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Another resort island with one of the best beaches in Malaysia, Mataking Island is the furthest from Semporna in east coast Sabah where a boat trip takes nearly an hour one way. Just stroll around the island to look for your own secluded place. One of the unique things about the island is that they have an underwater post office where you can literally post a letter or postcard. Highly recommended for those who want a 'Maldives' experience in Malaysia.
Highlights: This is the perfect romantic getaway as the island has a spa, private bungalows, an outdoor Jacuzzi by the sea and all the romantic walks by the beach you want. Special arrangements can be made for honeymooners, weddings or private parties. The only way to get here is by booking a tour package from the resort. There are no day trips or visits here.
How to Get There: It is about 40 minute’s boat ride from the mainland of Semporna in the province of Sabah.
If you are an adventure seeker, have a passion for wildlife photography, and you love to live close to mother nature, Tabin Wildlife Reserve welcomes you, as this place can give you a right and perfect taste of nature. Visiting the Tabin Wildlife Reserve can really be a priceless experience. Especially, if you are a birdwatching and wildlife photography enthusiast, there can no better place than the Tabin Wildlife Reserve. Not only for the photographers and animal activists, but also for the normal regular visitors, this place can be a paradise
How To Reach: The Tabin Wildlife Reserve is a 7 hour drive from the main Kota Kinabalu city. Or the other option is to take the direct flight from the Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu, which takes around 1 hour and from Lahad Datu, you can reach the Tabin wildlife reserve in one and half hours.
Price: The day trip to Tabin Wildlife Reserve costs around 570 MYR.
Bohey Dulang Island is a mountainous island forged by the remains of an ancient volcano. The southern side of the lagoon is open but just below the surface is a protracted stretch of reef which represents the southern cratered fringe. The island is best known for its spectacular views at the top of its peak. It is possible to trail around the island at low tide by following the narrow edges of the beach and mangroves, although this involves scrambling over rocks or through vegetation's.
Highlights: Prepare to be greeted by a host of
tropical flora and fauna during the arduous but rewarding hiking trail to the
top of Bohey Dulang Peak. Majestic views of the sapphire blue lagoon await
those who make it through the hour long climb.
How to Get There: Bohey Dulang is located about 35 minutes by boat from Semporna, 20 minutes from Pom Pom, 30 minutes from Mataking and 1.5 hours from Mabul.
The Manukan Island Resort is a luxury private island resort. This serene retreat offers exquisite accommodation, sophisticated cuisine and unparalleled water sport activities in one of the most pristine corner of the world. Manukan Island is surrounded by a protected coral reef, and the island boasts a pristine rainforest and beautiful white sand beaches.
Location: Manukan Island, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Highlights: This resort features an outdoor pool, a restaurant and spacious villas with private terraces and dining areas. The resort offers a wide range of activities such as diving, snorkeling and trekking. For views of marine life, glass-bottomed boat rides are available.
Price: Approximate price for a room starts at 700 MYR.
You can never say you have visited the Kota Kinabalu until you have swung over the Poring Hot Springs. It is one of the most liked places by the locals as it has perfect spots where you can de-stress, soak the sores and aches of your muscles inside the hot sulphuric minerals springs, which are said to have the healing properties. Apart from the Poring Hot Springs, there are various other interesting places, which include the butterfly farm, tropical gardens, the Poring canopy walkway, Poring Orchid Conservation Center and the Rafflesia flower site.
Location: The Poring Hot Springs is around 136 KM from the Kota Kinabalu city.
How to reach: You can either take a direct bus, which will cost you around 16 MYR per person or a taxi, which will cost you around 160 MYR, from the Kota Kinabalu.
Price: The entry fees to Poring Hot Springs is approximately 15 MYR.
Timings: 7 AM to 6 PM
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What You Should Know More About Kota Kinabalu
Tip at restaurants: If you’re staying at a resort of a hotel then it is quite obvious that you won’t be required or expected to end a certain matter with a tip. The same applies to restaurants as well. Most of the times, it is your well-trusted guide that takes care of such situations and if you’re without one then do as you may without feeling obligated.
Planning is crucial: Malaysia certainly is a big country and there are tones of must-do experiences in this destination. Although, ensure that you don’t rush into things. Conduct your research well and carry on with travelling through the country. You will get to do what you want but be alert of any sham packages and guides while you’re hurrying into planning your trip.
Avoid the crowd: Malaysia is one of the most popular holiday destination in the world. Thus, tourism in this place is ever rising. Crowds from all over the world flock to Malaysia every year. And thus, it can get quite crowded. Check for the peak period and avoid staying in clichéd regions of the city. Instead opt for central mountains or the western coasts that are more chilled out.
Choose the right stay: The place can get quite crowded and it is obvious, with crowd coming in, the reservations can get full too. Thus, it becomes essential for one to choose the right type of hotel or resort that you will be staying in. Find your perfect spot in the perfect destination for the right kind of experience in this beautiful city before it is too late.
Drinking laws in Kita Kinabalu: In Malaysia, alcohol consumption is banned in all public places between 10:30pm to 7am. Even the retail shops are not allowed to sell alcohol to the customers. Make sure you follow the rules well while you’re in Malaysia.
Visit the Atkinson Clock tower: The Atkinson Clock tower was built back in 1902 in dedication to the great Francis George Atkinson. He was the first district officer of the Kota Kinabalu. Unfortunately, he passed away due to malaria. The clock tower is situated on a hill beside Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman and surely worth a visit while you’re in town.
Discover aquatic life at the Green Connection Aquarium: The Green Connection Aquarium is among the best places in the city that offers visitors the opportunity to experience aquatic life in their natural surroundings. There are a lot of things to do and see at this beautiful location.
Take a casual store by the Tanjung Aru beach: The Tanjung Aru beach is perhaps one of the most popular beaches in the city. This location is often visited by locals and tourists for casual strolls or perhaps picnics. The destination also consists food stalls and bars and one can quite easily enjoy the night-life and the delicious food of this place.
Appreciate the Double Six Monument: The Double Six Monument is situated in the Grace Point region of Sembulan and serves as the memorial site for the plane crash that occurred in 1976 wherein the state chief minister was killed. There is a food court that offers all types of food cuisines such as Malaysian, Indian, Chinese, Korean and Thai.
Adventure cruising through the northern coast of Kota Kinabalu: The northern coast of Kota Kinabalu is filled with undisturbed scenic geographical features – the kind you will never ever see before. Go on an adventure cruising through the place. There are numerous other activities such as boat rides and jet-skiing that you can volunteer for.
Beauties of the Kokol hills: Get a spectacular view of the city from the Kokol hills which are located approximately 30km away from the heart of the city delivers a birdeye’s view to the entire city base. It is extremely delightful to watch this.
Rural living at Kinarut: Kinarut is a small town located approximately 40 minutes away from the city of Kita Kinabalu. The place is prevailed by the typical rural and simple life that you won’t mind being a part of.
Shopping in China town: Shopping is perhaps one of those must-have experiences in any of these popular holiday destinations. Visit the China town and shop from products galore.
Government website: Others: Books on Kita Kinabalu: A to Z of Malaysia, Stolen – Malaysia.