My coronary heart was heavy after I advised my mates that I couldn’t include them. It was our long-awaited barkada journey to Kota Kinabalu, however I wanted some adulting to take care. That was 2016. Fast ahead to 2022: my coronary heart skipped a beat after I realized my Sabah journey was lastly going to occur. As the saying goes, “There’s a time for everything.” Time I promised myself I’d take advantage of.
And how Kota Kinabalu stunned me! In a great way, in fact. KK, as it’s fondly referred to as, presents quite a lot of sustainable excursions — natour, cultour, adventour! Conquer its nationwide parks — each terrestrial and marine. Immerse within the Sabahan tradition when you roam across the cultural villages and museums. Get swept away (not actually) by the rapids of its wild rivers. Dive into the colourful underwater world.
Kota Kinabalu won’t be in your bucket listing, however give it an opportunity to take your breath away. If you’re questioning what’s in retailer for you on this a part of Borneo, right here’s an inventory of the issues to do and locations to go to in and close to Kota Kinabalu.
WHAT’S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?
Sticking out imposingly from the forested grounds at an elevation of 4,095 meters (or 13,435 toes), Mt. Kinabalu is the tallest peak in Borneo and one of many tallest in Southeast Asia. The most well-known vacationer attraction in Sabah, it magnets native and worldwide hikers to its lush environment and jagged mountainscape. As for me, and lots of others like me who missed the possibility of climbing it the primary go to, it’s one of many fundamental causes to return again.
Cradled inside the dense expanse of Kinabalu Park, a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ranau District, it nurtures tons of of species of natural world unfold throughout totally different zones. Low’s Peak (the best level) and the textured rocky space resulting in it are a geological surprise.
Is reaching Mt. Kinabalu’s Low’s Peak certainly one of your bucket listing gadgets? You must be aware of the next:
- Mount Kinabalu is managed by Sabah Parks, below the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Environment. Yes, they’ve only one unified physique overseeing all of the initiatives relating to surroundings, tradition, and tourism
- Sabah Parks climb permits have to be secured prematurely by way of licensed and accredited climb operators. Here’s the listing offered by the Sabah Tourism Board: Accredited Tour Operators
- Only 150 hikers are allowed per day, so it is advisable safe a slot prematurely.
- All hikers should guide lodging at Panalaban Base Camp prematurely (2D1N), too. Here are the present lodging choices: Laban Rata Resthouse, Pendant Hut, Lemaing Hut, Mokodou and Kinotoki. Heated dormitories and rooms are provided by Laban Rata Resthouse.
- Note that One-Day Mount Kinabalu Climb permits are presently NOT out there.
- Climbers have to be absolutely vaccinated and should current proof of vaccination by way of MySejahtera App (Digital Covid-19 Vaccination Certificate)
- Hikers have to be accompanied by accredited mountain guides. The variety of guides will rely on the scale of the group and the age of the climbers. Children beneath 12 years outdated have to be accompanied by absolutely vaccinated mother and father/guardians.
- The jump-off level for all hikers is the Timpohon Gate at Kinabalu National Park.
- Currently, there are two open summit trails, each ranging from Panalaban: the Ranau Summit Trail and the Kota Belud Summit Trail.
- Choose your package deal kind: Non-Ferrata or Via Ferrata. Via Ferrata (Iron Road) is really useful just for seasoned mountaineers and rock climbers.
- All hikers should observe the Covid-19 security protocols and tips. Check if you happen to nonetheless must submit a destructive outcome (self-test RTK Antigen) a day earlier than your arrival.
For extra data about reserving Mount Kinabalu hike to the summit, go to the this web site.
Location: Kinabalu National Park, Ranau, West Coast Division, Sabah
Kinabalu Park Conservation Fee: RM 15 (Adult); RM 10 (Child)
Climb Permit: RM 200 (Adult); RM 80 (Child)
Mountain Guide Fee: RM 230 (16 y/o and above, 1 per 5 pax); RM 230 (beneath 16 y/o, 1 per 2 pax)
Porter Rate: RM 65 – RM 80 (10kg, one-way, relying on the route). Routes: Timpohon – Panalaban / Panalaban – Timpohon / Timpohon – Sayat-Sayat / Sayat-Sayat – Timpohon / Timpohon – Summit / Summit – Timpohon
Sabah Parks Contact Details: +60 88 523 500 / sabahparks@gmail.com / admin@sabahparks.org.my
Covering a complete land space of 75,370 hectares, the sprawling Kinabalu Park is a hotspot for terrestrial biodiversity, sheltering over 100 species of mammals, greater than 350 species of birds, about 100 species of reptiles, round 80 species of amphibians, roughly 1,000 species of bugs (others are but to be specified), and extra.
