Day Trips

Kota Kinabalu is surrounded by mountains, wildlife parks, cultural centers, islands, beaches, heritage zones, temples, entertainment parks, war memorials and a whole lot of other attractions and activities that make for pleasant day trips. Here is a guide to taking day trips from Kota Kinabalu.

Mari Mari Cultural Village

Mari Mari Cultural Village is set in a tranquil forest located approximately 35 kilometers from Kota Kinabalu. The ethnic village exhibits several examples of traditional homes, early tribal architecture and a host of other lifestyle patterns and replicas, chronicling the region’s epochal era. Visitors can familiarize themselves with the daily routines and idiosyncrasies of each tribe in the region by visiting their homes and observing their everyday life. Watch the rituals and customs of the fascinating Sabahan tribes in the demonstrations huts. There are live tattoo making demonstrations and talks on the significance of certain symbols for the tribal population in the region. A package day tour has to be booked in advance with the center, and the charges are RM 150 for adults and RM 130 for children. Tour charges include return transfer, English speaking guide, buffet lunch, high-tea, dinner and house tour with demonstrations, along with cultural performances and activities.

Layang Layang Resort

This is a stunning private island resort located at the South China Sea, approximately 300 kilometers from the northwest of Kota. The man-made island was built primarily for the Malaysian Navy, and was gradually developed into a chic tourist diving center. The cast-away island features lovely reefs and other fascinating marine life with crystal clear waters. There is a deep lagoon that houses sea horses, pipefish and cuttlefish, and visitors can go snorkeling to view the diverse underwater ecology of  Layang Layang.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

Take a speedboat from KK and arrive at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park in about 20 minutes. The park is a constellation of five islands that are famous for their coral gardens, easy shallow waters and sandy beaches. Visitors can go scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming or simply stroll along the beach aimlessly to discover its pleasant ecology. The opening hours are 8:30am to 5pm. 

Lok Kawi National Park

The Lok Kawi National Park is located at a hour’s drive away from Kota Kinabalu and is a rich ecological reserve, housing several species of wild animals, birds and plants. The park houses creatures like the Malay tigers, orangutans, monkeys and Sumatarian Rhinos, and also features a 1.4 kilometer walking trail through the botanical zone of the park. The park is open from 9:30am to 5:30pm and the entrance fee is RM 20.

Kota Kinabalu is flanked by several pristine natural getaways and cultural centers that make for enjoyable day trips.