Need advice to finalize Malaysia itinerary

Hey everyone, I’m over in East Borneo in mid-July. I’m struggling to wrap up the end of my itinerary, even though it’s pretty straightforward (long but simple). Last year, we did Malaysia (KL and the mainland + around Kuching).

Day 1 – Arrive in Kota Kinabalu early, stroll around town and hit the must-sees. Day 2 – Excursion to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, snorkeling at 3 islands. Day 3 – Hike around Mount Kinabalu without summiting (450 per person, no way). Day 4 – Poring Hot Springs + evening flight to Sandakan. Day 5-6-7 – Kinabatangan River (still looking for the right guide). Day 8 – Sepilok for the orangutans, the Sun Bear Centre, and Rainforest Discovery Centre. Day 9 – Selingan, turtle island. Day 10 – Head to Semporna. Day 11-12-13-14 – Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai. Day 15 – Bohey Dulang. Day 16 to Day 25: I’M STUCK.

I looked into Danum Valley, but for 3 days/2 nights, they’re quoting 650 € per person—come on, that’s ridiculous. I checked out a detour into Indonesia (still East Borneo), but I’m having trouble deciding what would be amazing. I read about Sangalaki + Kakaban (2 islands, 1 base) / Mahakam Delta - Kutai (orangutans and river) / Sungai Boh (Dayak Kayan) – jungle & culture. But honestly, I’m struggling to finalize this itinerary. If we venture that way, we’d head back to KK from Balikpapan.

What do you all think? Thanks in advance!

Hi there,

Here’s my take on what I know:

jour 1 - Arrival in Kota Kinabalu early, walk around the city with visits to the must-sees jour 2 - Excursion to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, snorkeling at 3 islands

Don’t spend too much time in KK—there’s not much in the city. The islands across from it are nice, especially for snorkeling. Mamutik is great for beginners and families (it’s small, you’ll only stay a few hours).

jour 3 - Hike around Mount Kinabalu without doing the summit (450 per person, no way)

The hikes around Mount Kinabalu Park aren’t great—it’s expensive for what you get, some trails aren’t accessible, and maintenance isn’t great. That said, the climate is nice—cooler and more pleasant. Kundasang doesn’t have much to offer. Worth noting: the cemetery for soldiers who died during the death marches in World War II.

jour 10 - Head to Semporna jour 11-12-13-14 - Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai jour 15 - Bohey Dulang

Five days is a lot, especially if you’re not diving. On Bohey Dulang, you can only stay a few hours—you won’t be able to go wherever you want or dive, just hike up to the viewpoint (a short, easy walk). The island is often included in tour packages (with other islands). You’ll have to go through a tour operator anyway, so pick the right package. Sipadan requires diving (check your skill level—it’s not open to everyone), and you’ll need to book *way* in advance—it’s super popular. After that, you can either stay in Semporna itself (a run-down, charm-free town but cheap with some options) or at a gorgeous resort that can also organize tours—but you’ll pay a premium.

If we venture that way, we’d head back to KK from Balikpapan

There’s no road—you’ll have to fly. Balikpapan itself isn’t worth your time.

Happy travels.

Hi,

If you venture that way, you’d head back up to KK from Balikpapan

There’s no road—you’ll have to take a flight, though.

No direct flights. Shortest air option: via Brunei on Royal Brunei, first flight only 2x/week.

OK, but what to do after Semporna?

I had looked into Danum Valley, but for 3 days and 2 nights, they quoted me 650 € per person—come on!

Hey, for Malaysia, that’s an outrageous price. Otherwise, can’t you go to Gunung Mulu? It’s a must-see spot.

I’m looking

Hard to say, especially if you already know Kuching, which is the most interesting city on Borneo. Someone suggested Mulu to you—it’s not bad (I think you’ll need to take a flight from Miri). Near Miri, there are the Niah Caves, which are great for a day trip (make sure to bring a flashlight and good hiking shoes).

