Genuine feelings, no exaggeration. Despite being the largest city in Sabah, Kota Kinabalu is rather unassuming; it’s neither a bustling metropolis nor a sleepy backwater. Most travelers use it as a convenient gateway to Semporna.
🥘 **Food**: Don’t miss out on trying Bak Kut Teh and Laksa for a true taste of the local cuisine. As for the durian stalls under the flyover, they might be tempting, but they won’t exactly give you the “durian freedom” you might be hoping for.
📷 **Photography**: You’ll see many people on Xiaohongshu sharing their picturesque city walks in Kota Kinabalu. While there are some photo spots that can be quite charming, if you’re expecting a treasure trove of Instagram-worthy locations, you might be a bit disappointed. If photography is your main interest, it’s worth checking out, but don’t go out of your way just for a few snaps.
🏠 **Accommodation**: The accommodations in Kota Kinabalu are a step up from what you’ll find in Semporna. Expect conditions similar to a budget hotel in China, with prices around 100 RMB per night. It’s a comfortable and affordable option for a short stay.
‼️ **Sunset Alert**: The famous pink and purple sunsets in Kota Kinabalu are a sight to behold, but they are highly dependent on the weather. Just because it’s sunny doesn’t mean you’ll get the perfect sunset, and even on cloudy days, there’s still a chance. These stunning colors are more likely to appear after a rain shower or when the air is particularly moist, especially during certain seasons.
To catch this natural spectacle, you need the perfect alignment of conditions. For those chasing the sea sunset, be prepared for a bit of uncertainty. (This advice comes from someone who spent five days in Kota Kinabalu just to catch a glimpse of the sunset [Facepalm][Facepalm])
In summary, Kota Kinabalu is a good place for a brief stopover. While it may not offer an extremely thrilling travel experience, it’s a pleasant and practical choice for a transit point.
I totally get what you mean about Kota Kinabalu! It does feel like a practical stopover rather than a must-stay destination. The food recommendations sound amazing—Laksa and Bak Kut Teh are must-tries for sure! I wonder if the durian stalls are worth braving the smell for though.
Absolutely, the durian stalls are an experience not to be missed if you’re a fan of the “king of fruits”! The smell can be intense, but the taste is unforgettable. If you can handle it, it’s definitely worth trying, especially since fresh durian is a big part of the local culture here. Thanks for your comment—it’s great to hear you’re excited about the food!
I totally get why some people might think KK is only good for a day, but those food spots sound worth more than that! Especially that Laksa, it’s legendary. Still, I can see why it’s more of a stopover than a main destination.
I totally get why some people might only spend a day there. The food does sound amazing, especially the Bak Kut Teh and Laksa! But I can see how the lack of major attractions might make it a quick stop rather than a destination.