Kota Kinabalu🌴🌄: Ultimate 3-Day Solo Travel Guide in Southeast Asia
Perfect for: Solo adventurers, enthusiasts of the sea and water sports
Recommended duration: 3-4 days
Recommendation rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I recently returned from a solo trip to Kota Kinabalu, and I must say, the warmth of the locals was truly heartwarming. The city’s laid-back vibe and breathtaking natural beauty left me spellbound! Since coming back, I’ve been on a mission to recommend this hidden gem to all my friends who adore sunsets, beaches, sunshine, and the ocean! ✨
Day 1🧚♀️: Proboscis Monkeys + Fireflies
After extensive research, I settled on Adventure’s Kawa Mangrove one-day tour. We set off from the city at 2 PM, embarking on a scenic 2-hour drive. While the river wasn’t teeming with proboscis monkeys, we were fortunate enough to spot a few under the expert guidance of our boatman.
If your primary goal is to see 🐒, you might want to explore other rivers.
Post a simple yet satisfying dinner, we headed to a nearby black sand beach to catch the sunset. The view here far surpasses that of Tanjung Aru, and the sky mirror effect is perfect for stunning photos; don’t miss out!
As the day drew to a close, we ventured into the night to witness the magical fireflies.
It was like stepping into a “cup full of starry dreams.” I learned that the fireflies at Kawa shine in a more irregular, slow, and gentle pattern, while those at Weston synchronize their light, creating a mesmerizing dance. Choose based on your preference.
p.s. Each tour company claims to offer the most authentic experience, so it’s wise to do some research, watch videos, and pick the one that resonates with you.
Day 2🌊: Mantanani Island Outing
Eager to snorkel in pristine waters, I chose Mantanani Island, which is a 1-1.5 hour boat ride away. For those who prefer a wider range of water activities, closer islands might be more suitable.
There are only two travel agencies that operate tours to Mantanani Island: “Mantanani Love” and “Ria.
” I opted for the latter, which was more budget-friendly. The day was well-organized, featuring two snorkeling sessions (shallow and deep), cliff jumping, a delicious buffet lunch, and exhilarating banana boat rides. The crystal-clear waters were simply breathtaking, making it hard to distinguish from the Maldives~
A few tips: Wear long sleeves and pants for snorkeling, bring a change of clothes for picture-perfect moments, apply coral-friendly sunscreen (don’t skip any spots, or you’ll end up with a visible tan line like I did), and bring a gopro (if you don’t have one, the local staff can take photos for a small fee).
Day 3🚶: Citywalk + Eating and Drinking
Gaya Street Night Market: Don’t miss the vibrant Gaya Street Night Market, which comes alive on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00 PM to midnight, and on Sundays from 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Be sure to bring cash, as most vendors only accept it.
Sunset Paddle Boarding: For a truly unforgettable experience, head north for some sunset paddle boarding. You can either bring your own waterproof phone case or purchase one on-site for around 30 RMB—though a bit pricey, it’s worth capturing those stunning views!
🍹Bar: Drunken Door is an absolute must-visit. The drinks are top-notch, and the atmosphere is electric! The bartender even whipped up a special concoction called “surprise me,” which was absolutely delicious and a delightful surprise!
🍚Eating: Indulge in some fantastic seafood at Welcome Seafood Restaurant, where the salted egg yolk crab and wet butter prawns are simply divine. For more local flavors, try Home Fragrance Beef Noodles and Yee Fung Laksa—both are sure to satisfy your taste buds!
Hope everyone has a great time and stays safe!!!
