Tamparuli

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Top 10 attractions in Tamparuli

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Tanjung Aru Beach
No. 4 of Night Attractions in Malaysia

Tanjung Aru Beach

7.9
4.8/5
2.5k reviews
Located on the west side of Kota Kinabalu, Tanjung Aru Beach is undoubtedly one of the most popular landmarks in Kota Kinabalu for both locals and tourists. Daytime entertainment include a variety of water activities, while evenings are perfect for gatherings with family and friends, enjoying the sea breeze, tasting delicious local delicacies and taking in the unparalleled sunsets.Kota Kinabalu · 32.1 km from Tamparuli
Kiulu River

Kiulu River

3.5
4.8/5
59 reviews
Jiulu River is located in the north of Kota Kinabalu City. The river is fast and clear, and it is also one of the more suitable rivers for rafting in Sabah. The Jiulu River is located at the foot of the mountain. The river winds down along the cookie channel in the mountains. The scenery along the way is verdant. In the mountains and forests, you can see one or two smoke-smoothing farmhouses, or groups of children playing on the river bank. , like a paradise. If you take a rubber boat and slide down with the speed of the current, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way in a gentle area, but in the rapids, everyone must work together to row out the rubber boat. Day trip rafting Generally speaking, tourists can book rafting products for day trips. Level 1-2 of this river is suitable for basic rafting, and children can also play. Grades 3-4 are suitable for young people. You can book through a local agent or, of course, through a domestic professional travel agency. After arriving at the rafting location, the coach will explain the safety measures and the rafting method. After rafting, you can simply take a shower and change your clothes and enjoy a rich buffet lunch.Tamparuli · 7.8 km from downtown
Gaya Street
No. 4 of Night Attractions in Sabah

Gaya Street

5.4
4.5/5
558 reviews
Gaya Street is the main street of the old town of Kota Kinabalu. It took shape as early as 1902 and was known as Bond Street by the British during the colonial period, while local Chinese residents were accustomed to calling it "Middle Street." A Chinese-style archway stands at the entrance of the street, and inside are rows of old Chinese shophouses, with teahouses, restaurants, and grocery stores side by side, which is why it is known as the "Chinatown" of Sabah. The street also retains an old post office building, which has now been converted into a tourist information center and is one of the few surviving pre-war buildings in Kota Kinabalu. The highlight of this street is the market that opens every Sunday morning. Stalls occupy almost the entire street, where you can find everything from local snacks, coffee powder, and fresh produce to handicrafts, clothing, footwear, and even pet stalls. It is full of local life, where you can hunt for affordable souvenirs and observe the daily life of locals shopping at the market.Kota Kinabalu · 26.9 km from Tamparuli
Sepanggar Island
No. 4 of Family-friendly Attractions in Sabah

Sepanggar Island

4.8
4.6/5
10 reviews
Taomeng Island is a newly developed island in 2018. It is located in the northeast of the urban island, about a 15-minute boat ride away from Jeston Pier. The island has a very good ecological environment, rich vegetation resources, and fewer tourists, making it extraordinarily comfortable and peaceful; Private independent island resort, a large white sand beach, sunbathing on the beach, picking up shells, leisurely and comfortable. Adjacent to Tunku Abdul Rahman Island Park Marine Park, there are abundant marine resources and clear waters, suitable for snorkeling.Kota Kinabalu · 22.9 km from Tamparuli
Mangrove of Menghe River

Mangrove of Menghe River

3.3
5.0/5
6 reviews
The speedboat shuttled through the mangroves, swam in the Menghe mangroves, and watched the super beautiful sunset at sea, which was especially spectacular and shocking. There are many fireflies in the mangroves, and they all stop on the trees, turning the whole tree into silver balls. There are also water houses inhabited by the Bajau people in the mangroves, which are also very distinctive.Tuaran · 12.8 km from Tamparuli
Manukan Island
Selected for Best Things to Do in Sabah

Manukan Island

6.2
4.7/5
264 reviews
Manukan Island is one of the five islands of the Kota Kinabalu Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park and is large in size. The north side of the island is a rocky coast, the beaches on the south and east are suitable for swimming. The island is popular with tourists because of its facilities. It has hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, diving centers and more. The island is rich in activities such as snorkeling, deep diving, parasailing, jet boating, underwater walks, sea bikes, etc., full of fun. The island is also covered with large rainforests. You can climb a mountain and look out on to the surrounding islands from the mountain top.Kota Kinabalu · 34.2 km from Tamparuli
Kokol Hill Elf

Kokol Hill Elf

3.5
4.8/5
35 reviews
Kokol Hill is about an hour's drive from the city. The air here is cool and you can overlook the scenery of the city and the sacred mountain. The sunrise and sunset and the clouds floating in the mountains are also a scenery. There are good resorts built in the mountains, and some locals and tourists choose to drive here for vacation.Kota Kinabalu · 15.1 km from Tamparuli
Mount Kinabalu
No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Sabah

