Kota Kinabalu travel blog — The fullest Kota Kinabalu travel guide for first-timers

Kinabalu Poring Hot Springs

Hot springs are located on the grounds of Kinabalu National Forest, an area designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Admission fee here is 3 RM for local people and 15 RM for foreigners.

In addition to taking a hot spring bath, here you can also trekking into deep inside the jungle where has some interesting places for you to visit, if you are not afraid of fatigue, the farthest Trek point is Langanan waterfall with a distance of 3525m. On the way there is Butterfly Garden, Canopy Walk suspension bridge, Kipungit waterfall, bat cave, some points will force you to buy more tickets to entrance.

Address: 89300 Ranau, Sabah, Malaysia
Hours: 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM

Mari Mari Cultural Village

This village is a place where you can learn about the extremely diverse culture and customs from 5 different tribes living here. You will learn how to make traditional tribal dishes and drinks, learn to create fire from bamboo or enjoy traditional music and dance with the identity of each ethnic group.

Address: Inanam, 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Hours: 10AM–6PM
Phone: +60 16-821 5689
Url: http://marimariculturalvillage.com/

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park is one of the largest zoos throughout Malaysia. There are many different wildlife species in the tropics such as reptiles, birds, mammals … Also at the zoo very often organize animal circus activities.

Address: 63, Jalan Penampang, 88200 Penampang, Sabah, Malaysia
Hours: 9:30AM–5:30PM
Phone: +60 88-765 710

Filipino Market

Kota Kinabalu is very close to the Philippines, so there are lots of small businesses coming from the Philippines.

The market sells a lot of different handicrafts and the most special attraction is pearl. The people here are also extremely friendly and harmonious. Many tourists come here to shop and visit when traveling to Kota Kinabalu. If you come to the market at night, the market will turn into an ideal dining spot with countless grilled seafood caught directly from the sea.

Address: Jalan Tun Fuad Stephen, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Hours: 9AM–10PM

In addition, Kota Kinabalu has many interesting bars, golf courses and diving services such as parachuting, canoeing …

Kota Kinabalu travel guide blog: What and where to eat?

It is famous for traditional curry eateries from popular to high-end, concentrate on the streets of Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, Jalan Pasar Baru … or night market.

Seafood here is very cheap, with only 20 RM / person, you will enjoy crab, shrimp, squid and delicious grilled dishes, seaweed salad …

Or enjoy the fast food of famous brands in the world at commercial centers. Or food stores of Thailand or Japan.

Below are some popular dishes you can try in Kota Kinabalu.

Roti Canai: The dish originating from India is one of the most popular breakfast dishes here. The cake will be served with a rich and spicy curry. You can taste this dish at some good restaurants such as: Pak Idris Restaurant & Catering; Sri Latha Curry House; Kedai Makan Islamic Restoran 2.

Char Kway Teow: Stir-fried rice noodles with meat or seafood with black soy sauce, sounds like Pad Thai. You can try this dish at restaurants: Warung Afiq Char Kuey Teow; Sulaiman Kiosk..penang Char Kuey Teow; Penang Char Kuey Teow.

Nasi Lemak: Also one of Malaysia’s popular dishes. The coverage is similar to that of broken rice in Saigon. All people eat it, have all versions from popular to luxurious. Rice is cooked with coconut milk, served with peanuts, dried fish, and other topping such as chicken, beef, pork, deer, etc … depending on preferences. Some restaurants you can try this dish are: Nasi Lemak Kaki Lima; Ayam Penyet Nasi Lemak; Baby Boss Nasi Lemak Restaurant; D’queens Kitchen,Nasi Lemak Kukus King,Bandar Sierra; Warung Nasi Lemak Abg Din; Nasi Lemak S7; pok di nasi lemak.

Kota Kinabalu travel blog: What to buy?

It has a Filipino handicraft market, sells a lot of traditional souvenirs and hand-made goods, especially you should buy pearls when as a gift when traveling in Kota Kinabalu.

In addition, you can visit other shopping attractions in Kota Kinabalu such as: Surah Sabah, Center Point, Parkson, KK Plaza, Wisma Merdeka, Warisan Square …

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to from Kota Kinabalu you can refer to

• Kota Kinabalu City Half Day Tour
• Bongawan Mangrove River Cruise, Fireflies, Sky Mirror Tour in Sabah
• Kota Kinabalu City Night Tour with Seafood Dinner
• Kinabalu Park & Poring Hot Spring
• Kota Kinabalu City Culinary and Shopping Tour
• Private Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) Transfers for Hotels in Kota Kinabalu
• Manukan Island and ATV Sunset Full Day Adventure
• Kinabalu Park & Poring Hot Spring Tour
• Mantanani Snorkeling or Scuba Diving & Kawa Kawa River Cruise
• Mari Mari Cultural Village Half Day Tour
• Sapi/Manukan Island Hopping with Private Group Tour Guide
• Borneo Paragliding Experience in Ranau
• Sunset and City Night Dinner Cruise with Complimentary Drinks in Kota Kinabalu
• KL TravelPass (Metro Card) in Kuala Lumpur
• [SALE] 4G Prepaid SIM Card (MY Airports Pick Up) for Malaysia
• 4G WiFi (MY Airport Pick Up) for Malaysia

Are you looking for more top things to do in Sabah and Kota Kinabalu: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out at here. And Malaysia here.