Sign inGet Pro
Penang Malaysia The-George-Town-Dispensary-01 (George Town)
Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Destination template · 9 days

George Town & Kota Kinabalu in 9 days

2 sightseeing days in George Town, a dedicated relocation day, then 6 days in Kota Kinabalu. Includes Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi and Sacred Heart Cathedral, with guide-listed dining suggestions.

Adapted from community travel guides · Researched Sources & notes

The stops are drawn from the guides below; daily order, times and durations are our suggested adaptation. Available map pins are approximate, not provider-verified; missing coordinates remain unset. Prices are left unknown; check tickets, opening hours and transport before booking.

Route data adapted from Wikivoyage contributors, with our own selection and suggested timing; shared under CC BY-SA 4.0. Source pages link to contributor histories. This is an editorial multi-day schedule; the source community has not rated this itinerary.

  • Stay in George Town for the first 2 sightseeing days; move to Kota Kinabalu on day 3, then stay for 6 sightseeing days. Book accommodation in both bases rather than returning each night.
  • The 1744 km figure is approximate straight-line separation, not transit distance. The relocation day reserves room for travel and check-in without promising a direct service or a same-day connection. Verify the journey before booking this two-base plan.
  • City visits and restaurants are adapted from the linked retained community-guide material, not newly verified opening hours, live menus or first-hand visits. Suggested times are editable planning blocks. Check closures, reservations, accessibility and dietary needs.
  • Cover photo shows the first city. Original source and photo credits remain attached. Adapted community route selections retain CC BY-SA 4.0 attribution; source research dates remain in the individual stop and dining notes.
5 local dining picks added to this itineraryDining sources

These picks have positive travel-guide coverage or a named professional recommendation; they are not live customer ratings. Suggested times are not reservations. Confirm service days, dietary needs and prices. Other days remain open for your own food discoveries.

  • Day 1 · No Eyed Deer Restaurant — Restaurant meal; ask about house specialties. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s local popularity. Wikivoyage contributors ↗
  • Day 2 · EE Beng Vegetarian Food — Vegetarian. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s food or dining experience positively. Wikivoyage contributors ↗
  • Day 4 · Tavern Kitchen & Bar — Traditional. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s food or dining experience positively. Wikivoyage contributors ↗
  • Day 5 · Little Italy — Restaurant meal; ask about house specialties. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s local popularity. Wikivoyage contributors ↗
  • Day 6 · Nok Thai — Restaurant meal; ask about house specialties. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s food or dining experience positively. Wikivoyage contributors ↗

Sources checked 2026-10-30. Community-guide dining data is adapted from Wikivoyage contributors under CC BY-SA 4.0; source pages link to contributor histories.

George Town & Kota Kinabalu itinerary: 9 days at a glance

Review the original daily plan before editing below. Times and durations are suggested planning blocks; dining stops are not reservations. Your personal edits appear in the editor and downloads.

Day 1: George Town: Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi & Chew Jetty

  • · Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi · 120 min
  • · Chew Jetty · 120 min
  • · Dinner: No Eyed Deer Restaurant (Restaurant meal; ask about house specialties) · 75 min

Day 2: George Town: Pinang Peranakan Mansion & Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

  • · Pinang Peranakan Mansion · 120 min
  • · Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion · 120 min
  • · Dinner: EE Beng Vegetarian Food (Vegetarian) · 75 min

Day 3: George Town → Kota Kinabalu: travel and check-in

  • · Relocate: George Town → Kota Kinabalu · 600 min

Day 4: Kota Kinabalu: Sacred Heart Cathedral & Islamic Civilization Museum

  • · Sacred Heart Cathedral · 90 min
  • · Transfer to Islamic Civilization Museum · 30 min
  • · Islamic Civilization Museum · 120 min
  • · Dinner: Tavern Kitchen & Bar (Traditional) · 75 min

Day 5: Kota Kinabalu: Tanjung Aru Beach & Perdana Park

  • · Tanjung Aru Beach · 120 min
  • · Transfer to Perdana Park · 30 min
  • · Perdana Park · 120 min
  • · Dinner: Little Italy (Restaurant meal; ask about house specialties) · 75 min

Day 6: Kota Kinabalu: Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park & City Park

  • · Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park · 120 min
  • · Transfer to City Park · 30 min
  • · City Park · 120 min
  • · Dinner: Nok Thai (Restaurant meal; ask about house specialties) · 75 min

