ARTICLE #36:
4 Days 3 Nights Itinerary: Sabah & Sarawak Special (2025 Edition)
The Ultimate 4D3N Malaysian Borneo Adventure for First-Time Travellers
Introduction
A 4 days 3 nights (4D3N) trip is the perfect amount of time to explore the highlights of Sabah or Sarawak without rushing. Compared to a 3D2N trip, this itinerary gives you extra breathing room to enjoy nature, islands, culture, and local food while still keeping the schedule light and enjoyable.
Below are two complete 4D3N itineraries:
✔ One for Sabah (Kota Kinabalu + Kundasang)
✔ One for Sarawak (Kuching + Bako + Wildlife)
Choose whichever destination suits your travel style.
PART A — 4D3N ITINERARY: SABAH (KOTA KINABALU + KUNDASANG)
DAY 1 — Arrival + Kota Kinabalu City Highlights
Morning
Arrive at Kota Kinabalu International Airport
Check-in at hotel (city area recommended)
Brunch at Welcome Seafood or Yee Fung Laksa
Afternoon
- Sabah State Museum
Learn Sabah’s history & indigenous culture. - Atkinson Clock Tower
One of Kota Kinabalu’s oldest standing structures. - Signal Hill Observatory Platform
Best panoramic view of KK town.
Evening
Walk along Kota Kinabalu Waterfront
Sunset at Tanjung Aru Beach — world-class sunset
Dinner at Tanjung Aru food stalls or nearby cafes
DAY 2 — Island Hopping (Manukan + Sapi + Mamutik)
Morning (Start 8:00am)
Head to Jesselton Point Jetty
Buy 2–3 island hopping package
Recommended islands:
✔ Manukan (clear water, family friendly)
✔ Sapi (best for activities)
✔ Mamutik (small and peaceful)
Activities
Snorkeling
Parasailing
Banana boat
Sea walking
Underwater photography
Lunch
Bring packed meals or buy at island cafés
Afternoon
Return to KK around 3:30–4:00pm
Rest at hotel
Shopping at Imago Mall or Suria Sabah
Evening
Seafood dinner at Oceanus Waterfront
Optional: Night Market (Filipino Market)
DAY 3 — Full-Day Kundasang + Ranau Highlands
Morning (7:00am) — Depart from KK
Kundasang is about 1 hour 45 minutes from KK.
Stops Along the Way
- Nabalu Viewpoint
Best stop for Mount Kinabalu photos.
Main Attractions in Kundasang
- Desa Dairy Farm
Fresh milk, ice cream, and New Zealand-like scenery. - Kinabalu Park (UNESCO)
Nature trails + misty forest. - Kundasang War Memorial
Beautiful flower garden + historical site. - Poring Hot Spring
Optional: canopy walk, butterfly garden, hot spring pools.
Evening
Dinner in Ranau town
Drive back to KK
Rest
DAY 4 — Souvenirs + Local Food + Departure
Morning
Breakfast with Tuaran Mee or Ngiu Chap
Souvenir shopping at Gaya Street or Filipino Market
Afternoon
Relax at coffee shops around KK
Head to airport
Evening
Fly home with stunning memories of Sabah
PART B — 4D3N ITINERARY: SARAWAK (KUCHING + BAKO + SEMENGGOH)
DAY 1 — Kuching City + Riverfront Experience
Morning
Arrive at Kuching International Airport
Check-in at hotel
Brunch: Laksa Sarawak or Mee Kolok
Afternoon
- Kuching Waterfront
- Darul Hana Bridge
- DUN Sarawak Building
Evening
Sunset river cruise
Dinner at Topspot Seafood
Night walk around Main Bazaar
DAY 2 — Wildlife Day: Semenggoh Orangutan + Anna Rais Village
Morning (8:00am)
Visit Semenggoh Wildlife Centre
Feeding time
Spot semi-wild orangutans
Nature trails
Afternoon
Continue to Annah Rais Longhouse Village
Traditional Bidayuh culture
Bamboo houses
Natural hot springs nearby
Evening
Dinner at Carpenter Street
Relax at café or Waterfront
DAY 3 — Bako National Park Adventure
Morning
30-minute drive to Bako Jetty
Speedboat to Bako National Park
Activities
1–2 hour jungle trekking
Spot wildlife (proboscis monkeys, wild boars, exotic plants)
Explore unique sea cliffs & beach formations
Afternoon
Lunch at Bako canteen
Continue hiking or photography
Evening
Return to Kuching
Dinner at local food court
DAY 4 — Museums + Souvenirs + Departure
Morning
Visit Cat Museum
Quick tour of Sarawak Museum (if open)
Explore Carpenter Street
Afternoon
Souvenir shopping at Main Bazaar
Lunch + coffee
Head to airport
Evening
Fly home and end your Sarawak adventure
ESTIMATED BUDGET FOR 4D3N (2025)
Sabah (KK + Kundasang)
Category Estimated Cost
Accommodation RM250–RM600
Food RM150–RM300
Island Hopping RM150–RM250
Kundasang Trip RM50–RM150
Transport RM100–RM200
Tickets RM10–RM40
Total RM660–RM1,540
Sarawak (Kuching area)
Category Estimated Cost
Accommodation RM200–RM450
Food RM120–RM250
Bako Trip RM40–RM80
Semenggoh RM10
Transport RM70–RM150
Tickets RM10–RM30
Total RM450–RM970
TRAVEL TIPS FOR 4D3N IN BORNEO
Bring comfortable walking shoes
Don’t rush — Borneo is about relaxing
Keep your itinerary flexible for rain
Book island tours and Bako boats early
Choose hotels within the city for easy transport
Try as many local dishes as possible
Conclusion
A 4D3N trip to Sabah or Sarawak gives you the ideal balance of adventure, relaxation, food, culture and beautiful nature. Whether you’re exploring turquoise islands in Sabah or trekking through Sarawak’s national parks, Borneo always offers a memorable journey.
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