2026 Papar Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in February)

Where is the most photogenic place in Kota Kinabalu?? ▶️ Forest Garden There are stairs to heaven, swings to heaven, etc. in the forest garden, and it is the perfect place for a lifetime shot. It is decorated with a camping atmosphere, so it has a nice atmosphere. 📍 Forest Garden Location 89500 Papar, Sabah, Malaysia It takes about 30-40 minutes by car from downtown Kota I went on a forest firefly tour. It is about 20.1km away from downtown Kota Kinabalu, and it is said to be the shortest distance to see fireflies. 🕰️Operating hours 4:00 p.m. ~ 9:00 p.m. #SeptemberTravelSupportEvent #KotaKinabalu #KotaKinabaluFreeTravel #ForestForest #KotaKinabaluTravel #FireflyTour

#familytrips2024 The Seaside Travellers Inn is a recommended place for a group of friends and family outing. Boasting a quiet setting and direct beach access. Visitors can revel the spectacular views of the open sea and the Beringgis Island. Address - Seaside Travellers Inn, KM 20, Papar Road, Kampung Laut, 89600 Papar, Sabah. Ambiance/Facilities - The hotel restaurant offers food and drink throughout the day including a free continental breakfast and barbecue facilities are also available. Highlights - Having a meal while enjoying the relaxing view of the South China Sea. Avg. Price per Person - Starting from RM90-RM200 Rating - I would rate 3.5/5 #awesomepic #deliciousfood #sea #theedgestay #theedgetrip #familytrips #seaside #seaview #southchinasea

relaxing and peaceful

Chan's kopitiam

Nice and fresh seafood

Nice place to relax and stay

Address - Anjung Soka Restaurant Highlights - Ocean view with fast service Avg. Price per Person - RM15 Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We order tomyam soup, Fried Noodle, Avocado juice, fried banana & laici kang they serve the most generous portion of tomyom I ever have with alot of seafood and vegetables. Tasty fries noodle creamy avocado juice

#niceview #langkahsyabas #staycation

1. Address - Pantai Buang Sayang, papar week end holiday season

Lets visit night view of lighting of hari raya.. Its so wanderful n beautiful view.. But if rainy tht couldn't happen.. Huhu.. #seaside photo guide

Lets celebrate of hari raya.. With all of syawal night with jujul(candel).. Feels peaceful n forgets ur stress while u watching it #happy hari raya #unforgettable experiences

there were barely any people who stayed there, i felt like it was just me and my friend that day. but still, the resort was nice and big. tye staffs were also friendly and helpful. the beach was clean and had really strong wind. overall it was still a good place to escape from the busy city world.

Kota Kinabalu and the surrounding areas in the state of Sabah, Malaysia provide pure tropical dreams 🌴 — think epic sunsets, amazing food, and a laidback island vibe you won’t want to leave 😎✨. If you’re after bucket-list beaches, cool local culture, and wildlife, this spot DELIVERS. Top Spots to Visit: 1. Tanjung Aru Beach (Tanjung Aru Beach Resort, 88100 Kota Kinabalu) — Open 10:00–23:00. Catch the legendary sunsets here — pack a cold drink, chill out and watch the sky ignite every evening 😮🌅. 2. Manukan Island — Year-round, 8:00–17:00. Hop a boat (arrange at Jesselton Point). Swim, snorkel, or zone out on golden sand. Just don't forget your sunscreen! 🚤🏝️ 3. Borneo Cultural Village (Mai Aman, 89600 Papar) — Open all day. A great day trip from Kota Kinabalu. Dive into the stories, crafts, and daily life of Borneo’s indigenous tribes. A must for anyone curious about local heritage! 4. Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu (Jalan Pasir, Jalan Teluk Likas, 88400 Kota Kinabalu) — Jaw-dropping modern architecture floating above the water. Open Mon–Thu & weekends, 8:00–12:00, 14:00–15:30, 16:00–17:00. Closed Fridays. Go early for the best photos! Personal Tips: The boat to Manukan is quick and easy — get there before early for calmer water. Sunset at Tanjung Aru is unmissable, don’t leave Sabah without seeing it. If you’re an early riser, the Masjid’s morning light is also magical! I'd also suggest a day trip on a river cruise to go spotting the famous proboscis monkey! 🐒 Useful Tips: Getting around: the 'Grab' app is super convenient; boat trips can be booked at the jetty. Food: Don’t skip the seafood feasts at Kota Kinabalu night market! Try roasted chicken wings and mango smoothies by the beach. Money: Malaysian Ringgit is king — cash is always handy for street eats and small markets. Weather: Always humid and hot, pack light & bring a hat! #SabahTrip #KotaKinabalu #TropicalVibes #BorneoCulture

