March Sabah Kota Kinabalu 5D4N Ultimate Travel Guide: Full Itinerary & Tips 🇲🇾

📆 Date: March 11-15, 2025
📍 Main itinerary includes: watching the breathtaking sunset at Tanjung Aru Beach, a serene overnight stay on Mantanani Island, a half-day tour of Kawa Mangrove to spot proboscis monkeys and enchanting fireflies, and snorkeling adventures at Mamutik Island (Magellan Silk + Mantanani Silk + Hilton)
🏝️ Full itinerary: p2-p6
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This was my sixth visit to Malaysia 🇲🇾, but my first to East Malaysia.

Sabah, the second-largest state in Malaysia, boasts Kota Kinabalu as its capital, affectionately known as Api by the Chinese.
🥰 I was incredibly lucky to arrive in Api at the tail end of the rainy season in mid-March. We enjoyed five glorious days without a drop of rain—except for a brief 20-minute shower while we were on a boat, which quickly cleared up.

The highlight was witnessing five stunning sunsets! 🌅
🥳 Traveling during the off-season meant fewer crowds and excellent value for money, making it an unforgettable experience (I’m puzzled by the numerous warnings on XHS; our trip felt entirely worthwhile, and I would definitely return).
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【Day 1️⃣】
We arrived at the hotel at 6:30 PM.

The more energetic among us headed straight to the pier for a half-day island tour, while the rest of us, exhausted from the flight, relaxed in the hotel’s common area. In the evening, we took a taxi to Shangri-La to watch the sunset, which was truly mesmerizing. Be sure to wait until after the sun has fully set, as that’s when the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors.

For dinner, we indulged in delicious seafood, with the salted egg yolk crab and creamy prawns being absolute must-tries 🥘
【Day 2️⃣】
After checking out, we hopped on a bus to the pier and then a boat to Mantanani Island. The water was crystal clear, especially in the morning under the bright sun. If you have the time, extending your stay is a great idea, though there isn’t much to do on the island, making it perfect for a relaxing getaway 🫠
【Day 3️⃣】
The free snorkeling at Mantanani Silk wasn’t particularly impressive.

It’s located in the middle of the sea, and the coral and marine life are rather average. Instead, we recommend enjoying the waters near the hotel beach. The afternoon Kawa half-day tour, however, was fantastic. We joined the Summer Beach group, and the journey from the Mantanani pier to Kawa was quick.

We spotted several proboscis monkeys and magical fireflies, adding a touch of wonder to our day ✨
【Day 4️⃣】
We booked a snorkeling trip to Mamutik Island through Xiao Quan’s team, and it was an incredible experience. Arriving early meant clearer waters and fewer people. We saw a plethora of clownfish, and our dive guide, Aaron, provided exceptional service.

Highly recommended for any underwater enthusiast 🤿
【Day 5️⃣】
After checking out, we treated ourselves to a spa session at Midas, which was incredibly relaxing and set in a beautiful environment. We then took a taxi to the airport, bringing our wonderful trip in Api to a close ✈️
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This trip was truly a stroke of luck: breathtaking scenery, perfect weather, affordable costs, and minimal crowds.

❤️ I absolutely fell in love with Api!