Mount Kinabalu

5.7
5.0/5
5 reviews
Mount Kinabalu is located in Ranau, Malaysia, also known as the sacred mountain. It is a well-known high mountain in Malaysia. The Mount Kinabalu's Roche Peak is more than 4,000 meters above sea level and grows at a rate of 0.5 centimeters per year. The top of the mountain is relatively easy to climb, with magnificent scenery and extremely rich animal and plant species. It has always been a tourist attraction and an important animal and plant research area.Ranau · 33 km from Tamparuli
Manutik Island

Manutik Island

5.4
4.7/5
154 reviews
The Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, located on the sea on the west side of Kota Kinabalu, consists of 5 islands. Mamudi Island is the smaller one, but the essence is often concentrated. The west side of the island is a rocky coast, and the east side of the island is a rocky coast. The side is a beach, the water quality here is very good, very suitable for snorkeling. There are large pieces of coral underwater on this island, and various marine creatures such as clownfish and sea urchins live. Even standing on the trestle that stretches into the sea, you can take pictures of small fish swimming in the transparent seawater. If you go into the water, you can see them More, so Mamudi is a great island for snorkeling. In addition to snorkeling on the island, you can also pay to play motorboats, parachutes, etc. Tourists who can't swim may wish to take a walk on the bottom of the sea. Wear a helmet with a snorkel to breathe underwater, and you can also try submarine motorcycles. (aka the Little Sheep on the Sea), put on a helmet with oxygen delivery, ride a special motorbike slowly on the bottom of the sea, and watch schools of fish swim around you. There are fresh water showers and public toilets on the island, but there is no hotel, so you can camp. It is recommended to bring your own tent and prepare food and water.Kota Kinabalu · 33.6 km from Tamparuli
Kawa-kawa river cruise
No. 7 of Night Attractions in Sabah

Kawa-kawa river cruise

5.4
4.6/5
388 reviews
Kawa-kawa river cruise is a mangrove ecosystem stretching across the Kota Belud area along the banks of the Sungai Tempasuk, best explored by boat as you navigate the mangrove waterways. The area is home to the proboscis monkey, a species endemic to Borneo. As evening approaches, groups emerge from the depths of the jungle to roost on the mangrove branches along the riverbank, where boat tours offer a gentle, close-up view of their natural behavior. Beyond the proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, silvered langurs, monitor lizards, and various water birds are frequently spotted, painting a classic picture of the Kalimantan mangrove ecosystem. Nighttime reveals a different scene—fireflies gather in the mangrove canopy, their thousands of lights blinking in unison among the branches and illuminating the forest like a starry sky. For this reason, tours are typically split into day and night sessions: daytime for observing proboscis monkey activity and the sunset, and nighttime for a dedicated boat trip to seek out fireflies. These two experiences offer distinct styles, each with its own unique charm.Kota Belud · 34.9 km from Tamparuli

Experiences you can't miss in Tamparuli

Featured Day tours in Tamparuli

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Kiulu River Family-Friendly Rafting Tour (Grade 1–2)
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5.0/5
· 5 reviews· 94 booked
Duration: 5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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FromJPY 4,322
1-day tour to Kiulu River rafting in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah · Can be combined with Skymirror/Kawa mangrove
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 3.7 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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FromJPY 7,065
Half-day rafting tour at Kiulu River in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah · Optional Skymirror/Kawa mangrove fireflies
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4.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 3.4 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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FromJPY 7,563
Kota Kinabalu Kiulu Water Raft and Mari-Mari Cultural Village Tour
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 7.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromJPY 18,203
Riverbug Kiulu White Water Rafting Tour with Lunch
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4.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 15 mins
English
FromJPY 5,835
Kiulu White Water Rafting Level 1-2 Experience Day Tour | Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
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Duration: 5.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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9% off
Limited-time sale
FromJPY 9,102JPY 10,113
1-day tour to Sabah royal bay sky mirror mangrove | proboscis monkeys and fireflies/private small group optional
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4.7/5
· 347 reviews· 2.8k booked
Duration: 6 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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100 consecutive positive reviews
FromJPY 5,667
Kota Kinabalu Kawa-Kawa River Cruise Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies with Hi-Tea & Dinner Shared Day Tour
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4.9/5
· 88 reviews· 1.2k booked
Duration: 6 hrs
English
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32 consecutive positive reviews
FromJPY 7,255

Free things to do in Tamparuli

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What travelers say about Tamparuli