All these fauna thriving in numerous inexperienced habitats encompassing 5,000-6,000 species of vascular crops in numerous climactic zones — lowland forest, decrease mountain forest, higher mountain forest, ultrabasic rock forest, granitic boulder vegetation, and sub alpine forest.
The most distinguished function is the magnificent Mount Kinabalu, a serious vacationer and mountain climbing vacation spot in Southeast Asia. Officially declared a nationwide park in January 1964, Kinabalu Park is the primary in Sabah. It covers three districts: Ranau, Kota Belud, and Kota Marudu. The nationwide park was established to guard, protect, and preserve the pure habitat and have, the water catchment space, and its cultural and historic heritage.
Aside from Mount Kinabalu, different options are the next:
- Mount Tambayukon
- Mount Kinabal Botanical Garden
- Poring Butterfly Farm
- Poring Orchid Conservation Center
- Rafflesia Conservation Center
- Poring Bamboo Garden
- Poring Ethnobotanical Garden
- fowl watching exercise
- paragliding
- Canopy Walkway
- Natural Hot Sulfur Spring Water
Into forest bathing? Here are eight nature path choices:
- Kiau View Trail
- Bundu Tuhan View Trail
- Liwagu River Trail
- Silau Silau Trail
- Bukit Burung Trail
- Mempening Trail
- Pandamus Trail
- Bukit Ular Trail
Each path has its personal execs and cons, so select the one which fits your desire and curiosity. Or take all the paths if you would like and you’ve got time to spare.
The park is managed by Sabah Parks, which is below the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Environment. All particulars relating to the varied species of animals and crops had been offered by the Sabah Parks administration. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 2000 and was included within the ASEAN Heritage Parks listing in December 2003.
Location: Kinabalu National Park, Ranau, West Coast Division, Sabah
Conservation Fee: RM 15 (Adult); RM 10 (Child)
Other Fees: Kinabalu Natural History Gallery RM 3; Botanical Garden RM 5 (Adult), RM 2.5 (Child), FREE (6 y/o and beneath); Guided Walk RM 3 (Adult), RM 1.5 (Child), FREE (6 y/o and beneath); Audio Visual Display RM 2; Botanical-Guided Walk-Audio Visual RM 8 (Adult), RM 4 (Child)
Sabah Parks Contact Details: +60 88 523 500 / sabahparks@gmail.com / admin@sabahparks.org.my
Getting There: If you aren’t climbing Mount Kinabalu and simply need to do simple walks alongside its shorter trails, you possibly can test the shared shuttle companies or the non-public companies from Kota Kinabalu metropolis heart to Kinabalu Park. The price ranges from MYR 50 – MYR 90, one-way.
But in case you are on a funds and you aren’t in a rush, you possibly can take the minivan/minibus certain for Ranau at Merdeka Square or a bus certain for Ranau, Sandakan, or Tawau at North Bus Terminal in Inanam. These autos will move by the doorway of Kinabalu Park. The fare is MYR 15-30, a method. The journey time is about two hours.
Located outdoors town heart, Tanjung Aru is a 2-km seaside stretching from Shangri-La Resort & Spa on the northern finish and the Kota Kinabalu Meteorological Office on the southern finish. Because of its shut proximity to the city core, the seaside developed into a preferred seaside hangout place. Facing the South China Sea, it showcases breathtaking sunsets, portray the sky with splashes of assorted hues and depth every day, relying on the climate.
Food stalls providing native fare line the general public seaside, significantly between Prince Philip Park and the DBKK Carpark (beside Shangri-La Resort), so count on this strip to be crowded on weekends and holidays, particularly within the morning and round sundown time.
Popular actions are strolling alongside the seaside, individuals watching, meals tripping, kite flying, having a picnic, and sundown watching, amongst others.
Aside from Shangri-La Resort, the seaside can be house to Kinabalu Yacht Club and Kinabalu Golf Club. While within the space, you may additionally need to go to Perdana Park alongside Jalan Mat Salleh (Mat Salleh Street). Your landmark is the Prince Philip Park, positioned on the finish of Jalan Mat Salleh.
Location: Jalan Tanjung Aru, Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Opening Hours: The seaside is open 24/7, however the institutions alongside the seaside normally function from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Entrance Fee: FREE
Take a peek into old-fashioned Borneo at Mari Mari Cultural Village!
Launched in December 2008, this huge open-air museum showcases the roots and soul of Sabahans. It options totally different conventional homes of the 5 main ethnic teams in Sabah — the agricultural Dusun and Rungus, the hunters and fisherfolk Lundayeh, the herdsmen and sea gypsies Bajau, and the headhunters and warrior tribe of Murut.