Hangzhou - Sabah 5⃣️-Day Tour 📍Attractions: Island hopping, Tanjung Aru Beach, Mari Mari Cultural Village, Floating Mosque, Sabah Foundation Building, Kota Kinabalu Seafood Market, Kota Kinabalu city center... 🌊Island Hopping: Mamutik Island, Manukan Island, three islands in a row, and I can't remember the other one. White sandy beaches against the blue sky, the ocean 🌊 looks like it's been filtered. As long as the weather is good, you can get stunning photos in minutes, no editing needed. 🏝Tanjung Aru Beach: The world's top 3 sunset 🌅 is no exaggeration; as long as the weather isn't too bad, come before 5 PM, and it definitely won't disappoint your expectations. The sea surface is covered with shimmering golden light, waves gently kiss the sand, the wind carries a salty, tender breeze, even time slows down, immersing you in the most healing sunset. 🦓Mari Mari Cultural Village: It's also one of Kota Kinabalu's must-visit attractions. The ecological environment is excellent, with a strong local flavor, as if you've entered a primitive forest tribe. There will also be performances and various tribal activities to experience. ‼️Tips: You absolutely, absolutely, absolutely must pay attention to sun protection!!! Don't miss a single inch for sun protection, reapply constantly!!! My arms got sunburned, and they haven't lightened back to normal in two years.

#kotakinabaluguide My evening with the Brighton Bay Sunset Firefly Cruise in Kota Kinabalu felt like stepping into a dream. The experience began with a serene boat ride along the river as the sky slowly shifted into shades of orange and pink. Watching the sun sink behind the horizon was breathtaking—calm, romantic, and beautifully peaceful. As night settled in, the real magic began. Fireflies started to appear, lighting up the riverside trees like tiny floating stars. The moment the boat drifted closer, hundreds of fireflies sparkled in harmony, creating an unforgettable natural spectacle. The guides were friendly and knowledgeable, sharing insights about the fireflies and the local ecosystem, which added meaning to the experience. What made the cruise special was its balance of tranquility and wonder—perfect for families, couples, or anyone seeking a unique escape from the city. If you’re in Kota Kinabalu, this cruise is a must-do for a night filled with beauty and calm.

Beringgis Beach

This November, Sabah's newest hidden gem, Brighton Bay, is waiting for you to check in! Here, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and satisfy both your adventure and relaxation needs. The sunset beach is a must-experience attraction—walking barefoot on the fine sand feels like stepping on clouds, accompanied by the sound of waves and the salty sea breeze, creating a very pleasant atmosphere. At dusk, the sun sinks into the horizon, the sky is colorful, and the sea surface is gilded; every shot you take looks like a masterpiece, earning you lots of likes on social media. When you're tired from playing, the buffet can reward your taste buds. Spicy Sabah-style grilled fish, fresh seafood, a variety of international cuisines, as well as coconut-flavored cakes and tropical fruit platters, let you eat while listening to the sea breeze in an excellent atmosphere. When night falls, the firefly river cruise is not to be missed. Glide quietly on a small boat along the tranquil Sungai Kawang, where fireflies flicker among the mangroves on both sides like falling stars—extremely romantic, syncing your heartbeat with nature. Come and start this romantic journey!

#hellohalloween

🌴 Escape to Papar for a breezy, laid-back beach break at Beringgis Beach Resort & Spa! If you’re dreaming of family downtime by the sea, this resort balances peaceful vibes and scenic beauty—think tranquil gardens, sprawling grounds, and a slice of Borneo’s coastline. While it’s remote (don’t forget: you’ll need a car to explore beyond the hotel or pop into Kota Kinabalu’s city center), the peaceful setting is perfect if you really want to tune out and recharge. The kids will love the big swimming pool with slides, and parking is a breeze. The rooms have lovely garden views, but here’s a tip—bring insect repellent, especially if you’re staying in the garden block (mosquitoes love it here). Relaxation comes easy thanks to friendly staff, smooth check-in/out, and plenty of quiet corners on the grounds for chilling or snapping those classic sunsets. 📸 The beach view is a highlight, ideal for long evening walks or sunset photos, though the yellow sandy shore isn’t suitable for swimming. For families, the huge pool is a winner, offering fun and splashy distractions for little ones. Address: Beringgis Beach Resort & Spa, KM26, Jalan Papar, Kampung Beringgis Booking tip: Secure your spot on trip.com for competitive prices and flexible options. Book early if you want pool-view rooms or need extra beds for the kids. Quick tip: Pack snacks and essentials, as amenities are a drive away. Consider a rental car for the best Papar experience. #Papar #BeachResort #FamilyVacation #TravelTips #Malaysia

