✈ A Little About Kota Kinabalu Before We Start
Kota Kinabalu—fondly called “KK” by locals—is the capital of Sabah, perched on the northwest coast of Borneo, Malaysia’s wild and wonderful eastern state. Once a quiet fishing village known as Api-Api, KK rose from the ashes (literally—WWII left it in ruins) to become a lively gateway to turquoise islands, tropical rainforests, and the towering Mount Kinabalu. It’s the kind of place where city life and nature sit side-by-side like old friends, and where you can go from sipping kopi at a café to snorkeling with clownfish in the same afternoon.
Day 1: Arrival and City Exploration
Touching down at Kota Kinabalu International Airport, I could already feel the “holiday mode” switch flipping in my brain. A quick Grab ride later, I was at my hotel, dropping my bag like it was hot (because in KK’s tropical heat—it literally was).
First stop? The Filipino Market and Handicraft Market—rows of stalls packed with colorful sarongs, hand-woven baskets, and the occasional trinket that makes you wonder, “Do I need this? Absolutely not. Am I buying it anyway? Absolutely yes.”
Mission: find a gift for Mom. Result: success. I snagged some tulang ikan masin—salted fish bones—a treat she loves. I could already imagine her making Masak Lemak Ikan Masin, that creamy coconut milk curry with just enough salt to make you grateful for rice.
As sunset approached, I climbed (well, rode) up to Signal Hill Observatory Tower. The view? KK’s skyline bathed in gold, with the sea shimmering like it was auditioning for a tourism ad. Dinner was an easy choice—street food. Satay sticks, smoky grilled fish, and noodles so good they probably deserved their own Instagram account.
Day 2: Island Hopping at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
The next morning, I swapped concrete for clear blue waters. Boat tickets in hand, I set off for Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park—a cluster of five idyllic islands just 15–20 minutes away.
First stop: snorkeling. The water was so clear I could see the fish giving me side-eye as I fumbled with my mask. The coral reefs were a living kaleidoscope, and every island hop felt like flipping through a nature magazine.
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Between dips, I lazed on powder-soft beaches, trying (and failing) to look like I belonged in a sunscreen commercial. Lunch was a picnic on the sand—simple fried noodles and fresh fruit, somehow tasting twice as good when eaten barefoot by the sea.
By late afternoon, I was reluctantly on the boat back, hair a salty mess, heart full, and camera memory card nearly begging for mercy.
Day 3: Lazy Strolls and Last Looks
My final morning in KK had no agenda, which is travel-speak for “let’s wander until the flight forces us to leave.” I drifted through the streets, discovering hidden cafés serving kopi that could wake the dead, and stumbled upon alleys decorated with vibrant street art.
Every corner seemed to whisper, “Stay a bit longer.” Sadly, my return ticket disagreed. Back at the hotel, I packed my bag (heavier, thanks to salted fish and questionable souvenir purchases), and headed for the airport.
Final Thoughts
Kota Kinabalu is that rare mix of warm people, stunning nature, and a pace of life that’s just slow enough to remind you what breathing feels like. From fiery sunsets to fish-filled reefs, KK gave me memories I’ll be replaying until my next visit—and trust me, there will be a next time.