Each conventional home exhibit additionally presents the costumes, conventional abilities, customs, and day by day actions within the olden days corresponding to bamboo cooking at Dusun House, hearth beginning and conventional craft at Rungus House, tree bark craft at Lundayeh House, congkak and kuih jala at Bajau House, and lansaran at Murut House.
Two classes of guided tour are provided day by day — morning and afternoon. Each tour lasts about three hours, with the morning session beginning at 10:00 AM and the afternoon session at 2:00 PM. Visitors must register quarter-hour earlier than the official tour begins. Here’s the circulate of the tour:
- Registration and Briefing on the Reception Area
- Start Tour: Crossing the Suspension Bridge
- Visit Five Tribal Houses with Demonstrations/Food Tasting
- Cultural Performance on the Performance Hall
- Lunch (Morning Sesion) or High Tea (Afternoon Session)
- End of Tour
The cultural village’s key landmarks additionally embrace the Main Dinner Hall, Souvenir Shop, Dining Hut “Leka-Leki”, and the Performance Hall, the place a spectacular indigenous dance present is staged.
Restrooms are positioned on the reception space, the efficiency space, and the eating corridor space. It is positioned 20-Half-hour northeast of town heart.
Location: Jalan Kionsom, Inanam, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Daily); 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Morning Session Tour); 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Afternoon Session Tour). The schedule may change, so test the official web site and Facebook web page earlier than going.
Guided Tour Package Rates: RM 100 (Adult); RM 90 (Child, 5-11 y/o). These charges embrace entrance payment, in-house information, go to to five ethnic conventional homes, conventional demo & actions, cultural efficiency, and lunch/excessive tea. Check the official Facebook web page for updates and promos.
Booking/Reservation Contact: +60 13-881 4921 / Mari Mari Cultural Village Facebook Page (@marimariculturalvillageborneo)
By the best way, it’s finest to get linked to the web that will help you navigate town extra conveniently. The most budget-friendly choice is buying a traveler-friendly native SIM card.
Check out Tune Talk‘s Traveller SIM. During our journey, we used its Lite Plan overlaying 15 GB knowledge plan with seven days validity upon activation. This allowed us to talk with our mates and households and replace our social media accounts as we explored Sabah!
Spanning 4,929 hectares, the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park harbors 5 islands and their surrounding waters and reefs in Gaya Bay. It was declared a protected space in 1974, making it Sabah’s second nationwide park after Kinabalu Park. Originally, the marine park solely included Gaya Island and Sapi Island. Later on, Manukan Island, Mamutik island, and Sulug Island had been added in 1979.
The park boasts pristine islands, white-sand seashores, snorkeling spots, and diving websites. Popular actions are swimming, island hopping, seaside bumming, water sports activities, boating, diving, snorkeling, and the Coral Flyer zipline (linking Gaya Island and Sapi Island). Accommodations are additionally out there on the islands, significantly in Gaya Island and Manukan Island.
Jesselton Point Jetty Terminal is the jump-off level to the marine park (and its islands), which is about three kilometers off the Kota Kinabalu mainland. You can guide your island hopping tour from one of many many tour operators ticketing cubicles/counters on the Ticketing Hall positioned on the entrance of the jetty, proper after the outdated picket welcome arch. The charges rely on the inclusion and add-on actions. If you need to go scuba diving, it’s finest to guide prematurely with accredited dive operator.
Also below the jurisdiction of Sabah Parks, its headquarters could be discovered on Manukan Island, however every island has its personal satellite tv for pc workplace. The park goals to guard and keep the marine ecosystems, together with the underwater natural world.
Location: Gaya Bay, Sabah
Conservation Fee: RM 20 (Adult); RM 15 (Child, beneath 18 y/o); RM 15 (Seniors, 60 y/o and above); RM 10 (beneath 6 y/o); FREE (PWDs)
Island Transfer Rates: 1-Island RM 35 (Adult), RM 30 (Child); 2-Island RM 45 (Adult), RM 40 (Child); 3-Island RM 55 (Adult), RM 50 (Child); 4-Island RM 65 (Adult), RM 60 (Child). The charges are inclusive of island terminal payment — RM 7.20 for adults and RM 3.60 for youngsters. The island switch service for Tunku Abdul Rahman Park covers solely 4 islands — Manukan, Mamutik, Sapi, and Gaya.
Other Fees: Camping Fee RM 5 (Adult), RM 2 (Child); Diving Fee RM 50/head
Jump-Off Point: Jesselton Point Jetty Terminal
Sabah Parks Contact Details: +60 88 523 500 / sabahparks@gmail.com / admin@sabahparks.org.my
JSK Borneo Reef – Pontoon
Touted as the biggest reef exercise pontoon in South East Asia, the JSK Borneo Reef, usually merely referred to as “pontoon” measures 12 meters excessive, 24.5 meters large, and 37.5 meters lengthy. This two-level enjoyable heart can accommodate as much as 300 individuals, who can get pleasure from a plethora of actions corresponding to snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, and sea strolling (aka helmet diving), wherein you may stroll on the ocean flooring whereas sporting an underwater helmet.
