4D3N in Sabah: Things to Do & Eat in The Land Below The Wind

Sabah is easily one of the best destinations in the region to experience rustic natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and mouthwatering local delicacies. Located just a short flight away from Singapore, the Land Below The Wind promises plenty of experiences to keep you coming back for more. 

If you’re planning your first-ever trip to Sabah and you’re not sure what to do, fret not! Here’s a 4D3N Sabah itinerary that is perfect for first-timers to get a quick taste of what Sabah has to offer! 

Day 1: Kota Kinabalu (Arrival → Lunch at Chinatown →  Mari Mari Cultural Village → Tanjung Aru Beach → Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market → Dinner at KK Waterfront)

After arriving at Kota Kinabalu International Airport, let’s address the most pressing issue: Lunch! Today, we’ll head to the bustling Chinatown District of Sabah — Gaya Street in Kota Kinabalu.

As you might have guessed from the name, Gaya Street is where you will find plenty of famous Chinese eateries, many of which are family businesses that have been passed down for generations! Foong Ip Cafe and Fook Yuen Cafe & Bakery, which is popular for serving Halal dim sum along with other local favourites like roti bakar. 

Hint: If you’re visiting on a Sunday morning, you should also check out the Gaya Street Sunday Market. It’s one of the most bustling attractions in the city. Basically, the entire stretch of Gaya Street is closed off on Sunday morning to make ways for the street fair, where you can find artisanal arts and crafts, snacks, and even fresh produce. 

Afternoon

After lunch, we’ll head to Mari Mari Cultural Village, a cultural treasure trove located a distance away from the city. It’s situated amidst a tranquil forest, giving off therapeutic vibes. Here, you can immerse yourself in the various cultures of Sabah’s ethnic communities. During your excursion, you’ll also be able to sample some local delicacies and enjoy cultural performances. 

As the afternoon sun beckons, we’ll head to Tanjung Aru Beach, arguably the most popular coastal attraction in Kota Kinabalu. We’ll spend some time lazing on the beach, enjoying the gentle ocean breeze and the comfort of the soft fine sand. For the adventurous souls, you can also try sea kayaking here! 

Evening

Before heading for dinner, stop by the Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market to shop for some unique souvenirs. 

Finally, to end our first day in Sabah, we’ll have dinner at the ambient Waterfront. Here, you’ll find an assortment of cafes, restaurants, and bars. Take your pick from various dining options including some of Sabah’s famous seafood restaurants and end the night with a fully satiated palette. 

Day 2: Kundasang (Breakfast at Yee Fung Kopitiam → Desa Dairy Farm → Lunch at Hooga Cafe → Kundasang Market → Check-in @ Umea Glam Kundasang → Dinner + Stargazing)

Day two of our trip to Sabah is something that will get nature lovers truly excited. We’ll start early in the morning with breakfast ay Yee Fung Kopitiam. There are two dishes that are must-try foods in Kota Kinabalu here: Ngiu Chap (beef noodle soup) and Sabah Laksa. 

After breakfast, get comfy because we’ll be hopping on a two-hour ride to one of Sabah’s most beautiful areas — the hilly region of Kundasang. Our first stop there is the ever-popular Desa Dairy Farm. Apart from swoon-worthy views of Mount Kinabalu and wide open meadows (perfect for Instagram photos), the farm is also famous for its cattle farm. 

Desa Dairy Farm produces sustainable dairy products and for allowing visitors the chance to feed and interact with the animals. Before leaving, don’t forget to sample some freshly made Gelato. It’s their specialty!  If you have extra time, you can also visit the nearby Alpaca Club. As the name suggests, you’ll get to pet adorable alpacas here amidst lovely hilly scenery. 

Afternoon

For lunch, we’ll stop by Hooga Cafe, a popular eatery that’s located adjacent to Kundasang Farm Ville. The menu here consists of both western and local fusion dishes. Their cakes, fresh-baked on site, are particularly delicious and a great way to round up your lunch. Before heading to your next stop, spend some time touring the aforementioned Kundasang Farm Ville for more IG-worthy photos and a chance to pick fresh fruits.  

Next, we’ll head into the town area of Kundasang where we’ll visit the Kundasang Market. You’ll find the typical local handicrafts and food, but we’re here to pick up some fresh ingredients for dinner! Once you’re done shopping, head back into the alluring hills to check into Umea Glam Kundasang where we’ll be spending the next two nights. 

Evening

Umea Glam Kundasang is one of the newer accommodation options in Sabah and one that promises an unforgettable experience. Instead of conventional hotels and resorts, Umea Glam Kundasang offers visitors the chance to sleep under the stars with a lovely glamping experience. 

Each room is housed within a glass dome that offers you an incredible view of the surrounding hills. In the morning, you’ll wake up to the majestic sight of Mount Kinabalu in the distance, while at night, when the skies are clear, you’ll be able to go stargazing from the comfort of your own room. 

For dinner, we’ll be having a fun BBQ at the common area. Imagine, feasting on freshly-grilled meat while under the starry sky, surrounded by the cool hilly air. Now that’s what I call bliss! 

Day 3: Breakfast at Restoran Panataran → Kinabalu Park → Sabah Tea Garden → Poring Hot Springs → Dinner at Puteri Nabalu)

In the morning, we’ll start by travelling around 30 minutes to near the foot of Mount Kinabalu. There, we’ll have breakfast, a wide assortment of local Malay dishes, at Restoran Panataran. 

Once breakfast is over, it’s time to visit the main highlight of Sabah: Mount Kinabalu. However, climbing Mount Kinabalu is often a 2D1N activity at the very least, so today, we won’t hike to the peak. Instead, we’ll just explore Kinabalu National Park, found at the foot of Sabah’s iconic mountain. 

Even though we won’t be heading to the top of Mount Kinabalu, just exploring the park at the base offers plenty of lovely and therapeutic natural scenery to lift your soul. If you’re lucky, you may also spot some of Sabah’s unique wildlife as you traverse the verdant forests! 

Afternoon

For lunch, we’ll head to the Sabah Tea Garden, famous for producing some of the finest tea in Malaysia, where we can explore the vast tea fields and sample some freshly-brewed tea along with fresh-baked pastries and some local dishes. 

To fully relax and recover, we’ll head to the Poring Hot Springs in Ranau, one of the few places in Malaysia where you can relax and unwind in a natural hot spring. Supposedly, the waters contain therapeutic qualities that work wonders on your skin. If you’ve got energy left to spare, you could also trek through the surrounding lowland forests and visit Kipungit Waterfall and Langganan Waterfall, two of the most famous natural landmarks in the area. 

Finally, to conclude our last night in Sabah, we’ll head to Puteri Nabalu where we can feast on a hearty steamboat dinner amidst cool, natural surroundings. 

Day 4: Brunch at BW Bus Restaurant → Transfer to airport

Our final day in Sabah begins with a late start. Before leaving the lovely embrace of Kundasang, we’ll head to BW Bus Restaurant, one of the newest trendy eateries in Sabah. 

Housed in a refurbished old bus, the restaurant serves a mix of western and local cuisine. But what truly makes it memorable is the fantastic view of Mount Kinabalu right outside the window. As you sip on fresh coffee and dig into sumptuous sandwiches, spend some time to also capture plenty of photos for your Instagram feed. 

And with that, we begin our two-hour journey back to Kota Kinabalu to catch your return flight to Singapore. While there’s more to Sabah than we’ve seen in the past four days, this 4D3N has certainly offered you a real taste of Sabah’s rustic natural beauty and warm cultural embrace!