12 days in Sabah Itinerary

Taking a trip to Sandakan remains one of the best ways to enjoy eco-friendly and culturally rewarding adventures in one of Borneo's largest cities.

Escape the urban bustle at Deramakot Forest Reserve and Sepilok Tropical Wildlife Adventure. There's more to do: take in the spiritual surroundings of Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple.

To see ratings, other places to visit, more things to do, and other tourist information, refer to the Sandakan online tour itinerary builder.

Toronto, Canada to Sandakan is an approximately 25.5-hour flight. Traveling from Toronto to Sandakan, you'll lose 13 hours due to the time zone difference. Expect somewhat warmer temperatures when traveling from Toronto in August; daily highs in Sandakan reach 38°C and lows reach 28°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 5th (Fri) so you can catch the flight to Semporna.

A largely residential city of around 135,000, Semporna has gained popularity in recent years due to its archipelago's good connection to the surrounding islands, including very popular diving or snorkeling destinations such as Sipadan.

Kick off your visit on the 6th (Sat): explore the striking landscape of Sipadan National Park. On the 7th (Sun), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: stroll through Bohey Dulang Island and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Tun Sakaran Marine Park.

For ratings, where to stay, and more tourist information, refer to the Semporna planning app.

The Route module can help you plan travel from Sandakan to Semporna. In August, plan for daily highs up to 36°C, and evening lows to 27°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Sun) early enough to fly to Kota Kinabalu.

A holiday in Kota Kinabalu, the state capital and main gateway town, offers access to urban areas boasting a diverse and rapidly evolving set of malls, bars, and quality restaurants serving locally caught seafood.

Start off your visit on the 8th (Mon): take a memorable drive along Kokol Hill, then examine the collection at Chanteek Borneo Indigenous Museum, and then tee off at Dalit Bay Golf & Country Club. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 9th (Tue): head outdoors with Mantanani Paradise, then surround yourself with nature on Bernice Holidays, and then let the river carry you with a rafting and tubing tour.

For traveler tips, other places to visit, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Kota Kinabalu trip planning app.

Fly from Semporna to Kota Kinabalu in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In August, plan for daily highs up to 38°C, and evening lows to 28°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Tue) early enough to travel to Pulau Gaya.

Kick off your visit on the 10th (Wed): see some colorful creatures with Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures, stroll through Marine Ecology Research Centre, and then whizz through the canopy at Coral Flyer.

To see ratings, more things to do, photos, and tourist information, you can read our Pulau Gaya travel itinerary planner.

Explore your travel options from Kota Kinabalu to Pulau Gaya with the Route module. In August, plan for daily highs up to 38°C, and evening lows to 28°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Wed) to allow enough time to travel to Keningau.

Keningau is a district and town in Interior Division, Sabah, Malaysia. On the 11th (Thu), make a trip to Keningau Oath Stone and then surround yourself with nature on Orou Sapulot.

To find ratings, traveler tips, photos, and other tourist information, read our Keningau trip maker website.

The Route module can help you plan travel from Pulau Gaya to Keningau. August in Keningau sees daily highs of 38°C and lows of 28°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Thu) early enough to drive to Kota Belud.

Kota Belud is a town in West Coast Division, Sabah, Malaysia. Kick off your visit on the 12th (Fri): contemplate the waterfront views at Kawa Kawa River and then identify plant and animal life at Bigfin Divers.

To see other places to visit and other tourist information, refer to the Kota Belud journey maker app.

Explore your travel options from Keningau to Kota Belud with the Route module. Expect a daytime high around 38°C in August, and nighttime lows around 28°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Fri) so you can travel back home.