Because it’s inside the protected Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, the administration rigorously implements strict coverage that may assist keep and protect the encompassing marine surroundings. In an effort to assist preserve and restore Sabah’s coral reefs, the corporate units up its personal coral farm the place the ocean strolling exercise takes place.
If sea strolling is just too adventurous for you (as a result of it isn’t for everybody), you possibly can nonetheless catch a glimpse of the underwater world by descending into their underwater tunnel.
If you like to remain above the water however nonetheless need your share of thrills, tackle the inflatable island impediment course!
The pontoon is stationed over 100 meters off the southwest coast of Gaya Island, however it’s also possible to have an incredible view of close by Sapi Island.
From Jessselton Point Ferry Terminal, the velocity boat will take guests to the pontoon in 15-20 minutes. Check the official web site and Facebook web page for the whole listing of package deal choices and promos. You can discover the JSK Borneo Reef kiosk on the Ticketing Hall.
Location: Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Sabah
Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM (Daily); 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM (Registration); 8:45 AM (Boarding); 9:00 AM (Departure). The schedule may change, so test the official web site and Facebook web page earlier than going.
Ocean Escapade Package: Monday to Thursday RM 149 (Adult), RM 99 (Child); Friday to Sunday, Holidays RM 169 (Adult), RM 109 (Child); FREE (0-3 y/o). The package deal contains meal, boat transfers, all pontoon facilities ECXEPT sea strolling (separate payment).
Ocean Escapade + Sea Walking Package: Monday to Thursday RM 229 (Adult), RM 179 (Child); Friday to Sunday, Holidays RM 249 (Adult), RM 189 (Child); FREE (0-3 y/o). The package deal contains meal, boat transfers, all pontoon facilities.
Jump-Off Point: Jesselton Point Fery Terminal
Manukan Island
The crescent-shaped Manukan Island is a 1.5-kilometer island paradise blessed with willowy Casuarina Pine timber (Agoho timber), high-quality white-sand seashores (particularly on the southeastern shoreline), and turquoise waters good for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. It is the second largest and probably the most developed within the protected space, that includes 20 items of cabins, a number of eating places, outlets, a diving heart, a museum, a clubhouse, a swimming pool, and sports activities grounds — soccer, volleyball, and sepak takraw.
Beach sights and water-related actions are focused on the japanese aspect. The closely forested Manukan has mountain climbing trails for individuals who need to commune with nature and additional discover the island.
The cabins are managed and operated by Sutera Sanctuary Lodges. If you might be planning to remain right here, it is advisable guide prematurely.
Location: Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Sabah
Conservation Fee: RM 20 (Adult); RM 15 (Child, beneath 18 y/o); RM 15 (Seniors, 60 y/o and above); RM 10 (beneath 6 y/o); FREE (PWDs)
Other Fees: Camping Fee RM 5 (Adult), RM 2 (Child); Diving Fee RM 50/head
Jump-Off Point: Jesselton Point Jetty Terminal
Boat Transfer: Refer to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park part. Again, the island switch service for Tunku Abdul Rahman Park covers solely 4 islands — Manukan, Mamutik, Sapi, and Gaya.
Gaya Island
With a complete land space of virtually 1,500 hectares, Gaya Island is the biggest of the 5 islands. The title got here from the Bajau phrase gayo, which means “big”. It can be the closest to downtown Kota Kinabalu by way of Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal.
Its lush hilly panorama reaches an elevation of 300 meters, that includes ridges stretching throughout the island and a 20-kilometer mountain climbing path, which additionally features a plank-walk by way of a mangrove forest.
Police Beach is the most well-liked seaside, nestled on the northwestern coast, dealing with Bulijong Bay and fronting one of many three secluded five-star accommodations on the island — the Bunga Raya Island Resort. The clear calm waters kissing the 400-meter sandy stretch of white sand is right for swimming. The different two upscale resorts are the Gaya Island Resort and the Gayana Marine Resort.
Gaya Island is bejeweled with colourful coral reefs, making it the most effective snorkeling and diving locations in Sabah. The native settlement took over the japanese aspect of the island.
Location: Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Sabah
Conservation Fee: RM 20 (Adult); RM 15 (Child, beneath 18 y/o); RM 15 (Seniors, 60 y/o and above); RM 10 (beneath 6 y/o); FREE (PWDs)
Jump-Off Point: Jesselton Point Jetty Terminal
Boat Transfer: Refer to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park part. Again, the island switch service for Tunku Abdul Rahman Park covers solely 4 islands — Manukan, Mamutik, Sapi, and Gaya.
