KOTA KINABALU
KK is a small friendly city right on the coast which has some great eats and amazing sunsets! It is a good place to base yourself for a couple of days to explore some of the sites in and just outside of town.
Pasar Besar Kota Kinabalu (Market)
The place to pick up handicrafts and cheap souvenirs, and sample local fruits & vegetables, dried produce and snack foods. Open during the day everyday.
Night shopping and tasty cheap meals.
An inner city escape, venture deep into the wetland mangroves. The extensive boardwalks make exploring this natural habitat easy and accessible. Encounter wetland birds species in this unique ecosystem, Kingfishers, beautiful white egrets and huge purple herons. You may even spot crocodiles or otters.
A very interesting insight to the history of Sabah, with an art gallery and cultural exhibits, set in a lovely tropical grounds.
Nature reserve made up of 4 islands just off the coast, a mere 15 minute boat ride from the city. Whilst these islands can get a bit overcrowded and polluted being so close to the city, they are still worth a day trip. You can see a good amount of wildlife with hornbills nesting on the island, and there is some nice snorkeling on the back side of the islands when you get away from the crowded jetty area. Easy to organize, you can simply turn up at the jetty and arrange a boat over to the island when you are there.
A 40 minute drive out of town and uphill, Kokol make a great full day trip or even a short afternoon out of the city. Come early in the day and visit educational and well run Mari Mari cultural village first, then hike at Ulu Kionsom waterfalls nearby to explore and take a refreshing swim in the multiple tiered waterfalls. You could have a picnic or go for a swim at scenic Shalom Valley park, or have a cheap lunch with a fantastic view at Swallow House Cafe. Finally, head to the fantastic viewpoint at Kokol Hill to see a clear view of majestic Mount Kinabalu to the east, and watch the sun melt over the ocean with view right across the city and offshore islands to the west. Bring a jumper as being nestled below the mountain it can get surprisingly chilly at nightfall!
This is where the locals come to hang out and enjoy the stunningly beautiful sunsets. It is a undoubtedly a perfect selfie spot! Don't expect a line of bars and restaurants aka Thailand or Bali. Although does get very busy at sunset, the beach is still fairly undeveloped (for now), and there is plenty of space for a picnic. Snack food (mostly deep fried) and sweet drinks can be bought at the out door market behind the beach.
Local Eats
Gaya Street - Many kopitiams with cheap and tasty local food. Specialities included Tuaran Mee (fried noodles) for lunch and Bak u teh (pork) at night.
Aachi Curry house - Melt in your mouth lamb biryanai and the best veggi banana leaf set.
Sri Latah - Crispy roti, curry sauce with a punch and sweet & sour mango lassi.
Sri Melaka - Tasty Noyanya restaurant, a Malaysian fusion of Malay and Chinese cuisine.
Yee Fung - Claypot chicken rice and Laksa.
Seng Hing Coffee Shop - The coffee is not that good, but the Tom yam noodle soup (Sabah style) and fried squid is delicious!
King Hu Restaurant - Duck pancakes & duck soup
Signal Hill Eco Farm - Farm restaurant in tranquil garden with home grown vegetables and self reered poultry and fish.
Ah Yen Sandakan noodles - Crispy chicken or dried pork noodles with hot sambal and chah (fried buns).
New WK - Several branches, one in Suria shopping Mall, serving a selection of mouthwatering Dim Sum.
Warung Nasi lemak - Specializing in Malaysia's most loved breakfast dish.
Ngau Chap - This beef noodle soup is a much loved dish in Sabah.
Bars
El Centro - Fab bar with extensive cocktail menu and western food.
KK Waterfront Bars - Best for sunset drinks & happy hour promos.
Le Meridian, Grandis, Sutera - All these 5* hotels have great rooftop bars for stunning sunsets.