Malaysia · KOTA KINABALU TOURS

The 15 Best Kota Kinabalu Tours & Island Trips

27 tours  ·  from $26 a head

The city is a base, not a destination: five reef islands sit twenty minutes offshore and the mountain is two hours inland. The 15 below sort the snorkelling day trips, the climbs and the river cruises by price and how early they leave.

2D1N Mount Kinabalu Climbing - From Timpohon Gate to Laban Rata
2-Day Experiences, Kota Kinabalu Tours, Malaysia Tours, Tour Reviews

2D1N Mount Kinabalu Climbing

1.2D1N Mount Kinabalu Climbing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 494 reviews · from $1,000Our pick

Climb Borneo’s 4,095.2-meter Mount Kinabalu from Kota Kinabalu on a private two-day trip. You’ll ride to Kinabalu Park, trek 6 kilometers to Laban Rata, sleep in a shared dormitory, then make the early summit climb with an English-speaking guide. Guides Shukki and Johnson have been praised for patient, careful support.

“Climbed with my 13 year old son. Very organized tour. From pick up to drop off. Plenty of communication leading up to tour. Clean vehicles, kind and helpful staff. All the information we needed was shared with us. Plenty of food and dietary requests covered. Our guide Shukki was wonderful!!”

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Bongawan River Cruise: Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Mangrove - Cocoa Kingdom adds a local taste
Firefly Watching Tours, Kilim Geopark & Mangrove Tours, Kota Kinabalu Tours, Malaysia Tours, Orangutan & Wildlife Tours, River & Sunset Cruises, Tour Reviews, Wildlife Tours in Kota Kinabalu

Bongawan River Cruise: Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Mangrove

2.Bongawan River Cruise: Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Mangrove

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 437 reviews · 8 hours · from $58

Spend about eight hours visiting Kota Kinabalu’s Floating Mosque and Cocoa Kingdom before cruising Bongawan’s mangroves. Guides such as Timmy, Eddie, Simon, and Zai share local nature stories while you look for proboscis monkeys, macaques, crocodiles, and birds. Tea, dinner, transport, sunset viewing, and fireflies are included.

“The Bongawan River Cruise was a pleasant mangrove adventure in Sabah, with guides Eddie and Simon enthusiastically sharing insights on proboscis monkeys and fireflies. The Sky Mirror sunset and dinner added enjoyable touches, making it a solid pick for nature enthusiasts.”

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Guided Snorkeling Day Trip, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia - Guides who add real value
Guided, Kota Kinabalu & Sabah Tours, Kota Kinabalu Tours, Malaysia Tours, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews

Guided Snorkeling Day Trip, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

3.Guided Snorkeling Day Trip, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 282 reviews · from $65

Join Borneo Dream from Kota Kinabalu for three guided snorkeling sessions in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. A PADI professional leads a group of up to 12, with gear, boat transfers, purified water, and island lunch included. Guides such as Alex, Didi, Ian, and Azmi are praised for patient instruction and close attention to nervous swimmers.

“A great experience! Swam with turtles on my 60th birthday! I felt this was a well run trip. 3 Borneo Dreams staff and 8 guests. (1 driver, 1 guide with 7 snorkelers and 1 guide with one diver). Equipment was good and we felt safe at all times on the boat and in the water. We did 3 x 45 mins in three locations off Gaya Island with a basic but adequate lunch after the second one. Lots of lovely fish to see, sting Ray, jellyfish, and three turtles. Sadly, the coral is very bleached but there were some amazing structures and it is a wake up call, along with…”

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Bongawan Wetland: Proboscis Monkey and Fireflies Shared Tour - The noon departure from Kota Kinabalu
Firefly Watching Tours, Kota Kinabalu Tours, Malaysia Tours, Orangutan & Wildlife Tours, Tour Reviews, Wildlife Tours in Kota Kinabalu

Bongawan Wetland: Proboscis Monkey and Fireflies Shared Tour

4.Bongawan Wetland: Proboscis Monkey and Fireflies Shared Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 137 reviews · 1 day · from $65

Leave Kota Kinabalu at noon for Bongawan Wetland, where you’ll cruise the river for proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, birds, lizards, and perhaps crocodiles. After dinner and a sunset stop, return by boat to see fireflies glowing in the mangroves. Guides such as Timmy, Eddie, James, Nick, and DanDan are praised for their care and local knowledge.

“The trip was fantastic value for money and was very interesting. Timmy was great and taught us so much along the way! The pacing of the group was ideal which was nice. I’ve done many tours where you spend too long in one place but this was brilliant. We were lucky to see multiple Proboscis monkeys and the beach sunset and the fireflies were beautiful. Highly recommend”

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Borneo (Klias) River Cruise & Fireflies Tour - Tea and local snacks at the river base
Firefly Watching Tours, Kota Kinabalu Tours, Malaysia Tours, River & Sunset Cruises, Tour Reviews

Borneo (Klias) River Cruise & Fireflies Tour

5.Borneo (Klias) River Cruise & Fireflies Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 126 reviews · from $50Best value

Travel about two hours from Kota Kinabalu to Klias Wetlands for an afternoon river cruise with proboscis monkeys, macaques, langurs, birds, and possible crocodiles. After Malaysian buffet dinner, return to the mangrove river after dark to see fireflies blinking in the trees. Pickup, drinks, snacks, and hotel drop-off are included.