Mamutik Island
Just a kilometer south of Manukan, the triangular Mamutik Island is the smallest of the 5 islands. Its western aspect is characterised by a rocky shore, whereas the remainder of the island is fringed with sandy seashores. Not as crowded because the others, it presents an alternate seaside expertise for individuals who favor a extra rugged however quieter spot.
Swimming and snorkeling are the favored actions right here, so be ready to satisfy a few of these marine wonders — clown fish, rainbow fish, anemones, surgeon fish, zebra fish, and stingray amongst others. The surrounding waters are principally deep, so keep watch over your children and companions who usually are not good swimmers. It’s additionally finest to put on seaside footwear to guard your toes from damaged shells and corals.
Amenities on the island embrace altering rooms, bogs, benches, picnic huts, a restaurant, and rental store for snorkeling, diving, and tenting.
Mamutik is just three kilometers off the mainland, so vacationers can view town from the sandy japanese aspect of the island on a transparent day. The fundamental jump-off level is at Jesselton Point, however different terminals, corresponding to Sutera Harbour Marina Jetty and Tanjung Aru Beach, have entry to Mamutik Island.
Location: Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Sabah
Conservation Fee: RM 20 (Adult); RM 15 (Child, beneath 18 y/o); RM 15 (Seniors, 60 y/o and above); RM 10 (beneath 6 y/o); FREE (PWDs)
Jump-Off Point: Jesselton Point Jetty Terminal
Boat Transfer: Refer to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park part. Again, the island switch service for Tunku Abdul Rahman Park covers solely 4 islands — Manukan, Mamutik, Sapi, and Gaya.
Sapi Island
Sapi Island is sort of a remora fish swimming beneath its associate shark — the bigger Gaya Island. Situated about two meters southwest of Gaya Island and overlaying an space of over 10 hectares, this densely forested island is unquestionably dwarfed however probably not overshadowed by its greater sister. Come low tide, the sisters hyperlink arms, creating sandbar in between.
The thick vegetation offers shades for guests. Plenty of picnic huts and tables are scattered round the principle seaside space. Popular actions are swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The finest spot to go diving is on the southeastern tip of the island. Some of the marine life discovered across the coral backyard are stingrays, cuttlefish, zebra fish, clown fish, and moray eels.
Note that it may get crowded on weekends and holidays, significantly the principle seaside; nevertheless, you possibly can discover additional and discover one of many few hidden seashores whenever you traverse the five-kilometer nature path. Be positive to put on snug seaside footwear when exploring the island. The path will lead trekkers to the best level of the island.
Sapi can be house to the wild macaques and two-meter lengthy monitor lizards. Considering the wildlife thriving right here, be further cautious. As a lot as doable, don’t feed them, hold your distance, and simply allow them to be. The macaques may seize a few of your stuff to search for meals. Always look the place you’ll keep away from stepping on a monitor lizard.
Location: Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Sabah
Conservation Fee: RM 20 (Adult); RM 15 (Child, beneath 18 y/o); RM 15 (Seniors, 60 y/o and above); RM 10 (beneath 6 y/o); FREE (PWDs)
Jump-Off Point: Jesselton Point Jetty Terminal
Boat Transfer: Refer to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park part. Again, the island switch service for Tunku Abdul Rahman Park covers solely 4 islands — Manukan, Mamutik, Sapi, and Gaya.
Mild or Wild? But it doesn’t actually matter as a result of the rapids will resolve for you. This will delight thrill-seekers who’re at all times looking out for excessive actions that may make their adrenaline pumping.
Enjoy the tough journey because the raging waters from Mount Kinabalu take you on a bumpy rafting expertise alongside the Kadamaian River in Kota Belud, a city tucked about two hours north of Kota Kinabalu metropolis heart.
The entire rafting stretch is about 10 kilometers with speedy classification of Grade 1-2, so that is good for first timers. Our workforce had skilled white water rafting in Davao and Cagayan de Oro, each reaching the Grade 4 classification, which is the ceiling for leisure white water rapids.
Speaking from private expertise, each Yosh and I acquired tossed into the water right here at Kadamaian, and I had a blast getting carried away for a second earlier than I used to be pulled again up onto the raft instantly. But that’s simply me. Yosh acquired snatched by the rapids for 3 (lengthy) minutes, and for higher or worse, I’m positive it’s now certainly one of his most unforgettable journey experiences.
The entire white water rafting exercise lasted nearly two hours. Once on the jump-off level, you’ll have security briefing first. Depending on the package deal you guide, it normally contains mild snack or lunch buffet. Don’t neglect to carry the next: further garments, dry bag, waterproof digicam or GoPro, aqua footwear or sandals with straps, rash guard or snug rafting outfit, towel, and sunscreen.
