Discover the Truth: My Kota Kinabalu Trip Debunks xhs Misinformation
Who would have thought! A missing entry stamp during my transit from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu nearly got me detained and prevented me from returning home. My friend and I had saved up for months, and just as our adventure was about to end, we were caught completely off guard…
Only after returning did we discover that there are specific “stamping” procedures for inter-state travel in Malaysia (such as flying from East Malaysia to West Malaysia, from Kuala Lumpur to Tawau, or to Kota Kinabalu). The tips found on xhs were not comprehensive, and this was a hard-learned lesson 😭😭
➡ Through this experience, I’ve put together a practical travel guide for Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, complete with detailed itinerary arrangements, hoping to help fellow travelers avoid similar pitfalls!
➡ Remember to check it before you depart! If you can’t remember everything, save it and study it at your leisure 👀
[Weather & Dress Code for Kota Kinabalu in March-May]
🌅 The temperature generally ranges between 21 to 35°C, with March being the rainier month.
📌 Pack a light jacket, sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and an umbrella to stay comfortable and protected.
📱 [Common Apps for Traveling in Malaysia]
🏠 MDAC: Fill in the form three days before or on the day of departure, and keep the electronic version handy.
🚇 Google Maps: Essential for navigating routes and booking restaurants.
🚗 Grab: Your go-to app for rides and food delivery.
🥗 TripAdvisor: Think of it as the international version of “Dianping” for all your dining and activity needs.
🤔 [Travel Tips for Kota Kinabalu]
⚠️ Tip 1: Make sure to check the airport destination before buying tickets. Kota Kinabalu is for Sabah, while Kota Bharu is for Perhentian Island
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⚠️ Tip 2: If transiting from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu, remember to get stamped at A3 for both entry and exit, especially for children who are easily overlooked.
Do not blindly follow the locals’ channel, as it will be particularly troublesome when departing! (Fines or detention)
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⚠️ Tip 3: Zing Sunset Bar, make a reservation in advance or walk in around 5 PM, usually, you can get a good spot
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⚠️ Tip 4: Unlike in China, hotels in Malaysia generally allow check-in from 3 PM.
If you arrive early, you can store your luggage first
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⚠️ Tip 5: Try to avoid using Visa cards for hotel deposits, as refunds are slower. Cash is more convenient. Additionally, there is a tourism tax in Malaysia, which is 10 MYR in cash
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⚠️ Tip 6: Durian season is typically from June to August and December to January.
March may not be the best time to buy durians
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🚗 [A Safe Travel Route for Kota Kinabalu]
▶ Day 1: Domestic – Kuala Lumpur – Kota Kinabalu (private car pick-up)
▶ Day 2: Gaya Street – Universiti Malaysia Sabah – Puh Toh Tze Temple – Water Mosque – Mangrove Sky Mirror (Proboscis Monkey/Fireflies)
▶ Day 3: Manukan Island – Filipino Market – Durian Street
▶ Day 4: Sapi Island – Manukan Island – Kota Kinabalu Central Market Night Market
▶ Day 5: Kinabalu Park – Dairy Farm/ATV
▶ Day 6: SUTERA Fishing
▶ Day 7: Kota Kinabalu – Home
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Materials sourced from ins@ertio, already marked, please do not misjudge, dear moderator
