Introducing my self planned travel guide to Sabah Kota Kinabalu!
If you’re looking for a destination that perfectly balances vibrant city life, serene island vibes, and misty, cool highlands, Kota Kinabalu (KK) is the place to be. We recently spent 5 days and 4 nights exploring the best of Sabah, and the best decision we made was renting a car. Having the freedom to drive from the coastal streets of KK up to the majestic peaks of Kundasang allowed us to experience the island at our own pace.
My Kota Kinabalu Itinerary
Lets start with my Itinerary! Feel free to copy it for your trip ~
Day 1: Arrival & Coastal Sunsets
We kicked off our adventure by flying from Singapore to Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA). After picking up our rental car—a good option for this trip—we drove straight into the city to check into Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu.
The location was perfect, placing us right in the heart of the action. We spent our early afternoon simply enjoying some local food. We tried the Sarawak Laksa and Fried Tauran Mee at a local coffee shop walking distance from the hotel.
Seng Hing Coffee Shop
Lot 10, Lorong Sinsuran 2, Sinsuran Kompleks, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
After that we went back to our hotel to wait for the pickup for our tour.
we booked the KLIAS Wildlife Safari River Cruise via Amazing Borneo tours during an event at Marina Square. it cost us S$59 per pax including Hotel pickup and drop off with boat ride, and meal! I think it is quite worth it~
The journey from our hotel to the River Cruise area was quite far though, it takes about 2 hours by car 1 way, however the experience is worth it!
We went for a tour around KLIAS river and enjoyed the sunset view then back for some snacks and drink.
After dark, we went out to the river again for fireflies! we managed to spot quite alot fireflies but too bad it cannot capture nicely on my camera.
Lastly, we went to the nearby night market for some supper and it is just a walking distance from our hotel as well~
Night Food Market
Jln Tun Fuad Stephens, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Day 2: City Culture, Iconic Views & Seafood Feasts
After a restful night, we started the day with a local favorite at Kedai Kopi Melanian for their famous sang nyuk mee (pork noodles)—it’s the perfect authentic start to any Sabah trip. We then walk around the Gaya Street market which is only open on Friday, Saturday and Sundays from 5am to 12:45pm, so don’t miss it when you are there!
Gaya Street Market
Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
The day was spent exploring the city’s architectural gems, starting with a quick stop Tun Mustapha Tower, the peaceful Pu Tuo Si Temple, lastly the stunning Sabah City Mosque (the “Floating Mosque”). We also did some light exploring at the Handicraft Market. In the late afternoon, we drove up to Kokol Hill for an absolutely breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the city and coastline.
For dinner, we treated ourselves to a massive feast at Welcome Seafood Restaurant, the price is really affordable!!
- Must-try: The black pepper crab and butter tiger prawns are life-changing!
- We ordered Black pepper crab, steam fish, Soup and Prawns which cost less than SGD 50.
Day 3: The Highland Escape to Kundasang
Today, we swapped the city for the cool mountain air. The drive up to the highlands is scenic and relaxing. The drive is about 2 hours mountainous road so do drive with care! Had a quick break at Kundasang view point area with great view!
after lunch, we drove to Adenna Rafflesia garden to take a look at the newly bloomed rafflesia!
Tips: Do follow the Sabah facebook page and checkout their post on where the Rafflesia bloomed.
Link Sabah Park facebook link
Entrance fee is RM30 per pax, we think it is still worth it even though it is abit expensive as it is a once in a life time experience!
We made a stop at the Sabah Tea Garden to enjoy the cooling weather and have a quick tea break with a very scenic backdrop!
Located in the Ranau district, approximately 692 meters above sea level, Sabah Tea Garden is the only organic tea farm in Borneo.
Even though the food is quite sweet but do Try their famous green tea pancake!
After the tea break, we drove to Sosodikon Hill for a short hike with a very paranomic view!
It is Beginner-friendly trekking with maximum payoff. However, the wind is really strong here, do bring a thin windproof jacket ~
Finally, we checked into D’Masanog Gardenstay and had our dinner there. This place is a homestay with a pool and view of mount kinabalu! Initially we had planned to stay for 2 nights but unfortunately, there was a huge cockroach in our room so we decided to reduce to 1 night and go back to the city area instead. We do not blame the owner because this is a homestay in a ‘village’ area ! The owner was nice enough to offer a refund for the remaining night, thank you!
Day 4: Farm Life & Rabbit farm
We started our morning at the iconic Desa Cattle Dairy Farm. Walking through those green pastures with the mountain towering above makes you feel like you’ve been transported to New Zealand. The contrast of the lush green fields against the backdrop of Mount Kinabalu makes it one of the most picturesque spots in all of Sabah.
Admission: It is incredibly accessible with a nominal entrance fee (approximately RM5), making it one of the best value-for-money attractions in the region.
Next stop is the BW bus restaurant which is built around a repurposed, brightly colored vintage bus. : It is situated along the main route, making it an easy pit stop for lunch ~
After lunch, we went to the Ranau Rabbit Farm before heading down to the city area.
it was abit of drive from the BW bus reastaurant but since we have time, we decided to go ahead with the itinerary.
Since it was a weekday, there were no one else around, but i think the rabbit in the farm was not really well taken care of, alot of them looks sick 🙁
If you ask me if it is worth it ?
I would say no.. we paid for the entrance fee, the rabbit wasn’t well taken care of.
In the late afternoon, we drove back to the city, stopping by Welcome seafood restaurant for dinner 😀
Day 5: Final Vibes & Departure back to Singapore
We spent our final morning doing some relaxed shopping at Imago KK Times Square to pick up some last-minute souvenirs. Before heading to the airport, we made one final stop at Tanjung Aru Beach to soak up the sun and sand one last time. It was the perfect, low-stress end to a wonderful 5-day adventure before our flight back to Singapore.
Want to know Kota Kinabalu 5D4N Trip Cost Breakdown?
Refer to this blogpost: kota-kinabalu-itinerary-5-days-expense-breakdown
