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


TOUR INFORMATION

TOUR CODE: ABK-FM17
DESCRIPTION: 6D5N KOTA KINABALU & KUNDASANG HIGHLIGHTS WITH 5-STAR SIPADAN KAPALAI DIVE RESORT STAY
REGION: Kota Kinabalu
DURATION: 6 Days 5 Night
MINIMUM: 2 Pax
AVAILABILITY: Everyday
PICK UP POINT: Kota Kinabalu International Airport
PICK UP TIME: Depends on Your Flight Arrival Time
DROP OFF POINT: Tawau Airport
DROP OFF TIME: Depends on Your Flight Departure Time
* All timings are estimated and for reference purposes only. Actual timing will be provided prior to your departure.

Tour highlights

  • Experience a sunset cruise in Kota Kinabalu with live music and a local-flavours buffet against well-known sunset views 
  • Explore Kinabalu Geopark's vast biodiversity and witness the majestic Mount Kinabalu 
  • Interact with cattles at Desa Cow Farm, meet alpacas, and discover Kundasang Farm Ville in Kundasang 
  • Stay at Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort, enjoying snorkeling, kayaking, stargazing, and unlimited refreshments all with ocean views 
  • Explore vibrant marine life and corals in clear waters 

Sample itinerary

Day 1 - 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, enjoy the food and the views, letting the gentle motion of 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. 

Meals : Dinner Accommodation : The LUMA Hotel (or similar 4-star hotel)

Day 2 - 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. 

Meals : Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Accommodation : Kinabalu Pine Resort or Perkasa Hotel or Similar

Day 3 - 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. 

Meals : Breakfast / Lunch Accommodation : The LUMA Hotel (or similar 4-star hotel)

Day 4 - 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. 

Meals : Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Accommodation : Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort

Day 5 - 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. 

Meals : Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Accommodation : Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort

Day 6 - 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!   

Meals : Breakfast

Meals 05 Breakfast, 04 Lunches & 04 Dinner
Include Hotel Transfer, Airport Transfer, Overland Transfer from Tawau to Semporna, 2-way Scheduled Boat Transfer to Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort, 05-night Accommodations with Daily Breakfast, Meals as Stated, All Entrance Fees as Per Itinerary, Local English-speaking Guide
Accommodation
  • 02 Nights stay in Kota Kinabalu 4-Star Luma Hotel or similar
  • 01 Night stay in Kinabalu Pine Resort or similar (Twin/Triple Share)
  • 02 Night Stay at Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort  
Exclude Airfares, Beverages, Semporna Jetty Fee, Snorkeling Equipment, Optional Tours Charges, Personal Travel Insurance and Any Items Not Mentioned
  • Comfortable walking shoes 
  • Lightweight and breathable clothing 
  • Sweater or jacket for Kundasang stay  
  • Insect repellent 
  • Sunscreen (water-resistant) 
  • Sunglasses 
  • Beachwear 
  • Quick-dry towel 
  • Flip-flops or sandals  
  • Water bottle 
  • First-aid kit 
  • Portable charger  
  • This package is based on join-in basis of shared guide and transport vehicle. Private Guide or Tour is available upon request at a reasonable fee. Please inform us when making the bookings. 
  • All prices are quoted in Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) and are provided on a net basis, meaning they are final and inclusive of all charges, with no additional fees required. 
  • Baby Car Seats (for infants aged 0-2) and Child Booster Seats (for children aged 3-11) are available for rental. Please check with your tour consultant for availability. 
  • Departure time is approximate and varies from different hotels due to traffic conditions, please reconfirm with our staffs. Should the transport be delayed, please call the relevant telephone number as stated on the voucher before making alternative arrangements. 
  • Amazing Borneo Tours reserves the right to alter routes, timetables, itineraries and accommodation reserved should conditions beyond our control render it necessary. 
  • Tipping is like giving a hug. Although it’s never expected, it’s always very much appreciated.  
  • Baby Car Seats (for infants aged 0-2) and Child Booster Seats (for children aged 3-11) are available for rental. Please check with your tour consultant for availability.
  • Kinabalu Park is at a high altitude, approximately 1,500 meters above sea level, and it can get cold.
  • You can choose to wait at the resting area if you do not wish to proceed for any of the nature walks.
  • The standard check-in and check-out times for most hotels & resorts are 1400Hrs & 1200Hrs. However, check-in & check-out times may vary depending on each accommodation. So, kindly check with us to get accurate check-in & check-out times for your accommodation.
  • Effective as of 1st September 2017, the Tourism and Culture Ministry of Malaysia will be implementing a Malaysian Tourism Tax (TTX). Foreign tourists will be required to pay a flat rate of MYR 10 per room per night regardless of accommodation star level. The TTx is to be paid upon check-in. Malaysians or permanent residents residing in Malaysia are exempted from TTx and is required to present a valid identification upon check-in for the exemption.

