Malaysia's Mount Kinabalu Free Travel

As the pandemic gradually subsided, we finally fulfilled our long-held dream of traveling to Sabah, Malaysia, to conquer Southeast Asia's highest peak—Mount Kinabalu. This trip not only included the challenge of climbing the mountain but also incorporated local culinary and cultural experiences, making our journey even more vibrant and diverse. ✈️ Day 1: Taoyuan → Kota Kinabalu We took a direct AirAsia flight from Taoyuan and arrived at Kota Kinabalu International Airport after about four hours. Upon exiting the airport, we picked up our pre-booked rental car at the Keddy by Europcar counter and began our self-driving adventure. Kota Kinabalu offers convenient transportation and a driver-friendly environment, allowing us to easily navigate to the city center. Our accommodation was the Horizon Hotel, a four-star hotel located in the city center. With its well-equipped facilities and friendly service, our journey started off in comfort and delight. 🛍️ City Exploration and Culinary Delights For lunch, we visited "Tian Tian Restaurant" to savor the local seafood cuisine. The fresh ingredients and unique cooking methods left us thoroughly satisfied. After the meal, we headed to Wisma Merdeka Shopping Center, which houses numerous international brand stores, offering a mix of shopping and leisure. In the evening, we visited Todak Waterfront, a night market blending local culture and cuisine. The myriad of stalls dazzled us. Finally, we stopped by Safma Seafood MiniMart to purchase fresh seafood to cook back at the hotel. 📝 Tips and Recommendations Advance Booking: Since daily climbing slots are limited, it is recommended to book mountain lodges and climbing permits at least six months in advance through the official Kinabalu Park website. Gear Preparation: Climbing Mount Kinabalu requires proper gear such as hiking boots, headlamps, gloves, and cold-weather clothing. Be mindful of altitude sickness. Weather Considerations: The best climbing season is from March to September, as this period has less rainfall and more stable weather. This trip to Mount Kinabalu in Sabah not only challenged us physically but also allowed us to deeply experience the local culture and cuisine. If you're looking for a journey that combines adventure and relaxation, Mount Kinabalu in Sabah is undoubtedly your top choice.