5-Day Kota Kinabalu Itinerary: Islands, Wildlife and City Exploring

Nestled on the northwest coast of Borneo, Kota Kinabalu—fondly known as KK—is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends urban charm with breathtaking natural beauty. As the gateway to Sabah, Malaysia, this coastal paradise offers stunning sunsets, rich cultural heritage, and easy access to lush rainforests and pristine islands.

Kota Kinabalu is an ideal destination for those seeking to explore untouched islands, verdant landscapes, lively urban life, and breathtaking sunsets. Whether your goal is adventure or relaxation, this 5-day itinerary I've tried and tested will ensure you fully enjoy your visit!

Day 1: Arrival & Rooftop Dining

I arrived into Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) from Singapore, taking roughly 2.5 hours to fly across.

✈️ Afternoon – Arrive in Kota Kinabalu and take a Grab car to your hotel. Once checked in, take a leisurely stroll around the hotel area to get familiar with the surroundings.

🌆 Evening – Kick off your trip with a rooftop dinner at your hotel. Many hotels in KK offer stunning views of the South China Sea, making it the perfect place to relax after your journey. If you're up for it, grab a cocktail and enjoy the famous KK sunset!

Day 2: Exploring Kota Kinabalu & Sunset at Tanjung Aru

☕ Morning – Start your day by wandering through the streets of KK, taking in its mix of modern and historical sights.

🛍️ Midday – Head to one of the city’s main malls (Suria Sabah) where you can shop for souvenirs, grab a coffee, and book your Klias River tour from one of the operators inside.

🚶 Afternoon – Walk over to Jesselton Point, a colourful waterfront area with ferries departing to the islands. From there, visit the Atkinson Clock Tower, one of KK’s oldest landmarks, before checking out the local markets for fresh fruit, handmade crafts, and snacks. Slightly annoyingly, the Clock Tower seemed inaccessible during my visit and I could only get to the main road and not up to the tower.

🌅 Evening – End the day at Tanjung Aru Beach, one of the best spots in KK for a spectacular sunset. Grab a fresh coconut or some local snacks from the nearby stalls and soak in the golden hues of the evening sky.

Alternatively, I booked a table at 'Zing Sunset Bar' which meant I could step out onto the beach for photos while also enjoying a beachfront seat to the changing colours of the sunset.

Day 3: Brunch & Klias River Cruise Adventure

🍽️ Morning – Enjoy a slow start to the day with brunch at Nook Cafe, a cozy spot known for its great coffee and delicious Western-Asian fusion dishes.

🌿 Early Afternoon – Spend a few hours relaxing at your hotel, lounging by the pool, or visiting a nearby café.

🐒 Late Afternoon to Evening – Head out for your Klias River Cruise! This trip takes you deep into the mangrove forests, where you’ll spot proboscis monkeys, macaques, crocodiles, and more. After sunset, enjoy a firefly-watching experience, where thousands of these tiny creatures light up the trees like twinkling stars.

Day 4: Island-Hopping Adventure

🏝️ Morning to Afternoon – Take a boat from Jesselton Point and explore Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, a group of stunning islands just a short ride from KK. I pre-bought my ferry and snorkel activity the previous day from Jesselton Point so that I could set off around 8am.

• Mamutik Island – Snorkel in crystal-clear waters and spot vibrant marine life.

• Sapi Island – Try the Coral Flyer Zipline, one of the longest island-to-island ziplines in the world!

• Manukan Island – Relax on white sandy beaches, enjoy a beachside meal, or take a short nature walk.

🌊 Evening – Return to KK, freshen up, and have a relaxed dinner at a local seafood restaurant, such as Welcome Seafood or Sri Lido, where you can enjoy fresh prawns, fish, and crabs.

Day 5: Breakfast, City Mosque & Departure

☕ Morning – Enjoy breakfast at Nook Cafe once again, savouring their signature coffee and brunch dishes.

🕌 Midday – Visit the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, also known as the Floating Mosque. With its breathtaking reflection on the water, it’s one of the most photogenic spots in the city.

🏨 Afternoon – Spend your last few hours relaxing at your hotel pool before heading to the airport for your flight home.

This 5-day Kota Kinabalu itinerary offers a perfect mix of city exploration, island adventures, and wildlife experiences. Whether you’re snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, watching fireflies dance in the mangroves, or soaking in a golden sunset at the beach, KK is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

Would you add anything to this itinerary? Let me know in the comments! 😊🌴✨