What would be the first thing in your mind when it comes to Kota Kinabalu? Mount Kinabalu? Most probably that is everyone first impression about Kota Kinabalu. Kinabalu National Park is one of the Malaysia World Heritage, and has been the symbol of Kota Kinabalu since a long time ago. However, there are also some other attractions in Kota Kinabalu besides the national park.

I was there in year 2005 for the Mount Kinabalu climbing trip with a bunch of friends. I was given the chance to visit the Philippines market, central market, waterfront esplanade, Pulau Manukan (only 30 minutes boat ride from the city) and of course the Kinabalu Park including Poring (the hot spring, 1 hour plus bus ride from Kundasang).

Kota Kinabalu, is the capital of Sabah state. The most developed area of Kota Kinabalu would be the Api-api area. The official name for Kota Kinabalu in Chinese is now named on “Api” – ??. Attractions in Api are in walking distance, but if you prefer not to walk, there are also bus and taxi available.

Philippines market is where tourist can get their souvenirs at a reasonable price. They don’t speak Tagalog in there, you can communicate in English. Some of them might be local or have been localized after migrated here for years Must buy souvenir should be the local crystal. Err, someone told me so.

If you want to have some nice food, you can please yourself at the night market. Grill fish and chicken wing are strongly recommended because it is worth the money. Delicious and cheap! You can also find nice seafood at the waterfront esplanade.

The next day program was the “main course” of the trip – conquer the Mount Kinabalu. It took us 2 hours to arrive at Kundasang (entrance to the mountain). After warming up, we squeezed in a van which sent us to the Timpohon gate which is somewhere 1800m plus above sea level. Here is where we begin.

The climbing is divided into two parts. Reach Laban Rata on the first day and continue to Low’s peak on the following day. It was quite excited in the beginning, but slowly everyone was getting tired physically and mentally when there seems to be never ending journey. You are going to miss your car a lot at this point. However, the tour guides were really nice. They will always encouraged us by saying “just a little bit more to go” which we later found out that was a ‘true lie’.

You are given a whole day to reach Laban Rata. Therefore, do not push yourself too hard. Take your time and enjoy the scenery. In the jungle, it’s like living in a different world. It is so ‘original’ without cars, buildings and pollution. We reached Laban Rata only at 5 in the evening. Very slow? No, we were fully utilized the given time to appreciate the nature (ahemm).

We woked up at 1am the other day and headed to Low’s Peak. The second part of the journey was tougher. Lesser air and cooler weather, even a regular workout at gym doesn’t promise you can reach the peak. Again, go slowly and stop for a rest whenever you need a break. How dare you? Of course I managed to reach the peak. But unfortunately, the thick mist spoiled the view of sun rise The colored certificate was our only consolation prize.

For more details about Kinabalu National Park, please visit Ruhaizad’s Mount Kinabalu Borneo.com.

Our next destination was Poring. It is part of the Kinabalu National Park with the hot spring. Believe me, hot spring is a good cure for the exhausted body. We had our best sleep since the day we reached Kota Kinabalu that night. Besides hot spring, there are waterfall (mini size), caves and canopy walk in Poring.

The last day of the trip, we had visited Pulau Manukan. It is only 30 minutes boat ride from Kota Kinabalu.

List of Kota Kinabalu Hotels:
		Hyatt Regency Kinabalu Hotel
		Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa
		Magellan Sutera – Sutera Harbour Resort
		Imperial International Hotel
		Courtyard Hotel
		add your hotel to the list » link to your hotel website »

Kota Kinabalu Photo Gallery