Kota Kinabalu Itinerary

Overview

Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, offers a mix of urban charm, stunning sunsets, and vibrant markets. It’s the gateway to exploring Borneo and an essential start to this 7 day Borneo travel itinerary.

How Long to Stay in Kota Kinabalu

2 days

How to Get to Kota Kinabalu

Fly into Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI). Take a taxi or Grab to the city center (~15 minutes, ~30 MYR).

Best Hotels to Stay in Kota Kinabalu

• Hostel: Borneo Backpackers – Affordable and central.
• Budget: Hotel Sixty3 – Convenient and comfortable.
• Boutique: The Magellan Sutera Resort – Luxurious with sea views.

What to Do in Kota Kinabalu

• Visit the Kota Kinabalu Waterfront for seafood and sunset views (Free).
• Explore Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (~50 MYR for a boat ride).
• Visit the Sabah State Museum (~15 MYR).
• Walk through Signal Hill Observatory for panoramic city views (Free).

Where to Eat in Kota Kinabalu

• Welcome Seafood Restaurant ($$, 4.7/5) – Famous for fresh seafood.
• Little Italy ($$, 4.6/5) – Popular for Italian dishes.
• Gaya Street Sunday Market ($, 4.5/5) – Local street food and crafts.

Modes of Transport in Kota Kinabalu

Use taxis or Grab for local travel.

Kota Kinabalu Digital Nomad Rating

4/5: Good internet and cafes, but limited coworking spaces. Nomadlist Kota Kinabalu

Kinabalu National Park Itinerary

Overview

Kinabalu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to Mount Kinabalu, unique flora, and scenic hiking trails. A serene stop on this 7 day Borneo travel itinerary, it’s ideal for nature lovers.

How Long to Stay in Kinabalu National Park

2 days

How to Get from Kota Kinabalu to Kinabalu National Park

Take a bus or shared van from Kota Kinabalu to Park Headquarters (~2 hours, ~25 MYR). Alternatively, hire a private car (~1.5 hours, ~150 MYR).

Best Hotels to Stay in Kinabalu National Park

• Hostel: Kinabalu Mountain Lodge – Budget-friendly and close to the park.
• Budget: Ceasar’s Place – Affordable with scenic views.
• Boutique: Sutera Sanctuary Lodges – Cozy chalets near the park entrance.

What to Do in Kinabalu National Park

• Explore the Timpohon Gate trails and enjoy Mount Kinabalu views (~10 MYR entrance fee).
• Visit the Botanical Garden (~5 MYR) to see orchids and endemic plants.
• Relax at Poring Hot Springs (~15 MYR) and walk the Canopy Walkway (~5 MYR).
• Trek the Silau-Silau Nature Trail for an easy and scenic hike (Free with park entrance).

Where to Eat in Kinabalu National Park

• Liang Sandau Cafe ($, 4.4/5) – Local dishes in a simple setting.
• Sabah Tea Garden ($$, 4.6/5) – Tea and snacks with stunning views.

Modes of Transport in Kinabalu National Park

Walking is ideal within the park; taxis or private transfers are available for nearby attractions.

Kinabalu National Park Digital Nomad Rating

3.5/5: Limited internet and no coworking spaces, but serene surroundings for a digital detox.

Kinabatangan River Itinerary

Overview

The Kinabatangan River is one of Borneo’s most biodiverse areas, offering river safaris and wildlife encounters, including proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and pygmy elephants. A natural highlight of this 7 day Borneo travel itinerary, it’s perfect for immersing in the rainforest.

How Long to Stay in Kinabatangan River

3 days

How to Get from Kinabalu National Park to Kinabatangan River

Take a shared van or private transfer from Kinabalu National Park to Sukau Village, the main base for river tours (~5-6 hours, ~150 MYR).

Best Hotels to Stay near Kinabatangan River

• Hostel: Sukau Backpackers B&B – Affordable and social.
• Budget: Bilit Adventure Lodge – Comfortable with basic amenities.
• Boutique: Sukau Rainforest Lodge – Eco-luxury in the heart of the rainforest.

What to Do in Kinabatangan River

• Take morning and evening river safaris (~200 MYR for both).
• Visit Gomantong Caves (~30 MYR entrance fee) to see bats and swiftlets.
• Join a guided jungle trek (~100 MYR).
• Learn about local conservation efforts at the lodges (Free with tours).

Where to Eat near Kinabatangan River

• Meals are typically included in lodge packages.
• Sukau Greenview Restaurant ($, 4.5/5) – Simple and delicious meals.
• Kinabatangan Cafe ($, 4.4/5) – Local dishes and snacks.

Modes of Transport at Kinabatangan River

Most activities are guided through the lodges; walking and boat rides are the primary modes of transport.

Kinabatangan River Digital Nomad Rating

3/5: Limited to no internet access; ideal for disconnecting and immersing in nature.