Kota Kinabalu City Break

📍 Kota Kinabalu airport to Hotel (9 km): 20 mins

Upon arrival at the airport in Kota Kinabalu, meet with the guide and driver and receive a private transfer to the hotel for check in.

Kota Kinabalu is an interesting coastal city, home to native Bornean tribes, Filipinos, Chinese, Indians and other ethnic groups. The food reflects this ethnic diversity. Explore the capital city of Sabah that is set along stretches of coast and against the backdrop of Mount Kinabalu. Learn all about the history while strolling the streets, try different dishes and explore their traditions. Admire a magnificent sunset at the waterfront area and enjoy a delicious fresh seafood dinner by the sea. Kota Kinabalu, formerly known as Jesselton, is the capital city of Sabah. Strategically situated in the Northwest Coast of Borneo Island, this city has one of the most amazing views. With the South China Sea and Tunku Abdul Rahman Park on one side, and set against the backdrop of Mount Kinabalu, this beautiful ‘Nature Resort City’ stretches for miles along the coast.

Today’s tour starts at 17:00. Meet the guide at the hotel and discover Kota Kinabalu’s rich history while strolling along its streets. The journey begins at Gaya Street, known as Bond Street during the British colonial era, and established in 1902 it was considered the heart of Jesselton. All the major business activities were conducted there. As you stroll down the street observe the generations-old family businesses that are still thriving.

Pause for a few minutes at Keng Wan Hing, a traditional coffee shop. Famous for its delicious pineapple buns, also known as Polo Buns, and a cup of kopi (local coffee), this shop is well frequented by the locals.

The next stop is Kedai Kopi Yuit Cheong. Yuit Cheong is one of the oldest coffee shops in Kota Kinabalu established in 1896. This coffee shop is popular for its satay. Enjoy a Roti Kahwin or Roti kosong and taste a beef or chicken satay. We also recommend having a refreshing pandan coconut drink, it contains pandan leaf aroma and the smooth sweeten milky taste of its juice.

Continue your walk towards the seaside. Stop at Jalan Segama to taste the ‘kings of fruits’ named durian. Depending on the season, there will be dozens of durian stalls. If not, treat yourself with chocolate durian that is available during off durian season.

Having satisfied the taste buds, walk down to the waterfront bar area and with a cocktail in hand, enjoy the best sunset views the city can offer. After sunset and a drink, walk a short distance to taste the delicious butter prawns, a local favorite. 

Return to your hotel.

Note: this tour has been designed following our SOP post-Covid advice. Our guests' wellbeing is our main focus. This food tour does not include the popular Filipino Market, a wet market in which you can find exotic fruits and open fish restaurants on the seaside. In future, it might be considered to include it in this experience.

Overnight Kota Kinabalu

Inclusions:

🍗 Dinner

📍 Hotel to Poring Hotspring (130km): 2hrs 45mins Poring Hotspring to Sabah Tea Plantation (20km): 30mins Sabah Tea Plantation to Kinabalu National Park (55km): 1hr Kinabalu National Park to Hotel (100km): 2hrs 30mins Tour duration: approx. 8 hours

Depart early at 07:30 in the morning for a scenic journey into Borneo’s rugged island interior. Travel along winding roads, passing paddy fields and local villages en route to the Poring Hot Springs.

Take a walk around this beautiful compound which takes its name from the giant bamboo that surrounds it. See Japanese-style outdoor hot tubs which are filled from natural hot springs believed to possess therapeutic effects.

Continue to nearby Kipungit Waterfall to admire this spectacular natural wonder. Alternatively, opt for a trek to the canopy walk, a suspension bridge that soars 40-metres above the forest floor. For thrill seekers, this swaying, man-made bridge is an ideal place to enjoy views of the rainforest, tree canopies and distant rolling hills.

At midday break for lunch then continue to Sabah Tea Plantation, one of the last certified organic plantations in Malaysia. Tour this vast farmland, learning about the process of growing and harvesting tea then stop at the plantation’s restaurant to enjoy sweeping views across the valley.

Resume the drive back to Kota Kinabalu, stopping at Mount Kinabalu National Park. Take a guided walk and learn from a local naturalist about the vast array of flora found in this lush park. Admire views of Mt Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s highest peak, in the distance before returning to Kota Kinabalu. Arrive at the hotel as the day comes to a close, with ample time to relax and refresh before heading out to explore the city independently.

Overnight Kota Kinabalu

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Hotel to Mari – Mari Cultural Village (25km): 40mins Tour duration: approx. 4 hours (Join in Basis)

On this day, take a trip to Mari Mari Cultural Village. Pick up from the hotel in Kota Kinabalu.

Mari Mari Cultural Village is located deep in the countryside away from the modern and developing Kota Kinabalu city. The village operates as a museum that preserves Borneo ethnic culture. It aims to share the knowledge, history, culture, and tradition of Borneo with you so that it is not forgotten.

The tour offers you the opportunity to see and experience the culture and lifestyle of how the indigenous ethnic groups of Borneo used to live in the olden days when electricity had not yet been introduced in their land.

Upon arrival at Mari - Mari, you will be welcomed by a welcoming ceremony by the Murut Tribe Chief. Enjoy a guided tour of each traditional house and learn about the history, bamboo cooking demonstration, fire making demonstration, blowpipe demonstration and traditional dances in a remote forest setting. You’ll also get to participate in the light activities and food tasting.

Overnight Kota Kinabalu

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Hotel to Kota Kinabalu airport (9 km): 20 mins

Enjoy a leisurely morning before transferring to the airport for an onward journey.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast