Sabah: Mount Kinabalu & Wildlife Adventure
From the islands of Kota Kinabalu to the foothills of Mount Kinabalu, then on to Sepilok and the Kinabatangan River for wildlife watching.
A classic traverse from Sabah's west coast to its eastern reaches. Start with island hopping in Kota Kinabalu, head up to Kundasang to experience the highlands, and travel overland to Sandakan to visit the orangutan sanctuary. Spend two nights at a riverside lodge to spot proboscis monkeys and hornbills. This itinerary does not include climbing to the summit of Mount Kinabalu, as mountain huts require booking months in advance, nor does it visit the offshore islands of Semporna due to travel advisories. Perfect for first-time visitors to Borneo who want to see wildlife.
Eastern Sabah experiences heavy rain from November to January. Rising river levels can affect boat cruises and jungle trails.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive in Kota Kinabalu & Waterfront Night Market
Kota Kinabalu（Signal Hill Observatory Platform、Kota Kinabalu Night Market (Filipino Market)）
Take a taxi from the airport to the city center (approx. 20–30 mins). Walk along the waterfront to the night market in the evening.
Stay: City Centre Waterfront
Day 2 · Tunku Abdul Rahman Island Hopping
Kota Kinabalu（Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park、Gaya Street Sunday Market）
Take a 20-minute speedboat from Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal to the marine park. Return to the city in the late afternoon.
The Gaya Street Sunday Market only takes place on Sunday mornings. Plan this day on a Sunday if you wish to visit.
Stay: City Centre Waterfront
Day 3 · Kinabalu Park & Kundasang
Kinabalu Park & Kundasang（Kinabalu Park Headquarters & Botanical Garden、Kundasang War Memorial、Kundasang Vegetable Market）
Charter a car or drive about 2 hours to the Kinabalu Park Headquarters. Hike the low-altitude trails before heading to Kundasang.
Leave Kota Kinabalu as early as possible. Mount Kinabalu is usually clear in the morning but prone to fog and rain in the afternoon.
Stay: Kundasang
Day 4 · Desa Dairy Farm & Poring Hot Springs
Kinabalu Park & Kundasang（Desa Cattle Dairy Farm、Poring Hot Springs & Canopy Walkway）
Drive about 20 minutes from Kundasang to the dairy farm, then drive about 1 hour to Poring Hot Springs. Return in the evening.
Arrive at Poring before 4:00 PM, as the Canopy Walkway closes early in the afternoon.
Stay: Kundasang
Day 5 · Overland Journey to Sepilok
Kinabalu Park & Kundasang（Sabah Tea Garden） → Sandakan（Rainforest Discovery Centre）
Charter a car to Sepilok via Ranau (approx. 5–6 hours). Public buses take about 6–7 hours. You can stop at a tea garden along the way.
Stay: Sepilok
Day 6 · Orangutans to Riverside Lodge
Sandakan（Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre、Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre、Kinabatangan River Cruise (Sukau)）
Spend the morning in Sepilok. In the afternoon, take a chartered car or lodge shuttle (approx. 2.5 hours) to Sukau, and board a boat in the evening.
Feeding times are around 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM. The ticket counter only accepts cash, and there are no ATMs nearby.
Stay: Sukau, Kinabatangan River
Day 7 · Morning & Evening Cruises & Gomantong Caves
Take river cruises in the early morning and late afternoon. Take a 40-minute round-trip drive to Gomantong Caves during the day.
Bring mosquito repellent and long-sleeved clothing. Wildlife sightings depend on luck; pygmy elephant encounters are not guaranteed.
Stay: Sukau, Kinabatangan River
Day 8 · Sandakan Old Town & Departure
Sandakan（Sandakan Memorial Park、Sandakan Heritage Trail、Agnes Keith House）
After the morning cruise, drive about 2.5 hours to Sandakan. Visit the Sandakan Memorial Park and the old town before heading to the airport.