Kota Kinabalu Long Weekend Glow Up: Sunset Strolls, Island Vibes & Seafood Magic 🌅🍹

Here’s how I made the most of three epic days in Kota Kinabalu – trust me, this itinerary is giving main character energy! 💃✨

📅 Itinerary
Day 1: Tg Aru Sunset Walk + Snacks
Tanjung Aru Beach is basically sunset goals. Head over around 5:30pm for that golden hour glow – the beach is open all day and gets extra vibey in the evening. Grab some street snacks from the local vendors (the coconut ice cream is sooo good!) and watch the sky go full pastel mode. The beach vibes here are next-level chill.

Day 2: Island Hopping at Tunku Abdul Rahman Park
Get up early and head to Jesselton Point Jetty (Jalan Haji Saman, open 8:00am–5:00pm). Catch a speedboat to islands like Manukan, Sapi, and Mamutik – snorkelling here is wild, the water is crystal clear and perfect for swimming or just flexing on Insta. 😍 Bring cash for boat tickets and any extra water toys.

Day 3: Gaya Street → Waterfront Seafood & Drinks
Start at Gaya Street (Jalan Gaya, open for the Sunday Market 6:30am–1:00pm but still worth checking all week) – it’s packed with shops, chill cafés, and local vibes. For foodie heaven, hit the Kota Kinabalu Waterfront (Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens) for sunset seafood platters and cocktails. The seafood here? Crazy fresh and so worth it! 🍤🍹

🏨 Accommodation
Casurina Hotel (Jalan Mat Salleh, near Tanjung Aru Beach): Perfect if you love rolling out of bed and hitting the beach right away.
Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu (18 Jalan Haji Saman, close to Jesselton Point Jetty): If island vibes are your thing, this spot makes hopping onto the boat super easy.

🍴 Food Recommendations
Little Italy – Italian cravings, anyone? Famous for pasta & pizza; located at Jalan Haji Saman, open 11:00am–10:00pm.
Grazie’s – Next-level Italian meals, just off Jalan Pantai, open 3:00pm–11:00pm.
Full Yuen – Classic authentic Chinese eats, find it at Jalan Haji Yaakub, open 7:00am–10:00pm.
Guans Cafe – Local coffee and snacks; on Jalan Gaya, open 8:00am–6:00pm.

📌 Tips
Book rides with Grab – super affordable and stress-free.
Always pack sunscreen & extra cash for snack stops.
Most places here let you pay with card, but small vendors might need cash.

Ready to live your best Kota Kinabalu weekend? Tropical sunsets, island hopping and seafood feasts are calling – tell your FOMO to chill and go book your adventure on trip.com right now!#travel #beachlife #thingstodo #seascapes #resorts #myitinerary