Things You Should Know About Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort: 

  • Please note that a Tourism Tax (TTX) of MYR 10 per room, per night, is mandatory for guests who are not Malaysian citizens. Additionally, there is a compulsory fee of MYR 11, which includes the Sales and Service Tax (SST), payable per person to the Semporna Municipal Council.   
  • The adult pricing category is applicable to individuals aged 12 and above. A special rate is available for the Malaysian market; however, this rate is exclusive to Malaysian citizens, and a valid Malaysian passport must be presented for verification. International guests are subject to the international market rate. 
  • Kapalai Resort offers a single category of rooms, and room assignments are made based on a Run of House (ROH) basis. This means rooms are allocated upon arrival according to availability, and specific room selection by number is not permitted. 
  • Regarding room arrangements, a booking consisting of one adult and one child staying in a chalet will incur charges equivalent to the rate for two adults. 
  • To ensure timely arrival at Kapalai Resort, we recommend booking the earliest possible flight to Tawau Airport and arriving by 1300 hours to catch the land transfer to Semporna Jetty. This is crucial to avoid missing the last boat to the resort, which departs at 1500 hours. 
  • All land and boat transfers are shared. For unscheduled boat transfers to or from Kapalai Island, please arrange at least one day in advance. The cost for an unscheduled boat transfer is MYR 560 for each trip, per boat. 

Things You Should Know About North Borneo Cruises: 

  • Guests are to arrive at Sutera Marina Jetty at least 15 minutes prior to cruise departure.  
  • All seats will be assigned automatically. If you wish to choose a table type, you may reserve a table for a small surcharge. Please check with our Tour Consultant for availability. 
  • No outside food and beverages (including Tarap and Durian) are allowed onboard the North Borneo Cruises. There will be a corkage fee applicable for outside beverages. 
  • Consumption of drugs or contraband or conducting of any illegal activity onboard North Borneo Cruises is strictly prohibited.  North Borneo Cruises shall hold no responsibility or liability for any guests who participates in such activities. 
  • All guests are required to behave in a respectful manner to the Cruise Captain and all members of the Crew and Cruise Attendants and other guests.  Should any passenger display unruly or violent behaviour to anyone onboard North Borneo Cruises, the Operator reserves the right to involve the authorities once cruise has reached mainland. 
  • In any situation regarding the safety of the vessel and its passengers, the Cruise Captain holds full authority to make the final decision. 
  • The Operator/Cruise Captain reserves the right to refuse any passenger to board if they are displaying unruly behaviour under the influence of alcohol or drugs, without any refund. 
  • Any damages or loss to equipment onboard or the cruise due to negligence or unruly behaviour must be replaced or repaired by the passenger responsible.  
  • North Borneo Cruises will not be liable for any injury received by passengers that are caused due to negligence or unruly or violent behaviour onboard. 
  • Children (11 years and below) are to be always supervised by an adult. North Borneo Cruises crew and cruise attendants is not responsible or liable for them.  
  • Passengers with disabilities must be accompanied by a carer at all times. North Borneo Cruises crew and cruise attendants will take reasonable care in bringing them onboard but is not responsible or liable for their movement while onboard. 
  • We will require your passport/MYKAD number for registration. 
  • Stay warm! You may bring a sweater with you as it can get a little chilly up in Kinabalu Park.
  • Flight Timing Guide:
    • Arrival:
      It is recommended to book flights which arrive in Kota Kinabalu before 14:00hrs on the first day in order to make it for the North Borneo Cruises. If your flight arrives after 14:00hrs, we will reschedule your cruise session to Day 3. 
    • Departure:
      You can book any flight time for departure from Kota Kinabalu on your last day.