterward, visit the iconic Kota Kinabalu City Mosque (Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu). The mosque's stunning architecture makes it one of Kota Kinabalu's must-see landmarks.
Evening
For dinner, savor Indian cuisine at Mother India Restaurant. Conclude your day by taking an evening river cruise with Kawa Kawa Wildlife River Cruise where you might spot fireflies lighting up the night.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Kota Kinabalu.
Snorkeling and Island Hopping
Morning
Start your day with a visit to Kota Kinabalu | Snorkeling Sapi Island/Manukan Island. These islands are known for their beautiful coral reefs and clear waters, making them perfect for snorkeling. Spend your morning exploring the underwater world and relaxing on the beach.
Afternoon
Return to Kota Kinabalu for lunch at Gusto Food & Wine, which offers a delightful mix of Western and Asian cuisine. After lunch, head to Signal Hill Observatory Platform for panoramic views of the city and surrounding islands.
Evening
For dinner, enjoy a meal at The B Side, a trendy spot known for its delicious food and vibrant atmosphere. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the Kota Kinabalu waterfront to enjoy the evening breeze.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Kota Kinabalu.
Cultural Exploration and Scenic Views
Morning
Begin your day with breakfast at Fook Yuen, known for its affordable yet tasty local dishes. Then head over to explore Mari Mari Cultural Village + Kokol Haven Day Tour, where you can learn about Sabah's indigenous tribes through various exhibits and performances.
Afternoon
Enjoy lunch at Chilli Vanilla, which offers a fusion of Hungarian and local flavors. Afterward, visit the iconic Kota Kinabalu City Mosque (Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu). The mosque's stunning architecture makes it one of Kota Kinabalu's must-see landmarks.
Evening
For dinner, savor Indian cuisine at Mother India Restaurant. Conclude your day by taking an evening river cruise with Kawa Kawa Wildlife River Cruise where you might spot fireflies lighting up the night.
Bedtime
Find amazing hotels in Kota Kinabalu.
Wildlife Adventure in Sandakan
Morning
Start your day early with a transfer to Sandakan. Upon arrival, visit the famous Sandakan Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. This center is dedicated to rehabilitating orphaned orangutans and releasing them back into the wild. Spend your morning observing these incredible creatures in their natural habitat.
Afternoon
Have lunch at English Tea House & Restaurant, which offers a charming colonial setting with views over Sandakan Bay. After lunch, head to the nearby Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, where you can see these unique monkeys up close.
Evening
For dinner, dine at Balin Roof Garden Bar & Bistro, known for its great food and stunning rooftop views. End your evening with a relaxing walk along Sandakan's waterfront promenade.
Bedtime
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Exploring Sandakan's History
Morning
Begin your day with breakfast at San Da Gen Kopitiam, a popular local café known for its traditional Malaysian breakfast dishes. Then visit the historic Agnes Keith House, which provides insights into life in British North Borneo during colonial times.
Afternoon
Enjoy lunch at My Harbour Restaurant before heading to explore more of Sandakan’s history by visiting St. Michael’s and All Angels Church, one of Sabah’s oldest stone buildings.
Evening
For dinner, savor fresh seafood at Ocean King Seafood Restaurant. Conclude your day by taking an evening stroll through Sim Sim Water Village to experience local life on stilts.
Bedtime
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