6D5N Kota Kinabalu & Kundasang Highlights With 5-Star Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort Stay Print

Arrive in Kota Kinabalu / North Borneo Cruises - Sunset Dinner Cruise

Welcome to the vibrant heart of Kota Kinabalu! Upon your arrival, we'll whisk you away from the airport to a 4-star hotel for check-in.  

After settling in, seize the opportunity to dive into the lively streets of Kota Kinabalu at your leisure. 

As the afternoon fades to evening, at 4:45 PM, we'll escort you to the Sutera Marina Jetty, setting the stage for an evening you won't soon forget aboard the North Borneo Cruises. Embark on a captivating Sunset Dinner Cruise, where the splendor of the South China Sea unfolds before your eyes, cruising by scenic islands and quaint water villages along the enchanting coast of Sabah. 

Ascend to the upper deck for breathtaking sea panoramas, basked in the glow of a setting sun, complemented by a soothing breeze. Below deck, a cozy, air-conditioned space with an ethnic theme welcomes you, where live acoustic melodies weave through the air, enhancing the evening's ambience. 

Indulge in a buffet dinner that showcases Sabah's most coveted flavours under the backdrop of a sky transitioning from the hues of sunset to the sparkle of stars. As Kota Kinabalu's shoreline comes alive with twinkling lights, savour a sweet dessert or a glass of wine, letting the gentle motion of the North Borneo Cruises along the Waterfront carry you away. 

Following this memorable journey, we'll ensure your safe return to the hotel, concluding a day of enchantment. 

Tamparuli Town / Nabalu Market / Kinabalu Geopark / Kundasang Market / Mountain Resort

Prepare for a day brimming with adventure as we collect you from your hotel lobby for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Sabah's verdant landscapes.   

Your trip kicks off with a mesmerizing drive through the region's breathtaking vistas, emerald rice paddies, and quaint villages, leading you to the charming town of Tamparuli. Here, a stroll across the iconic "Jambatan Tamparuli" bridge immerses you in the town's allure. 

As you ascend the serpentine roads of the Crocker Range, the adventure continues to Nabalu town, a beloved stopover offering fresh local produce, delightful snacks, and unique handicrafts and souvenirs.   

Next on our agenda is the Kinabalu UNESCO Global Geopark. Perched at 1,500 meters above sea level, this expansive 754 sqkm sanctuary houses the towering Mount Kinabalu, a jewel in Southeast Asia's landscape. 

A guided stroll through the park's Botanical Garden unveils its ecological wonders, from intriguing pitcher plants to exquisite orchids, showcasing an astounding diversity with about 4,500 plant species, including 1,500 orchid varieties, 77 of which are unique to the park. Bird enthusiasts and butterfly aficionados will also find themselves in paradise with 289 bird species and 290 butterfly species calling this park home. 

Following the nature exploration, you will retreat to a local restaurant within the park for a hearty lunch, then venture to the bustling Kundasang Market, another treasure trove of fresh produce, vibrant flowers, and regional delicacies. 

The day ends at a mountain resort, your peaceful retreat for the night. Surrounded by the calm and cool highland breeze, explore the resort and its surroundings before settling down for a relaxing dinner. 

Desa Cow Farm / Alpaca Club / Kundasang Farm Ville / Kota Kinabalu

Wake up to your third day in Sabah with a magical morning as the mists part to reveal the sun rising over Mount Kinabalu.  

Your adventure today continues with the Desa Cow Farm, set against the majestic backdrop of Mount Kinabalu. As you navigate through narrowing roads and vibrant green pastures, you will soon reach this expansive farm. Here, amidst the pastoral beauty, you'll mingle with the cattle that roam the fields, experience the joy of bottle-feeding calves, and don't miss out on tasting the farm's fresh milk and yogurt, available in a variety of flavours. 

Next, you will visit the Alpaca Club, Sabah's unique haven for these charming creatures. Step into a world where friendly alpacas with their soft fleece and lovable demeanours await to enchant you.  

A short journey from there brings us to Kundasang Farm Ville, a picturesque location featuring an aquaponic farm, a selfie garden filled with delightful decorations, an ice cream bus, and a cozy café for tasty treats. 

You will pause for a scrumptious lunch at a local eatery before going back to Kota Kinabalu, where the rest of the day is yours to unwind or continue your city exploration. 

Kota Kinabalu International Airport / Tawau Airport / Semporna Jetty / Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort (Non-Diver)

Start your day early by checking out of your hotel in Kota Kinabalu and checking in for your flight to Tawau Airport. Upon your arrival at Tawau Airport, an overland transfer will whisk you away to Semporna Jetty.  

Note: Flight to Tawau is by your own arrangement. Please ensure you book the earliest flight of the day from Kota Kinabalu to catch the scheduled boat transfers to Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort.

From Semporna, board the scheduled boat that will navigate you through the cerulean waters to the breathtaking Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort. As you approach, immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of the resort, perched elegantly on stilts above the shimmering sea. Kapalai Resort is not just a diver's paradise; it offers a plethora of activities and experiences for non-divers as well.  

Take a leisurely snorkel around the resort to witness the vibrant marine life that thrives under the crystal-clear waters. Kapalai Island's shallow reefs are teeming with colourful fish and corals, accessible even without diving gear. 

You can also glide over the calm sea in a kayak, exploring the surrounding waters and enjoying the stunning views of the marine ecosystem below. 

Savor a variety of dining options at the resort, offering fresh seafood and a selection of international and local dishes. The open-air restaurant allows you to enjoy your meals with a view of the endless ocean horizon.  

As night falls, the lack of light pollution offers an incredible opportunity for stargazing. Embrace the tranquility of the night, a perfect prelude to a restful night at your overwater bungalow. 

Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort (Non-Diver)

Continue to enjoy a day of discovery at Sipadan Kapalai, where you can dive into the crystal-clear waters for swimming, snorkeling, shore diving, and kayaking. 

Find your spot on the sun deck and bask under the morning sun with the soothing sound of waves and a panoramic view of the open sea, providing a perfect backdrop for relaxation. 

Fresh buffet meals for breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks, and dinner are available daily at the restaurant. Unlimited tea, coffee, cold water, and cordial are all served free of charge throughout the day. 

Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort / Semporna Jetty / Tawau Airport / Departure or Extend Tour

After enjoying breakfast, check out from the Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort and take a scheduled boat ride to transfer you back to Semporna Jetty.   

Transfer to Tawau Airport for your flight or consider extending your trip in Sabah!