Discover Affordable Paradise: Budget Travel Tips for Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Just returned from a fantastic 4-night, 5-day adventure in Kota Kinabalu, and I was blown away by how affordable it was [crying emoji] (My friend and I initially set a budget of 4k, but we only spent 2k!!)
✈️ Flights:
1. Round-trip tickets were just over 700 RMB. We opted for a budget airline, and surprisingly, the experience was quite pleasant. Our flight from Hong Kong to Kota Kinabalu departed at 9 PM, and the journey took a mere three hours.
2. The baggage allowance for the budget airline is 7kg, and they do weigh your luggage at check-in.
⚠️ Pro tip: Dress in long sleeves and pants on the plane as the budget airline doesn’t provide blankets.
🏨 Hotel:
1. We checked into the Capital Hotel Kota Kinabalu for four nights, with each person paying around 300 RMB. The hotel is a bit dated, but considering the price, it offers excellent value. The staff are incredibly hospitable, opening the doors for you whenever you enter or leave.
2. The location is superb, with Gaya Street, the jetty, and Suria Sabah Shopping Mall all within an 8-minute walk.
⚠️ A 100 RM deposit is required upon check-in.
🏖️ Activities:
Parasailing 🪂 + Manukan Island 🏝
You can purchase tickets directly at the jetty. It’s wise to compare prices at different counters. For two people, it cost us 150 RM for one island, including parasailing, snorkeling gear, and life jackets, plus an additional 25 RM per person for the island entry fee.
⚠️ Bringing a beach mat is highly recommended, as there aren’t many places to put things on the island. Many visitors use beach mats to lounge comfortably. There are only a few shower stalls, so be prepared to queue during peak times.
🍜 Food and Drink:
ps. These are approximate prices.
［Yuan Tea House］(p2) The noodles were absolutely delicious, though the salad was a bit too sour for my taste. 72 RM
［Woo! cafe］(p3) The café has a very cozy and inviting atmosphere, but the food and drinks were somewhat average. 39 RM
［Prince Coconut 🥥］(p4) We indulged in coconut slush and coconut ice cream.
The slush melted quickly due to the heat, but the ice cream, though very sweet, tasted delightful when mixed with the slush. 22 RM
［Kota Kinabalu Coffee Shop］(p5) The beef was incredibly tender, and the offal portion was generous. The price was very reasonable. 45 RM
[King Wen Tea Restaurant] (p6, 7) We ordered butter prawns, pepper squid, and salted egg yolk crab.
The crabs were enormous, and the owner kindly gave us a discount and even offered two free durian ice creams. 105 RM
［Yee Fung Tea Room］(p8) I found the laksa here to be exceptionally tasty, though the offal portion was a bit small. 60 RM
Gaya Street Night Market is a vibrant and lively place. Everyone is in a relaxed mood, sitting on the ground and sharing food with family and friends. The atmosphere is enhanced by street performers singing their hearts out. 🎤
