Top Kota Kinabalu Half-day Tours

Experience the beauty of Kiulu’s countryside during a quad bike tour from Kota Kinabalu, an ideal choice for thrill seekers and nature lovers. Alongside a guide, you’ll get off the beaten path, conquer off-road terrains, and drive throughout traditional villages, where you’ll stop to learn about local culture and traditions. Hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off, and refreshments are included.

Ride a Vulcan Steam Engine dating from 1896 on the North Borneo Railway during a hassle-free tour. Retrace a colonial trade route through villages, countryside, and tunnels, and pass mangrove forests and rivers for spectacular views of scenery that's mostly inaccessible by traditional tour vehicle. Stop at a number of villages, where there's a chance to visit markets and chat with local people. Plus, lunch and round-trip hotel transfers are included. 

Discover the rich history and heritage of Kota Kinabalu on this comprehensive 3-hour city tour, including hotel pick-up. Visit landmarks like Wisma Tun Mustapha (Sabah Foundation Building) and the City Mosque; pay a visit to the prestigious University of Sabah and tour the fascinating Sabah Museum. Finally, soak up views of Kota Kinabalu and the Likas Bay lagoon from the summit of Signal Hill.

Dine and dance under the stars on a Kota Kinabalu cruise that includes live music and a buffet of international cuisine. The boat’s open upper deck gives panoramic views of the Kota Kinabalu skyline as the city lights up after dark, and since this dinner cruise features door-to-door transfers from hotels in Kota Kinabalu, you can enjoy an evening out without the hassle of finding late-night transport.

Explore Borneo's indigenous cultures on a half-day trip from Kota Kinabalu to Mari Mari Cultural Village, which features traditional houses, crafts, and bushcraft recreated by members of each tribe in Sabah. You'll see local people making blowpipes and kindling bamboo fires, then learn the symbolism behind Sabah's long tradition of tattooing. With pickup and drop-off at hotels in Kota Kinabalu, this tour includes entrance fees and lunch.

Experience the beauty of Kota Kinabalu without worrying about the hassle of transportation on this small-group tour of the city. Ride in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle as you stop at some of the city’s best-known sites. Visit the museum complex at the Sabah State Museum and Heritage Village, the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, Signal Hill Observatory Platform, and the Sabah State Mosque.

If you’re looking to satisfy an appetite for adventure then look no further than this white-water rafting and zipline tour from Kota Kinabalu, the ideal choice for thrill seekers. No previous white-water rafting experience is necessary to tackle Class III-IV rapids of the Kulu River as you’ll have a guide on hand at all times. Plus, included hotel pickup and drop-off, and lunch make for a hassle-free experience tat requires no advance planning.

Spend the day in paradise during this day trip to Manukan Island near Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy a range of activities during your beach sojourn, ranging from beach volleyball to sunbathing to snorkeling and more. Additional amenities like the island’s nearly 1-mile-long (1.5-km) walking trail, optional side visit to Sapi or Mamutik Island, and an included barbecue lunch help ensure a memorable day.

Get up close to some of Malaysia’s diverse wildlife without looking through a cage on this river cruise package in the Klias Wetlands. Spend the afternoon drifting through this vibrant mangrove forest, looking out for proboscis monkeys, macaques, crocodiles, monitor lizards and much more. Once the sun goes down, head out again to see the fireflies light up the riverside on this unique combo of afternoon and after-dark cruises.

Soak up the electric atmosphere of Kota Kinabula by night on this 3-hour evening tour, including hotel pick-up. Browse the bustling night market, then enjoy a magnificent view over the illuminated city from the observation deck of Signal Hill. Finally, tuck into a sumptuous dinner of typical Malaysian dishes, accompanied by traditional Malay music and dance.

Escape the city and delve deeper into Borneo’s indigenous culture on a day trip to Tuaran from Kota Kinabalu. A great introduction for first-time visitors, this package saves you the stress of advance planning by taking care of transport and activities, and offering the inside scoop on Sabah’s culture and history.

Learn about the seafaring skills of the Bajau Laut people, a tribal group of Malaysia commonly referred to as ‘sea gypsies.’ This day trip to Gayang village includes a cruise past their houses built on stilts. Go crab catching and observe main livelihoods, such as fishing and pearl farming, then try your hand at batik painting and keep your creation to take home as a souvenir. Light refreshments are included along with round-trip transport from Kota Kinabalu hotels.

