Friday to Monday
August 22 to 25, 2025

There are some places that stay on your mind far after visiting them. Kota Kinabalu is one such location. Not only is the Mee Goreng still a constant craving, but we missed the entire experience of walking around the city. Add to that the activities and places we have yet to see and do. Therefore, a return is almost pre-destined.

Our goal was to try new things as well as revisit everything we loved in Sabah’s capital city. Here is the daily log of this trip.

Pre-Flight

After our previous trip, Cebu Pacific, our airline of choice, stopped their services for this route. That left us with no choice but to risk the AirAsia service. They had sole monopoly of MNL-BKI flights so if we wanted to return, we had to bite the bullet.

Shane was able to score some tickets at a sale, but the flight time was a bit inconvenient. Fortunately, it was a holiday on the day of our flight so we didn’t need to rush. We passed through immigration after a brief kerfuffle (Protip: always bring your company ID) and waited for our flight.

Everything went smoothly (which is suspicious for an AirAsia flight 🤔) and we landed at Kota Kinabalu International Airport at the wee hours of our Day 1. We claimed our pre-booked SIM cards for internet access, and took a Grab to our hotel.

Hotel Sri Iskandar is situated in the strategic block of buildings called Kampung Air (lit. “Water Village”). It is beside the previous hotel we stayed at (Hotel Iskandar) and the only difference is the inclusion of an elevator. This was a well-needed comfort as I am still recovering from my ankle fracture.

After checking in, we unpacked our stuff and got some sleep in preparation for the day ahead.

Day 1 – Malls and Night Markets

After waking up, the first thing we did was head over to Islamic Restaurant and Hotel for breakfast. I’ve already sung praises for this place in my previous visit and I’m happy to report that it is still serving the most delicious Mee Goreng Seafood (stir fried noodles), Murtabak Daging (Folded flatbread with minced beef) and Roti Telur (flatbread with egg) I’ve eaten.

Bellies full, we headed to the nearby Centre Point Sabah to exchange some currency. Unlike other international destinations, Kota Kinabalu still has the best exchange rates at local money-changers. The ATMs have a preposterous rate plus a transaction fee, so we avoided them completely.

With some Ringgit in our possession, we walked towards Imago Mall for some potential shopping. It was a wonderful day, with some light rainfall keeping us cool as we walked along the waterfront. We followed a short bike & jogging path that eventually led us into the mall’s rear entrance.

Imago hasn’t changed much since our last visit. We were able to save some money as nothing tempted us to open our wallets. However, we came upon a sushi booth that had a long line of people in front of it.

Curious, we gazed upon the display and found some delicious-looking pieces. Seeing that the queue was moving quickly, we joined in and pointed at all the pieces we wanted. And that’s how we ended up with a container of Empire Sushi.

We were excited to eat, so we booked a Grab back to the hotel. While waiting for our ride, we watched the free cultural dance being performed at the mall’s front lobby.

Back at the hotel, we devoured the sushi and had a quick rest. I am happy to report that everything was delicious, but I particularly enjoyed the Inari Cheese Salmon Sushi.

Next on our agenda was dinner at the Night Food Market. This was merely a short walk from us and along the way, we bought the Coconut Shake that I’ve loved since 2018. It was still the same sweet and refreshing drink that I enjoy.

After walking around the market and marveling at the giant mangoes and dragonfruit, we ordered a skewer of Sayap Ayam Madu (Roasted Honey Chicken Wings) and a glass of Iced Kopi O (plain coffee with no milk; sugar optional).

We demolished this dinner. The iced coffee was refreshing and the chicken wings were perfectly cooked. It also came with a dipping sauce that was tangy, spicy, and sweet. It was their version of our manong sauce back in Manila.

Right beside the night market was the Filipino Handicraft Market. We decided to burn our calories by searching for some souvenirs to purchase. To be honest, most of the stalls sell the same stuff, so just buy the first thing that your heart calls out to (Protip: you can get cheaper prices by talking to the sellers in Tagalog).

The night was still young so we headed to the Api-Api Night Market in Gaya Street. This is only open during Friday and Saturday nights so plan accordingly. There were lots of people there and it reminded me of the night markets in Taipei.

We strolled along Gaya street and looked at what each stall was selling. Most of them were some type of food and everyone was free to find a spot and eat. There were stalls with incredibly long queues, selling delicacies like roti and satay. The shops in the buildings were also full of people, locals and tourists alike.

Still full from dinner, we bought some chicken and beef satay skewers and a Roti John sandwich to go. After exploring both sides of the street, we walked back to the hotel to eat our takeaways and get some rest.