Have a great trip!

hey yeah you have to leave from Miri but there are also departures from Kota Kinabalu. Anyway, check

hi it might sound silly, but Gunung Mulu and Miri are near Brunei—is that area sketchy? we were thinking after Tawau (we’ve got 9 days left) about heading to Tanjung Puting National Park, but the journey looks complicated. Either go via Derawan then a flight from Balikpapan with a layover in Surabaya, or plan it from Kinabalu but with 2 layovers. Those layovers are such a time-waster. We spent 2 hours on it last night and got nowhere in the end. Even after all that, we’re going off on tangents—fly to Surabaya (direct), spend 2 days there, then Tanjung Puting (direct), then head back to KK. We’re really struggling, lol, smh, planning’s so much easier on paper. Any advice or ideas? THANKS

Hey Lolman, not that I know of—there aren’t any issues around Miri. Security and political problems are over in eastern Sabah near Sipadan, so double-check anything related to the Tawau area. Check the Foreign Affairs Ministry website.

Here’s my finalized version 1 of the plan—any thoughts?

Borneo – Sabah 100% Adventure Itinerary (Day by Day)

10 July – Arrival Kota Kinabalu · Airport exit: 12 PM · Sort out currency and SIM card · Drop bags at accommodation · Explore Kota Kinabalu: o Gaya Street, Atkinson Clock Tower, Signal Hill Observatory o Art Street: Kota Kinabalu Street Art o Central Market (Pasar Besar): 1st floor exotic fruits, 2nd floor local snacks o Floating Mosque o Sabah State Administrative Center (tallest building in Borneo, free rooftop with 360° sunset views, almost no tourists)

11 July – Snorkel Tunku Abdul Rahman Park · Boarding: 7:30 AM (boats leave when 8 pax minimum) · 3 islands, 2 snorkeling sessions, and max wildlife: o Island 1 – Sapi Coral Garden: green turtles almost guaranteed, schools of trevallies o Island 2 – Manukan South Point: drop-off, eagle rays, giant clownfish o Island 3 – Mamutik House Reef: nudibranchs, flying scorpionfish, pygmy seahorses · Return: 2:30 PM · Depart for Crocker Range: minivan or public bus o Departure: KK terminal (e.g., Inanam or city center) o Duration: ~2 hours o Cost: ~RM25–30 o Arrival Crocker: 5–6 PM, check-in

12–15 July – Crocker Range – Kinabalu – Poring Why Crocker Range > Kinabalu trails (no summit climb) · Real primary jungle (sounds, humidity, density) · Fewer tourists · Feels like exploration, not a “museum” park · More immersive hike Day 1 – Crocker Range · Morning: breakfast · Hike in primary jungle: waterfalls, rivers, wildlife, easy to moderate trails · Lunch at the lodge or picnic · Afternoon: continue exploring, swim in the river · Dinner and overnight at the lodge Day 2 – Crocker → Kinabalu Park · Morning: short hike or sunrise if available · Check-out: 10–11 AM · Transfer: 2 hours to Kinabalu Park / Kundasang · Check-in at lodge/hotel · Afternoon: hike at the foot of Mount Kinabalu (easy trails) o Recommended trails: Silau-Silau Trail, Liag-Liag Trail, Mountain Garden o Duration: 2–3 hours · Dinner and overnight in Kundasang / Kinabalu Park Day 3 – Poring Hot Springs · Morning: early hike in the park (1–2 hours) · Explore a different trail from Day 2 · 10–11 AM: return to lodge, check-out · Afternoon: transfer to Poring Hot Springs (~1 hour) · Check-in at lodge / chalet near the hot springs · Free afternoon: relax at the hot springs or short walk · Dinner and overnight in Poring Day 4 – Poring Hot Springs → KK → Sandakan · Morning: Canopy Walk + short hikes · Transfer to Kota Kinabalu (public bus / minivan, via Ranau) · Duration: ~2 hours · Arrival KK around 4 PM · Flight KK → Sandakan: 6:05 PM, 45 minutes · Arrival Sandakan around 7 PM · Check-in at lodge

