Guide to Rustic Kota Kinabalu Sabah

Manukan Island is one of the most beautiful islands in the region. It is located just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu and takes 15 minutes by boat to reach. It is part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park which is Malaysia’s first marine national park. The park consists of five islands of which Manukan Island is the second largest. The beautiful pristine crystal clear waters of the island are the main attraction of the island along with a long white sand beach. The water here is shallow which allows even non-swimmers and children to play in safely. The island has well-developed facilities owing to the large influx of visitors. The facilities include shops, restaurants, showers, water sporting activities, and resorts. The shaded shore offers you a place to relax and cool down after a hot day in the water. However, if you are visiting Manukan Island, you should take the time to go snorkelling. The beautiful marine life is sheltered by coral reefs and make for a wonderful diving site.

There are several restaurants on the island though you could also pack a picnic and enjoy it under the shade of the trees by the beach. Since the island sees many visitors, getting a picnic will help you avoid large crowds especially during lunchtime. Be sure to bring all your basics like sunscreen. Even though these are available on the island, the costs are much higher than you would expect.

Mengalum Island feels like it is in the middle of nowhere when, in reality it is just a short boat ride from Kota Kinabalu. The island gives you the opportunity to enjoy a quiet and serene holiday with nothing but you and the water. Speaking of which, the water around the island is crystal clear and is home to diverse marine life. The white sandy beaches in combination with the turquoise waters are enough to send you into a deep state of relaxation. Visitors also have the option of staying at the island at the Mengalum Island Resort which is supported by the Sundeck Restaurant known for its scrumptious fare of seafood and refreshing drinks.

The water allows for many activities, including ocean floor walking and snorkelling. Most visitors will use a tour operator to visit the island. Included in the tour will be a snorkelling session where a trained professional will take the time to teach you the ropes of snorkelling. This is particularly handy if you do not have any prior experience with snorkelling. Those who choose to stay at the resort will have this guided session as part of the hotel cost. Don’t forget to bring your sunblock, insect repellent, flip flops, and a towel.

The Tip of Borneo is the northernmost point of the island in Kota Kinabalu. It is where the South China Sea meets the Sulu Sea. The tip features the Pulau Kalampunian lighthouse which was built in order to warn ships of the treacherous rock formations. Many Chinese trading ships sank here due to the strong winds and the rocks. Experts suggest that there might be over twenty undiscovered wrecks in the waters surrounding the Tip of Borneo. The lighthouse was also used to keep a lookout for pirate ships which would descend on the island to loot and plunder. Visitors can walk down to the rocky outcrop though we do recommend that you exercise caution, especially during bad weather when the waves begin to crash around the rocks. A little way off the rocks is a representation of the globe where the island of Borneo is chiselled into the stone and is shown in relation to the surrounding land formations.

Do not rush back from your visit to the Tip of Borneo as the sunsets here are beautiful. The clear skies and wide expanse of the horizon are not tethered to a large shore, and the sight is as mesmerising as it is soul-stirring. The sunset has inspired the local community to organise the Sunset Music Festival which is held annually in June.

The Poring Hot Springs is part of the Kinabalu National Park in Kota Kinabalu though it is on the other side of Ranau and has its own accommodations. The hot springs were developed by the Japanese during World War Two, and it remains a popular tourist destination to this day. The sulphurous water is channelled into tubs and pools where you can soak yourself and enjoy the water’s restorative properties. The hot spring is located in a well-maintained forest park with easy forest trails for you to explore when you are not in the water. Other sites to visit in the region are the Canopy Walkway, the Tropical Garden, a butterfly park, and an orchid conservation centre.

Since it is located in the national park, you can combine visiting it with other attractions in the park. You can also do a day trip to the springs from Kota Kinabalu if you do not want to stay in the park. It is a two-hour drive from the city, and you can find many tour operators who will pick you up from your hotel. There is a bus that connects the springs to the city, though this only operates once a day and you will have to coordinate your visit according to its schedule.

The summit of Mount Kinabalu is called Low’s Peak. It is over 4000m above sea level and many adventure enthusiasts make their way here to conquer the summit. The sight of the peak reaching out to the sky with clouds below you is an indescribable experience in Kota Kinabalu. If you have the physical ability and love nature, then you must make the hike up the mountain to revel in this beautiful natural creation. The upper part of the climb of Mount Kinabalu entirely involves you walking on granite which took millions of years to form. Its craggy spires and jutting pinnacles make for some of nature’s more stark formations, and it is difficult to leave without being moved by the sheer power of the earth.

As with all mountains, Mount Kinabalu is also associated with folklore and myths. According to the local tribes, the peak is where departed spirits rest and they feed on the moss, which is why there is no vegetation at the top. It is easy to imagine this as reality once you reach the summit with its unforgiving terrain and a vast expanse of sky above you.