Day 7: Kota Kinabalu: Sabah State Museum & Gurdwara Sahib Sikh Temple

  • · Sabah State Museum · 120 min
  • · Transfer to Gurdwara Sahib Sikh Temple · 30 min
  • · Gurdwara Sahib Sikh Temple · 90 min

Day 8: Kota Kinabalu: Che Sui Khor Chinese Temple & Atkinson Tower

  • · Che Sui Khor Chinese Temple · 90 min
  • · Transfer to Atkinson Tower · 30 min
  • · Atkinson Tower · 75 min

Day 9: Kota Kinabalu: Puh Toh Tze Chinese Temple & Sri Pasupathinath Alayam Hindu Temple

  • · Puh Toh Tze Chinese Temple · 90 min
  • · Transfer to Sri Pasupathinath Alayam Hindu Temple · 30 min
  • · Sri Pasupathinath Alayam Hindu Temple · 90 min

Download this itinerary

Free · no sign-up
Customise right here: move, duplicate, add or delete days and activities, then download.
Day 1
  • 10:00120m
    George Town

    Suggested visit block; confirm opening hours, admission and transfer time. Approximate map pin from a community guide; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/George_Town_%28Malaysia%29 (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 14:00120m
    George Town

    Suggested visit block; confirm opening hours, admission and transfer time. Map pin unavailable; locate the entrance before navigating. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/George_Town_%28Malaysia%29 (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 18:0075m
    Dining
    98-1-26 Prima Tanjung, Jalan Fettes 11200 Tanjung Tokong

    Restaurant meal; ask about house specialties. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s local popularity. Suggested dining time, not a booking. Confirm service days, availability, dietary needs and current menu prices before travelling. Guide-listed service: 6AM - 11PM. Recheck with the restaurant. Route distance is unknown; check travel time and the entrance. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Dining source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/George_Town_%28Malaysia%29 (checked 2026-10-30). Guide recommendations are not live customer star ratings. Wikivoyage revision 5402735; selection and timing adapted under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Day 2
  • 10:00120m
    George Town

    Suggested visit block; confirm opening hours, admission and transfer time. Approximate map pin from a community guide; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/George_Town_%28Malaysia%29 (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 14:00120m
    George Town

    Suggested visit block; confirm opening hours, admission and transfer time. Approximate map pin from a community guide; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/George_Town_%28Malaysia%29 (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 18:0075m
    Dining
    On Lebuh Dickens. (Dickens Street)(Near the junction of Penang Road)

    Vegetarian. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s food or dining experience positively. Suggested dining time, not a booking. Confirm service days, availability, dietary needs and current menu prices before travelling. Service hours need confirmation. About 0.6 km straight-line from the preceding stop; allow transit or taxi time as needed, not a measured walking route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Dining source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/George_Town_%28Malaysia%29 (checked 2026-10-30). Guide recommendations are not live customer star ratings. Wikivoyage revision 5402735; selection and timing adapted under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Day 3
  • 08:00600m
    George Town → Kota Kinabalu

    Dedicated relocation day from George Town to Kota Kinabalu; no transport is booked. The city centres are approximately 1744 km apart in a straight line, not a measured road or rail route. Choose and book a suitable flight, train, bus or ferry; confirm operating days, total door-to-door time, luggage rules and arrival before making reservations. This full-day block is reserved time, not a timetable. Move the following day if your journey needs longer.

Day 4
  • 09:3090m
    Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman

    Check visitor access and worship times; follow site-specific dress and photography rules. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Kota_Kinabalu (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 12:0030m
    Kota Kinabalu

    Estimated transfer allowance between visits (0.24 km straight-line distance, not road distance). Check walking, transit, ferry or taxi options before travelling; allow a meal break before the 15:00 visit.

