Sarawak and Sabah: Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Kinabalu Park & Sandakan · 11 days
11 days, 10 nights: Kuching (3N), Kota Kinabalu (2N), Kinabalu Park & Kundasang (2N), Sandakan & Sepilok (3N). Best time to go: Best Apr–Sep.
Day 1: Arrive in Kuching
Kuching
- Kuching Waterfront, Darul Hana Bridge & Main Bazaar · 2.5 h. The musical fountain runs in the evening; cross the river by bridge or small sampan.
Local tip: The musical fountain runs in the evening; cross the river by bridge or small sampan.
Day 2: Explore Kuching
Kuching
- Semenggoh Wildlife Centre orangutan feeding · 2 h. Feedings at about 9am and 3pm; the semi-wild orangutans may not appear when forest fruit is plentiful.
- Sarawak Cultural Village · 4 h. About 45 minutes north at Santubong; time your visit for the cultural show.
- Sarawak laksa & kolo mee breakfast crawl · 1.5 h. Sarawak laksa is a breakfast dish; many stalls sell out before noon.
Local tip: Feedings at about 9am and 3pm; the semi-wild orangutans may not appear when forest fruit is plentiful.
Day 3: Bako National Park trails & proboscis monkeys
Kuching
- Bako National Park trails & proboscis monkeys · 7 h. Boats from Bako village depend on the tide; register at the park office and be back before the last boat.
Local tip: Boats from Bako village depend on the tide; register at the park office and be back before the last boat.
Day 4: Kuching → Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu · Kuching to Kota Kinabalu, Flight ~1h30m
- Waterfront sunset & Filipino Market seafood grills · 2.5 h. Seafood is priced by weight; confirm the price before it goes on the grill.
Local tip: Seafood is priced by weight; confirm the price before it goes on the grill.
Day 5: Explore Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu
- Tunku Abdul Rahman Park island hopping (Manukan, Sapi, Mamutik) · 5 h. Boats leave from Jesselton Point; the park conservation fee is extra and paid at the counter.
- Tanjung Aru beach sunset · 2 h
- Kota Kinabalu City Mosque · 1 h. Robes are provided; closed to visitors at prayer times.
Local tip: Boats leave from Jesselton Point; the park conservation fee is extra and paid at the counter.
Day 6: Kota Kinabalu → Kinabalu Park & Kundasang
Kinabalu Park & Kundasang · Kota Kinabalu to Kinabalu Park & Kundasang, Shared minivan or car ~2h
- Kinabalu Park HQ trails & botanical garden · 3 h. Mornings are clearest for views of the mountain; afternoon cloud and showers are common.
- Desa Dairy Farm, Kundasang · 1.5 h. Go early for clear views of Mount Kinabalu behind the pastures; the milking session is mid-afternoon.
Local tip: Mornings are clearest for views of the mountain; afternoon cloud and showers are common.
Day 7: Explore Kinabalu Park & Kundasang
Kinabalu Park & Kundasang
- Poring Hot Springs & canopy walkway · 4 h. About 45 minutes from Kundasang; ask locally whether a Rafflesia is blooming nearby.
- Sabah Tea Garden, Ranau · 2 h
- Kundasang War Memorial · 1 h
Local tip: About 45 minutes from Kundasang; ask locally whether a Rafflesia is blooming nearby.
Day 8: Kinabalu Park & Kundasang → Sandakan & Sepilok
Sandakan & Sepilok · Kinabalu Park & Kundasang to Sandakan & Sepilok, Bus or car ~4–5h
- Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre · 2.5 h. Feeding times are around 10am and 3pm; keep bags zipped and no insect repellent near the platform. Closed for a break around midday.
Local tip: Feeding times are around 10am and 3pm; keep bags zipped and no insect repellent near the platform. Closed for a break around midday.
Day 9: Explore Sandakan & Sepilok
Sandakan & Sepilok
- Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre · 1.5 h. Opposite the orangutan centre; pair the two on one visit.
- Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary · 3 h. Feeding sessions are mid-morning and mid-afternoon; transport from Sepilok is about 45 minutes.
- Rainforest Discovery Centre canopy walk · 2.5 h. Best at opening or late afternoon for birds; guided night walks run from nearby lodges.
Local tip: Opposite the orangutan centre; pair the two on one visit.
Day 10: Kinabatangan River wildlife cruise with Gomantong Caves
Sandakan & Sepilok
- Kinabatangan River wildlife cruise with Gomantong Caves · Full day. Wildlife is most active on the dusk and dawn cruises, so an overnight at a river lodge beats a day trip. Expect flooding in Dec–Feb.
Local tip: Wildlife is most active on the dusk and dawn cruises, so an overnight at a river lodge beats a day trip. Expect flooding in Dec–Feb.
Day 11: Depart from Sandakan & Sepilok
Sandakan & Sepilok
Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.
Where to stay
- Kuching (3 nights): Waterfront / Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman. River-view hotels near the malls and tour pickups.
- Kota Kinabalu (2 nights): Waterfront / Jesselton Point. Sea-view hotels near the island boats and night grills.
- Kinabalu Park & Kundasang (2 nights): Kinabalu Park HQ lodges. Inside the park, a short drive from Timpohon Gate for an early climb start.
- Sandakan & Sepilok (3 nights): Sepilok jungle lodges. Walk to the orangutan and sun bear centres; night walks from the lodge.