Kota Kinabalu: Is It Really Only Suitable for a One-Day Stay? 😂

Genuine feelings, no exaggeration. Despite being the largest city in Sabah, Kota Kinabalu is rather unassuming; it’s neither a bustling metropolis nor a sleepy backwater. Most travelers use it as a convenient gateway to Semporna.

🥘 **Food**: Don’t miss out on trying Bak Kut Teh and Laksa for a true taste of the local cuisine. As for the durian stalls under the flyover, they might be tempting, but they won’t exactly give you the “durian freedom” you might be hoping for.

📷 **Photography**: You’ll see many people on Xiaohongshu sharing their picturesque city walks in Kota Kinabalu. While there are some photo spots that can be quite charming, if you’re expecting a treasure trove of Instagram-worthy locations, you might be a bit disappointed. If photography is your main interest, it’s worth checking out, but don’t go out of your way just for a few snaps.

🏠 **Accommodation**: The accommodations in Kota Kinabalu are a step up from what you’ll find in Semporna. Expect conditions similar to a budget hotel in China, with prices around 100 RMB per night. It’s a comfortable and affordable option for a short stay.

‼️ **Sunset Alert**: The famous pink and purple sunsets in Kota Kinabalu are a sight to behold, but they are highly dependent on the weather. Just because it’s sunny doesn’t mean you’ll get the perfect sunset, and even on cloudy days, there’s still a chance. These stunning colors are more likely to appear after a rain shower or when the air is particularly moist, especially during certain seasons.

To catch this natural spectacle, you need the perfect alignment of conditions. For those chasing the sea sunset, be prepared for a bit of uncertainty. (This advice comes from someone who spent five days in Kota Kinabalu just to catch a glimpse of the sunset [Facepalm][Facepalm])

In summary, Kota Kinabalu is a good place for a brief stopover. While it may not offer an extremely thrilling travel experience, it’s a pleasant and practical choice for a transit point.