Wow wow wow!!!! It's truly beautiful (sunset)
Kota Kinabalu Travel Guide:
✅Must-Visit Attractions
1. Tanjung Aru Beach
- One of the world's top three sunset spots, with stunning evening skies and food stalls and bars along the beach.
- Tips: Arrive 1 hour before sunset and avoid weekend peak hours. 🍀
2. Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
- Consists of 5 islands (Gaya Island, Manukan Island, Sapi Island, etc.), perfect for snorkeling, diving, or beach relaxation.
- Recommended activities: Snorkeling (rich coral at Sapi Island), parasailing (at Manukan Island). 🌼
3. Mount Kinabalu
- The highest peak in Southeast Asia (4,095m), requires a 2-day-1-night climb with advance permit reservation.
- Easy option: Visit Kundasang at the mountain base, featuring dairy farms, hot springs, and suspension bridges.
4. Mangrove Eco-Tour (Kawa / Klias / Weston)
- Boat tours to see proboscis monkeys and fireflies (magical like stars at night), combined with beach sunset. 🌅
- Tips: Choose a half-day package that includes afternoon tea and dinner.
5. Floating Mosque (Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu)
- Built on an artificial lake with beautiful reflections. Traditional clothing rental required for entry (5-10 RM). 😻
6. Sabah Museum
- Learn about Sabah's history, indigenous cultures, and natural ecology
✅Food Recommendations
1. Seafood
- Welcome Seafood Restaurant: Great value, try the creamy tiger prawns and aromatic crabs.
- Grilled fish and lobster at night markets: Fresh grilled seafood at Central Market (Tanjung Aru Night Market). 😋
2. Local Snacks
- Yee Fung Laksa: Sarawak laksa, beef noodles.
- Fook Yuen: Pulled tea, toast, kaya spread.
- Ngiu Chap: Local specialty pork noodle soup (recommend "Golden Sand Garden Ngiu Chap"). ☀️
3. Fruit Markets
- Filipino Market for durian, mangosteen, rambutan (best season: June-August)
✅Transportation Guide
1. Airport to City
- Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) is about 7km from downtown, taxi (Grab costs about 15-20 RM), 15-minute ride.
2. City Transportation
- Grab: Cheap and convenient, typically 5-10 RM within the city.
- Bus 🚌: Limited routes, not recommended for primary transportation.
- Car rental 🚗: Good for visiting Mount Kinabalu or island tours, international driver's license required.
3. Island/Surrounding Tours
- Buy boat tickets at Jesselton Point for Marine Park islands (about 30-50 RM round trip).
- For Mount Kinabalu and mangrove tours, recommended to book local day tours (with transfers included).
✅Accommodation Recommendations
- Budget: Horizon Hotel (city center, near night markets), Dreamtel Kota Kinabalu.
- Luxury: Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort (excellent sunset views), Magellan Sutera Resort.
- Unique stays: Farm homestays in Kundasang (like Little Hut).
✅Important Notes
1. Visa: Malaysia requires an electronic visa (eVISA), apply in advance.
2. Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (RM), exchange rates in the city are better than at the airport.
3. Language: English and Malay are common, many Chinese residents speak Mandarin.
4. Sun protection: Strong UV rays, bring high SPF sunscreen and sun hats.
5. Environmental protection: Don't touch coral while snorkeling, protect marine ecology.
✅Suggested Itinerary (3-4 days)
- Day 1: City tour (Floating Mosque + Sabah Museum) + Tanjung Aru sunset + seafood dinner.
- Day 2: Island hopping at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.
- Day 3: Half-day mangrove tour to see proboscis monkeys + fireflies.
- Day 4: Day trip to Mount Kinabalu or leisure time at Kundasang farms. 📷🌼