Kota Kinabalu is the capital state of Sabah, Malaysia. Sabah is one of the states and federal territories of Malaysia. It is located in Borneo, the third largest island in the world and the largest island in Asia. Borneo is politically divided between 3 countries: Brunei and Malaysia in the north, and Indonesia to the south. Kota Kinabalu is formerly known as Jesselton, named after Sir Charles Jessel who served as the Vice-Chairman of BNBC (British North Borneo Company). It is also known as KK.
Day 1 – Arrival and a Do-It-Yourself Tour
We stayed at the Grandis Hotel. It is a 15-minute drive from Kota Kinabalu International Airport. The location of the hotel is strategic as it is beside a mall and is a walk away from some of the tourist attractions and food establishments. I commend this hotel for their overall cleanliness.Sabah Tourism Building. Located along Gaya Street, it is only one of three buildings that survived the bombings of WWII. This is where we acquired our free traveler’s map and guide.The starting point of our morning walk & hike to get a good view of Kota Kinabalu.Signal Hill Observatory Tower. The highest point in the city.Atkinson Clock Tower. It is named after Francis George Atkinson, the 1st district officer of Jesselton who died of Malaria. The tower is the oldest structure at Kota Kinabalu that survived the destruction of Jesselton town during WWII.Gaya Street. The whole stretch turns into a pedestrian street market every Sunday morning where one can get almost everything from fresh tropical fruits to local handicrafts, etc.
Kota Kinabalu City Hall.Roll of Honor. In Memory of The Australian Armed Forces who gave their lives in the defense of Sabah (British North Borneo) during the Second World War, 1939-1945, as presented by The Returned Services League of Australia.
Day 2 – Day: Manukan Island, Sky Blu Bar
One of the gateways to Pulau Manukan. Our port of embarkation through Star Marina is within the premises of the Shangri-La Hotel.A lovely first view of the Pulau Manukan shore.
Sea walk site.Nemo and an equally cute photo bomber.
Sky Blu Bar. Dinner and some local indie music by a local band.
Day 3 – Shop, Foot Reflex for RM 28, Food Trip at Fook Yuen Café and Bakery along Jalan Gaya, Some Reading
Due to heavy rains, we were unable to proceed with an activity I was really excited about for Day 3. I should return, I guess. Someday, hopefully.After all the walking, our feet deserved a massage.Fook Yuen Café along Jalan Gaya. Great food to complement the gloomy weather.The bed weather is best for some reading. I readily obliged. ** On our last day, we transferred to Hotel Sixty3 as there were no more rooms available at the Grandis Hotel. I liked the Grandis Hotel better.A store around the city where we bought most of our goodies. They sell at a lower price as compared to other stores we have been around.
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