Things to do in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah: The Best Walking Tours

August 26, 2021 Misti Hsu

Kota Kinabalu on the island of Borneo is the bustling gateway to acclaimed Kinabalu National Park. The park's high point is 13,400-foot Mount Kinabula, Malaysia's tallest peak, a mecca for climbers. Ninety miles away, thrilling jungle trekking and camping await in the Crocker Range National Park.
Restaurants in Kota Kinabalu

1. 3-Day Mount Kinabalu Summit Hiking and Poring Hot Spring Stay

Top Peak Travel
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Conquering Mount Kinabalu is a highlight of any Borneo adventure. The 3 day journey has incredible views, changes in climate/terrain and is a amazing outdoor activity in sabah. After your climb, you will get to head to the Poring hot springs to rest and rejuvinate.

Inclusions: 2 nights accommodation, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Lunch, Professional mountain guide and climbing permit, Transportation during the tour, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Climb Completion Certificate

Exclusions: Gratuities, Porter

Reviewed By OSWALDHII

Travelling is one of the enjoyable activities for most of us. One of the crucial things to improve is waiting for completion of Borneo Pan Highway to exceeds the on-road time spending.

2. Kundasang Poring Hot Springs Day Tour

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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Enjoy a day trip to Sabah's cool climate in Ranau. Along the way, stop by to get the best price of handicrafts in some local stall, as well as to view the Mount Kinabalu and its adjacent landscape from the watch tower. Experience the natural environments of Kinabalu National Park, where it is home to thousands of flora types that are native to the area and also some that can be found only in the park area. Understand the history of Sabah during the infamous death marches from Sandakan to Ranau and be amazed on the beautiful garden landscapes. Take the chance to soak in the hot sulfur spring for some warm therapeutic, or go for a canopy walkway and witness the unique rainforest from a bird's eye view. 

Inclusions: National Park fees, Lunch, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off ( Hotels in Kota Kinabalu City), Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Gratuities, Additional charges for outskirt hotels pick up

Reviewed By OSWALDHII

Travelling is one of the enjoyable activities for most of us. One of the crucial things to improve is waiting for completion of Borneo Pan Highway to exceeds the on-road time spending.

3. Kawang Forest Reserve Trekking

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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Kawang Forest Reserve is a diamond in the rough for jungle lovers. The opportunity to see animals along with the leave no trace trekking philosophy makes this destination a beautiful and easily accessible introduction to the Borneo jungle. Kawang Forest Reserve makes an ideal day tour from Kota Kinabalu to experience the Borneo jungle in a short amount of time with our 4km trek.

Inclusions: Lunch ( Packed Lunch), Bottled water, Local guide ( English Speaking Guide), Hotel pickup and drop-off ( Hotels in Kota Kinabalu area), Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By OSWALDHII

Travelling is one of the enjoyable activities for most of us. One of the crucial things to improve is waiting for completion of Borneo Pan Highway to exceeds the on-road time spending.

4. The 10 Tastings of Kuala Lumpur With Locals: Private Street Food Tour

Jalan Hang Kasturi, City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Withlocals
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4.8 based on 58 reviews

Eat your way through Kuala Lumpur's culinary scene on a private food tour. Go on a delicious journey as you try 10 of the best food items beloved by the locals: from savory to sweet and local drinks; this tour will leave every foodie satisfied! Enjoy tastings typical of the local cuisine and hand-picked by a local guide passionate about food like Nasi Lemak and Paper Dosa. But that's not it! This tour is more than just food; it's a cultural experience! In between food stops, you'll also find city highlights making this experience a well-rounded tour that will satisfy every foodie. Withlocals The 10 Tastings Private Food Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard.

Inclusions: Private Tour, Small group tour option available, Local Guide, 10 Food & Drinks Tastings, Vegetarian alternatives

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Personal expenses

Reviewed By michaelfB5582TN

We had a fantastic tour with May. She took us to exciting places where we had lots of great food and drinks! We wouldn't have tried all the things without her. Thanks for lots of information about KL in an enjoyable way!! Highly recommended!

5. Malaysia Kinabalu Park Private Day Tour

Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia Aotutour.com
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4.0 based on 6 reviews

Hot sulphur bath in Poring Hot Spring; Visit the Desa Cattle Dairy Farm; Explore the exotic flora and fauna; Experience one of amazing scenery with Mount Kinabalu; Feel the ecological rainforest ecology on Hanging Bridge; Local distinctive lunch and afternoon tea.