“A truly great experience and tour package! Driver Selani was very prompt, contacted in advance and a safe driver. Tour bus was clean and air conditioned. The driver also pointed out points of interest along the 2 hour journey. You arrive at bRead more”

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Sky-Mirror Photographing and Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Watching River-Cruise - From Kota Kinabalu to Bongawan
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Sky-Mirror Photographing and Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Watching River-Cruise

6.Sky-Mirror Photographing and Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Watching River-Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 109 reviews · from $81

Leave Kota Kinabalu for Bongawan, where you’ll cruise mangroves for proboscis monkeys and macaques, pose at Superview Beach during sunset, and watch fireflies after dark. Guides such as James, Nick, and Bird are known for helping with beach photos. Pickup, snacks, dinner, and drinks are included, but allow a long afternoon and evening.

“Overall good experience. No message or communication prior to pick up so had to ask reception to call - it turns out they did not have my booking from Viator. They however quickly showed up at the hotel after calling (30 mins late). Good things - Mirror beach was fun, and fireflies were a real highlight. Dinner was a basic buffet but to be expected as in a remote location. Phots the guide took of us on the beach are great Things to improve - very long -Packed mini bus and took 1.5 hours to get there and then a lot of waiting around. The boat ride to see the…”

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Full-Day Guided Snorkeling Tour from Kota Kinabalu - Why the reef stops change from day to day
Full-Day, Guided, Kota Kinabalu & Sabah Tours, Kota Kinabalu Tours, Malaysia Tours, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews

Full-Day Guided Snorkeling Tour from Kota Kinabalu

7.Full-Day Guided Snorkeling Tour from Kota Kinabalu

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 101 reviews · 7 hours · from $66

Meet your RAID-certified guide at Kota Kinabalu’s DBKK Jetty for a seven-hour catamaran trip into Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Guides such as Didi, Alex, and Asri adjust reef stops to sea conditions and your confidence, help identify fish, and support beginners. Expect two or three snorkeling sessions, island lunch, and possible turtles, reef sharks, rays, or clownfish.

“From start to finish, the Borneo Dreams crew (Alex, Ashre, and Ashme) were informative and professional. We were very fortunate the day of the snorkel trip as we saw a big Hawksbill sea turtle, squid, a small stingray, several reef sharks and of course many fish. They took us to three snorkel areas and provided a tasty lunch on one of the islands. I've been on many snorkel excursions around the world and I was very pleased with this tour.”

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Island Hopping - Sapi Island: swimming, coral, and lunch on the beach
Island Hopping Trips, Kota Kinabalu Tours, Malaysia Tours, Tour Reviews

Island Hopping

8.Island Hopping

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 99 reviews · from $125

Start with a 20-minute boat ride from Kota Kinabalu to Sapi Island for swimming, snorkeling, beach time, and lunch. Then speedboat to Manukan Island before returning to the city. Snorkel gear, lunch, guide, and shared hotel transfers are included. Groups are limited to 12, though fins cost extra.

“The islands were beautiful. I especially enjoyed Sapan. Nural really took good care of me since I am handicapped.”

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Kota Kinabalu: Snorkeling & Island Hopping Sapi & Manukan - The morning transfer from Kota Kinabalu
Island Hopping Trips, Kota Kinabalu & Sabah Tours, Kota Kinabalu Tours, Malaysia Tours, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews

Kota Kinabalu: Snorkeling & Island Hopping Sapi & Manukan

9.Snorkeling & Island Hopping Sapi & Manukan

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 97 reviews · 1 day · from $67

Spend a full day in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park with hotel pickup, boat rides, snorkeling gear, a buffet lunch, and time on Sapi and Manukan islands. Sapi is smaller and busier, while Manukan offers more room and facilities. Optional parasailing, sea walking, jet skiing, and banana boat rides cost extra.

“Tour guide was friendly and positive, spent over three hours on the first island (sapi) and an hour on the second (Manukan) which was nicer of the two. Felt like the long stay on sapi was mainly to pressure you into paying for the additional activities. Lunch wasn’t bad but quite greasy and not worth the price”

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Leisure Diving | Fun Dives | 3 Dives in TARP, Kota Kinabalu - Boat time and the two trimarans
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Leisure Diving | Fun Dives | 3 Dives in TARP, Kota Kinabalu

10.Leisure Diving | Fun Dives | 3 Dives in TARP, Kota Kinabalu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 94 reviews · from $105

Join Borneo Dream for three guided underwater sessions in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. PADI-certified guides, including Alex and Jack on some departures, lead small groups to colorful sites reaching 82 feet. Equipment, permits, water, lunch, and boat transfers are included, with a 9:00 am start from Jesselton Point.

“Alex and Jack were excellent guides! The water was warm, the weather was good, and we saw so many fish and corals!”

