Kota Kinabalu is a city in Sabah Borneo. Many Filipinos work and live here. It's as if you never left Phils. when you get here. Just talk in tagalog and someone will answer you back - yes in tagalog also.
They say that Sabah is part of the Philippine islands. Who wouldn't suspect? It's very near our Southern tip and in fact some people from Mindanao just board an overnight ferry boat to get to the island. It's just sad that we may never claim this land ever again. But who knows?We started off this trip at the city center of Kota Kinabalu. From the airport it will take you 15mins. to get to the city (30 mins with the traffic). After unpacking we headed to the waterfront for some r&r. Good thing it rained that afternoon and so made the climate milder.
The waterfront at night is full of vacationers and malaysian yuppies out for a good time. It is lined with bars and pubs with Filipino Bands. Makes you very proud of our Filipino talents.
Day 02 was spent on city sightseeing . Kota Kinabalu has a very small city and everything can be done on foot (if you have the energy for it). Or you may take a taxi to get to some places. Taxi within the city will cost around RM 10 (P 140 or $3). Be wary of taxi touts , they can be very demanding and rude. So, i recommend you walk. Besides it's good for your health.Must see sights:Museum Kopitiam - right at the backpacker's area in Gaya st. It's a coffee shop and musuem at the same time. It houses WW2 memorabilias .
Signal Hill Observatory - there is a short cut at the back of Lucy's Homestay in Gaya st. Near the Old Police station. Great during sunset.
Atkinson Clock Tower - near the old Police station. You will never miss it.
Manukan Island/Mamutik Island/Sapi Island - take a ferry from the Jesselton Ferry Terminal. To and From the islands are timed so make sure to ask about the schedule of the boats. RM 17 per person ferry ride per island. Pay one time RM 15 per person for conservation fee. You may also be needing some snorkeling gadgets and life vests (there's a fee also).Tun Mustapha Gallery - just right outside the city. There's a revolving restaurant inside where you can view the city 360degrees.
City Mosque - right outside the city. Going to Tun Mustapha you will pass by the mosque.
1Borneo Mall - walk to Warisan Square (fronting the Seafood Waterfront) and wait for the FREE shuttle courtesy of the mall. It's 15 to 30 mins going there.
Mount Kinabalu - 1 hr 30mins to get there. You may take a tour package or you may share a taxi going to the park . RM 150 per taxi 2 way. Upon getting to the park you must pay entrance fee of RM15 per person and guided tour of RM 15. For those planning to go to the summit 3D2N package guided tour is for you.
Tanjung Aru Beach - Food stalls and restaurants where locals go to eat and enjoy the sunset. Very near the airport.Seafood Waterfront - for a dose of Sabahan nightlife. Lots of Bars lining the waterfront. One bottle of Tiger beer would cost RM 15 to 20 each.
Filipino Market - just fronting Le Meridien hotel. Buy your souveinirs here. Lots of hawker stalls at night. For budget travellers this is the best place to eat seafood for it is very expensive to eat at a touristy seafood restaurant such as Portview.
Water Esplanade - near Hyatt Hotel.Gaya Street - on Sundays there is a street market. Backpacker's haven. Local eateries line the street.
UMS - University of Malaysia Sabah . On your way to 1Borneo or Mount Kinabalu.
Poring Hot Springs - full of locals and tourists. Must do here is the canopy walk.
Malaysia Monument - city center
Wisma Merdeka - city center
Must eat:
Bak Kut Teh - a soup with chinese herbs and spices with pork, and other innards. It supposed to make you well and strong. RM 17/good for 2
Tea Tarik - tea concoction with cream. superb! RM 3/glass
Milo ping - milo drink concoction. Tried this at home but never got the same taste. RM3/glass.
Tom Yam - may be with or w/o noodles. Best without the noodles coz noodles can make you full. Very refreshing taste. And with a good amount of prawns per serving. RM 5/bowl.
How to get there? Cebu Pacific and Air Asia flies direct to Kota Kinabalu . Check out their website for flight schedules
hi just came across your blog and got interested. Is that a lobster together with the shrimp on the grill? looks yummy.. where can you get that there? hope you can make your blog more detailed-- like how you get around those places. tnx!
ReplyDeleteShrimp is almost as big as the lobster. There are lots of seafood restos in Kota Kinabalu but the price on their menu is on the touristy side. Best if you go to Filipino market which is just near the Hyatt Hotel. The market comes alive during the afternoon until night with hawkers of different food types. You may also buy fresh seafood from the market and have it grilled for a fee. This a cheaper way of getting your seafood fix without burning a hole in your pocket.
ReplyDeleteYou may walk on foot around Kota Kinabalu city. Don't worry it is such a small place wherein you can see the whole of it in one or two days.