Location: Kadamaian River, Kadamaian, Kota Belud, Sabah
Getting There: The most handy approach is to guide a package deal tour with roundtrip switch between Kota Kinabalu and the jump-off level in Kadamaian.
When in Kota Kinabalu, don’t move up any alternative to stuff your face with delicious seafood!
KK is surrounded by the richest waters on the planet, offering scrumptious bounty to metropolis’s fashionable eating places and meals meccas just like the Waterfront Seafood Night Market alongside Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens and Api-Api Night Food Market at Gaya Street. You can get pleasure from them grilled, deep-fried, steamed, or topping your favourite noodle dish.
Another fashionable culinary model is Welcome Seafood Restaurant with three spacious branches: Asia City (KK City Center), Inanam (North KK), and Penampang (South of KK). We dined at Asia City department and the place was actually full of diners, locals and vacationers alike. Outdoor and indoor seating can be found.
We had their bestselling kam hiong crab (kam heong crab), a preferred Malaysian dish that mixes Malay, Chinese and Indian influences. Kam heong actually means “golden fragrance”, referring to the candy, fragrant scent that steams out from its sauce, which is cooked with chillies, curry, and different spices. Welcome takes satisfaction of their particular sauce, which is a good mix of salty and spicy.
We additionally had their dry butter prawns, deep-fried squid (calamari), and fried fish in sweet-and-sour sauce.
Kota Kinabalu serves as a key gateway to the North Borneo areas, welcoming individuals from numerous cultures. This made Sabahan delicacies eclectic, however principally mixing native with different Southeast Asian and Chinese flavors.
But probably the most intriguing delicacy might be sinalau bakas, a local Kadazandusun deal with. The title interprets to “smoked wild boar”. Many roadside eateries and stalls can provide you a style of this meaty goodness, however most tour operators let friends strive it at one of many stalls on the best way to or from Kinabalu Park. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to do this ourselves because the stalls had been closed after we dropped by.
Bak kut teh is a staple dish, extra like a consolation meals, that’s normally served at dinnertime. But previously, farmers normally consumed the steaming sizzling mild broth early within the morning earlier than they go to the fields. Literally means pork rib tea, the pork is cooked or added (when meat are already partially cooked) in a cloudy natural broth. Some eating places supply hen, seafood, and beef except for pork. Innards and dimsum balls will also be added.
Malaysian bak kut teh is served with you char kway (fried dough). Locals normally eat the meat by dipping them in a soy sauce with chili and minced garlic. Chinatown (or Gaya Street space) is dotted with eating places serving bak kut teh, and certainly one of them is Sin Kee, which we had the pleasure of making an attempt after we visited.
You’ll additionally discover Filipino meals spots all through town together with Tambayan at Kainang Pilipino at Api-Api Center. Owned and run by a Pinay immigrant, this 24-hour-open restaurant has a menu that boasts quite a lot of Pinoy favorites from scorching plates of sisig to icy desserts like halo-halo.
Immerse within the Sabahan tradition and expertise the approach to life of the locals right here!
This bustling strip of business institutions, each outdated and new, dates again to 1902. Originally named “Bond Street” throughout the British colonial interval, the road advanced from an industrial buying and selling railway observe — transporting rubber between Tenom and the wharf in Jesselton Harbour, which was then the principle gateway to North Borneo earlier than industrial flights had been made out there — right into a busy industrial avenue the place many outlets and eating locations flourished.
Spanning from Lintasan Deasoka close to the Kota Kinabalu City Hall and Mandarin Hotel all the best way to the outdated Jesselton Post Office, Gaya Street is house to outdated household companies handed from era to era, most of them are espresso outlets and eating places operated by Chinese households; therefore, the realm can be dubbed because the Chinatown of Sabah. The finish of the road close to the KK City Hall is marked by a Chinese arch gate erected in 2005.
On Sundays, it transforms right into a pedestrian-only avenue the place common market honest is held, significantly within the morning. Local retailers, in addition to overseas merchants (Indonesians, Filipinos, and many others.), promote numerous sorts of things and merchandise: agricultural produce, native snacks and avenue meals, arts and craft, flowers, souvenirs, footwear, garments and textiles, and lots of others.
Location: Kota Kinabalu Central Business District, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Street Fair Hours: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Sundays). The schedule may change, so test first with Sabah Tourism Board earlier than going.
Contact Detail: +60 88 212 121 (Sabah Tourism Board)
Plaza 333 is a industrial advanced housing leisure and meals institutions, from homegrown eating places to fast-food chains to bar and eating places.
