If there’s one destination in Malaysia that I didn’t plan to visit, it was Kota Kinabalu. Its proximity to the Philippines often made me skip it from my travel list. But when I finally gave it a chance, the city completely surprised me. The activities are endless, and two days weren’t enough. For anyone planning a trip, this 3-day Kota Kinabalu Itinerary will help you experience the best of Sabah’s capital city.
Things to Remember
Visa
Filipinos can stay in Malaysia visa-free for up to 30 days.
Weather
Kota Kinabalu’s weather is similar to the Philippines, so expect warm and humid days throughout the year. Bring light clothes, a hat, and sunscreen.
Currency
Malaysia’s currency is Ringgit (MYR). You can easily exchange pesos or U.S. dollars at Kota Kinabalu International Airport or in city money changers.
How to Get to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Traveling to Kota Kinabalu from the Philippines is easy. Philippines AirAsia currently operates non-stop flights from Manila (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) to Kota Kinabalu International Airport. The flight takes around two hours. If direct flights are unavailable, you can connect via Kuala Lumpur or other regional hubs like Singapore. Always check the latest schedules before booking.
How to Get Around Kota Kinabalu
Getting around the city is simple and affordable. Grab is the most convenient transport option for travelers. A Grab ride within the city costs around MYR 5 to MYR 8 depending on distance. From Jesselton Point to Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu (City Mosque), the average fare is MYR 7.
Local buses are also available, but Grab provides better comfort and flexibility. Most tourist sites are close to each other, making the city easy to explore in a day or two.
KOTA KINABALU ITINERARY
DAY 1 – Arrival
A direct flight from Manila to Kota Kinabalu, operated by AirAsia, usually departs in the late afternoon. Travel time takes about two hours, so you’ll arrive in the evening. This means your first day will mostly be spent in transit. Once you land at Kota Kinabalu International Airport, head straight to your accommodation to rest and prepare for the next day. The same applies if you take an early flight from Manila with a connecting route via Kuala Lumpur or Singapore — your arrival will still be late in the day.
Klook.com
DAY 2 – Kota Kinabalu Island Hopping
You can start your island hopping experience by going straight to Jesselton Point for agencies offering tours at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. The park has five islands to hop on; Gaya (the biggest), Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik, and Sulug. Boats start to operate from 8 AM until 4 in the afternoon. You can maximize your hours at the park but the operators suggest to only cover 2-3 islands per day to enjoy your stay on the islands. We picked Sapi and Manukan on our visit. Or better to book your island hopping tours with trusted booking sites like Klook. Sometimes, pick-up within some areas is already included on the tour fee.
The rate for the two islands is MYR33 plus MYR7 terminal fee and a one-time fee of MYR20 for the nature park entrance, a total of MYR60. If you plan to visit more than 2 islands, just add MYR10 per island. If you’ll be back at Jesselton early, you can visit the Atkinson Clock Tower and Signal Hill Observatory View Deck.
DAY 3 – City Tour and Weston Wetland and the Proboscis Monkey
Morning on the second day can be spent touring the key sites of Kota Kinabalu such as the Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu, Sabah State Museum, Tanjung Aru, and Mari-Mari Cultural Village.
In the afternoon, book a Weston Wetlands Monkey, Sunset, and Fireflies tour to see the proboscis monkeys and a majestic firefly watching in the evening. The tour usually leaves the city around 1:30 PM for a 3-hr drive to Beaufort, another city on the state of Sabah. Tour already includes the return land transfers, a high-tea snack upon arrival, and buffet dinner.
The tour will ferry guests on the Weston River to spot for the Proboscis monkeys, a long-nosed monkey endemic to the island of Borneo. Our guide was knowledgeable enough to explain the features of the monkeys as well as their social behaviors. We were given monocular to see the monkeys up-close. We didn’t only see one but dozens of them swinging on trees along the Weston River. The wetland tour ends with a spectacular firefly watching activity where some trees along the river turned into blinking Christmas trees with tons of fireflies dwelling in them.
DAY 4 – Departure or Travel to Brunei
If you plan to continue your Sabah trip to Brunei, allot the last day for the land/sea travel from Kota Kinabalu to Brunei, because this is really a long one with all the transfers and stuff. You can check out the separate Brunei itinerary here.
There are two major ways on how to go to Brunei from Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.
