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Kota Kinabalu: The Ultimate 5-Day Budget Adventure

Explore the tropical wonders of Kota Kinabalu without breaking the bank!

14 October 2023

Embark on a budget-friendly adventure in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, where breathtaking natural beauty meets affordability. Take advantage of the city's free attractions, such as the stunning Signal Hill Observatory Platform and the vibrant Gaya Street Sunday Market. Grab cheap and delicious street food, explore the nearby islands for affordable water activities, and discover the rich cultural heritage of Kota Kinabalu without breaking the bank.

Travel plan

• Check into Banana Bungalow, a vibrant budget hideout with hammocks and a rooftop hangout spot for sunset gazing.
• Stroll along the waterfront at KK Esplanade, greeted by charming street food vendors and dazzling views of the South China Sea.
• Dive into local flavors at Welcome Seafood Restaurant, where freshness and affordable seafood unite.
• Visit Atkinson Clock Tower, a quaint British-era landmark, and pay homage to its ghostly resident, the Tower's watchman.
• Embrace the cultural rich tapestry at the Sabah State Museum for a crash course on Borneo’s history, art, and heritage.

• Embark on a breezy boat ride to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and leap into crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling.
• Explore the vibrant underwater world at Mamutik Island and marvel at its kaleidoscope of colorful coral reefs.
• Savor a picnic lunch on Sapi Island's powder-soft beaches, surrounded by cheeky macaques hungry for your snacks.
• Relax under swaying palm trees on Manukan Island, sipping fresh coconut water and embracing the laid-back island vibes.
• Catch the sunset ferry back to the mainland, bidding farewell to a day of blissful island hopping.

• Rise early and join a dawn river cruise along the Kinabatangan River, home to exotic wildlife like pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys.
• Marvel at the majestic sight of orangutans swinging through the treetops at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
• Wander through the Rainforest Discovery Center's canopy walkways, feeling like an adventurous primate high above the forest floor.
• Savor a typical Sabahan lunch at Planters Cafe, a hidden gem serving local delicacies amidst lush tropical greenery.
• Snap Instagram-worthy photos of the iconic Signal Hill Observatory Platform, where panoramic views of Kota Kinabalu await.

• Embark on an exhilarating trek up Mount Kinabalu, taking in the breathtaking vistas of misty landscapes and lush rainforests.
• Reach Laban Rata and indulge in a hearty dinner while admiring the star-studded sky above.
• Rise before dawn, summoning all your courage, to conquer Low's Peak before sunrise and witness a dramatic sea of clouds.
• Trek back down with the satisfaction of conquering one of Southeast Asia's tallest peaks, feeling like a local legend.
• Celebrate your achievement with a well-deserved massage at Zen Spa, soothing those weary muscles.

• Satisfy your taste buds at Yee Fung Laksa, where lip-smacking flavors of spicy coconut broth and fresh seafood will leave you craving for more.
• Immerse yourself in local culture at the Handicraft Market, hunting for unique souvenirs like intricate beadwork and handwoven baskets.
• Take a leisurely stroll along Tanjung Aru Beach, capturing the sun's fiery descent into the horizon while sipping on a frosty Teh Tarik.
• Have a farewell dinner at Welcome Seafood Restaurant, savoring a final feast of mouthwatering seafood delicacies with a budget-friendly price tag.
• Bid a teary-eyed goodbye to Kota Kinabalu, vowing to return one day for more wild adventures and warm Malaysian hospitality.