14 day itinerary
East Malaysia
Personalized with:I want to travel at a relaxed paceHire car
Itinerary
East Malaysia is a treasure trove of natural beauty, vibrant cultures, and unique experiences. With a relaxed pace in mind, let’s craft a delightful 14-day itinerary that allows you to soak in the sights, sounds, and flavors of this beautiful region. Buckle up, and let’s hit the road!
Day 1: Arrival in Kota Kinabalu
- Morning: Arrive at . Pick up your rental car.
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and unwind. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade.
- Evening: Enjoy a sunset dinner at a local seafood restaurant. Try the grilled fish and fresh prawns!
Day 2: Explore Kota Kinabalu
- Morning: Visit the to learn about the indigenous cultures of Sabah.
- Afternoon: Head to the for panoramic views of the city and the sea.
- Evening: Explore the night market for some local street food. Don’t miss the satay and laksa!
Day 3: Day Trip to
- Morning: Drive to (about 2 hours). Enjoy the scenic views along the way.
- Afternoon: Take a short hike on one of the trails, like the Nature Trail or the Silau-Silau Trail.
- Evening: Return to Kota Kinabalu and relax at your hotel.
Day 4: Island Hopping
- Morning: Take a boat to the . Spend the day island hopping between Manukan, Sapi, and Mamutik Islands.
- Afternoon: Snorkel, swim, or just relax on the beach. Pack a picnic or enjoy lunch at a beachside café.
- Evening: Return to Kota Kinabalu and enjoy a quiet evening.
Day 5: Drive to Sandakan
- Morning: Depart for Sandakan (about 5 hours). Enjoy the scenic drive through the countryside.
- Afternoon: Check into your hotel and have lunch. Visit the to learn about the history of the area.
- Evening: Stroll along the and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 6:
- Morning: Visit the . Watch the feeding session and learn about conservation efforts.
- Afternoon: Explore the nearby.
- Evening: Return to Sandakan and enjoy a relaxing evening.
Day 7: Cruise
- Morning: Drive to the area (about 2 hours). Check into a lodge.
- Afternoon: Enjoy a river cruise to spot wildlife like proboscis monkeys, orangutans, and pygmy elephants.
- Evening: Dinner at the lodge and perhaps a night walk to experience the jungle sounds.
Day 8: More Kinabatangan Adventures
- Morning: Early morning river cruise for more wildlife spotting.
- Afternoon: Take a guided jungle trek to learn about the flora and fauna.
- Evening: Relax at the lodge and share stories with fellow travelers.
Day 9: Drive to Lahad Datu
- Morning: Depart for Lahad Datu (about 2 hours). Check into your accommodation.
- Afternoon: Visit the . Take a short hike to explore the rainforest.
- Evening: Enjoy a quiet evening at your lodge.
Day 10: Danum Valley Exploration
- Morning: Full-day exploration of Danum Valley. Go on guided treks and canopy walks.
- Afternoon: Visit the ancient burial sites and learn about the local culture.
- Evening: Return to your lodge for dinner and relaxation.
Day 11: Drive to
- Morning: Depart for (about 3 hours). Check into your hotel.
- Afternoon: Explore the town and enjoy a leisurely lunch.
- Evening: Relax at the beach and enjoy a sunset.
Day 12: Day Trip
- Morning: Take a boat trip to for world-class diving or snorkeling.
- Afternoon: Spend the day exploring the underwater wonders. Don’t forget your underwater camera!
- Evening: Return to and enjoy a well-deserved dinner.
Day 13: Relax in
- Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and relax at the beach.
- Afternoon: Consider a visit to nearby islands like Mabul or Kapalai for more snorkeling or just lounging.
- Evening: Have a farewell dinner at a seaside restaurant.
Day 14: Return to Kota Kinabalu
- Morning: Drive back to Kota Kinabalu (about 6 hours). Enjoy the scenic views one last time.
- Afternoon: Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
- Evening: Return your rental car and head to the airport for your departure.
Tips for Your Trip:
- Driving: Roads are generally good, but be cautious of local traffic and wildlife.
- Weather: East Malaysia can be humid and rainy, so pack accordingly.
- Local Cuisine: Don’t miss trying local dishes like Nasi Lemak, Roti Canai, and various seafood specialties.
I hope this itinerary helps you have a fantastic and relaxed adventure in East Malaysia! Enjoy every moment! 🌴✨