Discovering Kota Kinabalu: A Visual Feast Worth Every Mile Traveled
5 Days 4 Nights
Day 1: Beijing ✈ Kota Kinabalu ➕ Island Hopping
Upon arrival at 5:45, we checked into the charming old Hyatt.
🥣 Fuyuan Tea Restaurant (Don’t miss the Kaya toast!)
🏖 Embark on a delightful island hopping adventure to Manukan and Sapi. For just 45RM, you can explore both islands, with an additional 25RM for the entry fee.
Keep your ticket handy as it will be checked.
The boat sets sail at 8:30, allowing you to switch islands between 13:00 and 15:00, before returning to the dock by 15:00.
Pro tip: Arrive at the dock around 9:30, and consider booking activities on Manukan with a guide for better deals. Mamutik boasts greener waters, but it gets very crowded in the afternoon, likely due to popular travel guides 😂
🥣 Yau Kee Bak Kut Teh (Their ribs and pig’s trotters are a must-try)
In the evening, take a leisurely stroll down Durian Street.
Day 2: Weston Mangrove – Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies
🥣 Yi Feng Laksa (Busy but quick turnover; the 10RM laksa is a hit)
🐒 We booked our mangrove tickets through Adventure Malaysia.
14:00 hotel pick-up – 16:30 arrive at the mangroves (see monkeys & fireflies) – 21:50 back to the hotel (round trip 5h, with rest stops, afternoon tea & dinner included)
The proboscis monkeys have amusing swimming moves, and the guide will capture some great photos of them.
Use an electric fly swatter to keep insects at bay. ⚠ Must wear long sleeves, long pants, sports shoes, a sun hat, and bring insect repellent.
At night, marvel at the abundance of fireflies. Catching one is said to grant a wish!
Day 3: Half-day Mantanani Island ➕ Tanjung Aru Beach Sunset
🤿 I covered the half-day trip to Mantanani Island in my previous video notes. It’s highly recommended for snorkeling and water play (saw lots of Nemo). Please return plastic bottles to the boat 🙏, and take photos by the beach. Nearby island hopping is sufficient.
🥣 Zing sunset bar (Book a day in advance via text, aim for section B/T1/T2; we were at T3)
Pro tip: While the food here isn’t the best (lots of flies), the sunset views are absolutely stunning.
🥣 Gaya Street Night Market (Try the avocado smoothie, it’s delicious!)
Day 4: Sabah University Mosque / Sabah Seaside ➕ Sunset Paddleboarding
🕌 Grab a taxi to Masjid UMS Kota Kinabalu. The driver will ask you to register at the Sabah University gate, with a 10RM fee per person. Don’t forget to buy King mangoes in front of the mosque! For the seaside, head to UMS ODEC Beach.
🥣 Welcome Seafood (Average, perhaps we didn’t order the right dishes 😂)
🏄 Enjoy sunset paddleboarding at Tanjung Aru Beach from 16:00 to 19:30. Wear a swimsuit, and bring a towel, beach socks, sunglasses, and gloves to protect your hands from paddling.
Pro tip: If it rained the night before, you might be treated to a beautiful sunset the next day (refer to the photo from the previous day).
It’s perfect for taking pictures. The day I went was just okay.
🥣 Jing Wen Tea Restaurant (Buttery shrimp and pepper salt squid are delicious)
Day 5: Luna Massage
🥣 Delicious Coffee Shop (Their big buns are a treat)
💆 Indulge in a 90-minute traditional finger pressure massage and after-sun repair at Luna Massage.
This private group itinerary was indeed fantastic, and it’s definitely worth sharing.
