Travel to Kota Kinabalu: A Guide to Malaysia's Coastal Paradise

Have you ever dreamed of visiting a place where you can enjoy tropical islands, lush rainforests, and cultural diversity in one city? If so, you might want to consider traveling to Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, Malaysia. Kota Kinabalu, or KK as it is affectionately known, is a coastal paradise that offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or inspiration, you will find it in KK.

In this article, we will show you how to plan your perfect KK trip, from how to get there, where to stay, what to do, and what to eat. We will also share some tips and tricks on how to make the most of your KK experience. So don't wait any longer, read on and discover why KK is one of the best destinations in Malaysia.

Shangri-La Hotel, just by the seaside~

How to Get to Kota Kinabalu

There are many ways to travel to KK from different parts of Malaysia or abroad. The most common and convenient way is by plane. KK has an international airport that serves flights from major cities in Malaysia, such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru, and Kuching, as well as from neighboring countries, such as Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, Thailand, and China. You can find cheap flights to KK by using comparison websites, booking in advance, or choosing off-peak seasons or times.

Another way to travel to KK is by bus. There are several bus terminals in KK that connect to other towns and cities in Sabah and Sarawak. You can also take a bus from Brunei or Indonesia if you are coming from those countries. However, traveling by bus can be time-consuming and uncomfortable, especially for long distances.

If you prefer to drive yourself, you can also travel to KK by car. You can rent a car from the airport or from other locations in Sabah. Driving in Sabah is relatively easy and safe, as long as you follow the traffic rules and regulations. You can also enjoy the scenic views along the way and stop at any attractions that interest you.

Finally, you can also travel to KK by boat. There are several ferry services that operate between KK and nearby islands, such as Labuan, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, and Mantanani Island. You can also take a boat from Brunei or Indonesia if you are coming from those countries. Traveling by boat can be fun and relaxing, but it can also be affected by weather conditions and availability.

Where to Stay in Kota Kinabalu

Enjoy a relaxing drink by the beach~

KK has a wide range of accommodation options for different budgets and preferences. You can choose from hotels, resorts, hostels, homestays, and more. Here are some factors to consider when choosing where to stay in KK:

- Price: Depending on your budget, you can find accommodation that suits your needs. Hotels and resorts tend to be more expensive than hostels and homestays, but they also offer more amenities and comfort. Homestays can be a good option if you want more privacy and flexibility.

- Location: Depending on your itinerary, you can find accommodation that is close to the attractions that you want to visit. For example, if you want to explore the city center and its nightlife, you might want to stay near the KK Waterfront or Gaya Street.

If you want to enjoy the beach and island hopping, you might want to stay near Tanjung Aru or Sutera Harbour.If you want to experience the nature and wildlife, you might want to stay near Kinabalu Park or Klias River.

- Amenities: Depending on your preferences, you can find accommodation that offers the facilities and services that you need. For example, if you want to relax and pamper yourself,

you might want to stay at a resort that has a spa, a pool, and a gym. If you want to meet other travelers and socialize, you might want to stay at a hostel that has a common area, a kitchen, and a bar. If you want to cook your own meals and do your own laundry, you might want to stay at a homestay that has a kitchenette, a washing machine, and a dryer.

Here are some recommendations on where to stay in KK based on different budgets and preferences:

Luxury seekers: If you want to splurge on your KK trip you might want to stay at one of these luxurious hotels or resorts

- Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa: This 5-star resort is located on a private beach overlooking the South China Sea. It has 492 rooms and suites with balconies, seven restaurants and bars, a spa, a pool, a golf course, and a marina. It also offers activities such as water sports, cultural shows, and sunset cruises.

- Hilton Kota Kinabalu: This 5-star hotel is located in the city center, close to the KK Waterfront and Gaya Street. It has 302 rooms and suites with city or mountain views, four restaurants and bars, a spa, a pool, and a fitness center. It also offers services such as airport transfers, concierge, and babysitting.

Backpackers: If you are traveling on a tight budget, you might want to stay at one of these affordable hostels or guesthouses

- Borneo Backpackers: This hostel is located in the heart of the city, near the Gaya Street Sunday Market and the Atkinson Clock Tower. It has dorms and private rooms with shared bathrooms, a common area, a kitchen, and a rooftop terrace. It also offers free breakfast, Wifi, and lockers.

- Masada Backpacker: This guesthouse is located in a quiet neighborhood, near the Signal Hill Observatory Platform and the Suria Sabah Shopping Mall. It has dorms and private rooms with shared bathrooms, a common area, a kitchen, and a garden. It also offers free breakfast, Wifi, and luggage storage.

Families: If you are traveling with your kids or relatives, you might want to stay at one of these family-friendly hotels or homestays

The exterior of Hyatt Regency Kinabalu~

- Hyatt Regency Kinabalu: This 4-star hotel is located on the waterfront, near the Filipino Market and the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal. It has 288 rooms and suites with sea or city views, five restaurants and bars, a spa, a pool, and a fitness center. It also offers services such as airport transfers, concierge, and babysitting. It also has a kids' club, a playground, and a children's pool.

- The Loft Imago: This homestay is located in a shopping mall, near the KK Times Square and the Imago Shopping Mall. It has apartments with two or three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, a dining area, and a kitchen. It also has facilities such as wifi, air conditioning, TV, washing machine, dryer, and iron. It also has access to the mall's amenities such as a pool, a gym, a playground, and a cinema.

