Quite
the draw for those wishing to find natural landscape backdrop to proceedings as
the countryside itself is charming.
Kota
Kinabalu is not only the gateway to lush jungle and abundant wildlife in
Sabah’s heartland, but is also a luxury adventure destination in its own right,
whether you stop here for a few days before your trip to the interior or to
relax for a few days afterwards. Tropical islands, sandy beaches, lush wetlands
and parks, and golden-domed temples, these are just a few of the things you can
look forward to seeing here. This gorgeous resort city is tucked into the west
coast of Malaysia, and it is one of the hidden gem tourist locations in the
country.
FUN GALORE
Sabah
is located on the east of Malaysia and the only way to get there is with an
airplane. We were extremely lucky that Malindo Air was offering a really good
rate to Sabah. Of course there are other flight options but the best fare that one
can find is from Malindo Air. The new airplane which comes with an
entertainment system and a USB charger port… How convenient! A visit to KK is
not perfect without swimming in the Poring Hot Springs, Which are 40km
northeast of Kinabalu Park in the lowlands, as opposed to the Parks highlands.
Our drive took about two hours to get to the Park. The view was phenomenal, and
the Hot Springs have baths along a hillside. Simply get in one, turn the water
on and wait for it to fill up so you can soak away stress and relieve aching
muscles in the spring’s sulphuric minerals. Beside the Hot Springs there
are several other attractions around like a butterfly farm, an orchid
conservation centre, a tropical garden, a Rafflesia flower site & the
Poring canopy walkway. The canopy walkway is not what the tourist sites will
have you believe. It is no ‘stroll amidst the lush canopy of the Menggaris
trees’ and are actually 157.8 meters long and 41 meters high. A little tree top
walk and good views, yes. The walk itself is over 1km in length; over 500m uphill
through the jungle, a good hearty walk that left me breathless, but was lots of
fun.
ISLANDANDERS
Kota
Kinabalu has a few gems lying less than 30 minutes off its coast. A bundle of
small islands that are a part of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park that are connected via
speed boat make for a great day trip and break from the city. Getting to the
islands is easy – you walk down to the jetty where there’s a large room with
small booths where people sell tickets for a speed boat to the islands. You can
also arrange to rent snorkelling equipment and do snorkelling/diving trips here
as well. If you just want the speed boat to get you over to the islands, most
companies advertise the same price, just make sure the one you choose has a
boat leaving soon! Just let the company know what time you want to be back on
the mainland and they will book you on that speed boat to come back. At the Island if you want to catch a glimpse
of what lives under the sea, don a Snorkel and flippers and head out as the
water is remarkably clear and the underwater flora and fauna before your masks
turns into a kaleidoscope of brilliantly stunning colours. You can swim over
hardly touched healthy young corals, discover big marbled groupers lurking in
the shadows and even encounter turtles. Craving more thrills, go Scuba diving,
a practically religious experience for divers. You can in your local sarongs
walk along the beach to the over water restaurant for a mouth-watering taste
sensation of arguably the finest BBQ you can find in Malaysia. All in all it’s
the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy and wander the beach.
THE BEACH SIDE
Kota Kinabalu doesn’t exactly seem to hide its charms. ‘If you’ve got it
flaunt it’ could well be the sea side town’s motto. Famed for its beach stretch
and even more famed for its vibrant nightlife, it is a popular vacation
destination. Start your evening with drinks at the lounge in your hotel and
move on. Nightlife and party enthusiasts never have a tough time searching for
a place to enjoy the evening with narrow alleys filled with unique bars and
restaurants to choose from. By the way you might be more than happy to find Massage
parlours as a further point of relaxation and for the ultimate indulgence one
can retire to massage beds and saver the true Asian feel. Their special mineral
oil sets the mood and a cup of green tea completes the experience. Voila!
FAST
FACTS
BEST WAY
TO REACH
Newly launched Malindo Air, most economical
and comfortable with plush leather seats and wider seat pitches of 32 inches
flies directly to Kuala Lumpur from India and has a connecting flight to Kota
Kinabalu. For more information and pricing log on to www.malindoair.com
VISA
& CURRENCY
Indians need a Visa to enter Malaysia. The
currency is the Malaysian Ringgit. One Malaysian Ringgit is equal to
approximately 20 Indian Rupees.
MUST KNOW
Usher in Visit Malaysia year 2014 and gear up
for an exciting line up of events and festivals. There will never be a dull
moment as Malaysia’s multicultural society comes together to celebrate
religious festivals, parades, carnivals, cultural extravaganzas, sporting
events and many more.
published in Tlf
