[Red Heart R] Hey there! I’m Nizi.
[Gift R] In my last post, I shared how I spent just over 4000 on a 12-day Malaysian adventure. Many of you were particularly curious about Kota Kinabalu and Semporna, so this time, I’ll dive deeper into those highlights! [Thumbs Up R]
[Airplane R] Day 0
Landed at Kota Kinabalu Airport at 8 PM, grabbed a SIM card, and hopped in a taxi to check in for the night.
[Tips R] On the first floor of the airport, right next to KFC, there’s an ATM where you can withdraw local currency. Most places accept cards, so no need to carry too much cash—just enough for street vendors or small purchases.
If you’re exchanging money from China, the same rule applies: keep it minimal since cards are widely accepted.
[Tips R] After withdrawing cash, turn left as you exit the terminal and head to the 5th pillar for Grab rides. Taxis are easy to find here, usually around 15 RM. Note that paying via Alipay on Grab might come with a small surcharge.
[Raise Hand R] Day 1
A leisurely day exploring the city, followed by a Mangrove Firefly 1-day tour and a stop at Durian Street.
[Tips R] This afternoon tour is a must-do! You’ll spot proboscis monkeys swinging through the trees, marvel at glowing fireflies lighting up the mangroves, and catch a breathtaking sunset over the lake.
The mountain views reflected in the water are simply stunning [Wow R]. Cruising along the calm waters in a small boat is pure relaxation. While the food provided isn’t anything extraordinary, feel free to pack your own snacks to enjoy during downtime.
[Raise Hand R] Day 2
University of Sabah, Water Mosque, Kota Kinabalu Museum, and Gaya Street Night Market.
[Tips R] The museum, though charming, is quite small and costs 15 RM—a bit steep if you’re not a huge fan of museums. If history isn’t your thing, consider skipping it altogether.
[Raise Hand R] Day 3
Island hopping (Sapi Island + Mamutik Island) capped off with the iconic Tanjung Aru Beach sunset.
[Tips R] Both Sapi and Mamutik Islands boast stunning scenery, perfect for swimming and soaking up some sun. Don’t miss Manukan Island either—it’s great for water activities, though nothing too exceptional visually.
Pro tip: Always bargain when booking water sports! [Thumbs Up R] For reference, the guy at window 8 speaks fluent Chinese, and I believe the one at window 10 does too.
[Raise Hand R] Day 4
From Kota Kinabalu to Tawau, then onward to Semporna via shared minibus.
[Tips R] Upon landing in Tawau, minibuses are readily available to take you to Semporna. Prices are negotiable, so don’t hesitate to haggle.
[Tips R] Be warned: Semporna town itself is rather run-down and lacks much charm [Disappointed R]. There’s not much to see within the town itself, but bargaining is key when purchasing seafood.
[Raise Hand R] Days 5–7
Three unforgettable days of island hopping—you won’t regret these moments! [Heart Eyes R][Heart Eyes R][Heart Eyes R]
[One R] Timba-Timba → Mataking → Pom Pom Island route
[Two R] Pearl Island → Battleship Island → Hiking route
[Three R] Mabul Island → Kapalai route
[Tips R] For the hiking route, wear comfortable sports shoes or rent them on-site to make the trek easier.
[Tips R] On the Mabul Island route, remember to bring 50 RM in cash for the island entry fee.
[Tips R] Among all three routes, Mataking offers the best snorkeling experience! Restrooms on the islands cost 1 RM each use, so having cash handy is essential.
Get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!
[Raise Hand R] Day 8
Departing early in the morning: Semporna → Tawau → Kuala Lumpur
[Tips R] If you’re short on time, consider booking a flight for the evening of Day 7. Just be sure to arrange your transportation ahead of time—last-minute taxis can come with a hefty price tag!
[Tips R] Opt for the express train from Kuala Lumpur airport and transfer at Putrajaya to save yourself a cool 40 RM.
[Shy R] Hi, I’m Nizi! My first taste of international travel was back in 2017 when I embarked on a working holiday adventure across Australia. Fast forward to 2024, and I’m reigniting my wanderlust with a new journey to rediscover the world.
Join me as I share my travel insights and guides along the way! Feel free to reach out if you’re planning a trip of your own—I’d love to help.
