Tour Duration
5 Days 4 Nights
Tour Duration
5 Days 4 NightsPicked up point
Kota Kinabalu Airport or city hotel in Kota KinabaluNot enough time to explore Sabah? Worry not for this is the suitable compact tour for you. You will get to experience the nature, culture and modern side of Sabah in less than 5-days! Rejuvenate with our local people and ignite your zing! Bonus: Who knows you will get to feast your eyes on the famous Rafflesia and Orchids.
| Day | Type | Places / Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | City | Night Market , KK Waterfront |
| 2 | Culture / Adventure |
Kiulu Valley
|
| 3 | Nature | Kinabalu Park , Poring Hot Spring , Luanti , Sabah Tea |
| 4 | Heritage / City | Kota Kinabalu City |
Arrive at Kota Kinabalu International Airport by flight. Proceed to Rent A Car company located outside of the arrival hall for short for a briefing procedure and collect your car.
Drive to Hotel for check-in and overnight
| 3* | 4* | 5* |
|---|---|---|
| Dreamtel Hotel or similar Hotels | Grandis Hotel or similar Hotels | Le Meridien Hotel or similar Hotels |
Situated by the Kiulu River is the beautiful Kiulu Farmstay, a community-based ecotourism project that acts as a catalyst for community development and capacity building. Stay in this rustic ecolodge and enjoy a variety of outdoor adventure activities. No matter what type of getaway you seek - whether it is a romantic couples retreat, an educational family holiday filled with unforgettable memories or a group getaway, Kiulu Farmstay is the place to be!
Drive approximately 45 minutes to the Kiulu Valley countryside, reaching Kiulu Valley Hub at around 9am. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a warm welcome and be briefed on the program of the day by our local guide. Then, you’ll proceed to one of the villages, where the locals will regale you with stories of the village’s legendary tempayan (traditional crock) known for the supposed medicinal and mystical properties of its contents. Stay refreshed under the tropical sun by drinking locally made drinks and sampling stingless bee honey, all while being entertained with an exciting traditional Silat (a local martial art) performance!
Afterwards, you will proceed to a bamboo home perched atop a gorgeous jungle paradise next to a gentle waterfall and stream. Your hosts will take you on a short trek to gather wild vegetables in the area, before returning to the hut for a demonstration of some local culinary processing such as the cleaning and cutting of tuhau (wild ginger endemic to Borneo), which will no doubt leave your mouth watering. You’ll also be taught a few local recipes. Fortunately, you’ll also get a taste of the delicious food as you enjoy your traditional lunch cuisines at the hut, specially prepared by the local family there!
Then, you’ll proceed to the Kiulu Farmstay, to try your hand at some fun and enlightening cultural activities such as traditional rice processing, blow pipe, rice planting and rubber tapping. Afterwards, you will proceed for a leisure village walk which would offer you stunning landscapes of the scenic valley as you pass through a local school, lush paddy fields, and a hanging bridge before returning back. If time and weather permits, you can even take a dip in the sensationally cooling Kiulu River. Spend some time refreshing yourself for dinner, before having an enjoyable storytelling session with the locals and tuning in for the night.
Continue to drive 2 hours overland to the foothills of Mt. Kinabalu at 1500m above sea level. If time permits, you can have a short stop at Pekan Nabalu market to savour local fruits that are in season.
Drive to the Kinabalu Park Headquarters. Continue to Kinabalu Natural History Gallery and Mountain Garden. If weather permits, take a guided walk on one of the trails to explore the cool montane forest.
Thereafter, continue the drive to Poring, east of Kinabalu Park HQ to walk amidst tropical lowland rainforests leading up to the treetop canopy walkways. Visit the Kipungit Waterfall, stopping for a soak here OR in the rejuvenating hot sulphur public pools.
If the weather permits, drive to Kg Luanti and stop by at the Moroli River to treat your foot for a delightful but very ticklish fish massage which will almost certainly leave you in giggles. Then proceed to Sabah Tea or return back to Kundasang Town for overnight stay.