Via Bus. First is a direct bus from City Park Terminal in Kota Kinabalu to Bandar Seri Begawan Terminal in Brunei. The land travel roughly takes around 8 hours of travel time and costs MYR80. This way can earn your passport four additional stamps because the highway traverses a territory of Brunei before officially exiting Malaysia.
Via Ferry. Second is by a 3.5-hr ferry ride from Jesselton Point to Labuan, another Malaysian state, where you’ll have your immigration clearance before boarding the boat for another 2 hours to Serasa Ferry Terminal in Muara, Brunei. There are only two ferry schedules every day, one leaves at 8 AM and the last one at 1:30 in the afternoon. Total cost is MYR60 for the Kota Kinabalu – Labuan – Serasa ferry trip. From Serasa Ferry Terminal, take a Bus 33 to Muara Bus Station. Transfer to either Bus 38 or 39 that will drop you off at Bandar Seri Begawan Terminal. Fare is BND1 and you’ll only pay at the first bus. Just show your ticket when changing bus at Muara Bus Station.
Extended Kota Kinabalu Itinerary
If you have more days to spare in Kota Kinabalu, I recommend doing the following activities. Allot one day for each to ensure your enjoyment and experience.
Klook.com
Klook.com
I underestimated Kota Kinabalu since I read that these famous destinations on the Borneo island are dreary and just a swift-getaway for travelers. Anyhow, these destinations surely deserve another round of visit.
Kota Kinabalu Itinerary: What to Eat
The city’s cuisine blends Malay, Chinese, and indigenous Sabahan flavors beautifully. Start your morning with nasi lemak, fragrant rice paired with sambal, egg, and anchovies. Sip teh tarik, Malaysia’s signature pulled tea.
For lunch, savor laksa, a coconut-based spicy noodle soup rich with seafood. Its creamy broth and aroma create a comforting local experience. Seafood fans can look for butter prawns, grilled fish, or chili crab, often served in lively hawker stalls or seaside eateries. Don’t miss Bak Kut Teh, a flavorful pork bone soup simmered in herbal broth. Locals enjoy it for breakfast or dinner.
If you prefer lighter bites, try satay, skewered meats grilled over charcoal and dipped in sweet peanut sauce. End your day with ais kacang, shaved ice with red beans, corn, and syrup. Cendol is another must-try dessert with coconut milk and palm sugar. Exploring Kota Kinabalu’s food stalls and night markets reveals Sabah’s rich culinary diversity. Every dish connects travelers deeper to local life.
Kota Kinabalu Itinerary: Where to Stay
Choosing the right place to stay completes your Kota Kinabalu Itinerary. The city offers a wide range of options for every kind of traveler. Budget travelers can find cozy hostels and guesthouses near Gaya Street and Karamunsing. These areas provide easy access to food markets, attractions, and public transport. For those who want comfort without spending much, mid-range hotels and boutique stays around the city center offer convenience and charm.
Klook.com
Luxury seekers can stay in beachfront resorts facing the South China Sea. Most of these resorts include sunset views, infinity pools, and private access to nearby islands. Travelers who prefer peace can choose eco-lodges or homestays outside the city. These stays often offer lush scenery and a closer connection to local culture. No matter your style, accommodation in Kota Kinabalu ensures comfort and accessibility. Rest well before continuing your adventures across Sabah.
Kota Kinabalu Itinerary: Sample Expenses
CURRENCY: MYR
11 Grab Kota Kinabalu Airport to Hostel
2 Grab (shared) Hostel to Jesselton Point
33 Island Hopping (2 islands)
7 Terminal Fee (Island Hopping)
20 Tunku Abdul Raman Park Environmental Fee
2 Grab (shared) Signal Observatory to Gaya Street
5 Grab Gaya Street to Hostel
160 Weston Wetland Tour
60 Food Budget (3 days)
2 Grab (shared) Hostel to Jesselton Point
60 Ferry to Brunei
3.6 Terminal Fee (Kota Kinabalu to Brunei)
57 Skypod Hostel (3 nights)
422.6 Total (MYR) ~ PHP5,400
I want to ask which one is cheaper (1) to book island hopping tour/ or Mt. Kinabalu botanical park online (ex. via klook) or (2) to book island hopping tour/ or Mt. Kinabalu botanical park at Jesselton point (personally)? Thank you!