Kota Kinabalu (KK) Travel Guide

KK is a coastal city that is perfect for a vacation. Follow my guide to explore it! Day 1: City Walk First, go to the KFC opposite Suria Sabah Shopping Mall and near Hyatt Regency Kinabalu. The KFC chicken drumsticks in Malaysia are amazing. I had them for two nights in a row as a late-night snack! Then, visit the Sabah Night Market to experience the laid-back lifestyle of the locals. Sitting on the ground is quite interesting. Don't miss the delicious coconut water from Prince Coconut nearby. Also, visit the City Mosque. The entrance fee is MYR 5 per person. You can only walk on one side of the outer perimeter. There is a designated photo spot. Although it is a great place for photos, it may not be worth taking a taxi just to visit. You can decide based on your preferences. Day 2: Island Hopping No need to wake up early. Just wait at Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, and there will be boats heading to the islands. Some people may try to persuade you to join their tours, but don't believe them. Go directly to the company with the yellow logo and footprints. They have boats going to the islands on the same day. The island fee is MYR 25 (only pay once). It costs MYR 35 to visit one island and MYR 45 to visit two islands. You can skip the window projects for now. At Manukan Island, I changed into a jellyfish suit and wanted to snorkel on my own, but the water was easily murky, and the visibility was poor. I didn't dare to swim far. Later, I found a company for activities. After bargaining, we paid MYR 220 for two people to enjoy a banana boat ride and snorkeling, which was quite a good deal. At Mamutik Island, the banana boat ride was relatively gentle. During snorkeling, the instructor took us further out, where we could see clownfish, sea urchins, and corals. The instructor also helped us take photos and videos. Girls, remember to tie your hair for better underwater photos. In the evening, go to the Sunset Bar at Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa. Make a reservation in advance. Prices vary in different areas. Although it's a great place for photos, the taste is not impressive. Fortunately, there is no mandatory consumption. Day 3: Explore the Mangroves After comparing options, I chose the Weston Wetland Park. It takes 2.5 hours to drive from the city center. If you choose Adventure, they will pick you up from the hotel. Although the road is a bit bumpy, it is worth it! You can see many proboscis monkeys, some jumping into the water and fighting. After a thunderstorm, a double rainbow appeared, which was incredibly lucky! In the evening, there are many fireflies, creating a dreamy atmosphere. In conclusion, KK is full of surprises. Follow this guide, and you're guaranteed to have a fun and unforgettable experience. Start your journey now!