24 Hours in Tuaran and Tamparuli

Tuaran and Tamparuli are the hidden gems of Sabah’s West Coast. While many travellers just pass through them on their way to Kota Belud or Kudat, Tuaran and Tamparuli are not without their own charms, as they offer a beautiful mix of cultural heritage, intriguing history, rural landscapes, and stunning beaches.  

Here is a curated 24-hour itinerary to experience the best of the ‘Land of the Dusun Lotud’.  

8AM - Have a Tuaran Mee breakfast

Start your day like a local. Head to Tuaran town and find a traditional coffee shop (Kedai Kopi) to try the famous Tuaran Mee. These egg noodles are handmade, stir-fried until crispy, and topped with the meat of your choice.

Recommended restaurants for breakfast:

1. Kopi Ping Cafe (Opening hours: 8.30am - 12am)

2. Yun Onn Restaurant (Opening hours: 8am - 8.30pm)

3. Tuaran Mee Restaurant (Opening hours: 8am - 4pm)

9.30am - Visit the legendary Tamparuli Bridge & Tamu Tamparuli

The legendary Tamparuli Bridge, popularised by the iconic Kadazan-Dusun folk song Jambatan Tamparuli, is more than just a crossing over the Tuaran River; it is a profound symbol of Sabahan heritage and sacrifice. While the modern concrete bridge now handles the heavy traffic, the original low-lying suspension bridge remains the heart of the town, famously; as pedestrians walk across it.

After crossing the Tamparuli Bridge, you can take the opportunity to visit the Tamparuli tamu market, which takes place every Wednesday from morning to midday. Here, you will get the chance to experience an authentic local marketplace experience, purchase local goods and interact with the local community.

12PM - Visit the iconic Tuaran Pagoda (Ling San Temple)

Visit this nine-story Chinese pagoda. It's one of the few places where you can climb to the top for a panoramic view of the Tuaran township and the surrounding greenery. Other than its breathtaking design and architecture, you can also enjoy a hearty lunch here during your visit.

3PM - Enjoy the Sulaman kelapa bakar  

No visit to Tuaran is ever complete without indulging in Sulaman’s very own kelapa bakar (baked coconut). Head toward the Sulaman area where there are stalls along the road offering kelapa bakar, lokan bakar (grilled clams) and puding kelapa (coconut pudding)—a Tuaran specialty.  

6.30PM – Sunset at Dalit Beach or Pantai Sabandar Tuaran, followed by seafood dinner  

Dalit Beach, home of Shangri-La Rasa Ria, has some of the best sunset spots in Sabah. Enjoy a mesmerising sunset by the beach, which is often accompanied by cultural performances. Alternatively, you can also head to Sabandar Beach for a wide-open view of the horizon during sunset.  

After sunset, enjoy a hearty seafood dinner before calling it a night. Must-try dishes include steamed grouper fish, kam hiong crab and butter prawn.

Recommended restaurants for seafood dinner:

1. Gayang Seafood Restaurant (Opening hours: 3pm - 9pm)  
2. KKIA Seafood Restaurant (Opening hours: 10am – 9.30pm)  
3. Our Land Eco Farm Restaurant (Opening hours: 11.30am - 9pm)

3-day Itinerary in Tuaran and Tamparuli  

This 3-day itinerary mixes the old-world rural charm of Tuaran and Tamparuli, mixed with the refined relaxation of Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu. This itinerary offers you the best of cultural exuberance and eco-luxury, contained within the small district of Tuaran and Tamparuli.

Day 1

8AM - Breakfast in Tamparuli town

Like Tuaran, Tamparuli is also famed for its Tamparuli Mee, which is distinguished by its springy, golden egg noodles that are handmade and twice-cooked: first boiled to perfection, then wok-fried (or ‘charred’) to achieve a distinct, smoky wok hei aroma. What truly sets it apart from its cousin, Tuaran Mee, is its slightly firmer texture and a savoury-sweet profile that captures the rustic, authentic flavours of the Sabah highlands.

Recommended restaurants for Tamparuli Mee:  

10AM - Visit Rumah Terbalik (Upside Down House)  

Visit the Rumah Terbalik for a fun perspective on traditional architecture. The house is fully furnished—on the ceiling—offering great photo ops. The adjacent 3D Wonders Museum highlights Sabah’s wildlife and conservation through interactive art.  

12PM - Lunch at Tuaran town  

On the way to Shangri-La Rasa Ria, make a pit stop at Sulaman for lunch.

Recommended restaurants for lunch:

1. Gayang Seafood Restaurant (Opening hours: 11am - 2pm)  
2. KKIA Seafood Restaurant (Opening hours: 10am – 9.30pm)  
3. Our Land Eco Farm Restaurant (Opening hours: 11.30am - 9pm)  

3PM - Check-in at Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu

Check into your room at Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu and enjoy a day relaxing indoors.

5.30PM - Enjoy the Golden Hour at the beach

Before sunset and dinner, enjoy a relaxing stroll by the beach or take part in the Beach Golden Hour activities prepared by the hotel.

6.30PM - Witness the mesmerising Pantai Dalit sunset followed by dinner at Tepi Laut

Enjoy a satisfying local street food-themed dinner overlooking the sunset at Tepi Laut Restaurant to conclude your Rasa Ria day-trip. If you need recommendations on what to eat, we recommend the signature Tuaran Mee and the Nelayan Fried Rice.

Day 2

5AM - Go for the Sunrise Hike at the Nature Reserve

Get up bright and early for a short 98-metre hike up the Rasa Ria Nature Reserve Timpak Pogimpaan (Summit) to watch the sunrise over majestic Mount Kinabalu (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

8AM - Buffet breakfast at Coffee Terrace or Oceano

Depending on where you've chosen to stay, begin your day with a lovely breakfast at Coffee Terrace or Oceano restaurant.

10AM - Visit the Tuaran Crocodile Farm

Spend your afternoon at the Tuaran Crocodile Farm, the largest of its kind in the state. Witness crocodile feeding sessions and explore the mini zoo located within the farm's vicinity.

12PM - Back to the hotel; lunch at a Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu outlet

Enjoy lunch at Shangri-La Rasa Ria's many food and beverage outlets. We recommend The Eighth for Chinese cuisine, Oceano Modern Grill for Western cuisine, and Kozan Teppan-yaki for Japanese teppan-yaki cuisine.

5PM - Winged Wonders Buggy Tour

Sit back and relax on our lithium-powered eco-friendly buggy as it takes you around our award-winning Dalit Bay Golf & Country Club to discover the wonders of local wildlife. Hop on a Giip or Surun buggy and let our Resident Naturalist lead you on an adventure, sharing intriguing stories and fascinating facts about the wildlife you encounter.

7PM - Buffet dinner at Tepi Laut or Coffee Terrace

Enjoy our varied dinner buffet at Tepi Laut and Coffee Terrace restaurants that offer different themes, such as Seafood Buffet and Taste of Naan, depending on the day of the week (each restaurant is open on alternate days). After dinner, you can opt for spend time chilling at the Lobby Lounge and enjoy the evening live entertainment over a delicious cocktail, or retreat to your room to rest.

Day 3

8AM - Buffet breakfast at Coffee Terrace or Oceano

Depending on where you've chosen to stay, begin your day with a lovely breakfast at Coffee Terrace or Oceano restaurant.

10AM - Enjoy a relaxing swim or simply chill by the pool before check-out

You have enjoyed a packed two days of activities. Take this opportunity to sit back and relax under the Bornean sun!

12PM - Check-out from Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu

Thank you for choosing Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu as your holiday destination! We hope to see you again soon.