Although positioned outdoors Kota Kinabalu, over six kilometers south of town heart, it nonetheless attracts individuals, each younger and outdated, to its numerous meals institutions. It can be one of many favourite hangout spots for nightlife amongst locals.
Location: Kobusak Commercial Centre, Penampang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Opening Hours: The entire advanced is open 24/7, however every institution has its personal working schedule. Check the official Facebook web page or web site of the institution you want to go to.
Getting There: It’s fairly difficult to go right here if you happen to re taking the general public transportation, so one of the simplest ways is to take a Grab service from Kota Kinabalu. The journey time is about 20 minutes.
This place is THE memento haven! Also often known as the Filipino Market, it’s composed of outlets managed principally by residents originating from the Philippines.
With stalls flanking a portion of Tun Fuad Stephens Street, this waterfront market is a well-liked purchasing vacation spot for locals and vacationers in search of particular gadgets and even fascinating items that they “suddenly need”. Wink wink. With seemingly countless array of choices, it’s unimaginable to go away empty handed. Practice your bargaining abilities and be taught useful phrases of their native language for higher possibilities of getting reductions.
Some of the merchandise offered listed here are native handicraft, musical devices, garments, materials, conventional garments, jewellery, equipment, key chains, and extra. Should you get hungry, meals stalls and seafood pop right here and there.
Location: Jalan Tun Fuad Stephen, Pusat Bandar, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Daily). The schedule may change, so test first with Sabah Tourism Board earlier than going.
Contact Detail: +60 88 212 121 (Sabah Tourism Board)
“The Floating Mosque”
Ensconced in a diamond-shaped artifical lagoon, Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu (aka Kota Kinabalu City Mosque) covers an space of about six hectares on Pasir Street alongside the shores of Likas Bay. The mosque is hooked up to the southeastern aspect of the lagoon the place the doorway can be positioned.
Officially opened in February 2000 after Kota Kinabalu acquired its metropolis standing, the mosque attracts not solely worshipers but in addition vacationers with its blue and gold dome and 4 minarets. The fashionable Arabic architectural fashion was impressed by the second holiest web site within the Islam faith, the Nabawi Mosque in Medina. It can be one of many fashionable pictures topics in Kota Kinabalu.
Non-muslims are welcome to go to the mosque outdoors prayer instances and should put on correct apparel — no sleeveless and shorts. Cover up clothes could be rented from the administration. All guests are additionally required to register at Kota Kinabalu City Mosque Tourism Management. Follow the foundations and respect the place.
Note that this isn’t town’s fundamental mosque. That title belongs to Sabah State Mosque (Masjid Negeri Sabah) in Sembulan.
Location: Jalan Pasir, Kampung Likas, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Visiting Hours: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM, 4:00 PM to five:30 PM (Saturday – Thursday); CLOSED (Fridays). The schedule may change, so test first with Kota Kinabalu City Mosque Tourism Management earlier than going.
Entrance Fee: RM 5/head
Cover Up Rental: RM 5 – RM 10
Contact Details: +60 88 435 891 / mbrkk2015@gmail.com
From its humble beginnings at a shophouse alongside Gaya Street in 1965, the Sabah State Museum now sits on a 17-hectare land at Bukit Istana Lama, the place the previous palace of the British North Borneo Governor was located.
From the gathering of images and diaries of George Cathcart Woolley, the museum’s treasured possessions burgeoned into a large assemblage of artifacts, installations, and reveals housed in a number of galleries by class — historical past, arts, ceramics, brassware, pure historical past, archaeology, ethnography, and Islamic civilization amongst others.
From the devoted fingers of Sabah Society, the administration duties of the museum was bequeathed to the State Ministry of Community Services in 1981 earlier than it was handed over to the State Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. Finally, in April 1984, the museum transferred to its new house the place it’s presently positioned. The present museum advanced dates again to 1985.
Aside from the museum’s fundamental constructing, the advanced additionally hosts a zoo, a botanic backyard, and a heritage village with a number of of Sabah’s indigenous teams’ conventional homes. The museum is positioned close to Sabah State Mosque.
Location: Sabah Museum Complex, Bukit Istana Lama, Jalan Muzium, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Daily). The schedule may change, so test the official web site earlier than going.
Entrance Fee: RM 15/head
‼️ The Signal Hill Observatory Platform is below renovation till September 2023, however individuals can nonetheless trek to the highest and nonetheless get good views from totally different spots across the hilltop.
As the best level in Kota Kinabalu, Signal Hill is likely one of the finest locations to soak up panoramic views of town, Gaya Bay, and among the islands of TAR Marine Park.
Benches are offered by the sidewalk do you have to get drained otherwise you simply need to spend extra time admiring the breathtaking surroundings.
Padang Merdeka and Gaya Street are the 2 entry factors to the trailhead. Padang Merdeka primarily caters to guests who decide to drive, whereas Gaya Street caters to those that need to go there on foot.
