MileHacker Logo
Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

Malaysian Borneo Sabah, Malaysia

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park Islands

Travel by speedboat from Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal (15-20 min). Boats depart frequently throughout the morning. Both organized tours and independent travel are options. Organized tours include lunch and activities like snorkeling gear rental.

Allocate a half-day (for 1-2 islands) or a full-day (for 3 or more islands) for this trip.

Island Experiences

  • Sapi Island for clear water and snorkeling.
  • Manukan Island for beach relaxation.
  • Gaya Island for jungle trekking.
  • Enjoy various water activities like snorkeling and swimming.

Kinabalu Park & Poring Hot Springs

About 2-3 hours drive from Kota Kinabalu. Reach via an organized tour, private taxi, or rented car. Tours simplify transfers and guided visits to different sections of the park and hot springs. Independent travel gives more flexibility but needs self-driving or hiring a driver for the day.

Kinabalu Park Exploration

Plan for a full day, generally 10-12 hours, including travel.

Park Highlights

  • Explore the botanical garden.
  • Walk short trails.
  • Visit the visitor center.

Poring Hot Springs Relaxation

In the afternoon, head to Poring Hot Springs for the canopy walk and hot pools.

Hot Springs Activities

  • Canopy walk.
  • Relax in the hot pools.
  • Visit the butterfly farm.

More Natural Escapes

Crocker Range National Park

  • Rainforest trekking.
  • Waterfalls and diverse flora and fauna.
  • Less visited, ideal for serious hikers.
  • Rugged experience.

Kudat & Tip of Borneo

  • Pristine beaches.
  • Rungus longhouses.
  • Stunning sunset views from the "Tip of Borneo."
  • Overnight stay is suggested for full appreciation.

Rafflesia Flower Spotting

  • Location:Near Ranau or Tambunan.
  • Rare flower:Spot the giant Rafflesia flower.
  • Guidance:A guide is useful, as flowers bloom unpredictably.
  • Combine:This is good with a Kinabalu Park trip.
  • Guide Needed:Seek a guide.
  • Bloom Duration:Blooms for only a few days.
  • Experience:A unique natural sight.
  • Natural Wonder:A significant natural wonder.

Booking Day Trips

Consider booking your day trips and excursions in advance through reputable platforms. GetYourGuide includes various options for tours in Kota Kinabalu and Sabah.

Cultural Excursions

Discover authentic local life.

Tamu Local Markets

Visit a local weekly market (e.g., Tamu Donggongon on Thursday/Friday, Tamu Penampang on Thursday) to experience authentic local commerce, food, and culture.

Mari Mari Cultural Village

About 25-30 minutes drive from the city center. Reach via Grab, taxi, or organized tour. Allow 3-4 hours, including transfer time, for a comprehensive visit.

Cultural Insights

Explore traditional houses, watch demonstrations of traditional crafts, and enjoy lively cultural performances at the Mari Mari Cultural Village.

Mari Mari Cultural Village

About 25-30 minutes drive from the city center. Tours are common. Transport is included, making it simple. You can also book tickets directly and use Grab for transport.

Village Activities

  • Explore traditional houses.
  • Watch demonstrations of traditional crafts.
  • Enjoy lively cultural performances.

Klias Wetland River Cruise

About 2 hours south of Kota Kinabalu. Almost exclusively a tour activity, which includes transfers and dinner. The remote location and specific timing for wildlife spotting make a tour a practical option.

River Cruise Experience

  • River cruise for proboscis monkeys.
  • Magical firefly display.
  • Enjoy a local dinner.

Local Market & Village Insight

Tamu Location:Tamu Donggongon on Thursday/Friday, Tamu Penampang on Thursday.
Cultural Village Drive:25-30 minutes from city center.
Market Purpose:Experience authentic local commerce, food, and culture.
Village Transport:Tours are common.
Village Duration:3-4 hours for a comprehensive visit.
Booking Options:Book directly or via Grab.

Supporting Local Culture

  • Participating in cultural tours supports local heritage and communities.
  • Klias Wetland River Cruise is almost exclusively done via organized tour.
  • Remote location and specific timing for wildlife spotting make a tour practical.
  • Enjoy an afternoon drive, river cruise, and firefly display.
  • Visit in the late afternoon.

Multi-Day Extensions

Extend your trip to explore more of Sabah's wonders or a neighboring country.

Sandakan 2-3 Days

This area is known for orangutans, sun bears, and river cruises. It is the gateway to Sabah's wildlife heartland.

Transportation & Wildlife Stops

  • Fly from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan (30 mins).
  • Day 1: Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
  • Day 1: Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.

Semporna & Sipadan Island 3-5 Days

A world-renowned diving destination, recognized for its incredible marine biodiversity.

Access & Dive Notes

  • Fly from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau (45 mins).
  • Minivan transfer to Semporna (1-1.5 hour).
  • Sipadan Island permits are restricted (176 per day).

Brunei 2-3 Days

An unique, oil-rich Sultanate for a glimpse, with impressive mosques and a distinct culture.

Access & Highlights

  • Transportation: Flight from BKI (30-45 mins).
  • Explore Bandar Seri Begawan (the capital).
  • Visit magnificent mosques.

Kinabatangan River & Caves

A popular wildlife destination, often combined with Sandakan visits.

River & Cave Exploration

  • Experience a Kinabatangan River cruise for wildlife.
  • An overnight stay in a riverside lodge is typical for this.
  • Explore Gomantong Caves (famous for swiftlets and bats).

Sandakan & Semporna Extensions

Extend your Sabah adventure to its eastern regions for unique wildlife and marine experiences.

Kinabatangan Wildlife

River cruises offer proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and various birds.

Sipadan Island Diving

World-class diving and snorkeling around Mabul, Kapalai, or Sipadan (permit required).

Brunei Cultural Immersion

Visit magnificent mosques and take a boat tour through the Water Village (Kampong Ayer).

Plan Flights & Transfers

For multi-day extensions, confirm domestic flights and ground transfers for a smoother journey.