Day 1 – Arrival in Kota Kinabalu
As your flight descends into Kota Kinabalu, you’ll spot the famous backdrop of this city, the mighty Mount Kinabalu. On arrival, your driver will be waiting to transfer you to your nearby hotel. Once you’ve freshened up, you can walk down to the waterfront where you can grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants here. We suggest getting there before sunset, as the view of the sun setting across the bay is pretty spectacular.
Day 2 – Visit Kinabalu National Park
Today you will explore the World Heritage site, Kinabalu National Park, with a local guide. On your way you will make a stop at Nabalu village and taste some of the local fruits. You can even try your hand at a bit of bargaining if you wish to purchase any handicrafts. Continue your journey, making a stop at Poring which is known for its hot sulphur spring bath and canopy walkway. Visit the interpretive centre and learn about the local flora and fauna. You can then take a short stroll on one of the jungle trails, followed by a dip in one of the soothing, hot mineral springs. Then proceed to Kinabalu National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage site that covers an area of over 750 sq km. The park is home to Mount Kinabalu and a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Explore with your guide before returning to Kota Kinabalu in the late afternoon.
Alternative excursions: cycling or cooking
If the visit to Kinabalu National Park does not sound appealing to your family we can arrange alternative experiences.
You could explore the local culture and scenery on a guided mountain bike tour. You’ll pedal past local villages and farms, and even tackle some fun jungle trails and hanging bridges. This excursion is suitable for children aged 12 years+
Or if you have a foodie family, we can arrange for you to join a traditional cooking class in the home of a local caterer. During this class, you will learn about local recipes, cooking methods and enjoy the amazing taste of the dishes your host helps you prepare.
Ask your Travel Specialist for more details.
Day 3 – Departure from Kota Kinabalu
Your time in Kota Kinabalu has come to an end, and it’s time to explore the rest of Sabah. From here you can visit Sepilok to see what’s arguably Borneo’s biggest draw, the orangutans. You can also sail down the Kinabatangan River or go wildlife spotting in Tabin Wildlife Reserve. There’s a wealth of family adventures to choose from in Sabah.
Accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we offer the following options
Canopies & Hot Springs - In Style accommodation
If you’re looking for a more comfortable stay in Kota Kinabalu, consider our In Style option. Our In Style option is a comfortable hotel just 15 minutes from the airport, right in the heart of the city. It’s a great base, close to many popular sights. The hotel has plenty to offer, from a fantastic swimming pool to several restaurants. If you’re interested in upgrading to our In Style accommodation for this bite-sized trip, you can select this option below.