Inclusions: Transfer services, Guided tour, Entrance fee, Lunch

Exclusions: Transfer Services Hotels in Suburbs

Reviewed By BillytheGoat08

Absolutely worth every cent, would go again and would travel from Australia just to see this show again

6. Tambunan Authentic Homestay Adventure

Top Peak Travel

This tour provides you a chance to live in a local village. Sunusron is a old and quaint village in tambunan where you will get to experience the local culture of Sabah Borneo. From breathtaking views to home cooked food you will walk away from this tour with local knowledge you are sure to never forget.

Inclusions: Overnight accommodation, Driver/guide, Local guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off ( Hotels in Kota Kinabalu area), Private tour, Round-trip private transfer, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Coffee and/or Tea

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Additional charges for outskirt hotels pick up/ drop off

Reviewed By OSWALDHII

Travelling is one of the enjoyable activities for most of us. One of the crucial things to improve is waiting for completion of Borneo Pan Highway to exceeds the on-road time spending.

7. Kota Kinabalu by Night and Cultural Dance Show

Asian Trails Malaysia

At night, Kota Kinabalu delivers a new view on its bustling city life. Whether you aim to find souvenirs, watching life go by from the best viewing point and end your evening with an authentic dinner, this is captured perfectly in this fun-filled evening. • Taste the fabulous delicacies of Malaysia during dinner • Go souvenir hunting at the city’s main evening market • Gain a bird’s eye perspective of the city from Signal Hill • Witness life in KK when the sun has set • Return transfers from and to your hotel are included.

Inclusions: An evening tour with a professional English-speaking guide/ driver. , Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver cum guide. , All entrance and donation fees for visits as mentioned in the description. , All applicable taxes and service charges, Dinner at a local restaurant is included (food only)

Exclusions: Tours, inclusions of any kind and other services that are not outlined in the tour description, Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours, unless otherwise stated, Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement., Any airline tickets, visa fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general meeting point, Supplements for transfers for customers arriving or departing from any airport or resorts located outside the general pick-up and drop-off locations, Hotel expenses of a personal nature, should an overnight be included: this includes mini-bar consumption, laundry, room service, any telephone or other communication cost not mentioned in the program, Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)

Reviewed By Steven L

I am a regular Tripadvisor contributor and don't think the review coverage here is really helping people make easy choices. I hope other reviewers can add more details about different providers and tips. I have done this activity a couple of times and my observations of trying to use a smaller operator this time, NBA Sports (in front of Casa Del Mar resort) are: Pros: - this is a must do trip if you can afford it, great fun - the islands are really worth seeing and you cover all a boat trip would - sometimes you are the only jetski with smaller providers and have more flexibility - despite the other bad reviews our jetski did not breakdown at all - 4 hour tour at MYR800 for two on a 1200cc jetski - reasonable photos and video taken by driver sent free within 2 hours of finishing Cons - booking online in advance is not necessary and overpriced. If you have a few days on Cenang Beach just lock in a trip on your first day. Someone correct me if they were there during a busy time and could not get a tour. - there are loads of jetski operators on the beach not many of whom instil any confidence and even when their equipment looks good what you get on the day is a different story. Our jetski was old, broken mirrors, ill fitting torn beach shoes - our tour guide seemed to have been just someone they found on the day. I suspect the beach stalls just secure bookings take a commission then pass the booking on to the jetski owner who finds a driver. You are left waiting around a lot. - driver had poor english but you do not need much guide talk for the sites, it is mostly visual. He also preferred to hangout with other drivers at each stop with no intent to entertain the customer. Unfortunately, the other bad reviews when you are spending a lot of money, do scare people into just using the main couple of higher priced companies. Even one of those, Seeman, demonstrates a terrible customer attitude when you read how they respond to complaints. I avoided them for this reason. Providers do not appear to negotiate much on price but will 'add' islands onto your trip, 'upgrade' you to a bigger machine, have an english speaking guide. I don't believe any of this comes through because they may pass you off to another company to fulfil the trip. When you get your receipt have them write down all of these promises but I guess the trips are all the same despite the extras. Whoever you choose, it is a really good trip but yes the drivers go fast and the sea gets very turbulent at times so it can be a bumpy ride. If you are the only jetski maybe skip the lake stop, it is boring and not the best use of half an hour.

