Things To Do
Tunku Abdul Rahman Park
A marine park consisting of several islands. Easily accessible by boat from Jesselton Point. We’ll be trying to organize a half day snorkelling trip to the islands at some point Please let us know if you’d like to join us !
Mount Kinabalu
Sabah’s famous mountain! ! Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in SE Asia at 4,095m tall! There are several walking trails and a botanical garden to visit at Park HQ. If you’d like to climb the mountain on your trip we recommend that you make your bookings as soon as possible as spaces sell out fast. Please be aware that it is an arduous climb and should only be attempted by those who are fit. The climb takes 2days 1night, and we recommend that you give yourself a day or two to recover afterwards! We are trying to organize a day trip to the mountain, please let us know if you are interested in joining us!
Simpang Mengayau
Otherwise known as the tip of Borneo! Located in the district of Kudat, in the north of Sabah. It is possible to do in a day trip, or you can stay overnight. Kudat boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the state, stunning coastline , and cool clear water as well as the opportunity to visit a longhouse owned by the rungus community to learn more about local beadwork and gong making! There are also some excellent seafood resteraunts! Please note that the beaches around Simpang Mengayu occasionally get strong currents, so please obey all warning signs & flags and start off in the shallows! We will be trying to organize a trip to Kudat after the wedding, please let us know if you'd like to join us!
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Sandakan, Sabah.
Located just outside of Sandakan town, which is a short, 50 minute flight from KK. If you are interested in Orang Utans, it’s a must visit! Sandakan can be done in a day trip- if you do we recommend combining a trip to Sepilok with BSBCC and Labuk Bay! We'll be trying to organize a trip to Sandakan and the Kinabatagan River at some point. Please let us know if you'd like to join us! We can also help you make your own arrangements!
Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary - Entrance
A former oil palm estate turned mangrove & proboscis monkey sanctuary when the owner discovered a family group living on the land! The monkeys are fed twice daily and tourists can go to observe them from the viewing platforms! You may also have a chance to see some silver languars and pied hornbills if they're around. If you can't make it to the Kinabatagan on your trip, Labuk Bay is well worth a visit!!
Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC)
BSBCC does excellent work rehabilitating sun bears and preparing them for release back into the wild. They also care for some bears who unfortunately cannot be released. Well worth a visit and located right next to the Sepilok Orang Utan Center!
Gaya Street Sunday Market
KK's local weekend market, Gaya St Market is centrally located on Gaya Street and runs every Sunday from around 6am to 12pm. Vendors sell a vast array of goods from souveniers to plants, vegetables & household goods. We recommend visiting early to avoid the crowds and heat! there are also several excellent kedai kopi (local coffee shops) on the street where you can get breakfast!
Tamu Kota Belud, Sabah.
A Tamu (Local market) held every Sunday in the "Cowboy" town of Kota Belud! It takes about an hour to an hour and a half to get there from KK and is well worth a visit for a taste of local life! Try the local kuih (cakes) including the UFO looking "Penjaram" which are Serena's favorite! Shop for a locally made "Parang" (Knife) or "Tudung Duang" (brightly colored food cover) and take in the sights, sounds & smells! Later, stop for a teh tarik and Roti Canai at Kedai Kopi Zam Zam!
Sukau Rainforest Lodge
Our favourite lodge on the Kinbatagan! We highly reccomend a trip to the Kinbatagan River for a safari if you have the time! one of our favorite places in Sabah
Tabin Wildlife Resort, Lahad Datu, Sabah.
An amazing wildlife reserve accessible from the small town of Lahad Datu (not a day trip). Great night safaris! Serena & her parents have written a guide book to the reserve!
Danum Valley Conservation Area
If you want to get a real feel for Borneo's rainforest, this is the place to go! There are two options to stay- at the field center which has fairly basic lodgings or at the luxurious Borneo Rainforest Lodge. Well worth a visit either way!
Tanjung Aru Beach
The beach Serena grew up on! We don't recommend swimming here beacuse the water is not the cleanest and there can be rip tides, but it's a nice spot for a sunset walk! KK has legendary sunsets! The Kinabalu Yacht Club, where the out of towners dinner will be held, is on the beach!
Little Italy
A KK institution! Good Italian food and friendly service!
Sabah Chilli Pan Mee
A simple option for local dishes including the famous "Cili pan mee".
Fook Yuen | Gaya Street
Another KK institution. Good selection of local breakfast options and drinks.
Alu-Alu Kitchen
Local "farm to table" style organic eatery. This is where the rehearsal dinner will be held.
Krishna Fish Head Curry Restaurant
One of our favorite spicier eateries. Serena like's their naan. Aaron their delicious curries.
Limau & Linen
Serena had an amazing piece of Mulberry Cheese Cake there once. And it's never returned, but she goes there often hoping. Aaron doesn't mind taking her
OITOM
You need a reservation for this one, and might want to book it early. It's one of the only fine dining places in KK and comes with a local twist. They aspire to use as many locally sourced ingredients as possible. *the menu changes but they were heavy on the seafood on our visit.
The Korean Club Restaurant (다리스낭)
A converted house, with a good number of fans. The food is good, if on the pricier side of things, especially by local standards. Aaron recommends the Kimchee pancake. Serena the ssam-kyup-ssal.
El Centro
Serena likes their burgers. Some vegan and gluten free options. They also have a quiz night and a good bar!
Nook Cafe
A favorite cafe on Lorong Dewan/Australia Place. Good coffee and waffles!
October
A cute cafe with decent drinks.
Suria Sabah Shopping Mall
One of KK's two "modern" malls. Located very centrally it contains a hotel (Hotel Grandis), A Cinema (Take a jacket, it's kept freezing, and try the caramel popcorn! Movies are cheap and in English with Malay subtitles), A supermarket (Bataras), A spa (Jari Jari, Serena loves it) and many shops and eateries. Ah Yen does good Sandakan style Pork Kuey Teow (noodle dish) and Wong Kwok does good dim sum.
Kadaiku
Run by the Sabah Tourism Board, their handicraft products make nice mementos to take home.
Salt x Paper Stationery & Gifts
A lovely little stationary/gift shop with a nice selection of locally made gifts.
The Crafty Peacock
A cafe/ shop with coffee and to-go paninis as well as gift items.
The Art Attic
A cute art gallery/ shop with local handmade products!