Kota Kinabalu & Its Islands in Sabah

Kota Kinabalu

There we reached Kota Kinabalu city, just a day before Wesak festival in Malaysia. Checked in to Hotel Shangri-la.

After covering Kundasang for last 2 days, On 3rd Day, plan was made for Sapi Island visit. Ate breakfast at the hotel, and as Driver was already waiting, so we met him at 9:30 am. He drove us to a point where our coordinator lady Guide named 'Angela' was waiting. She took us to the Jesselton point, from where we were about to board the speed boat. (Note - One can also reach Sapi Island from Sutera Harbor)

There were many a shops and tour agents (to buy Island tickets) nearby in that complex. As there was time, so walked around and bought a beach shot.

After sometime, boarded the boat and reached in around 20 mins. It was a smooth ride as the weather was sunny. Sapi Island is one among the five in the Tunku Abdul Rahman marine park. Got down on a wooden pathway and walked towards the beach.

It was a lovely long stretch of white sand and blue water. There were proper tents made for shade with many a table and chairs and changing rooms. While waiting to change nearby the sea, saw a snake swimming around, for the first time saw a snake swimming with its head up, that was unbelievable. I gazed it continuously going till the end.

We left our bags by the agent and directly went into the sea with the snorkeling gadget. There were many a people around, so the sides of the beach was muddy. We swam away from the land, towards the centre, and could see many a beautiful fishes below the water, and in sometime these small colourful fishes started coming around us, we tried to catch but couldn't as these fishes were so fast ;).  This was totally a paradise, loved snorkelling and floating and swimming in the sea.

In 2 hours, came out and had the buffet lunch spread across at the beach itself. Sapi is mostly covered by dense jungle and rocky outcrops.

There were few water sport operators at the Island for diving and snorkeling. One can also do Sea walk here. By the time, we were about to return at 3pm it started raining. So, the life Guards started whistling and flagged the red flag for people to come out of water, for their safety. Ahhh…. with dark clouds covering over with drizzle, the view was so beautiful.

Now, this speed boat ride was really thrilling with rain and waves, due to waves the boat was jumping and turning really high , but some how this time I was loving it end to end.

Reached Jesselton point and went back to hotel.

Others who want can also visit Gaya Island, Manukan Island, Sulug and Mamutik Island.

Got freshen up and by our self in evening, left for a walk towards Waterfront and to see the local life. There were many a ships, boats parked by the waterfront, and nearby was a big local market selling fruits, vegetables, snacks and sea items. Went through the Philippine market and sat by the Waterfront wooden stage side and KK Esplanade.

It was so different, in sometime saw a night cruise ship lighted up, sailing across the sea with loud music. Seemed interesting.

Went to Suria Sabah shopping mall , which was decorated with theme of  'Harvest' for Wesak festival.

Did shopping by the time driver came to pick us, this time he was with his lil son, a very cute quite kid. Had dinner at 'Mother India' restaurant by the waterfront in Oceanus waterfront mall, the interior was well decorated, spoke to its manager, the service was really good, they served us with their special tea, really liked the service. Finally we returned to our hotel.

Here comes the 4th day - Packed our luggage, had buffet breakfast and checked out of hotel at 12 pm. Driver took us to Signal Hill Observatory Platform, from where we would spot the East side of the city and the sea. It wasn't so much on height. It's open from 8am - 12pm.

Can see Atkinson Clock tower from the Signal Hill.

Then went to Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, also known as Floating Mosque. It is a perfect blend of modern and Islamic architecture. (Timing - 8am - 5pm)

Then driver took us to Tun Mustapha Tower(known as Sabah Foundation building) was 15 mins from KK city centre It's a 30 storey circular tower of steel and glass. 

Just nearby stands the Sabah State Administrative Centre, which is a Government office complex building consists of 33 storey office tower. Because of the weather we liked the nearby area.

Lastly skipped Philippine market, as the Philippine/ handicraft market in Kundasang had same handicrafts and was more cheaper. And went to Sabah Museum (Muzium Sabah). Charges were 2Rm for Locals and 15Rm for tourists, so our driver bought the ticket for us. The museum consists of Medical, Science and educational centre, Heritage Village, Art Gallery and showcases Islamic civilization. (Timing - 9am - 5pm)

Other places to explore are:
Mari Mari cultural Village (200RM/ person)
Gaya street Sunday market (only on Sundays)
Kokol Hill

Tourists can tour around by many other transport means like:
Easily rent a car or a motorcycle (RM 50/day);
or haggle with taxis(RM 10 for short distance and RM 20 for long distance);
City centre can explore by walk itself.
One can also take the minibuses within the city centre (approx. RM 2).

Food - you can get all variety of non veg, veg food with various cuisines and famous joints like Dominos, Mc Donald.