Couples: If you are traveling with your partner or spouse, you might want to stay at one of these romantic hotels or resorts

- Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa: This 5-star resort is located on a private island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. It has 48 villas with balconies, some with private pools or jacuzzis. It has two restaurants and bars, a spa, a pool, and a beach. It also offers activities such as snorkeling, diving, kayaking, hiking, and zip-lining.

- Horizon Hotel & Spa: This 4-star hotel is located in the city center, near the KK Waterfront and Gaya Street. It has 180 rooms and suites with city or sea views, two restaurants and bars, a spa, a pool, and a fitness center. It also offers services such as airport transfers, concierge, and room service.

What to Do in Kota Kinabalu

KK has something for everyone when it comes to things to do. Whether you are into nature, adventure, culture, food, or shopping, you will find plenty of options to suit your interests. Here are some of the most popular and interesting things to do in KK for different types of travelers:

Nature lovers: If you love nature and wildlife, you will be amazed by the diversity and beauty of KK's natural attractions. Here are some of the best ones to visit

Go on an adventure of a lifetime in Kinabalu Park~

- Kinabalu Park: This is Malaysia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Southeast Asia. You can explore the park's rich flora and fauna by hiking on various trails or joining guided tours. You can also challenge yourself by climbing Mount Kinabalu or walking on the canopy walkway. The park also has accommodation options such as lodges, chalets, and campsites.

- Klias River: This is one of the best places to see proboscis monkeys, fireflies, crocodiles, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. You can join a river cruise that will take you along the mangrove forest and let you witness the amazing sights and sounds of nature. You can also enjoy a buffet dinner on board and watch the fireflies light up the night sky.

Adventure seekers: If you are looking for adventure and adrenaline rush, you will not be disappointed by KK's adventure activities. Here are some of the best ones to try

- Island hopping: KK is surrounded by beautiful islands that are part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. You can hop from one island to another by boat and enjoy activities such as snorkeling, diving, kayaking, parasailing, and more. Some of the most popular islands are Manukan, Sapi, Gaya, Mamutik, and Sulug. You can also stay overnight on some of the islands and experience the island life.

- White water rafting: If you are looking for a thrilling and fun activity, you can try white water rafting on the Kiulu or Padas River. You can choose from different levels of difficulty and enjoy the rapids, the scenery, and the camaraderie. You can also learn about the local culture and history from your guide and enjoy a delicious lunch after the rafting.

Culture enthusiasts: If you are interested in learning about the culture and history of KK and Sabah, you will find plenty of opportunities to do so. Here are some of the best ones to visit

Make sure to visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village~

- Mari Mari Cultural Village: This is a living museum that showcases the lifestyle and traditions of five ethnic groups in Sabah: Dusun, Rungus, Lundayeh, Bajau, and Murut. You can visit their traditional houses, watch their cultural performances, try their local delicacies, and participate in their activities such as blowpipe making, tattooing, and fire starting.

- Sabah Museum: This is the main museum in Sabah that displays the history, culture, art, and nature of Sabah. You can explore the various galleries that exhibit the archaeology, ethnography, natural history, ceramics, Islamic civilization, and more. You can also visit the Heritage Village that showcases the traditional architecture and crafts of Sabah.

Foodies: If you love food and want to taste the local flavors of KK and Sabah, you will be spoiled for choice by the variety and quality of food available. Here are some of the best ones to try

- Seafood: KK is famous for its fresh and cheap seafood that comes in different styles and cuisines. You can find seafood restaurants, stalls, markets, and buffets that offer a wide range of seafood such as fish, prawns, crabs, lobsters, clams, squids, and more. Some of the most popular places to eat seafood are Welcome Seafood Restaurant, Seri Selera Kampung Air Seafood Centre, Todak Waterfront Hawker Centre, and Port View Seafood Village.

- Local dishes: KK also has many local dishes that reflect its diverse and rich culture. You can find Malay, Chinese, Indian, Kadazan-Dusun, Bajau, and other ethnic dishes that will satisfy your palate. Some of the most famous local dishes are laksa (noodle soup with coconut milk and spices), nasi lemak (rice cooked with coconut milk and served with sambal and various side dishes), hinava (raw fish salad with lime juice and herbs), satay (skewered meat with peanut sauce), and seafood bak kut teh (pork ribs soup with seafood and herbs).

Shoppers: If you love shopping and want to buy some souvenirs or bargains from KK, you will find plenty of options to suit your needs. Here are some of the best ones to visit:

- Gaya Street Sunday Market: This is a weekly market that takes place every Sunday morning on Gaya Street. You can find hundreds of stalls selling various items such as handicrafts, clothes, accessories, antiques, books, plants, fruits, and more. You can also enjoy some street food, live music, and cultural performances. This is a great place to experience the local atmosphere and culture of KK.

- Suria Sabah Shopping Mall: This is a modern shopping mall that is located in the city center,

near the waterfront. It has over 200 shops selling various products such as fashion, beauty, electronics, books, toys, and more.It also has a cinema, a supermarket, a food court, and a rooftop garden. This is a great place to enjoy some air-conditioned comfort and convenience.

Visit Sabah Today!

Kota Kinabalu is a coastal paradise that offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking for nature, adventure, culture, food, or shopping, you will find it in KK.

Don't wait any longer, book your KK trip today and experience Malaysia's coastal paradise for yourself!

Visit trip.com and find the best deals on flights, accommodation, activities, and more. Travel to Kota Kinabalu and discover why it is one of the best destinations in Malaysia.