34 days in Sabah Itinerary

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.

Venture out of the city with trips to Tuaran (Rasa Ria Reserve by Shangri-La & Tuaran Crocodile Farm), Tamparuli (Murug-Turug Waterfall & 3D Wonders Museum) and Penampang (Tagal Tinopikon Park & Lok Kawi Wildlife Park). There's still lots to do: head off the coast to Manukan Island, take an in-depth tour of Sabah State Museum, take in the natural beauty of Poring Hot Springs, and explore the striking landscape of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.

To find more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, go to the Kota Kinabalu trip maker website.

Kuantan to Kota Kinabalu is an approximately 6.5-hour flight. You can also take a bus. In December, daytime highs in Kota Kinabalu are 37°C, while nighttime lows are 28°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 7th (Sat) early enough to travel to Pulau Gaya.

On the 7th (Sat), take a tour by water with Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures and then stroll through Marine Ecology Research Centre.

To see reviews, photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Pulau Gaya holiday builder site.

Explore your travel options from Kota Kinabalu to Pulau Gaya with the Route module. In January, daytime highs in Pulau Gaya are 36°C, while nighttime lows are 28°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Sat) to allow enough time to travel to Kota Belud.

Kota Belud is a town in West Coast Division, Sabah, Malaysia. On the 8th (Sun), pick up some local products at Tamu Market of Kota Belud, then head outdoors with Bigfin Divers, and then delve into the lush surroundings at Bukit Bongol.

Plan my trip to Kota Belud with suggested itineraries provided by Klarna Trips.

The Route module can help you plan travel from Pulau Gaya to Kota Belud. Expect a daytime high around 36°C in January, and nighttime lows around 28°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 8th (Sun) to allow enough time to drive to Kundasang.

Offering access to a lush national park, tea plantations, and dairy farms, Kundasang serves as a popular leisure destination.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Kundasang: Poring (Langanan Waterfall & Adenna Rafflesia Garden) and Mahua Waterfall (in Tambunan). Next up on the itinerary: take in the awesome beauty at Mount Kinabalu, appreciate the history behind Kundasang War Memorial, browse the eclectic array of goods at The Nabalu Market, and explore the wealth of natural beauty at Kinabalu Park.

To see other places to visit, more things to do, maps, and more tourist information, refer to the Kundasang trip maker app.

You can drive from Kota Belud to Kundasang in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Wed) so you can drive to Keningau.

Keningau is a district and town in Interior Division, Sabah, Malaysia. Kick off your visit on the 12th (Thu): surround yourself with nature on Orou Sapulot, make a trip to Keningau Oath Stone, and then take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Mount Trusmadi.

For reviews, photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Keningau trip itinerary planning tool.

You can drive from Kundasang to Keningau in 2.5 hours. Expect a daytime high around 36°C in January, and nighttime lows around 28°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive to Labuan Island.

Striking a balance between financial hub and tourist attraction, Labuan Island offers much of the appeal of Penang without the hordes of tourists.

Labuan Island is known for sightseeing, historic sites, and parks. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Masjid Jamek An-nur, play a few rounds at Labuan International Golf Club, head off the coast to Pulau Papan, and appreciate the history behind Surrender Point.

To see other places to visit, more things to do, reviews, and tourist information, use the Labuan Island road trip tool.

Traveling by car from Keningau to Labuan Island takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. January in Labuan Island sees daily highs of 35°C and lows of 29°C at night. You will leave for Tawau on the 18th (Wed).

Tawau formerly known as Tawao, is a town and administrative centre of Tawau Division, Sabah, Malaysia. Start off your visit on the 19th (Thu): stroll through Maliau Basin Conservation Area, take in the dramatic scenery at Table Waterfall, then stop by Pasar Tanjung Tawau, and finally stroll around Tawau Hills Park.

To see traveler tips, where to stay, more things to do, and more tourist information, read our Tawau journey maker website.

Traveling by car from Labuan Island to Tawau takes 10 hours. In January, plan for daily highs up to 36°C, and evening lows to 27°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive 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.

Go for a jaunt from Semporna to Pulau Mabul to see Billabong Scuba about 3 hours away. Spend the 21st (Sat) exploring nature at Sipadan National Park. And it doesn't end there: contemplate the long history of Bukit Tengkorak (Skull Hill), tour the pleasant surroundings at Bohey Dulang Island, relax and rejuvenate at Little Village Spa, and step off the mainland to explore Mataking Island.

For other places to visit, ratings, photos, and more tourist information, read Semporna trip planner.

Traveling by car from Tawau to Semporna takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. In January, daily temperatures in Semporna can reach 36°C, while at night they dip to 27°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 22nd (Sun) early enough to catch the flight to Sandakan.

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.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Sandakan: Kinabatangan Jungle Camp (in Sukau) and Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre (in Sepilok). Spend the 24th (Tue) exploring nature at Turtle Island Park. There's still lots to do: stroll through Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC), contemplate the long history of Agnes Newton Keith Home, explore the fascinating underground world of Gomantong Cave Sandakan, and pause for some serene contemplation at St.Mary's Cathedral.

To find more things to do, reviews, where to stay, and more tourist information, refer to the Sandakan vacation planner.

The Route module can help you plan travel from Semporna to Sandakan. In January in Sandakan, expect temperatures between 34°C during the day and 28°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 31st (Tue) to allow time to fly back home.