Good

Why only go to Bali? When you could also go to Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu is located in Sabah, Malaysia. There are so many things to do here ranging from beautiful beaches to tropical forests. The activities I did were: - Snorkeling on Mengalum island (part of a package): the beach here was amazing, the best I’ve ever seen. - Forest tour and monkey observation on a ferry, the guide was really fun, we saw monkeys, fire flies, and got beautiful pictures with the sunset at Papar. - Viewing the beautiful sunset at Tanjung Aru first Beach, they say the sunset here is top 5 in the world. - Visiting the Blue mosque, and the Pink mosque, hijab is required to go inside. There are also many different kinds of food that must be tried. Unfortunately I don’t remember the name 🫤

Dinawan Island in Kota has many sandy beaches, so you have to venture deeper to find coral and rocks, where you can see fish. Everyone stares intently, so you find yourself constantly looking at each other. Living on Earth, yet living in a different place, it feels like a strange yet kinship experience. Wow! While taking various tours in Kota, I truly appreciate the kindness in the eyes of the Kota people, who put their heart and soul into every tour. I've always wanted to visit, but I miss the kind eyes and beautiful smiles of the Kota people, and I want to go back again. To Kota...

Best place to visit at KK #travel #kotakinabalu

#kotakinabaluguide Kinarut Record Station is a nostalgic hub where vinyl dreams and musical passions spin in harmony. Nestled in a laid-back corner of Sabah, this hidden gem brims with vintage vibes—from classic turntables and rare LPs to groovy posters that nod to golden eras. The air hums with melody as visitors browse through curated selections, each record telling its own timeless tale. Beloved by audiophiles, retro romantics, and those chasing soulful sounds, the station offers more than music—it delivers connection. Whether you're discovering forgotten tracks or soaking in conversations over analog beats, every visit feels like stepping into a soundscape crafted with love. It’s not just a record stop—it’s Kinarut’s heartbeat on vinyl.

If you're wondering which island to visit in Kota Kinabalu, consider Dinawan Island✨ 📍 Dinawan Island – Just a 30-minute speedboat ride away! – Less crowded and more serene compared to other islands, perfect for true relaxation – Above all, the beach is incredibly clean and beautiful✨ 💡 Recommended for: – Those hesitant about visiting Mengalum Island due to its distance – Those who want to see crystal-clear waters in a short amount of time – Families with kids or anyone seeking a quiet retreat 🏝️ This summer, if you want to enjoy a stunning beach without traveling far, head to Dinawan Island in Kota Kinabalu🫶🏻

#springitinerary ChatGPT said: I visited the Borneo Cultural Village in Sabah, and it was such an eye-opening experience! Located about a 50-minute drive from Kota Kinabalu, this place truly immerses you in the rich cultures of Borneo’s indigenous groups. I got to explore seven traditional houses, each representing a different ethnic group—like the Chinese House, Brunei House, Murut House, and more. It was fascinating to see how each was uniquely built and learn about their daily lives. What I loved most were the interactive activities! I joined traditional dance performances, tried my hand at blowpipe shooting, watched how they start fires using bamboo, and even took part in some traditional games. The hands-on experiences like henna tattooing and weaving were a nice bonus too. Food-wise, I got to taste some amazing local dishes like roti canai, curry chicken, and even tried some fermented rice wine called tapai. It was delicious and really added to the cultural immersion. The village is best visited in the morning around 10 am, and I made sure to wear comfy clothes and bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. It’s also great to take a guided tour that includes hotel pick-up, which made the trip super easy. Overall, Borneo Cultural Village was a highlight of my trip—whether you’re into culture, history, or just looking for a unique experience, I highly recommend it! #KuchingAdventures

#springitinerary A Perfect Day Trip in Sabah Here’s a little secret for planning your visit: There are two time slots to choose from — Morning session: 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM Afternoon session: 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM Tips to pick your session: Morning session is great if you arrive in Sabah early and won’t check in to your hotel until the afternoon. Afternoon session works well if you have a flight in the evening or at night — you can learn about the local culture and kill time comfortably. Weather-proof option: Even if it rains or the sky’s gloomy and you can’t go out to sea, the Cultural Village visit won’t be affected — it’s a perfect indoor/outdoor activity! Enjoy Sabah’s rich heritage, colorful traditions, and unique cultures all in one place — rain or shine! #SabahTravel #BorneoCulturalVillage #DayTripIdeas #RainOrShineFun 🌿🏞️🎭🛖

📍 Itinerary Overview 🚩 Sightseeing Route 🏖️ Must-Visit Attractions 🚇 Transportation 📷 Photo Spots 🍜 Local Cuisine 🏠 Accommodation 💡 Tips