16–18 July – Kinabatangan · Transfer to lodge · Morning river cruises, jungle treks, sunset cruises, wildlife spotting · Night walk · Return to Sandakan around 3 PM · Explore Sandakan: street art · Cost: ~300 € for one person

19–20 July – Sepilok · Sun Bears Sanctuary: feeding observation (9 AM & 3 PM) o 40+ Malayan sun bears, huge primary forest enclosure · Sepilok Centre – Orangutans: canopy walk, Rainforest Discovery Centre o Orangutan, gibbon, and bird sightings · Overnight: Sepilok

20–21 July – Selingan / Turtle Island · Depart Sandakan in the morning · Arrival on Selingan: briefing · Turtle nesting observation in the evening (7:30–9 PM) · Overnight on the island in chalets · Early wake-up for baby turtle release (if possible) · Return to Sandakan: 9–10 AM · Bus to Semporna: depart morning/afternoon

21–22 July – Tabin Wildlife Reserve Day 1 – Sandakan → Tabin · 10 AM: depart Sandakan (minivan / private taxi recommended) · Distance: ~140 km · Duration: 3–4 hours · 1–2 PM: arrival Tabin, check-in at lodge, lunch · 3–5:30 PM: jungle hike / exploration (easy to moderate trails, waterfalls, wildlife spotting) · 5:30–6:30 PM: return to lodge · Overnight: Tabin Day 2 – Tabin → Semporna · 5:30–6 AM: morning safari / wildlife spotting (orangutans, gibbons, pygmy elephants, birds) · 7:30 AM: breakfast · 8:30–10 AM: jungle walk / waterfalls · 10 AM: check-out and depart Tabin → Semporna · Distance: ~230 km via Tawau · Duration: 4–5 hours · 2–3 PM: arrival Semporna, check-in at lodge / lunch · Free afternoon: relax or swim

23–25 July – Semporna / Mabul / Kapalai / Bohey Dulang Day 1 – Mabul / Kapalai · Check-in at lodge · Discovery snorkeling Day 2 · 2 dives or snorkeling · Free afternoon: relax or dive Day 3 – Bohey Dulang · Volcanic hike + lagoon view · Climb to viewpoint 2 (~20 min after the first) → heart-shaped lagoon with no one around · Dive + snorkeling

26 July – Semporna → Tawau · Morning departure: public minivan or shuttle · Duration: ~2.5 hours · Cost: ~RM20–40 · Arrival late morning · Afternoon: easy hike, waterfalls, swim · Hot springs in the late afternoon · Overnight at lodge

27–28 July – Tawau Hills Park Day 1 – Jungle, waterfalls, hot springs · Easy/moderate hike: waterfalls, rivers · Hot springs for relaxation · Overnight at lodge Day 2 – Bukit Bombalai / Primary Forest · Climb Bukit Bombalai (~1 hour round trip) · Immerse in primary forest · Return to lodge → check-out · Depart for Tawau town or airport

29 July – Tawau → Kudat (via KK)

Flight: Tawau → Kota Kinabalu

07:40 or 09:00 AM Duration: ~1 hour ~25 € with baggage

KK → Kudat:

Bus or minivan from Inanam terminal Duration: ~3 hours

Arrival Kudat: mid/late afternoon Check-in: lodge / guesthouse by the coast or beach End of day:

Beach Sunset over the open sea

Overnight: Kudat

30 July – Kudat & wild beaches

Morning:

Beaches around Kudat:

Pantai Kalampunian Pantai Bavang Jamal Pantai Torongkongan

Midday:

Local lunch / beach picnic

Afternoon:

Coastal walk Light snorkeling from the beach (calm conditions)

Overnight: Kudat

31 July – Kudat Islands (Banggi / Maliangin – depending on conditions)

Full-day or half-day boat excursion:

Pulau Maliangin (easiest / most beautiful)

Snorkeling on uncrowded reefs Clear water, intact corals

More adventurous alternative: Pulau Banggi (wilder)

Return to Kudat in late afternoon Overnight: Kudat

1 August – Kudat → Sulaman Lake Mangrove Forest

Morning:

Route Kudat → Sulaman Lake Mangrove Forest Duration: ~3.5–4 hours (via KK)