Day 2 – Islands and Sunsets

We were up early because island-hopping was on the itinerary for today. As always, we had a quick breakfast at the Islamic Restaurant and Hotel. This time, I had their Roti Cobra Ayam (flatbread with chicken, vegetables, and egg). It was a filling meal and I even ate a bit of the included okra. Shane had their Char Kwey Teow (Fried flat noodles) and it was also just as tasty.

One of the new things we tried was the Roti Nutella. I absolutely enjoy the way they make their roti which the chef spreads thin and slaps around the counter before heating it up on the grill. This makes the end result a chewy and fluffy pastry that stands somewhere between a crepe and a tortilla. Now imagine that with Nutella drizzled between the folds and you get a sweet and hearty snack. We took a couple of these to-go for our island-hopping adventure.

We booked a grab to Jesselton Point. This was the gateway to the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, where the Sapi and Gaya islands are located. When we arrived, it was already swarming with tourists.

At the main counter, we paid for our Sapi and Gaya island tour and were directed to one of the agencies. After donning our life-jackets, we boarded a speedboat and sped towards Sapi. The ride was quick and bumpy; there were moments when the entire boat was airborne, then would land on the water with a big splash. Fun, but slightly traumatizing.

We landed on Sapi island and were immediately charged with the conservation fees. After paying, we looked for a person in charge to ask about the transfer to Gaya island. This was where the confusion began.

Apparently we only paid for Sapi island. Gaya island required another fee which was NOT communicated to us at the main counter. At the main counter, they counted Sapi and Gaya as one island because technically, they are only separated by a sandbar. However, there was no way to get to Gaya island as crossing the sandbar was prohibited.

We didn’t want to spend any more time arguing, so we just decided to enjoy our time on Sapi island. Gaya would just have to wait for another future trip.

After documenting some parts of the island, we setup up a blanket on the beach and relaxed. Shane did some snorkeling but reported no corals and just some tiny fishes. I did some sunbathing and watched other tourists take lots of pictures but never swim. Amused, I fell asleep on our blanket after eating the Roti Nutella and Roti Cheese (not as good as Nutella).

Time passed and we decided to return to port. We packed up and waited on the dock. The ride back is always a waiting game so you just tell the person in charge your agency name and your destination. Eventually, we were assigned an available speedboat and it was the same bumpy ride to Jesselton Point.

There, we surrendered our lifejackets and snorkel, then walked to Gaya Street, which was just nearby.

The street looked very different in the day compared to when the night market was open. Cars populated the street in lieu of the food stalls. There were less people in the afternoon and the restaurants had lots of available tables.

This was how we managed to eat at the famous Yee Fung Laksa. This restaurant was on our go-to list but was always packed whenever we went by. We seized the opportunity and ordered some dishes.

We got their eponymous Yee Fung Laksa as well as an order of Ngau Cap Dry Mee (mixed beef broth with dry noodles).

The laksa was decent but it lacked the punch of flavor that our Pinoy tastebuds were accustomed to. I enjoyed the Dry Mee and despite not knowing what it was initially, I was glad to find it had beef collagen and some tripe in it. I also ordered an Iced Teh Madras on the side which turned out to just be Teh Tarik with milk froth on top.

Happy to cross out another destination on our list, we walked back to our hotel for a quick change of clothes, then it was straight to Tanjung Aru Beach for the sunset viewing.

There was a noticeable increase in tourists here, probably due to the introduction of water activities on the beach. Paddle boarding and surfing was now available and a lot of people were in the water waiting for the right time to capture the sunset.

We wandered through the food stalls and bought some Sayap Ayam Madu, grilled squid, and an Ais Kepal (shaved ice with chocolate syrup and peanuts). We found a spot by the beach and waited. The sunset was still a beautiful sight despite the crowd. We ate as the last rays of light turned the sky a mix of pink, purple, and orange.

Once evening came, we migrated back to the stalls and ordered some Mee Goreng Seafood and an Iced Kopi. This was our dinner, which we enjoyed while watching Netflix. We were waiting for the crowd to thin out as taking a Grab was the only way out of Tanjung Aru. Lots of people were booking and thus, the surge pricing was not agreeable.

As the pricing of Grab was still high and we were already full, we walked a bit towards the city. We passed Perdana Park and the Sabah State Library, both of which we visited last time and were now closed for the day. Finally securing a Grab at a reasonable price, we rode back to the hotel to end the day.