Fish for crabs in a mangrove forest on a full-day tour from Kota Kinabalu to Borneo Kellybays that combines a morning mangrove cruise with a free afternoon in a scenic resort. With optional activities that include kayaking, paddle boats, and banana boats, the day can be as relaxed or adventurous as you want, and you’ll find plenty of space to lounge on Borneo Kellybays’ pristine beach.

Explore both the popular highlights and some lesser-known spots of Kota Kinabalu city on this small-group day tour. A highlight is the unusual Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, a floating temple surrounded by a lagoon. Visit a produce market selling everything from seafood to flowers, and ask your guide for local food recommendations for lunch. Plus, you'll get the best views of  Kota Kinabalu Crocker Range National Park from a viewpoint.

Explore the Mari-Mari Cultural Village in Sabah with a dedicated guide on this private tour. You'll enjoy personalized attention and the ability to travel at your own pace as you learn about Borneo's ancient and modern culture. Activities include a traditional house tour, a cultural show, and a traditional local lunch.

Escape the city and journey to the paradise islands off the coast of Kota Kinabalu on a hassle-free day trip to Manukan Island. Let a guide take care of transfers, entrance fees, and activities as you sit back, relax, and enjoy the white sands and crystal-clear waters of the island. You'll have chance to snorkel and hike in the jungle, and benefit from the in-depth knowledge of a guide.

The rich indigenous cultures are one of the highlights of any visit to Borneo. Experience them without the hassles of self-drive on this convenient private tour of the Monsopiad Cultural Village. Learn how the Kadazan people live and about the feats of the mighty headhunter Monsopiad, and enjoy cultural experiences from rice wine to dances.

Check off Kota Kinabalu’s key sights in just half a day on this comprehensive guided door-to-door tour. Soak up sweeping views of the city from Signal Hill, learn about Chinese Buddhism at Pu Toh Tze Temple, and explore Sabah’s rich heritage at the Sabah State Museum. Along the way, see the Sabah State Mosque, the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, and the 30-story Menara Tun Mustapha.

Moyog River along the village is managed by the park community and fishing activity is extremely prohibited. The secret word for this success is "Tagal" which means "prohibition" in the Kadazandusun language. You will be fined if you are caught fishing in a “Tagal” area. Tagal Tinopikon Park bring you to experience nature authentic village life with friendly Kadazandusun host, sound of Moyoq river brings peace in mind and soul, friendly Pelian fishes also known as the Gem of the river are so welcoming (fishes may not be seen when river is too muddy) Moyoq River is one of the most beautiful rivers in Sabah. Despite the warm weather, it felt rather relaxing and soothing taking a break as the trees shade you from the sun and rhythm of the nature further compliments the experience.

Experience an incredible cultural tour of Mengkabong Water Village with this hands-on experience that goes the extra mile. Visit a renowned indigenous tribe and discover Bajau Fisherman community culture. Get involved and try your hand at crab catching and fishing with locals. Enjoy a sunset river cruise among mangrove trees and spot mesmerizing fireflies at the end of an incredible day.

Delve into Sabah’s cultural melting pot on a day trip to Mar Mari Cultural Village, where you can meet the people of indigenous Borneo and witness fire-starting and blowpipe-making demonstrations. Perfect for families and first-time visitors, this small-group tour is limited to 15 people to ensure personalized attention from your guide.

Even if left-side driving is not for you, enjoy an evening in the cool of Kokol Hill and admire the city lights by night on this elegant dinner tour. Soak up views of Kota Kinabalu and a typical Dusun village as you ascend to 2,625 feet (800 meters) above sea level, then feast on hot pot (steamboat) cuisine in a hilltop restaurant. Enjoy a spectacular sunset along the way.

A short drive out of Kota Kinabalu, the Mari Mari Cultural Village provides a convenient opportunity to experience many of Borneo’s unique cultures in a purpose-built cultural village. Learn about the tribes’ traditional dances, cuisines and ways of thriving in Borneo’s challenging jungle. For visitors who can only stay in Borneo briefly, this experience offers a chance to see how Borneo’s cultural diversity matches its biodiversity.

Conclude your Kota Kinabalu adventure with a dazzling evening out at sea. Hop onto a spacious custom-built catamaran and get in touch with Sabah’s coastal charisma. Sail pass surrounding islands and into the famous Kota Kinabalu sunset. Includes guided narrations of historical & architectural landmarks that dot the coastline. - Evening cruise from Kota Kinabalu in the South China Sea - Chance to see Sabah's sunset & landmarks from the water - Laid-back & relaxed tour aboard a luxurious custom sailboat - Sights of Gaya Island in Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park - Postcard-perfect views of Likas Bay in the soft moonlight