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_TI***rn1 October 2026
5.0
We chose this hotel for a short family trip because of its tranquility, and after our stay, everyone raved about how great our choice was. It doesn't follow trends or try to be trendy; it exudes a quiet elegance without being ostentatious. From the moment we entered, even the elderly in our family couldn't help but say, "This place makes us feel so at ease." The entire hotel space is exceptionally bright and airy. There are no cramped corridors or overly complicated decorations. Several thriving green plants line the hallways, and even the air is free of pungent aromatherapy, only a subtle, natural fragrance. The staff were exceptionally patient with the elderly and children, proactively bringing small snacks for our kids and thoughtfully providing warm milk. The rooms were spacious enough that the elderly didn't feel cramped at all. Two wicker chairs were placed on the small balcony by the window, where the whole family could sit, drink tea, and enjoy the courtyard view—it was incredibly pleasant. In the morning, the courtyard is filled with the scent of plants, and the wind, filtering through the eaves, carries the distant chirping of birds. In these moments of peace and tranquility, the tension of our daily lives completely melts away. The most precious thing about traveling isn't how many sights you see, but that the whole family can have a peaceful rest. This hotel perfectly meets that need, and we'll definitely choose it again for future family trips.

Tanjung Aru Beach

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M22***0027 May 2020
4.0
The whitewater rafting trip covers approximately 15 kilometers during high water and 7 kilometers during normal water. The slope is between 2 and 3 degrees. On the way to the Jiulu River, you'll pass traditional villages and lush rice paddies.

Kiulu River

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Mario®30 May 2026
4.0
We visited on Thursday morning. There were no vendors and not many people, so we could only admire the atmosphere. Our driver told us that Gaya Street was the old city center of KK and a hub for the Chinese community. Judging from the streetscape, I could imagine the bustling market, teeming with people. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to wait until Monday to visit. Now, there are many restaurants and shops selling Malaysian specialties.

Gaya Street

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玩童无界行者无疆2 September 2021
5.0
There are many beautiful islands near Sabah, Malaysia. Two years ago, I went to "Taomeng Island", which was developed in 2018. It was sparsely populated, quiet, and beautiful...

Sepanggar Island

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zackarshad8 June 2022
5.0
Tempat sgt terpelihara dgn tumbuhan hutan bakau.. menjaga alam semula jadi dan menjaga khazanah yg memberikan kebaikan seterusnya kelangsungan hidup kepada hidupan laut yg lain..😊😊😊

Mangrove of Menghe River

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ㅤ  ㅤ朝花夕拾25 October 2024
5.0
Pulau Manukan is the second largest island in Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park and is also the headquarters and office of the park. The island has complete tourist facilities, including hotels, tennis courts, water skiing centers and wooden houses for accommodation. Pulau Manukan is famous for its wide range of water entertainment projects and is well located between Sapi Island and Mamudi Island, so it is often chosen as one of the destinations for a day trip.

Manukan Island

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Adrynna27 October 2023
5.0
Pemandangan Kota Kinabalu yang sangat cantik dan memukau kan 😍😍😍😍

Kokol Hill Elf

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Snoopy Go Go Go18 September 2023
5.0
Mount Kinabalu, highest mount in South East Asia. A good mountain for those who like challenges. Went there a few times with different group for friends.

Mount Kinabalu

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ariel4234 December 2024
4.0
Mamudi Island was the first island we chose for our island hopping trip. The weather was pretty good at the time. We were on the island for a short time, mainly to play activities on the island. We played parasailing, which was fun and a bit exciting. After the project, we went directly to Sapi Island. I heard that you can see clownfish when snorkeling in Mamudi Island, but we didn't see it, which was a pity. The scenery is OK, but the disadvantage is that the organization of the island hopping trip is really chaotic. You have to wait a long time to go to other islands and return.

Manutik Island

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_TI***k216 November 2023
5.0
amazing place to visit here, we are very lucky to see the proboscis monkey and firefly, thanks to the driver jack to show us around, if anyone need transport to here kawa kawa river cruise just directly Whatsapp him, (+60128435750) driver name jack, really recommended driver and kind.

Kawa-kawa river cruise

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Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Tamparuli?

Don't miss these attractions in Tamparuli: Tanjung Aru Beach, Kiulu River, and Gaya Street. If you like Cultural experiences, try Night adventure in the Filipino market: Explore Sabah seafood and immigrant legends on a 2-hour guided tour. If you enjoy Day tours, try Kiulu River Family-Friendly Rafting Tour (Grade 1–2).

You can give Mari Mari Cultural Village Tour with Lunch or Hi-Tea and Kota Kinabalu Manukan Island & Mount Kinabalu & Poring Hot Spring culinary experience | Local delicacies dining voucher a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Kiulu River Family-Friendly Rafting Tour (Grade 1–2), 1-day tour to Kiulu River rafting in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah · Can be combined with Skymirror/Kawa mangrove, and Half-day rafting tour at Kiulu River in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah · Optional Skymirror/Kawa mangrove fireflies. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 15 October 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Tamparuli is around JPY 4,322 – JPY 18,203. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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