There are several tours that operate here who offer guided climbs to Low’s Peak. The journey will usually take you two days of hard climbing. You will rest at the mountain huts Laban Rata and Pendant Hut which have dormitory-type accommodation. You can catch the sunrise over Low’s Peak on the second day after an early morning trek to the summit. On your descent, you can choose to come down using one of the two via Ferrata systems. These were developed after the 2015 earthquake. The entire climbing circuit should take you around three hours after which you can enjoy a second breakfast. Experienced climbers will warn you of the ‘Kinabalu shuffle’ which is a change in your gait due to the sheer exhaustion from your climb. Do take care to rest and relax after your climb.

The Mari Mari Cultural Village is a way to educate tourists on the practices and beliefs of the tribes of Sabah and the culture of ethnic Borneo. The village holds houses of the Bajau, Lundayeh, Murut, Rungus and Dusun tribes and you will be given a three-hour guided tour of the same. You will learn about their customs and norms and how each tribe differs from each other. The village is a representation of how tribes lived in Borneo before they had modern amenities like electricity. Tattooing, fire-starting, and blowpipe making are some of the crafts the tribes indulge in, and you can see their skills up close. You also will be given traditional food from each tribe to sample. Be sure to be respectful of the tribes’ mythic beliefs and cultural values. Dress appropriately and do not hesitate to ask your guide beforehand about what would be a suitable garment. At the end of your tour, you will witness a traditional dance recital by the tribes. The Kiansom Waterfall is located 400m from the village and is a good place to cool off after your tour.

The Kinabalu National Park was the first national park to be established in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia in 1964. In 2000, UNESCO deemed it at Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site. The park is home to over 4500 species of flora and fauna and covers over 700 square kilometres with Mount Kinabalu at its centre. Due to its drastic height differences, the park observes six distinct vegetation zones, each with its own ecosystems of fauna. The park is also home to the rafflesia flower which is the world’s largest flower. There are many trekking and hiking options in the park even if you are not planning on climbing Mount Kinabalu. One of the most beautiful places in the park is the Kipungit Waterfall where you can swim in the pools created by the cascading river. It is also a great place for a picnic and can even be used as a camping site. Take the time to visit the Kundasang War Memorial and Gardens. The memorial was erected in honour of the many British and Australian soldiers who died in the Sandakan POW camp. The gardens are well maintained and are a good place to rest.

Kinabalu National Park has a variety of places to visit and is rich in bountiful nature. The famous rainforests of Borneo can be experienced at the park. Be sure to follow the park rules and to clean up after yourself. Remember to leave no trace of your visit as the region’s natural ecosystem is delicate and must be preserved by all those who visit. Understand that the park is not just home to the birds and the animals, but also the tribes who have been living off the land for centuries. Respect their ancestral home and be mindful about your presence.

This formation of three islands is on the north-west side of Borneo. The closest town to the islands on Borneo is Kota Belud. These islands are perfect for someone who is more serious about diving as they are home to reputed scuba diving sites. Pulau Mantanani Besar is the largest island of the formation and has a breathtaking beach that spans 2500m. The island has managed to stay non-commercialised which means that the marine ecosystem of the island is well-preserved. The waters give 40m of visibility, and the diverse marine life is truly stunning. Home to marbled stingrays and blue spotted rays along with schools of fish of every hue and colour, it is no surprise that scuba divers consider this to be one of the best sites to view marine life. The waters also hold many shipwrecks and more experienced scuba divers can explore these remnants of the past. Above water, you can spend the day relaxing on the beach and cooling off in the share of the trees. The only accommodation available on this island is the Mari Mari Backpackers Lodge. You can explore the island at your own pace and not be bothered by too many tourists. You can hop in a kayak and explore the water surrounding the island. If you do not know how to scuba dive and are interested to learn, then the Mari Mari Dive Centre will help you with basic training. They are PADI certified and also offer a PADI certification course if you are interested.

You do not have to visit Kota Belud in order to get to the island. You can also book a boat in Kota Kinabalu to make the journey. The Mari Mari Lodge has an office in Kota Kinabalu where you can make all your booking arrangements to and from the island. Be sure to check with the lodge about which time of year is best suited for diving since the rains will put a stop to your diving ambitions.

Kota Kinabalu is one of the best places to begin your explorations of the island of Borneo. With world-class facilities and some of the most beautiful sights of nature, Kota Kinabalu continues to enjoy a popular presence in the tourism industry. Be sure to book your tours with reputed companies and be mindful of the ecosystem of the region. Whether it is the rainforest or the marine ecosystem, they exist in a delicate balance, and we must work towards maintaining their conditions. Do check for weather conditions as this region is known for tropical rainstorms.