Day 3 – Kundasang with William

Our day started even earlier this time as we were scheduled for a Kundasang Day tour! I booked this activity on Klook and I was contacted by our guide when we arrived in KK via Whatsapp.

We had our breakfast already pre-made from the Islamic Restaurant the night before so we ate it while packing up. When we checked out of the hotel, our guide, William, was already waiting for us.

We got into his vehicle and rode out of the city. It was a long ride before our first stop, but William entertained us with a lot of trivia about Kota Kinabalu. He pointed out some landmarks and went in-depth into some of their history, as well as the areas we drove past. He was very engaging and we enjoyed listening to him.

Our first stop was the Pekan Nabalu Viewdeck. Here, we took some photos of Mt. Kinabalu. It was a wonderful day and we were blessed with a clear view of the mountain. This sight alone made the trip worth it for me.

Shane and I originally intended to hike the mountain, but there were no available slots on the mountain hotel which is a requirement for the hike. William told us that slots are very rare nowadays and an organizer friend of mine said that he had booked his slots a year in advance.

Having climbed it before, I can only imagine hiking up the slopes as I gazed upon the beauty of the multiple, jagged peaks.

After the photo-session, William drove us into Kinabalu Park for a quick bathroom break. There, I saw groups of hikers getting ready for their hike. Words cannot express how jealous I felt. All the memories flooded back and I wished I could just join them on the spot. I sadly urinated my frustrations away and waited for William to pick us up.

The next stop was the Desa Dairy Farm. Here, we were able to see the Holland cows grazing on the foot of the mountain. The entire vibe of the place was like a scene from Europe. William remarked how lucky we were to have good weather today and so, Mt. Kinabalu showed all her beautiful sides to us.

At the farm, we got the chance to feed the goats and calves with milk as well as try some fresh ice cream and yogurt. William also showed us the different parts of the milk production. The 600 cows in the farm provide milk for the entire Sabah region, each one producing 25 liters per day.

After bidding the cows farewell, we headed to our last destination, Poring Hot Springs. This is a substation of the Kinabalu Park but a long ways away from the Mt. Kinabalu trailhead.

Because Mt. Kinabalu was a volcano that erupted a long time ago, there is a lot of volcanic activity underground. Here was where the hot water emerges and the locals have harnessed this into a tourist attraction.

William led us on a tour around the park, which included a butterfly garden as well as an insect museum. He told us a lot of information about the local flora and fauna there. Plucking a few leaves and crushing them with his fingers, he made us smell the most fragrant calamansi plant I’ve ever inhaled. He also had a lot of humorous jokes to share.

There was still time to dip our feet in the hot springs, but we didn’t want to get wet, so we only used our hands to feel the temperature. It was indeed hot, hotter than the ones in Mambukal and Ace Water Spa.

After the hot springs, we had an option to visit a Rafflesia farm. Apparently, it was blooming season for these flowers. However, there was an exorbitant entrance fee (30 ringgit per head), so we declined.

That meant it was time for lunch! We stopped at a quiet place called Puteri Nabalu. William seemed to be friends with everyone and he is no stranger here as well.

We ordered some Nasi Lemak Beef Rendang and Sinalau Manuk (Smoked chicken). I found the chicken to be too dry, but the side dishes were tasty. I would gladly eat vegetables if they were cooked like this.

The restaurant also had a scenic view outside so we took some more pictures after the meal. Finally, it was time to return to the city. Since there were no more stops, the ride back felt longer. William entertained us with some more stories about Kota Kinabalu but eventually, I settled into a deep sleep.

I awoke as we entered the city. William took us around for a good picture of the Floating Mosque. We said farewell as he dropped us off at our hotel.

We had a lot of fun and would recommend William for anyone looking for a tour guide around the city. He knows his stuff and can accommodate all your requests! You can contact him on WhatsApp at +60 10-931 5389 and tell him Jai (the Filipino) sent you.

Because it was our last night, we decided to splurge a little and checked in to a higher-rated hotel. King Park Hotel was just a short walk away and had very kind staff. Our room also had a great view of the city from the 10th floor of the building. It was a memorable stay indeed.

After checking in, we headed to Centre Point to buy Uncle Bob ayam gunting (fried chicken fillet cut into pieces). Uncle Bob is another one of our must visits here. We ordered the XXL Chicken and ate it while walking towards the night market.

You can’t blame us for returning to the same places when the food is too good. It was another night of Sayap Ayam Madu and Iced Kopi for us. Shane ordered a plate of Nasi Goreng Seafood which helped fill us up even more.