The trailhead from Gaya Street is on the aspect the place the Sabah Tourism Board workplace is positioned. It is on the finish of the road between the Old Town Coffee store and Jesselton Hotel. You’ll spot the path signal from the Kota Kinabalu Community Hall (Dewan Masyarakat DBKK). You’ll attain the highest in roughly 10 minutes.
Location: 78, Jalan Asrama, Signal Hill, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Trail Head Jump-Off Point: Kota Kinabalu Community Hall close to Gaya Street
Opening Hours: 24/7 (Hilltop Area); CLOSED for Renovation (Observatory).
Dedicated to Monsopiad, the legendary headhunter warrior of the Kadazandusun individuals, the biggest ethnic group on this aspect of Borneo.
Privately owned and managed by the direct descendants of Monsopiad, the heritage village was constructed on the very web site the place the famend warrior lived about 300 years in the past. Aiming to spotlight the life and time of Monsopiad and the wealthy historical tradition of the Kadazandusun, it was opened to the general public in 1979, that includes cultural actions just like the Sumazau dance, the Kadazan cuisines, and the standard bamboo hearth lighting.
The hottest attraction is the House of Skulls (Siou Do Mohoing), the place 42 skulls cling on show as trophies and proof of Monsopiad’s energy and energy as a warrior and defender of his village. Other options are the large monolith, the suspension bridge, the standard restaurant, the Grainery (Tangkob), and Monsopiad’s Main House (Kotos di Monsopiad) the place some gadgets together with padi grinders, ceramic jars, bamboo instruments, and costume, are showcased.
The heritage village is positioned in Penampang, only a few minutes’ drive south from Kota Kinabalu metropolis heart.
Location: Kampung Kuai Kandazon, Jalan Putatan Ramayah, Penampang, Sabah
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Monday, Wednesday – Sunday); CLOSED (Tuesdays). The schedule may change, so test the official web site or Facebook web page earlier than going.
Cultural Performance Schedule: 11:00 AM (Morning Session); 2:00 PM (Afternoon Session)
Package Tour Rate: RM 55 (Adult); RM 50 (Senior Citizen, 60 y/o and above); RM 35 (Child, 4-12 y/o); RM 30 (PWD). These are worldwide charges inclusive of guided tour, tour information, cultural actions, cultural present, complimentary drinks, and complimentary reward.
Contact Details: For reserving and inquiries, contact +6011-14196484 / +6011-14196488 / data.monsopiadheritagevillage@gmail.com
Nestled off the northwestern coast of Sabah, this group of three islands is a fast day journey from Kota Kinabalu, offering different seaside vacation spot choice for vacationers who need to absorb the solar and swim in an uncrowded tropical paradise. Aside from swimming and seaside bumming, the widespread actions are diving, snorkeling, and birdwatching.
Mantanani Besar, the biggest of the three and the most well-liked, homes a number of scuba diving resorts. Nature trails additionally scribble throughout the island. The different two islands are Mantanani Kecil, housing a small dive lodge, and Lungisan, the smallest of the three. The waters surrounding the islands are house to coral reefs, dugongs, and different marine creatures.
Getting There: The jump-off level is Kota Belud, which is about an hour’s drive north of Kota Kinabalu. From Kota Belud mainland, significantly Kuala Abai Jetty, the journey time by speedboat to the islands is sort of an hour.
You can guide a tour package deal inclusive of roundtrip transfers from Kota Kinabalu, boat transfers, lunch, snorkeling gear, jetty and entrance charges. Two choices can be found — Snorkeling Only or Snorkeling + River Cruise.
As nations proceed to ease their COVID-19-related journey restrictions, many airways are additionally reopening routes for industrial flights. AirAsia Philippines has not too long ago resumed its Manila-Kota Kinabalu service twice per week. Travel time is over two hours.
Each reserving is inclusive of a complimentary 7kg carry-on baggage allowance. For a hassle-free and extra snug journey, you may need to test its Value Pack, which covers 20kg check-in baggage allowance, customary choice, a meal, and Tune Protect insurance coverage (for bags delay & 1 hour on-time assure safety). Meanwhile, their Premium Flex choice means that you can change the date and time of your flight as much as two instances.
For comfort, seamless reserving of flights and accommodations, and nice offers, you could need to obtain and test the corporate’s fully-integrated platform, the airasia Super App, providing flight reserving and different supplementary companies and merchandise corresponding to on-line purchasing, insurance coverage, and ride-hailing and supply companies (when relevant/out there).
Written by Asta Alvarez
Photos and extra phrases by Yosh Dimen
Our latest journey to Kota Kinabalu was made doable by AirAsia Philippines.