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ARTICLE #68:–

The Ultimate 10D9N Sabah Itinerary (Muslim-Friendly, Long Form, Evergreen Travel Guide)

Sabah, located in East Malaysia on the island of Borneo, is one of the world’s most beautiful nature destinations — home to Mount Kinabalu, Kundasang highlands, tropical islands, coral reefs, wildlife, deep rainforests, cultural villages, islands like Mantanani & Sipadan, and vibrant modern Kota Kinabalu.

This 10D9N itinerary gives you the BEST full Sabah experience covering: ✔ Kota Kinabalu
✔ Kundasang
✔ Ranau
✔ Sandakan
✔ Sepilok
✔ Kinabatangan River
✔ Semporna Islands (Mabul, Kapalai)
✔ Mantanani Island (optional)

Perfect for families, couples, adventurers, and Muslim travellers.

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⭐ Why Visit Sabah?

✔ Breathtaking nature

Mountains, beaches, rainforests, coral reefs, islands, waterfalls.

✔ Muslim-friendly

Halal food everywhere, surau in malls, majority Muslim population.

✔ World-class diving

Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai, Mantanani.

✔ Cool weather (Kundasang)

Like Malaysia’s own “New Zealand.”

✔ Wildlife

Orangutans, proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants.

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🌤 Best Time to Visit Sabah

Month Notes

Feb – Aug Best weather, sunny, perfect for islands
Sep – Nov Some rain, still good
Dec – Jan Rainy season (more showers)

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✈ 10D9N COMPLETE SABAH ITINERARY

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📍 DAY 1 — Arrival in Kota Kinabalu + Sunset Waterfront

✈ Arrive at: KKIA (Kota Kinabalu International Airport)

⭐ Visit:

Kota Kinabalu Waterfront

Anjung Senja Sunset Point

Imago Shopping Mall

Signal Hill Observatory (optional)

🍽 Halal Dinner:

Welcome Seafood

Sri Rezeki Nasi Ayam Penyet

Mashawi KK

🏨 Stay:

Kota Kinabalu City (Promenade / Le Méridien / Kinabalu Daya Hotel)

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📍 DAY 2 — Kota Kinabalu Islands (Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park)

Island hopping to:

Manukan Island

Sapi Island

Mamutik Island

⭐ Activities:

Snorkelling

Banana boat

Parasailing

Zipline (Sapi → Gaya Island)

Beach relaxing

🍽 Halal lunch box provided during tour.

Return to KK in evening.

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📍 DAY 3 — KK → Kundasang (Highland Trip)

Travel to Kundasang (2 hours).

⭐ Visit:

Tamparuli Bridge

Chanteek Borneo Museum

Nabalu Market (souvenirs)

Kundasang Valley View

📷 Views:

Rolling hills

Pine trees

Foggy mountains

🏨 Stay in Kundasang:

J Resort Kundasang

Dream World Resort

H Benjamin Residence

Cottage Homestay

Cool weather 15–20°C at night.

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📍 DAY 4 — Kundasang FULL DAY: Desa Dairy Farm + Mesilau + Hounon Ridge

⭐ Visit:

1. Desa Dairy Farm

New Zealand vibes, beautiful green fields.

2. Mesilau Nature Park

Panoramic mountain forest.

3. Sosodikon Hill

Moderate hike, breathtaking view.

4. Kundasang War Memorial

Floral garden + history.

5. Hounon Ridge

Perfect sunset viewpoint.

🍽 Halal Lunch & Dinner:

Restoran Nasi Arab Kundasang

Puteri Nabalu

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📍 DAY 5 — Ranau Hot Springs + Canopy Walk + Fish Spa

Travel to Ranau (near Kundasang).

⭐ Visit:

1. Poring Hot Spring

Japanese-style hot springs.

2. Canopy Walk

Walk across rainforest suspension bridges.

3. Kelah Fish Spa (Luanti River)

Unique experience—fish nibble your feet.

4. Sabah Tea Garden

Tea plantation with scenic café.

Return to Kundasang for final night.

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📍 DAY 6 — Kundasang → Sandakan

Long journey (5–6 hours), enjoy scenery.

⭐ Rest stops:

Ranau town

Telupid

Kinabatangan

Arrive in Sandakan late afternoon.

⭐ Evening:

Harbourfront promenade

Sandakan Central Market

🏨 Stay:

Sandakan Hotel

Sabah Hotel

The Elopura Hotel

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📍 DAY 7 — Sandakan Wildlife Day (Orangutan + Sun Bear + Rainforest)

⭐ Visit:

1. Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Feeding time around 10 am & 3 pm.

2. Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Cute & endangered sun bears.

3. Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC)

Skywalk canopy bridge.

4. Puu Jih Shih Temple

Beautiful hilltop view.

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📍 DAY 8 — Kinabatangan River Cruise (Wildlife Safari)

Travel to Kinabatangan (2 hours).

⭐ Activities:

1. River Cruise 1

Spot:

Proboscis monkeys

Crocodiles

Hornbills

Pygmy elephants (rare but possible!)

2. Jungle Trekking (optional)

Night walk or morning trek.

3. River Cruise 2 (Sunset)

Golden hour wildlife spotting.

🏨 Stay:

Kinabatangan River Lodge / Bilit Adventure Lodge

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📍 DAY 9 — Sandakan → Semporna

Travel to Semporna (5–6 hours).

⭐ In the afternoon:

Visit Tun Sakaran Marine Park Jetty

Check in hotel / floating resort

Semporna seafront photo spots

🏨 Stay:

Sipadan Mangrove Resort

Dragon Inn Floating Resort

Seafest Hotel

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📍 DAY 10 — Semporna Island Hopping + Departure

Choose 1 of the island routes:

⭐ OPTION A — Mabul + Kapalai + Gusungan Island

Best for snorkelling & photography.

⭐ OPTION B — Bohey Dulang + Mantabuan + Sibuan

Best for hiking + crystal-clear water.

Climb Bohey Dulang Hill (popular viewpoint)
Snorkel at Mantabuan
Relax at Sibuan beach

🛫 Fly home from:

Tawau Airport (TWU)

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💸 Estimated Budget (10D9N Sabah)

Category Cost (RM)

Hotels (9 nights) RM900 – RM1,800
Food RM300 – RM450
Transport (car/van) RM500 – RM800
Tours + Tickets RM450 – RM900
Semporna Island Tour RM150 – RM300
Misc/Shopping RM100 – RM300

TOTAL: RM2,400 – RM4,500
(Tidak termasuk tiket kapal terbang)

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🍽 Must-Try Halal Food in Sabah

✔ Kota Kinabalu

Ngiu Chap (halal versions)

Seafood Anjung Senja

Mee Tuaran

Ayam Penyet Sri Rezeki

✔ Kundasang

Nasi Ayam Gunung

Steamboat Highlands

✔ Sandakan

Bak Kut Teh Halal Sandakan

Seafood Harbour

✔ Semporna

Fresh seafood BBQ

Sotong bakar

Udang galah

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🏨 Best Places to Stay (by area)

Kota Kinabalu

Le Méridien

Promenade

Hilton KK

Kundasang

Hounon Ridge

J Resort

Dream World Resort

Sandakan

Sabah Hotel

Elopura Hotel

Semporna

Seafest Hotel

Dragon Inn Floating Resort

Sipadan Mangrove Resort

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