We did another round in the Filipino Handicraft Market to help digest our food and then returned to the hotel for a good night’s rest.

Day 4 – Final Moments

Our last day started with a decent breakfast buffet at the hotel’s restaurant. We were looking forward to this as only a few hotels we found served breakfast.

Accurate to some reviews online, the egg station ran out and we had to wait a bit for them to replenish. The dishes were okay but nothing we haven’t seen before. I enjoyed the hot teh tarik as well as the cold potato salad the most.

After breakfast, we checked out of the hotel, but they were kind enough to hold on to our luggage until later in the evening. Again, very pleasant hospitality.

We used this time to walk towards the Atkinson Clock Tower which was still being renovated. Then we headed to Lorong Dewan, also known as the Australia Lane. Here, many restaurants and souvenir shops dotted the place.

During our previous visit, we had some drinks at Woo! Cafe. This time, we entered the place beside it, Nook Cafe. There, we ordered a couple of drinks (so-so) and stayed a while to relax (Good ambiance). I drew on my iPad while Shane updated our budget tracking.

After a while, we walked to Centre Point (again) for another round of Uncle Bob. From our trip yesterday, William recommended KFC’s cheesey potato wedges so we ordered some as well. It’s a good thing we listened to him because this was so addictive. Now, I’m sad that the local KFC doesn’t have this on the menu.

We gave Centre Point another walk over and then made our way to the Waterfront for a final sunset viewing.

In order to get a table by the water, we had to buy some cocktails. This took a big chunk out of our wallets because alcohol is very expensive in KK. But since it was our last day, we had some room to splurge. It was also nice to just sit by the docks as the sun was going down.

As night fell, we headed to King Park to get our luggage. Then, it was one last Grab ride to the airport and we were ready to return to Manila!

Or so we thought.

At the airport, our flight was repeatedly delayed and despite my constant vigilance with checking the monitors and the check-in counters, we almost missed our flight.

Apparently there was a change in check-in counters and an immediate boarding announcement that we missed. When we went to the counter, they said they only announced it once (once in Malaysian and once in English). It was our fault for not asking the other counters as to where our flight check in was happening.

Thankfully some kind people from another counter assisted us and we were able to reach the pre-departure area in time. The flight was still delayed as we were boarding (Actual boarding: 04:30, Displayed boarding: 04:10, Check in counter “boarding”: 03:55).

In the end, we were glad to be on the plane as there was only one flight to Manila per day. We would be glad to extend our stay, but not under those circumstances.

It’s my fault for believing that the system should “just work.” I let my guard down and overestimated how things can quickly go wrong, especially after coming from Japan. This is a lesson learned, especially for international flights. Never be complacent.

And that is how our trip came to an end. Terimah kasi, Kota Kinabalu!

Miscellaneous Thoughts

• Everyone planning to enter Malaysia now needs to fill up a Digital Arrival Card. You can access it here. Please be wary of fake links.
• Climbing Mt. Kinabalu is only going to get more expensive as years go by. Reservations for the hotel on the mountain are hard to come by. If climbing the mountain is your goal, process the hotel first before booking a flight. But what a beautiful mountain it is. From afar and up close.
• There are plans of a bus system being introduced into the city in 2026. This would be a big help because Grab should not be the only option to get around for people who don’t have cars.
• Our next (theoretical) visit to Kota Kinabalu might be the most expensive yet, if we plan to do everything left on our bucket list: Gaya Island stay, Mt. Kinabalu Climb, and Whitewater Rafting.
• Still. So. Many. Chinese. And. Korean. Tourists.
• Roti Nutella is my new obsession. I want to eat it every day. I need a branch of Islamic Restaurant to open up here in Manila.
• This trip is a reminder to me that powertripping exists in other countries as well, different cultures are not immune to it.
• I love how seamless the Grab app changes once you arrive in Malaysia. Just a quick refresh and you are in their local interface. Please take note that you have different wallets for Ringgit and Pesos. You need to load each one separately.
• It seems like the Ringgit in my Grab wallet doesn’t expire as the excess ones from the last trip were still there. But it’s best not to leave a big amount floating there when leaving the country.

As long as I haven’t found local restaurants that serve the dishes I love from Kota Kinabalu, I will keep coming back to this city. I just hope AirAsia opens more flights or that another airline serves the route.

Thanks to Shane for coming with me on this trip and for taking some of the beautiful pictures. We are already planning our next getaway and we hope you get to read it as well.

Travel safe and always eat happily!

-jgzn