Positioned close to the northernmost level of Borneo, the Malaysian metropolis of Kota Kinabalu is among the premiere locations the island has to supply. Lovely, luxurious, and extremely protected, town performs dwelling to a few of the greatest issues to do in Kota Kinabalu Borneo. Whether or not it’s orangutan encounters, mountain climbing up a mountain, or absorbing sunshine on a distant seashore, Kota Kinabalu has all of it.

What To Know

For such a distant island, Borneo is surprisingly simple to achieve…when you get to Asia. Flights from hubs corresponding to Guangzhou, Seoul, and Kuala Lumpur present entry to Kota Kinabalu, and as per my data for the time being of writing, the least costly flights are available just below $800 (USD). Despite the fact that, offers can probably be discovered for cheaper than that in the event you’re prepared to e-book as far upfront as potential. Take into account that low prices on the bottom will assist to mitigate the airfare considerably.

Please make certain to get all mandatory vaccinations, particularly in the event you’re planning on going into the jungle itself. Moreover, deliver insect repellent, even in the event you’re merely going to the seashore. And naturally, deliver loads of sunscreen!

The place To Keep

In most locations, resorts could provide a pool, or maybe easy accessibility to the seashore. Borneo’s resorts go far past these customary facilities, going as far as to supply full-on wildlife encounters. The most effective locations to come across orangutans in Kota can also be among the finest locations to remain: the Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort and Spa. Whereas the resort has its personal personal seashore, the actual draw right here is the Rasa Ria Nature Reserve that surrounds the whole resort.

Run together with the native state authorities, the Reserve works as a rehabilitation space for rescued endangered animals. Ultimately, most animals (and orangutans particularly) are moved to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre earlier than being launched again into the wild. The reserve gives nice alternatives for youngsters and adults alike to find out about orangutans and rise up near them in encounters which are protected for all concerned. This is among the few locations in Kota Kinabalu (and Borneo) that you’re assured to see orangutans, and it’s a chance that shouldn’t be missed!

When you desire to remain nearer to town and all of the actions it gives, think about staying at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru. This resort not solely has its personal seashore and swimming pools, however gives free shuttles to go to Rasa Ria as effectively. Whereas each lodges are someplace between $150-$300 an evening, the comfort every resort gives is definitely worth the price ticket.

(Word: Non-guests can go to the Nature Reserve, however numbers are restricted and tickets will must be booked a number of days upfront. If staying off Shangri-La property, seek the advice of your lodge to rearrange a go to.)

Island Experiences

When you get away from the resorts, Kota Kinabalu takes on a wholly totally different persona. That is the place you get to actually dig into the tradition of the realm, which takes cues from native and Malaysian heritage in addition to the encircling pure panorama. 

A very talked-about pastime with vacationers right here is to climb Mt. Kinabalu. Take notice: the mountain is a two day hike alongside nontechnical trails that may nonetheless show difficult at instances. Relaxation assured that the views alongside the best way are attractive and effectively definitely worth the effort and time. You should definitely deliver loads of water, and don’t overlook the layers you’ll want for the upper altitudes. 

Highlights at decrease elevations embody a cruise alongside the Kilas River to view monkeys, mangroves, and night fireflies, in addition to snorkeling off of Tanjung Aru seashore or in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. After having your fill of journey, there’s no higher approach to finish the day than kicking again on the seashore and watching the solar fade into the horizon. 

Header picture by Wallula on Pixabay