7-Day Sabah Tour Packages
Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Sabah tour itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaSabah travel expert at TourRadar
Sabah Highlights Adventure 7D/6N
Sabah's natural wonders unfold over 7 days across 5 destinations. The tour features 2 nights in Kota Kinabalu, Mount Kinabalu visit, and 3 nights in jungle locations, complete with daily guided activities.
Kota Kinabalu Malaysia
5 miTunku Abdul Rahman Park Malaysia
36 miMount Kinabalu National Park Malaysia
9 miPoring Malaysia
40 miKota Kinabalu Malaysia
137 miSandakan Malaysia
11 miSepilok Malaysia
34 miSukau Malaysia
9 miKinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary Malaysia
9 miSukau Malaysia
25 miSandakan Malaysia
6 Day Borneo Wildlife Itinerary, incl. Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan
This 6-day trip covers 420 miles from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan, staying at Kampung Kiau homestay, Sabah Tea Plantation cottages at 2,000 feet, and Kinabatangan riverside lodges. Watch turtle nesting at Selingan Island and walk Kinabalu National Park's botanical trails, plus four river cruises tracking proboscis monkeys.
- Day 1
Kota Kinabalu to Kiau Village
Your journey starts at 8 AM with a 2-hour drive through the scenic Crocker Range to Kampung Kiau. Pack light layers since mountain temperatures can change quickly. The village homestay offers authentic local experiences like rice wine making and tree planting. The rooms are basic. Bring a sleeping bag liner for comfort.
- Day 2
Mount Kinabalu National Park & Poring Hot Springs
Start early at Kinabalu Park to avoid crowds and catch the clearest views of Southeast Asia's highest peak. Wear hiking shoes with good grip on the nature trails. The afternoon Canopy Walkway at Poring needs decent fitness levels. It's 41 meters high with several suspension bridges. Finish your day relaxing in the hot springs.
- Day 3
Kinabatangan River
Start with a tea plantation tour before your 3.5-hour drive to Kinabatangan River. Consider motion sickness pills if you need them. The 4 PM river cruise is prime time for wildlife spotting. Bring binoculars and a zoom lens. Wildlife sightings are most common from March to October.
- Day 4
Dawn River Safari & Sandakan
The 6 AM river cruise offers the best wildlife viewing. Wear dark, neutral colors and bring a light jacket for the chilly morning air. After checkout, you'll drive about 2 hours to Sandakan.
- Day 5
Selingan Turtle Island
Take the 10 AM boat for a 1-hour ride to Selingan Island. Pack reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes if you plan to snorkel. Turtle viewing happens at night without flash photography. You'll need to stay in your room between 6 PM and 6 AM unless staff call you to see turtles.
- Day 6
Sepilok Orangutan Centre & Departure
Leave at 7 AM for Sepilok. Plan around the 10 AM orangutan feeding for the best viewing. Book flights after 2 PM. Get to the center 30 minutes early to find a good spot.
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