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2d1n Mount Kinabalu Via Ferrata - Walk The Torq - The 1:30 am start and the push to Low’s Peak
2-Day Experiences, Kota Kinabalu Tours, Malaysia Tours, Tour Reviews

2d1n Mount Kinabalu Via Ferrata – Walk The Torq

11.2d1n Mount Kinabalu Via Ferrata – Walk The Torq

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 90 reviews · from $1,200

You’ll climb Mount Kinabalu from Kota Kinabalu with hotel transfers, a mountain guide, shared Pendant Hut lodging, meals, and the Walk the Torq via ferrata. The route needs strong fitness but no climbing background. Staff such as Mei, Sky, Conan, and Bi An have handled guest arrangements and mountain support.

“Good WhatsApp communication and very simple easy process getting to the mountain and back to the hotel, lovely minibus and they took care of all the paperwork so easily. Hut was comfortable enough, having coffee available was nice. I would say that the 1:30am wakRead more”

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Kinabalu Park & Poring Hot Spring & Canopy Walk - Tamparuli and the famous suspension bridge
Kota Kinabalu & Sabah Tours, Kota Kinabalu Tours, Malaysia Tours, Spa & Hot Springs, Tour Reviews

Kinabalu Park & Poring Hot Spring & Canopy Walk

12.Kinabalu Park & Poring Hot Spring & Canopy Walk

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 80 reviews · from $125

Spend a full day in Sabah’s highlands with hotel pickup, lunch, and an English or Chinese-speaking guide. Visit Tamparuli, Nabalu Market, Kinabalu Park’s botanical garden, Poring Hot Springs, and a 105-meter canopy walkway. Guides such as Diana, Tan, Neil, and Tiana are praised for clear explanations and patient help on the bridges.

“We read about the trips from previous travellers and its exactly what you expected. Great views and we gets great company as well, the group have only 6 of us (3 couples) .”

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Learn to Dive | RAID Open Water 20 Diver Course | Kota Kinabalu - Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park as your classroom
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Learn to Dive | RAID Open Water 20 Diver Course | Kota Kinabalu

13.Learn to Dive | RAID Open Water 20 Diver Course | Kota Kinabalu

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 79 reviews · from $375

Spend three days learning scuba skills with Borneo Dream in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. You’ll complete online study first, then train from a trimaran with instructors such as Basir, Amir, Alex, Didi, and Yadi. The course includes equipment, permits, park fees, lunch, water, and boat transfers, with groups capped at 12.

“We just completed the Open Water 20 course with Yadi as our instructor, and the experience was fantastic. Yadi was very patient with us and explained everything perfectly. We learned a lot and had a great time—we can't wait to go divinRead more”

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Kota Kinabalu: Manukan & Sapi Islands Snorkeling with Lunch - From your hotel to Jesselton Point
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Kota Kinabalu: Manukan & Sapi Islands Snorkeling with Lunch

14.Manukan & Sapi Islands Snorkeling with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★3.7 · 61 reviews · 7 hours · from $74

Set out from Kota Kinabalu at 8:20 AM for Manukan and Sapi Islands in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. You get boat transfers, a guide, lunch, entrance fees, and several hours for swimming and snorkeling. Optional banana boats, jet skis, sea-walking, and parasailing cost extra. Guide Chris is noted for staying close and helping guests enjoy the day.

“Bardzo profesjonalna obsługa. Przewodnik był cały czas z nami i troszczył się abyśmy byli zadowoleni. Polecam tego organizatora.”

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Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies - The Floating Mosque stop
Firefly Watching Tours, Kota Kinabalu Tours, Malaysia Tours, Orangutan & Wildlife Tours, River & Sunset Cruises, Tour Reviews, Wildlife Tours in Kota Kinabalu

Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies

15.Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 58 reviews · from $52

Spend about eight hours from Kota Kinabalu visiting the Floating Mosque and Cocoa Kingdom before a Bongawan River cruise. Guides such as Timmy, Simon, Eddie, and John lead the wildlife search, sunset stop, firefly viewing, and local dinner. Expect a full afternoon and evening, a group of up to 48, and changing wildlife sightings.

“Amazing tour guide Timmy was knowledgeable and funny. Saw more than what was mentioned. Can not fault this tour at all. The locals who helped with the tour were more than accommodating. The dinner served by the local tribe was phenomenal. Could not recommend this tour enough.”

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New in Kota Kinabalu Tours

★ 3.7Enjoy 3 Fun Dives in Kota Kinabalu | Certified DiversFrom $1127 reviews
★ 5.0Private Tour Kampung Gipsi Sabah Cultural Village Kota KinabaluFrom $2532 reviews
★ 4.5Fun Boat Snorkeling and Island Visit from Kota KinabaluFrom $13035 reviews
★ 5.02d1n Kinabalu Park & Poring Canopy Walk & Desa Cow Farm TourFrom $13935 reviews
★ 3.6Kundasang : Poring Hot Spring + Desa & Meal Shared TourFrom $9835 reviews
★ 5.0Mari Mari Village & Bongawan Cruise PackageFrom $12132 reviews

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