INTRODUCTION
The capital of Sabah, Borneo, this Malaysian city is a growing resort destination due to is proximity to tropical islands, lush rainforest and Mount Kinabalu.
DIRECTIONS TO KOTA KINABALU
By plane
Kota Kinabalu International Airport (IATA code BKI, but also abbreviated KKIA) is the main gateway to Sabah. In addition to frequent domestic services from Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru and various points on Malaysian Borneo on AirAsia, Fly Asian Xpress (FAX) and Malaysia Airlines, internationally you can fly direct from Manila (Clark) ; from Bangkok with Thai AirAsia; from Singapore with Silkair; from Hong Kong with Dragonair; from Brunei with Royal Brunei Airlines; from Taipei with Far Eastern Air Transport; from Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, Manila on Malaysia Airlines, and other cities, too.
The airport is 7 km away from the city. Try and find the bus stop, which is not at the airport itself but down on the main road, or take a taxi (coupon available, 15 minutes).
The going rate for a taxi ride from the airport to the city is around RM20 (as of October 2006).
Caution: there are ATMs and a currency exchange at the airport but if you're arriving late it'll almost certainly be closed and the ATMs are not always working, so make sure you've got some Malaysian ringgit before you arrive as you'll need it for the taxi or the bus.
GETTING AROUND KOTA KINABALU
Taxi - Taxi fares around town would cost around RM20, at most.
Bus - RM1.50 from Kota Kinabalu International Airport(Petagas) to the city centre. While RM1.00 from Terminal 2 International Airport(Tg.Aru) to City Center.
THINGS TO DO
Mount Kinabalu - The tallest peak in South East Asia at 4,101 metres. The State Park is 80 km from the city.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park - The Tunku Abdul Rahman Park comprises of 5 Islands off the coast of Kota Kinabalu and are accessable from Kota Kinabula via a number of boat services.
bike, blade, and board - extreme sports community group in Kota Kinabalu
SHOPPING
Central Market is next to the waterfront. Also known as "Pasar Pilipin", it's a collection of shops selling goods from many places (such as Bali and Thailand) and not necessarily native to Sabah. Prices are on most goods, but be sure to bargain. If you're not getting it for 1/2 the sticker price, you're not getting a good deal.
CUISINE
Eat
For meals, head to the outdoor food stalls fronting the sea or coffee shops along the streets. The less adventurous could make a beeline for fast food outlets in the Centrepoint shopping centre while those with deeper pockets could try the pierside restaurants just after the open air fish market.
- Yu Kee's Bak Kut Teh - Located along the famous Gaya Street, its a chinese operated restaurant that serves pork dishes. A small single dish cost about 4 ringgit, soup top up is free. All types of pork meat & organs serves with special chinese herb soup. A MUST TRY!
- Man Thai restaurant - Located in Likas, Dah Yeh Villa. They are famous for their fried noodles. They serve chinese style ala carte dishes as well.
- Jothy's Fish Head Curry and Banana Leaf Restaurant - Api Api Center. An eat-with-your-hands restaurant. A chicken dish 8 ringgit, a mango lassie 4 ringgit. (Also, try the fish head curry, fish cutlets, fried fish pieces, chicken nasi briyani, assam soup and dried bitter gourd - Price N/A) Not the best Banana Leaf restaurant in Malaysia, but not bad. They'll bring you a spoon and fork, which you should politely decline. Ask for a banana leaf (for additional 50 cents) and eat with your hands. English menu.
- Little Italy restaurant - Authentic and very popular Italian restaurant located with the city center, a hit with both locals and visitors alike.
Seafood in Kota Kinabalu is very popular, so getting a dose of it is a must. Here are some places to try:
- Ocean Seafood Restaurant - Right next to the Promenade Hotel and Parkson Grand. The restaurant faces the coastline. You can take a pick on your seafood orders by the fishtanks, or if you prefer, you can let the waiters recommend at your table.
- Portview Seafood Restaurant- There are 2 branches of this in K.K. One of them is right opposite Centrepoint Shopping Centre, called The Waterfront. This one is quite new, a very popular place for tourists and orders can be taken either way similar to Ocean Restaurant. This restaurant is nestled amongst other popular nightlife hangouts, mostly bars and clubs, but also cafes like CoffeeBean. The other older one, is nicely set in front of a pier, within walking distance to banks such as HSBC and Standard Chartered, and some supermarkets stocking imported goods.
Drink
- The Cottage Pub - Taman Luyang 10 minutes from City Centre,The Original British Pub Established 1981. The Place Where Friends Meet. Best Music in town with live band (Jazz and Rock), cosy atmosphere and beer from 21 ringgit a bucket(4 bottles) inclusive of tax.
- Shenanigan Fun Pub - Located at ground floor of the Kinabalu Hyatt Regency.
- Shamrock Irish Bar - The Waterfront Lot 6. Pint of Tiger or Guinness 20 ringgit ++. The usual Irish fare, with outdoor seating. Add 16% tax.
- Cocoon - One of KK's most notable nightspots. It is a relaxed bar in the day and a lively bar/club by night, with the action carrying on into the small hours.
- Bee Kim KTV - Located at Sadong Jaya around Karamunsing area.
- Strawberry KTV - Located near segama and central market.
- Razz-Ma-Tazz - Located just outside the central business district along Jalan Tuaran, it is one of the largest and most popular nightclub in the city. Features two rooms, the larger one, Z'Razz, features a live band rotated with DJ spinning mainly hip-hop tracks. The smaller room, Zuave, plays mainly house, trance, and other dance tracks.