  • 15:00120m
    Jalan Menteri

    Check admission, timed-entry availability and the current exhibition or visitor route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Kota_Kinabalu (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 18:0075m
    Dining
    Lot G-93, Imago Shopping Mall, KK Times Square Phase 2, Jalan Coastal

    Traditional. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s food or dining experience positively. Suggested dining time, not a booking. Confirm service days, availability, dietary needs and current menu prices before travelling. Guide-listed service: Sun-Thu 10AM-midnight, Fri Sat Holiday Eve 10AM-2AM. Recheck with the restaurant. About 1.2 km straight-line from the preceding stop; allow transit or taxi time as needed, not a measured walking route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Dining source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Kota_Kinabalu (checked 2026-10-30). Guide recommendations are not live customer star ratings. Wikivoyage revision 5407566; selection and timing adapted under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Day 5
  • 09:30120m
    Kota Kinabalu

    Check weather and access conditions; arrange any required ferry or return transport separately. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Kota_Kinabalu (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 12:0030m
    Kota Kinabalu

    Estimated transfer allowance between visits (0.39 km straight-line distance, not road distance). Check walking, transit, ferry or taxi options before travelling; allow a meal break before the 15:00 visit.

  • 15:00120m
    Jalan Mat Salleh

    Check weather and access conditions; arrange any required ferry or return transport separately. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Kota_Kinabalu (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 18:0075m
    Dining
    Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

    Restaurant meal; ask about house specialties. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s local popularity. Suggested dining time, not a booking. Confirm service days, availability, dietary needs and current menu prices before travelling. Service hours need confirmation. Route distance is unknown; check travel time and the entrance. Map pin unavailable; use the address to locate the restaurant. Dining source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Kota_Kinabalu (checked 2026-10-30). Guide recommendations are not live customer star ratings. Wikivoyage revision 5407566; selection and timing adapted under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Day 6
  • 09:30120m
    Kota Kinabalu

    Check weather and access conditions; arrange any required ferry or return transport separately. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Kota_Kinabalu (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 12:0030m
    Kota Kinabalu

    Estimated transfer allowance between visits (3.86 km straight-line distance, not road distance). Check walking, transit, ferry or taxi options before travelling; allow a meal break before the 15:00 visit.

  • 15:00120m
    Kota Kinabalu

    Check weather and access conditions; arrange any required ferry or return transport separately. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Kota_Kinabalu (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 18:0075m
    Dining
    Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

    Restaurant meal; ask about house specialties. Community guide highlights this restaurant’s food or dining experience positively. Suggested dining time, not a booking. Confirm service days, availability, dietary needs and current menu prices before travelling. Service hours need confirmation. Route distance is unknown; check travel time and the entrance. Map pin unavailable; use the address to locate the restaurant. Dining source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Kota_Kinabalu (checked 2026-10-30). Guide recommendations are not live customer star ratings. Wikivoyage revision 5407566; selection and timing adapted under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Day 7
  • 09:30120m
    Jalan Kebajikan

    Check admission, timed-entry availability and the current exhibition or visitor route. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Kota_Kinabalu (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 12:0030m
    Kota Kinabalu

    Estimated transfer allowance between visits (0.8 km straight-line distance, not road distance). Check walking, transit, ferry or taxi options before travelling; allow a meal break before the 15:00 visit.

  • 15:0090m
    Jalan Mat Salleh near Sembulan

    Check visitor access and worship times; follow site-specific dress and photography rules. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Kota_Kinabalu (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Day 8
  • 09:3090m
    Jalan Tuaran at Mile 2

    Check visitor access and worship times; follow site-specific dress and photography rules. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Kota_Kinabalu (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 12:0030m
    Kota Kinabalu

    Estimated transfer allowance between visits (1.32 km straight-line distance, not road distance). Check walking, transit, ferry or taxi options before travelling; allow a meal break before the 15:00 visit.

  • 15:0075m
    Kota Kinabalu

    Use this as a flexible sightseeing stop; check current visitor access before setting dates. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Kota_Kinabalu (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Day 9
  • 09:3090m
    Jalan Tuaran near Kolombong

    Check visitor access and worship times; follow site-specific dress and photography rules. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Kota_Kinabalu (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

  • 12:0030m
    Kota Kinabalu

    Estimated transfer allowance between visits (1.77 km straight-line distance, not road distance). Check walking, transit, ferry or taxi options before travelling; allow a meal break before the 15:00 visit.

  • 15:0090m
    No. 4, Jalan Khidmat, Off Jalan Kolam, Bukit Padang

    Check visitor access and worship times; follow site-specific dress and photography rules. Approximate map pin; confirm the entrance. Source: Wikivoyage contributors, https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Kota_Kinabalu (CC BY-SA 4.0). Selection and timing adapted; route data shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Been to George Town & Kota Kinabalu? Share your experience

What was worth it, what you'd skip, where you ate. Your tips help the next traveller plan this trip.

Share your experience

Keep planning your trip