3-Day Sabah Tour Packages
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Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Sabah tour itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaSabah travel expert at TourRadar
- Day 1
Lahad Datu to Danum Valley
Your journey starts at Lahad Datu Airport with a 2.5-hour drive on gravel roads to the conservation area. Consider bringing motion sickness medication for the bumpy ride. The rough road access helps keep visitor numbers low and preserves the rainforest's untouched state. Get settled at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge before joining an orientation about the area's wildlife. You'll learn about the resident orangutans, clouded leopards and more than 300 bird species. Take on the 300-meter canopy walkway in the afternoon. It sits 26 meters high, so wear shoes with good grip since humidity makes the surface slippery. End your day with a night drive in an open-top vehicle to look for nocturnal animals like slow lorises and flying squirrels.
- Day 2
Deep Forest Exploration
Start your day with the sounds of Bornean gibbons calling through the valley. Head out early for the best chances of spotting orangutans. Your morning trek takes you to the ancient Kadazan-Dusun burial sites at the Coffin Cliffs and up to the View Point for sweeping views of the forest canopy. Take at least 2 liters of water since the humidity is strong even in early morning. Your afternoon options include another guided trek or river tubing on the Danum River if water levels allow. Join the night walk after dinner to find unusual insects and amphibians. Remember to wear long sleeves and pants since mosquitos are active at night.
- Day 3
Final Morning and Departure
Start your last day with an optional pre-breakfast walk to catch the morning mist over the valley. It's perfect for photos. Have a final lunch at the lodge before heading back to Lahad Datu around 12:30 PM. Schedule late afternoon flights to allow enough time for the road transfer.
- Day 1
Kota Kinabalu to Kinabalu National Park
Leave Kota Kinabalu at 8 AM for the 2.25-hour drive to Kinabalu National Park (1,623m). At Park HQ, you'll get your climbing permit and attend a mandatory briefing. You can store extra luggage at Park HQ for MYR 10 per piece, which is recommended since you'll want minimal weight for the climb. Spend your afternoon in the botanical gardens getting used to the altitude. The park spans 754 sq km and features diverse environments from rainforest to alpine areas. You'll spend the night in basic park accommodation to prepare for your climb.
- Day 2
Ascent to Laban Rata
Your climbing journey begins with a transfer to Timpohon Gate (1,829m). Pack these essentials: - 2-3 liters of water - Rain gear for afternoon showers - Warm clothing for Laban Rata - High-energy snacks - Camera to capture pitcher plants and orchids Most climbers take 4-6 hours to complete the 6km trek to Laban Rata (3,353m). A recent climber shared: "Take your time and stay hydrated - the altitude hits harder than you expect after 2,500m." Plan to reach Laban Rata by 3 PM. You'll get a filling dinner before an early night in the basic dormitory to rest up for summit day.
- Day 3
Summit Attempt and Descent
Your day starts around 2 AM for the final climb. Dress warmly since temperatures often drop below 10°C (50°F). The 2.7km climb to Low's Peak (4,095.2m) includes some rope sections and usually takes 2-3 hours. You should reach the summit around 6 AM for sunrise. Remember gloves for handling the cold granite. After taking photos, head back to Laban Rata for breakfast before the full descent to Timpohon Gate (about 4-5 hours). You'll return to Kota Kinabalu by 5 PM.
- Day 1
Kota Kinabalu to Pungiton Camp
Get to KK's Sentral Bus Terminal by 7:00 AM for your 2.5-hour coach ride to Keningau. Travel light and leave extra bags at your KK hotel since you'll be crossing rivers and exploring caves. From Keningau you'll head to Labang Village before switching to river transport. Pack quick-dry clothes for this part. Pungiton Camp is basic but you'll love the nighttime jungle sounds. You'll need good fitness and shoes with grip for cave exploration since the underground stream makes things slippery.
- Day 2
Batu Punggul and Romol Village
Start your day with a jungle trek to Batu Punggul an 800-foot limestone pinnacle. Planning to reach the top? Wear proper hiking shoes and bring at least 2 liters of water. The humidity can be intense. In the afternoon you'll move to MunorAulai Guesthouse to learn about local farming. Your evening includes traditional Murut food and dance. Feel free to join in but ask before taking photos.
- Day 3
Hidden Waterfall and Return to KK
Take a morning swim at the hidden waterfall. The trek there needs moderate fitness. Plan your departure carefully since the journey back to KK takes 5-6 hours. You'll arrive between 5:00-6:00 PM so avoid booking evening flights.
