Sabah

Sipadan diving — fly KK to Tawau, van to Semporna, speedboat to resort (Mabul/Kapalai). Permits limited daily, usually included with dive package. 15+ logged dives recommended. Turtles, barracuda tornado, worth the logistics. Book 3–6 months ahead peak season.

Kinabalu 2D1N summit — book guide/porter through Sabah Parks licensed operators only. Laban Rata overnight, summit start 2:30am. Cold at top — rent jacket. Altitude hits around km 6. Minimum 3 days in KK before/after for buffer.

TARP island hop from Jesselton Point — Manukan + Sapi half day RM100-ish with snorkel gear. Not Sipadan but fine for first Borneo snorkel. Boats leave when full, go morning for calmer seas Nov–Apr.

Sepilok feeding 10am and 3pm — not guaranteed sightings but ethical rehab not show. Sandakan day trip from KK (or fly SDK). Combine with Sun Bear Conservation next door. Fruiting season Nov–Mar fewer platform visits.

KK waterfront night market — grilled seafood, hinava if adventurous. Filipino Market nearby. Signal Hill sunset viewpoint 20 min hike. KK is gateway not destination — but 2 nights here between east/west trips works.