Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Choose a day on the islands, a river cruise to look for wildlife and fireflies, or a trip inland to the foothills of Mount Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu also offers cultural visits at Mari Mari, alongside snorkelling, diving and birdwatching trips. These 11 options differ in their stops, included activities and pickup arrangements. Compare the experience you want first, then check age limits and minimum numbers before booking.
More destination guides & trip ideasMONKEYTRAVEL TOUR GUIDE
Each card covers the stops, activities and any age or group-size rules. Check rates and pickup details on the tour page.
Best forFireflies and proboscis monkeys in one evening
Cruise through the wetlands looking for proboscis monkeys and flying foxes, then watch for fireflies after dark. Dinner at the lodge is part of the outing. There is uneven ground and boarding involves getting on and off a boat, so check accessibility with the operator if you need assistance. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
Check prices & availabilityBest forTwo of the marine park's best-known islands in a day
Visit Manukan and Sapi in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park on the same day, with time to enjoy the sea and beaches on two islands. The listed tour requires basic swimming ability. Its terms ask you to request date changes by email to the operator at least two days before the trip.
Check prices & availabilityBest forIsland hopping with optional water sports
Head to Mamutik and Sapi, two islands close to Jesselton Point. Parasailing, banana boat rides and sea walking are available on the islands; check the tour page to see whether they are included. Bring drinking water, insect repellent, sunscreen and spare clothes.
Check prices & availabilityBest forAn alternative to the marine park islands
Around 15 minutes by boat from Jesselton Point, Dreamer Island offers a beach-and-snorkelling outing near Sepanggar Bay. Parasailing and sea walking are also advertised as options. Check your booking inclusions and any extra charges before adding water sports.
Check prices & availabilityBest forA diving day with lunch and hotel transfers
A day of diving at Dreamer Island, 15 minutes by boat from the city, with lunch and hotel transfers included. Check the experience and certification requirements on the tour page before booking.
Check prices & availabilityBest forReef snorkelling or dives for certified divers
Choose snorkelling or diving from a private beach. The certified-diver option requires a certification card and logbook. The operator lists participation restrictions relating to pregnancy and conditions including hypertension, heart disease and asthma; check the requirements before booking. There are no lockers, so plan where to leave valuables.
Check prices & availabilityBest forThe main sights around Mount Kinabalu in one day
Spend a day around the foothills of Mount Kinabalu, visiting the park, Desa Farm in Kundasang and Poring Hot Springs. Entry tickets, lunch and return hotel transfers are included, making this an option for combining several inland sights. Check the driving time and walking sections, particularly if winding roads are a concern.
Check prices & availabilityBest forAn easy hill walk and photo stops
Walk up Sosodikon Hill for views of the surrounding villages, then visit Desa Farm and Nabalu market for local fruit and handicrafts. The listed itinerary includes a Malaysian lunch and a Sky Mirror photo stop. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and check the walking requirements before booking.
Check prices & availabilityBest forWildlife photographers and keen birders
Look for Borneo's birdlife in Kinabalu Park and around Poring on a day trip listed at around 13 hours, or choose the two-day, one-night option. The minimum age is 12, and the operator recommends binoculars, long sleeves and leech socks.
Check prices & availabilityBest forTraditional homes and cultural activities in Sabah
Explore traditional homes associated with Sabah's Murut, Bajau, Lundayeh, Kadazan-Dusun and Rungus communities. The visit introduces practices such as fire-starting, blowpipe shooting and bamboo dancing, with traditional food along the way. This tour package requires at least six participants to run.
Check prices & availabilityBest forMangroves, batik painting and water activities
Explore the mangroves, try wax-resist batik painting and stop for a local lunch. The advertised activities also include surfing, kayaking, volleyball, coconut bowling and fishing, with space to relax in a hammock. Check which activities are operating on your date and bring swimwear, a towel and a change of clothes.
Check prices & availabilityIslands and sea: the Manukan–Sapi and Mamutik–Sapi trips each visit two islands in a day. Compare beach time, snorkelling and optional water sports, including any extra charges. Dreamer Island and MoonBay offer further snorkelling and diving options.
Wetlands and wildlife: the Weston cruise looks for proboscis monkeys and other wildlife along the river, with firefly watching after dark. Check the transfer times and consider a separate day from a full island outing rather than rushing between tours.
Inland sights: the Kinabalu Park, Poring Hot Springs and Desa Farm tour includes entry tickets, lunch and return hotel transfers. For a hill walk and photo stops, compare the Sosodikon Hill trip, which also visits the farm and Nabalu market. Allow for winding roads and walking sections when choosing your day out.
Culture and activities: Mari Mari introduces traditional homes and practices from Sabah's indigenous communities, including fire-starting, blowpipe demonstrations and bamboo dancing. Summer Bay combines mangroves, batik painting and water activities. If travelling with children, check the age and participation rules for each activity.
The Weston Wetland tour combines a river cruise, firefly watching after dark and dinner at a lodge. Check pickup and return times and keep your evening free. Wildlife sightings depend on conditions and cannot be guaranteed.
Manukan and Sapi, Mamutik and Sapi, Dreamer Island and MoonBay are all sold as separate trips. Check whether water sports such as parasailing or sea walking are included in the price.
The birdwatching trip has a minimum age of 12. The Mari Mari package listed here needs at least six participants to run; its terms state that cancellations for insufficient numbers are notified by email three days before departure. Check the conditions for your chosen tour.
Leave the required no-fly interval between your final scuba dive and your flight. The interval depends on your dive profile, so confirm it with the operator before choosing a date. For the certified-diver option at MoonBay, bring your certification card and logbook.
Many tours ask you to bring drinking water, insect repellent, sunscreen and a change of clothes. There are no lockers on MoonBay, so leave valuables at your hotel.
TRAVEL ROUTE
Manukan, Sapi and Mamutik belong to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Malaysia's first marine national park. Dreamer Island is 15 minutes by boat from Jesselton Point, towards Sepanggar Bay.
Wetlands south of Kota Kinabalu, visited on river cruises looking for proboscis monkeys and, after dark, fireflies. Sightings vary with weather and local conditions.
Kinabalu Park, the Desa Cow Farm at Kundasang and Poring Hot Springs in the rainforest, usually visited together on one day trip.
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