Images via AirAsia, Farah @ drsyncro (IG) via Sabah Tourism Board
Need a quick getaway? Then travel local! we suggest making Sabah your next travel destination.
via GIPHY
There’s plenty to see and do in Sabah, whether you’re interested in the city life or want your own adventure in the jungles.
Let us make it easy for you by planning out a 3D2N (3 days 2 nights) itinerary for Kota Kinabalu (KK), Sandakan and Tawau!
Your 3D2N Itinerary in Kota Kinabalu
Being the capital city of Sabah, you won’t run out of things to do in KK—and you shouldn’t miss the gorgeous views of Mount Kinabalu.
Day 1
Image via John Kong/ Sabah Tourism
Get your adrenaline pumping when you experience Kiulu white water rafting!
If you’re feeling a bit worried or are a first-timer, don’t worry—a captain will guide you and you’re allowed to choose different levels of rapids.
Image via North Borneo Cruise / Sabah Tourism
Go on the North Borneo Cruise and watch the sunset
It’s time for you to wind down. Board the North Borneo Cruise and enjoy the sunset view. To complete the romantic experience, you can have your dinner onboard.
Day 2
Image via Azhari Ashraff / Sabah Tourism
Explore Mantanani Islands
These are a group of three isolated islands approximately 2 hours away from Kota Kinabalu, which includes a 55-minute boat ride. You can go island trekking to see how the locals live in the fishing village, then try out sea kayaking. Take a break by lazing around on the beach or have a friendly volleyball match in the evening.
Image via AirAsia
Day 3
Image via Farah @ drsyncro (IG) / Sabah Tourism Board
Hike up Maragang Hill for a sunrise view of Mount Kinabalu
You’ve enjoyed your sunset views, now why not a sunrise? Maragang Hill offers a panoramic view of Mount Kinabalu’s peak.
Image via Jack Visual / Sabah Tourism
Discover local cultures and food at Mari Mari Cultural Village
Here, you’ll find cultures you wouldn’t have been able to get to know back in Peninsula Malaysia. There are five different ethnic tribes in the village—the longhouse resident Rungus, the rice farmer Kadazan-Dusun, the Lundayeh which are made up of hunters and fishermen, the Bajau sea gypsies and the formerly headhunting tribe, Murut.
Your 3D2N Itinerary in Sandakan
There’s plenty of history and nature to appreciate in Sandakan, which is also the second largest town in Sabah. Don’t forget to try out all the sea food!
Day 1
Image via AirAsia
Stay at Lankayan Island Resort
When it comes to accommodation, it’s best to stay somewhere you’ll be able to do all the activities you want. We suggest Lankayan Island Resort, as you’ll be able to enjoy different kinds of water sports in one place, including diving and snorkelling.
Day 2
Image via Heinz Rickers / Sabah Tourism
Learn more about Orangutan at Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre
Established in 1964, this is a place where orphaned orangutans are rehabilitated. They would be taught how to cope in the wild and their health would be monitored. As a visitor, you’ll get to watch feeding sessions and learn more about orangutans at the information centre.
Image via Clement Liew Ket Hin / Sabah Tourism
Discover the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre
An animal sanctuary in Sepilok, this conservation centre provides care to recued sun bears, which is also the world’s second-most endangered bear. There are telescopes provided for visitors to look at the bears, and you can even be a volunteer!
Image via Ramble and Wander / Sabah Tourism
Get up close to Proboscis at Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
Once you’re done watching orangutans and sun bears, it’s time to get to know the proboscis monkey. There are over 300 of them living there! The sanctuary also houses other animals such as wild boars, flying squirrels, and crocodiles that you can watch at night.
Day 3
Image via Bryane Ernest Belton / Sabah Tourism
Get to know the town’s history and culture by going on the Sandakan Heritage Trail
This comprehensive walk covers the town’s important historical sites. Some places you’ll be walking will include the 100-year-old Masjid Jamik, the Stairs With A Hundred Steps, and the famous Agnes Keith House, a restored colonial building.
Taste delicious grilled fish at Sim-Sim Ikan Bakar
Image via AirAsia
Sim-Sim Pasar is busy regardless of what time it is, but you shouldn’t miss out on tasting their ikan bakar! You get to choose what fish you want, and they will BBQ it on the spot. You can also get shrimps here, if that’s your preference.
Your 3D2N Itinerary in Tawau
The third biggest city in Sabah, Tawau is best known for its cocoa plantation and seafood! It’s also near the Semporna Islands and Maliau Basin, two very popular locations for tourists.
Day 1
Image via Sabah Tourism
Appreciate nature at Tawau Hills Park
Tawau Hills Park has the world’s tallest tropical tree and the world’s second tallest tree! In the middle of the park is the Tawau River, which creates a beautiful scenery as there are natural pools and waterfalls around it. You might even spot a long-tailed macaque, leopard cats, and birds such as the hornbill!
Image via Sabah Tourism
Eat fresh sea food at Kam Ling Restaurant Tawau
Prepare for a gastronomical paradise at Kam Ling Restaurant! With specialties such as chilli-fried Rock Lobster and salt-baked Mantis Prawn, you’ll be ending your day with a happy and full tummy. (FYI to our readers: no pork is served).
Day 2
Image via Bahrin Anuar bin Baharudin / Sabah Tourism
Hike up Bohey Dulang Island and enjoy the view from the top
If you enjoy hiking and birdwatching, this is a must-visit. Amazing views await you from its 353m peak! It’s going to be a picture-perfect trip for sure.
Image via AirAsia
Image via Sabah Tourism
Go island-hopping (Pom Pom, Mataking, Timba-Timba)
Check out the beautiful, different beaches of these islands—you’ll feel like you’re in paradise! You can dive and marvel at the coral reefs—or even take scuba diving lessons if you’re a beginner.
Image via Sabah Tourism
Learn history at the Bukit Tengkorak Archeological Site
This location is the largest pottery-making site in Southeast Asia during the Neolithic period, so you’ll find numerous pottery shards of various patterns dating back to thousands of years ago. There are plenty of things to do too, such as hiking, mountain climbing, and seeing Semporna’s sea view.
Day 3
Image via Sabah Tourism
Get to know the history of cocoa at Teck Guan Cocoa Museum & Cocoa Village
As mentioned before, Tawau is famous for its cocoa! Located 45 minutes away from Tawau Town, you’ll get to learn about the art of cocoa plantation… and taste the sweet cocoa!
Image via Sabah Tourism
Try out local delicacies such as Keropok Amplang at Tawau Tanjung Market
With 6,000 stalls, it’s considered the largest indoor Market in Malaysia! Here, you’ll find local delicacies such as keropok amplang. Oh, and if you’re looking for hand-made souvenirs for your family and friends, this is the place to go.
Make your trip planning even easier with AirAsia!
Fly from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau for RM149 (all-in members fare). Book now until 7 March 2020. Travel period starts from now until 30 September 2020.
Click here to book your tickets!