8. The Kinabalu Park and Poring Hot Spring

Asian Trails Malaysia

Blazing green trails into nature with a cornucopia of flora and fauna. Kinabalu Park is the mecca for nature lovers and those eager to wander through unique plants and flowers, and finally finding themselves at a hot spring some relaxation indulgence.

Inclusions: A full-day tour with a professional English-speaking guide/ driver. , Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver cum guide. , All entrance fees for visits as mentioned in the description. , All applicable taxes and service charges, Lunch at a local restaurant is included (food only)

Exclusions: Camera and video fees at the canopy walk, Tours, inclusions of any kind and other services that are not outlined in the tour description, Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours, unless otherwise stated, Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement., Any airline tickets, visa fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general meeting point, Supplements for transfers for customers arriving or departing from any airport or resorts located outside the general pick-up and drop-off locations, Hotel expenses of a personal nature, should an overnight be included: this includes mini-bar consumption, laundry, room service, any telephone or other communication cost not mentioned in the program, Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)

Reviewed By Steven L

I am a regular Tripadvisor contributor and don't think the review coverage here is really helping people make easy choices. I hope other reviewers can add more details about different providers and tips. I have done this activity a couple of times and my observations of trying to use a smaller operator this time, NBA Sports (in front of Casa Del Mar resort) are: Pros: - this is a must do trip if you can afford it, great fun - the islands are really worth seeing and you cover all a boat trip would - sometimes you are the only jetski with smaller providers and have more flexibility - despite the other bad reviews our jetski did not breakdown at all - 4 hour tour at MYR800 for two on a 1200cc jetski - reasonable photos and video taken by driver sent free within 2 hours of finishing Cons - booking online in advance is not necessary and overpriced. If you have a few days on Cenang Beach just lock in a trip on your first day. Someone correct me if they were there during a busy time and could not get a tour. - there are loads of jetski operators on the beach not many of whom instil any confidence and even when their equipment looks good what you get on the day is a different story. Our jetski was old, broken mirrors, ill fitting torn beach shoes - our tour guide seemed to have been just someone they found on the day. I suspect the beach stalls just secure bookings take a commission then pass the booking on to the jetski owner who finds a driver. You are left waiting around a lot. - driver had poor english but you do not need much guide talk for the sites, it is mostly visual. He also preferred to hangout with other drivers at each stop with no intent to entertain the customer. Unfortunately, the other bad reviews when you are spending a lot of money, do scare people into just using the main couple of higher priced companies. Even one of those, Seeman, demonstrates a terrible customer attitude when you read how they respond to complaints. I avoided them for this reason. Providers do not appear to negotiate much on price but will 'add' islands onto your trip, 'upgrade' you to a bigger machine, have an english speaking guide. I don't believe any of this comes through because they may pass you off to another company to fulfil the trip. When you get your receipt have them write down all of these promises but I guess the trips are all the same despite the extras. Whoever you choose, it is a really good trip but yes the drivers go fast and the sea gets very turbulent at times so it can be a bumpy ride. If you are the only jetski maybe skip the lake stop, it is boring and not the best use of half an hour.

9. Camping Under the Stars - 2 Days

Outback Venture

With the artificial city light and pollution dwindle the dark skies and reduce the chances to experience the magnificent stars at night. This package takes you back to basic and be part of the stunning night skies, experience camping out, being with nature, breathing the fresh cool night air and watching the stunning skyline.

Inclusions: Lunch, Dinner, Camping gear, cooking utensils, sleeping bags, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Tips and Porters

Reviewed By Papitzkie

It's been a year since I climbed the Mt. Kinabalu thru the Outback venture. I hope this review is not too late to share????. Booking with Outback is I guess the most convenient way to plan your hike to South East Asia's highest summit. Their guide Steven is very friendly, accommodating and very patient. Actually all of the people I met during this trip. I travelled solo but with them, it made my adventure more fun and unforgetable. Kudos to Team Outback Venture????

10. Malaysia Kota Kinabalu City Half-day Tour

Sabah, Malaysia Aotutour.com

Admire the Islam-inspired architectural design; Transfer services; Unique Tun Mustapha Building; Enjoy the stunning sunset; Instagram photo place: University of Sabah.

Inclusions: Transfer services for central hotels, Entrance fee for some of the attractions, Guided tour, Afternoon tea at 5-star hotel

Exclusions: Tickets of Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, Lunch/Dinner

Reviewed By BillytheGoat08

Absolutely worth every cent, would go again and would travel from Australia just to see this show again

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