Kota Kinabalu itineraries

One island, one sunset

Laksa for breakfast, Sapi Island underwater by late morning, Tanjung Aru sand at sunset. If you have one day in KK, this is the order.

Two mosques and a rainforest village

Day one is the mosque on the water, the pink mosque and night-market grills. Day two is Mari Mari village in the forest, bamboo fire-making and blowpipes. For people more curious about Sabah's people than its beaches.

Fireflies, mountain, island

Proboscis monkeys and fireflies on the Klias River the first evening, Kinabalu Park and Poring hot springs on day two, half a day on Mamutik Island on day three. Three days that show why Sabah is Borneo.

Festivals & seasons

• 1 — Dry season, best for the islands
• 2 — Chinese New Year lion dances
• 4 — Best month to climb Mount Kinabalu
• 5 — Likas Bay Dragon Boat Races
• 5 — Kaamatan Harvest Festival
• 9 — The wettest months
• 10 — Nam Tien Kong (Nine Emperor Gods) Parade
• 10 — Tamu Besar Kota Belud
• 10 — Mt. Kinabalu International Climbathon
• 10 — North Borneo Rainforest Festival
• 12 — Year-end peak season

Souvenirs

• Sabah Tea from the Ranau highlands
• Tenom coffee beans
• Pearl necklaces and earrings
• Rattan baskets and beadwork
• Pineapple buns and curry puffs
• Dried shrimp and seafood
• Batik sarongs and Sabah T-shirts
• Durian chocolate and candy