Sisters! I finally made it to the legendary Kota Kinabalu. I used to think that Kota Kinabalu was just a budget-friendly version of the Maldives, known mainly for its seafood. But after experiencing it firsthand, I realized that Kota Kinabalu is a place that is—
💸 both breathtakingly beautiful and surprisingly expensive
🌊 a mix of untouched nature and commercialization
🌅 unbearably hot, yet you’ll find yourself longing to return!
1️⃣ Is Kota Kinabalu really that cheap?
Sisters, let me tell you—Kota Kinabalu is no longer a haven for budget travelers! 🚨 The prices for sea view hotels 💴 are on par with Langkawi and Bali 🔥💸, especially for island day trips! 😂
💡 But it’s a place where the beauty is so enchanting that you won’t mind the higher costs.
Here’s why:
✅ The sunsets are absolutely mesmerizing, turning any beach into a scene from a movie 📸
✅ The sea water is an incredible shade of blue, and Sabah’s Semporna lives up to the hype
✅ The seafood is incredibly fresh and delicious 🍤
2️⃣ Accommodation suggestions
Budget-friendly option: Mercure Kota Kinabalu RM280/night — Modern minimalist style + centrally located
💰 Money-saving tip
I highly recommend using the azgo app for booking accommodations. This time, I got instant cashback!
3️⃣ Are the islands in Kota Kinabalu really primitive?
This is definitely a case of Instagram vs. reality 😂 I initially thought islands like Manukan Island and Sapi Island would be as unspoiled as Semporna…
But the reality is👇
✅ The water is indeed as crystal clear and blue as if it’s been filtered
❌ However, the islands are packed with tourists, influencers, and selfie sticks.
..
❌ The beaches have become more like check-in spots, which can ruin the experience
🚨 Tip: If you want to avoid the crowds, opt for a private island day trip (it’s pricey, but worth every penny!)
4️⃣ The real food situation in Kota Kinabalu
Sisters! If you’re a seafood lover, you’ll be in heaven in Kota Kinabalu! 😭💗 But I must be honest, some places can be quite expensive and overcharge tourists 💸
5️⃣ Transportation pitfalls
1. Grab rides are really expensive 💸 (a short trip within the city can cost RM20-30)
2. The most convenient option is to rent a car and drive yourself
3. Make sure to book in advance, as all rental car companies will be fully booked during holidays
📍 3 days 2 nights itinerary reference
Day 1: Explore the city’s culinary delights + Tanjung Aru sunset
Day 2: Snorkeling adventure + visit Manukan Island
Day 3: Late-night seafood feast + return
Kota Kinabalu may be expensive, commercialized, and scorchingly hot, but its stunning sunsets, pristine waters, and warm hospitality will make you overlook these minor inconveniences!