Head to Tanjung Lipat, which offers panoramic scenery of the Gaya Island, South China Sea, Tun Mustapha Tower and the Kampung Likas village. Proceed to the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, recognized as one of the most beautiful mosques in Malaysia. Visit the Puh Toh Tze Buddhist temple before we drive to Signal Hill for a bird's eye view of the city, Atkinson Clock Tower and Australia Place. Discover Sabah Museum's unique Heritage and visit the night market to bargain for the wide array of local spices, souvenirs, fruits, and vegetables. You may enjoy dinner here.
| 3* | 4* | 5* |
|---|---|---|
| Dreamtel Hotel or similar Hotels | Grandis Hotel or similar Hotels | Le Meridien Hotel or similar Hotels |
To have a safe and enjoyable driving journey during your travels here in Sabah, we advise that you familiarise yourself with Sabah’s road rules before heading out on your self-drive adventure. Here are just some tips and rules to help keep you safe on the road.
Driving on the roads of Sabah requires the driver to hold a valid driver’s license. Driving without a license can result in a hefty fine, which is something you want to avoid especially on your holiday. A license is also required if you want to rent a car in Sabah and all car rental companies require this.
Depending on which part of Sabah you are travelling in, urban areas will have much better road conditions as they are sealed. The more rural parts of Sabah will have gravel or unsealed roads. Since Sabah’s terrains have a mix of hills and valleys, some roads are winding and undulating in some areas. If you are unfamiliar with your destination, it is recommended that you find out about the areas you will be driving at and seek for advice on the best type of vehicle to drive on your journey. Please note that our tours will only cover areas that are safe and accessible for self-driving tours.
Our roads and highways have their own speed limits which drivers need to follow when they are on the road. Please be aware that there are camera traps to detect vehicles that are going over the speed limit and if you are found to have exceeded them, you will be liable as the vehicle renter and must pay the heavy fine. If you are driving slower than the speed limit, it is best to keep to the left of the road. Faster vehicles will be driving on the right side of the road.
Not wearing a seatbelt when you are in the vehicle is illegal and you can be fined if caught. So, for your own safety and the safety of your passengers, don’t forget to buckle up!
Car rentals will normally provide you with a full tank vehicle. However, for long journeys, it is always good to make sure you have enough fuel for the journey ahead and refuel your tank when needed before departing to your next destination. Petrol stations can be easily found in town areas and you can even use a mobile app such as Waze to locate one that is nearby.
Some designated parking areas especially in town will require you to pay a parking fee or buy a parking ticket in order to park your car in the area. It is advised that you park in designated areas and avoid parking illegally to avoid clamping and being fined by the authorities. Park your car in areas that are not secluded, preferably areas that has good lighting at night and not hidden from sight.
The traffic here in Sabah is generally free flowing. However, it does get heavy especially during peak hours in town and city centres. Take note of the schedule of your itinerary and try to depart to your destination earlier or on time.
As long as you are sitting in the driver’s seat, texting or talking on your mobile phone is a big no-no. If caught, you can be fined, and that is something you want to avoid if you want to enjoy your entire holiday.
Driving under the influence of alcohol (and drugs) is strictly prohibited and if caught, will result in a heavy penalty, which includes a hefty fine and jail term.
Be cautious when driving in the countryside and be on a look out for hazards such as potholes, uneven roads, sharp corners and so on. If you want to stop to admire or even take photos of beautiful scenic landscapes or other attractions you find along the way, please make sure to park at a safe or designated area first and not while you are driving.
In accordance to the Malaysian Tourism Tax Act 2017, with effect from 1st Sep 2017, all foreign tourists / Non Malaysians will be charged a flat rate of MYR 10 per room per night in any registered tourist accommodation premises and this is collected directly by the hotels / resorts / lodges upon check in. The Tourism Tax (TTx) is mandatory under Malaysian Law. Tourism Tax is not included in all tour packages.
Customers are encouraged to purchase their own travel insurance before travelling to Borneo. We recommend you to select a travel insurance policy that covers not only your medical expenses (including emergency repatriation) but also personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage. Doing so can prevent major disruptions and additional costs.
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