Check-in: lodge / guesthouse in the mangrove Afternoon:

Kayak or boat through the mangrove Bird, monkey, and monitor lizard spotting Late afternoon light

Overnight: Sulaman

2 August – Sulaman → overnight near KK airport

Very early morning (best time):

Mangrove outing (active wildlife, calm)

Late morning:

Return to KK (~1 hour 15 minutes)

Check-in: hotel near the airport Afternoon OFF:

Rest Massage / coffee / last-minute shopping

Overnight: near KK airport

3 August – Departure

Free morning Transfer to KK airport: 15–30 minutes Flight: evening departure

You sure you’re not forgetting anything in this big adventure?

Mount Kinabalu? 400 per person, no way! Danum Valley 600 per person, no way! And now I just saw Tabin at 500 per person!!!

Are the amounts you're mentioning in Ringgit or US dollars?

And is there no way to avoid the guide by taking other access routes?

Hi there,

It’s forbidden even if the guide won’t be of any use (you’ll be lucky if they tell you anything about the local flora and fauna). The guide requirement is really just to employ—and therefore pay—some locals (there aren’t many jobs in the area). For example, you need a guide to climb Bohey Dulang: ours disappeared after 3-4 minutes, and we never saw them again after a quick hello. There’s no real difficulty in climbing it—it only takes about 20 minutes. I didn’t do Mount Kinabalu because it was too expensive, and that’s a common issue. Climbing to the summit is just a simple hike—no particular challenges, and the trail is so well-marked you can’t miss it. That said, the park organizes and manages the huts (there are actually two), which helps avoid overbooking or random wild camping everywhere...

As for safety, there’s no problem on the Brunei side. Even in Sabah, the chances of running into pirates are slim—the Malaysian navy keeps watch.

Have a great trip!

For example, you need a guide to climb Bohey Dulang: ours disappeared after 3-4 minutes, we never saw him again after a few greetings. There’s no difficulty climbing it—it takes barely 20 minutes. I didn’t do Mount Kinabalu because it’s too expensive, and that’s a recurring issue. Climbing to the summit is just a simple hike—no particular difficulty, and the trail is more than well-marked. It’s impossible to miss.

Things have really changed... It seems like these conditions didn’t exist a few decades ago. It’s also true that Kinabalu is in Malaysia, not Indonesia. In Indonesia, I’ve climbed several volcanoes without a guide—both in Bali (Batur and Agung) and Sumatra (Sibayak), as well as Kawah Ijen, Bromo, and Merapi in Java—always without a guide. I recently read that a guide is now mandatory for Mount Batur in Bali, one of the easiest to climb.

in euros !!!!!!!

Okay, new hassle... In Malaysia, on the mainland, it was super easy with buses and ferries using booking apps. But on the east side of Borneo, it looks like a mess. I want to connect:

1/ KK to Crocker Range, toward Tambunan, but it’s complicated. Nothing on the apps. I found this online, which confirms it:

Departure: Inanam Bus Terminal (north of Kota Kinabalu)

Destination: Tambunan

Type: Minibus / shared van

Schedule: no fixed times—they leave when they’re full

Frequency: roughly every 30–60 minutes in the morning

then Grab (even if my app says it’s not possible... or it makes me go way too far out of the way, while online it says 20 mins)

2/ Then go to Kundasang and Poring—travel info there is also super limited.

Has anyone been around there before?

Thanks in advance

The hesitation makes sense: either you extend the Sabah vibe with something wilder, or you switch to Kalimantan (Indonesia) for a real cultural and wildlife immersion.

Hi there,

Could you let me know where you booked for Kinabatangan, please? I’d love to go too, but the prices I’ve found have put me off! Thanks :)

Bonjour, désolé, je n avais pas vu ta question pour Kinanbatangan, on a pris sur tripavisor il me semble j ai le whatapps de celui qui gere Riza Rexs +601129858789 Tres reactif et tres bien

ou son insta kinabatangan river cruise

Je te remercie J'ai trouvé au tanini finalement