Having explored every corner of Kota Kinabalu’s tour offerings, I’m impressed by several standout experiences. The Bongawan River Cruise stands as the best wildlife encounter, where you’ll get incredibly close to proboscis monkeys in their natural habitat. For those seeking marine adventures, nothing beats the hands-on experience at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, perfect for first-time underwater explorers. The off-the-beaten-path Mantanani Island tour delivers pristine beaches and authentic local culture, while history buffs will appreciate the combined tea plantation and World War II sites tour. The Kinabalu Park and Poring Hot Spring excursion offers the most bang for your buck, combining natural wonders with cultural insights. Let’s look at my top picks in detail.
Key Points
- The Bongawan River Cruise offers a full-day immersive experience exploring lush mangrove forests in Kota Kinabalu with high traveler recommendation.
- The Borneo Full Day Try Dive for Beginners provides an introductory scuba diving experience in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine National Park.
- The Full Day Tour in Mantanani offers a personalized island experience with snorkeling, lunch, and round-trip transfers.
- The Sabah Tea Plantation & WWII Memorial Tour showcases Sabah’s tea heritage and history, including a visit to the Kundasang War Memorial.
- The JomTour! Memorable Experience in Kota Kinabalu is a comprehensive private tour with visits to Kinabalu Park and Poring Hot Spring.
Full Day Bongawan River Cruise With Proboscis Monkey Sightseeing
Embarking on a full-day Bongawan River cruise, travelers enjoy the lush mangrove forests of Kota Kinabalu. This highly-rated tour, with a 4.7 rating and 100% traveler recommendation, offers a unique opportunity to spot the captivating proboscis monkeys in their natural habitat.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a local Malaysian buffet-style dinner, and a knowledgeable guide to enhance the experience.
Travelers can expect beautiful sunset views and the chance to witness the enchanting fireflies along the river. The tour is capped at 30 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.
While the offerings of tea/coffee and the buffet dinner may be simple, reviewers highlight the engaging guide and the overall memorable experience. Binoculars are recommended for better wildlife observation.
With a price starting from €40.49 per person and a flexible cancellation policy, this full-day Bongawan River cruise is a must-do activity for nature enthusiasts visiting Kota Kinabalu.
Read our full review: Full Day Bongawan River Cruise With Proboscis Monkey Sightseeing Review
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Borneo Full Day Try Dive (2 Dives) for Beginners
Travelers can often find the Borneo Full Day Try Dive (2 Dives) for Beginners an exhilarating way to explore the underwater wonders of Kota Kinabalu. Priced from €106.68 per person, this 7-hour activity includes 2 leisure dives, an introduction to scuba diving, and boat transfers to the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine National Park.
The park is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life, including exotic corals, clownfish, and potential turtle sightings.
The itinerary starts at 9 AM with a meet-up at Jesselton Point Jetty, followed by form completion and a short education session. Participants then move to the confined water for a skills session before the first dive.
After a lunch break, they’ll receive a briefing for the second dive before returning to Jesselton Point around 3:30 PM.
With free cancellation and a pay-later option, this beginner-friendly activity is suitable for ages 10 and up with basic swimming skills and good health.
Read our full review: Borneo Full Day Try Dive (2 Dives) for Beginners Review
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Full Day Tour in Mantanani
For those seeking a more immersive island experience beyond the scuba diving, the Full Day Tour in Mantanani offers an opportunity to explore the stunning Mantanani Islands. Priced at €135.57 per person, this full-day tour departs from Kota Kinabalu and includes round-trip shared transfers, snorkel equipment, and a local guide.
The tour allows travelers to experience the natural beauty of the islands, with a maximum group size of 12 people for a more intimate exploration. Lunch is provided, and gratuities are included, making it a hassle-free experience.
While the tour is non-refundable, it’s worth noting that pickups from outside the Kota Kinabalu city area and 1 Borneo Shopping Mall area incur an additional MYR30 per person.
Read our full review: Full Day Tour in Mantanani Review
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Full Day Sabah Tea Plantation & WWII Memorial
This full-day tour offers visitors a chance to enjoy Sabah’s rich tea heritage and history.
The private tour starts at 8:00 am and includes a guided visit to a tea factory, where guests can learn about the tea-making process (unless it’s a Sunday or public holiday, when a plantation briefing is offered instead).
The tour also takes travelers to the Kundasang War Memorial, a moving tribute to the prisoners of war who suffered along the Sandakan-Ranau death march during World War II.
Throughout the day, participants can enjoy the cool mountain air and stunning views of Mount Kinabalu.
A set lunch and a Sabah Tea welcome drink are included, and the air-conditioned vehicle ensures a comfortable journey.
Although not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers, except those with back problems or pregnant women.
With a 4.0 overall rating from Viator travelers, this full-day experience promises to be both informative and memorable.
Read our full review: Full Day Sabah Tea Plantation & WWII Memorial Review
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Full Day JomTour! Memorable Experience in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Set out on a captivating full-day tour that promises a memorable experience in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. JomTour’s private tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the region, with a private guide and air-conditioned transportation.
Admire the scenic landscapes and visit well-selected stops, including the famous Kinabalu Park and Poring Hot Spring, with admission fees ranging from $3 to $18.
The tour includes private transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and a delicious lunch. While breakfast and dinner aren’t included, the flexibility allows you to choose your own dining options.
With a rating of 3.0 based on 4 reviews, past travelers have highlighted the tour’s adjustable itinerary, which allowed them to witness the rare Rafflesia bloom, as well as the guide’s attentiveness and reliability.
Accessibility is also a priority, with the tour accommodating wheelchair users and strollers. Infants must sit on laps, and those with serious medical conditions may be unable to participate.
Flexibility is key, as you can reserve now and pay later, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start.
Read our full review: Full Day JomTour! Memorable Experience in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Far in Advance Should I Book My Tour?
It’s generally best to book your tour at least 2-3 weeks in advance, as popular tours can sell out quickly. This gives you the best chance of securing your preferred date and time.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for These Tours?
The cancellation policy typically allows for free cancellation up to 24-48 hours before the tour date. Cancellations made within 24 hours may incur a fee, so it’s best to check the specific policy when booking.
Are There Any Age or Fitness Requirements for the Tours?
Most full-day tours don’t have strict age or fitness requirements, but some activities may have minimum age limits or physical ability recommendations. It’s best to check with the tour operator for specific details before booking.
Can I Customize the Itinerary for These Full-Day Tours?
Yes, most tour operators allow customers to customize the itinerary for their full-day tours. This provides flexibility to focus on the sights and activities that interest you most during your tour experience.
Do the Tours Include Transportation to and From My Hotel?
Yes, the tours typically include transportation to and from your hotel. This makes the day more convenient and hassle-free, allowing you to focus on enjoying the sights and experiences during the full-day excursion.
Recap
Kota Kinabalu offers a diverse range of full-day tours that showcase the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. From river cruises to dive experiences and tea plantation visits, there’s something to suit all interests. These tours provide a memorable way to explore the best of Sabah and create lasting memories for visitors.