Budget Travel @ Sabah ~ Suggested itenary

In my personal opinion, Kota Kinabalu is not the main highlight of your visit to Sabah. Spend a day or two in the city, probably during the last few days just to see what local city folks do, pick a Sunday so that you can visit the popular Gaya street market. Otherwise, visit Sabah if you want to snorkel around the islands, climb Mount Kinabalu and explore Kundasang, water rafting grade 3 – 4 at Padas or explore rural areas in rented car. Go here for basic preparation for your trip.

Get cheap flights on MAS when you book as early as 1 – 2 months. Expect to spend minimum RM500++. Hotels are easily booked via booking websites, which offer quite an extensive list and price range. There are the usual city hotels 2 -5 stars and numerous backpacker lodges.

1. Mountain climbing:
- get into a tour package that offer mountain climbing and exploring the surrounding area (Kundasang and Ranau). Spend a day climbing the 4 km peak, then explore the small town the next day. Find the cow farm where the lush field and Mount Kinabalu make a good photography scene, then have a taste of fresh farm milk. Go to Poring hot spring and look around, take the ropeway that treks the air around the forest nearby. Enjoy a night in a hotel in Kundasang and wake up to see the mist – shrouded Mount Kinabalu. Snacks on fresh local produce; try to get your hand on the fragrant fruit called “tarap”.

2. Water – rafting:
- there is a package for Kiulu (grade 1 – 2) and Padas (Grade 3 – 4) that covers a return ride on an “antique” train through the lush greeneries that line the tracks. Thrash through the rocks and river, a good lunch is provided afterwards (fried rice, barbecued chicken wings, fruits) and come back late evening tired with muscle aches.

3. Island hopping:
- at the Jesselton jetty, get the tickets and snorkel your heart content at either or all of the islands (Manukan and Sapi). Check weather forecast beforehand. Snack on coconut jelly and clams at the jetty. Have a tasty Indonesian lunch or dinner at the Nasi Padang Restaurant.

4. Labuan day – trip (or two):
- embark from Jesselton jetty. Duty free shopping is probably the highlight. Transport around the island: cabs, local minivans. Or trek around town by foot to see a mini clock tower and local life. Have a splash at the water sport centre. Hotels are abundant with all kind of price range. Nicer beach and hotels for quiet and solitary escapade are on the other side of the island. The bird park and mining museum reachable by minivans.

5. Exploring rurals:
- rent a car. If you like seeing small towns and what they have to offer, do that. Do an upward or downward journey. Plan carefully, it’s no highway road and can be tough on your car. Myvi and Viva may not survive. Petrol kiosks only in town. See my travelogue on the routes.
- Tambunan and Upward West
- Kuala Penyu
- Downward West


6. Quiet, luxurious retreat @ do nothing sort of vacation:
- REAL quiet would be the Nexus Karambunai; luxurious, isolated, play golf to your heart content, pure white sandy beach and really far away from the city.
- Shangrila Tanjung Aru near Terminal 2 airport. Difficult to get to the city without your own transport, not much eatery around.
- Magellan Sutera Harbour: at the heart of the city but mind you, difficult still to get into the city without your own transport as the resort is situated at some end of a lagoon. Their spas and fine dining are said to be top notch.

7. Kota Kinabalu city itself:
- pretty much explored by foot. Buses and minivans more for long – distance travelling. Cabs for the lost souls, be prepared to get ripped off. 
- fix a Sunday to see the lively Gaya street market where all sorts of things are sold. You can find souvenirs, local food and knick – knacks, even plants and pets (bunnies, birds, water creatures etc.).
- get your load of souvenirs and seafood product around the Philippine market area.
- peruse Sinsuran area in the evening to join the locals at evening market.
- Suggested hotels: Promenade Hotel, Jesselton Boutique Hotel, Marina Court, Tang Dynasty Hotel. They are conveniently located and comfortable. Price range RM 200 – 500, can be booked via numerous booking websites.
- Backpackers lodge are numerous around City Park area, convenient for getting around and lots of cheap eatery around.