# 3 Days in Kota Kinabalu by Car: A Self-Drive Itinerary

> A 3-day Kota Kinabalu itinerary for self-drivers: city and islands, Kinabalu Park and Kundasang, then Tuaran or Kota Belud. Which car to hire and how to pace each day.

Language: en
Published: 2026-11-10 (November 10, 2026), 5 min read
Source: https://northborneorental.com/blog/kota-kinabalu-3-day-self-drive-itinerary/

Three days is enough to see the city, the islands and the mountain if you have your own car. This plan keeps the driving sensible, with one big drive and two easy days.

## Day 1: city and islands

- **Morning:** walk the waterfront and visit the Filipino Market.
- **Midday:** take a boat from the jetty in town to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. Boat times change, so check them first.
- **Evening:** watch the sunset on the waterfront and eat dinner in town.

## Day 2: Kinabalu Park and Kundasang

This is the big drive. Leave early, walk the short nature trails at Kinabalu Park, have lunch in Kundasang and return before dark. The full plan is in our [Kinabalu Park and Kundasang day trip](https://northborneorental.com/blog/kinabalu-park-kundasang-day-trip-by-car/) guide.

![Perodua Ativa Turbo 1.0](https://northborneorental.com/cars/ativa-640.webp)

*Perodua Ativa Turbo 1.0, RM230 a day, an easy match for the highland day*

## Day 3: Tuaran or Kota Belud

Choose a slower day out of the city. Tuaran and Kota Belud offer countryside and local markets. Markets run on set days, so check the day before you go. Head back to Kota Kinabalu in good time for your flight.

## Which car

A small car handles days 1 and 3 well. Day 2 is easier in an SUV such as the Perodua Ativa Turbo 1.0. Travelling with family? A seven-seater like the Perodua Aruz 1.5 (RM270 a day) gives everyone room. See the full [car guide](https://northborneorental.com/blog/best-rental-car-kota-kinabalu/), and read [driving in Sabah as a tourist](https://northborneorental.com/blog/driving-in-sabah-tourist-guide/) before you go.

## Want it built around you?

Every booking comes with a [free itinerary](https://northborneorental.com/blog/free-itinerary-with-every-booking/) made for your dates and interests.

[Book a car on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/60168400017)

## Read next

- [Rent a Car in Kota Kinabalu: Which Car Should You Hire?](https://northborneorental.com/blog/best-rental-car-kota-kinabalu.md)
- [Free Itinerary with Every Kota Kinabalu Car Rental](https://northborneorental.com/blog/free-itinerary-with-every-booking.md)
- [Kota Kinabalu to Kundasang by Car: Kinabalu Park Day Trip](https://northborneorental.com/blog/kinabalu-park-kundasang-day-trip-by-car.md)
- [Corporate and Long-Term Car Rental in Kota Kinabalu](https://northborneorental.com/blog/corporate-long-term-car-rental-kota-kinabalu.md)
- [Driving in Sabah as a Tourist: Licence, Roads and Car Hire Tips](https://northborneorental.com/blog/driving-in-sabah-tourist-guide.md)
- [Kota Kinabalu to Kudat and the Tip of Borneo: a 2-Day Drive](https://northborneorental.com/blog/kudat-tip-of-borneo-2-day-drive.md)
- [Kota Belud and Tuaran Day Trip by Car from Kota Kinabalu](https://northborneorental.com/blog/kota-belud-tuaran-day-trip-by-car.md)
- [Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan and Sepilok by Car: a 3-Day Route](https://northborneorental.com/blog/kota-kinabalu-to-sandakan-sepilok-by-car.md)
- [Pesta Kaamatan in Sabah: Getting Around by Car During the Harvest Festival](https://northborneorental.com/blog/pesta-kaamatan-sabah-harvest-festival-by-car.md)
- [Best Time to Visit Sabah by Car: Weather, Holidays and When to Book](https://northborneorental.com/blog/best-time-to-visit-sabah-by-car.md)
- [Driving in Sabah in the Rain: Safe Tips for Tourists](https://northborneorental.com/blog/driving-in-sabah-in-the-rain.md)

## Other languages

- [English](https://northborneorental.com/blog/kota-kinabalu-3-day-self-drive-itinerary.md)

## Contact

North Borneo Rental Car, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.

- WhatsApp (bookings): [+60168400017](https://wa.me/60168400017)
- Email: northborneorental@gmail.com
- Website: https://northborneorental.com/