By admin Positioned close to the northernmost level of Borneo, the Malaysian metropolis of Kota Kinabalu is without doubt one of the premiere locations the island has to supply. Lovely, luxurious, and extremely protected, town performs residence to a few of the greatest issues to do in Kota Kinabalu Borneo. Whether or not it’s orangutan encounters, mountain climbing up a mountain, or absorbing sunshine on a distant seashore, Kota Kinabalu has all of it.
What To Know
For such a distant island, Borneo is surprisingly straightforward to achieve…when you get to Asia. Flights from hubs corresponding to Guangzhou, Seoul, and Kuala Lumpur present entry to Kota Kinabalu, and as per my data in the mean time of writing, the least costly flights are available in slightly below $800 (USD). Although, offers can possible be discovered for cheaper than that when you’re keen to e-book as far prematurely as doable. Needless to say low prices on the bottom will assist to mitigate the airfare considerably.
Please be sure that to get all obligatory vaccinations, particularly when you’re planning on going into the jungle itself. Moreover, carry insect repellent, even when you’re merely going to the seashore. And naturally, carry loads of sunscreen!
The place To Keep
In most locations, resorts could supply a pool, or maybe quick access to the seashore. Borneo’s resorts go far past these customary facilities, going as far as to supply full-on wildlife encounters. Top-of-the-line locations to come across orangutans in Kota can also be the most effective locations to remain: the Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort and Spa. Whereas the resort has its personal non-public seashore, the actual draw right here is the Rasa Ria Nature Reserve that surrounds the complete resort.
Run together with the native state authorities, the Reserve works as a rehabilitation space for rescued endangered animals. Ultimately, most animals (and orangutans particularly) are moved to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre earlier than being launched again into the wild. The reserve gives nice alternatives for kids and adults alike to find out about orangutans and stand up near them in encounters which can be protected for all concerned. This is without doubt one of the few locations in Kota Kinabalu (and Borneo) that you’re assured to see orangutans, and it’s a chance that shouldn’t be missed!
In the event you favor to remain nearer to town and all of the actions it provides, think about staying at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru. This resort not solely has its personal seashore and swimming pools, however provides free shuttles to go to Rasa Ria as properly. Whereas each motels are someplace between $150-$300 an evening, the comfort every resort provides is well worth the price ticket.
(Word: Non-guests can go to the Nature Reserve, however numbers are restricted and tickets will must be booked a number of days prematurely. If staying off Shangri-La property, seek the advice of your resort to rearrange a go to.)
Island Experiences
When you get away from the resorts, Kota Kinabalu takes on a completely completely different persona. That is the place you get to essentially dig into the tradition of the realm, which takes cues from native and Malaysian heritage in addition to the encircling pure panorama.
A highly regarded pastime with vacationers right here is to climb Mt. Kinabalu. Take word: the mountain is a two day hike alongside nontechnical trails that may nonetheless show difficult at instances. Relaxation assured that the views alongside the best way are attractive and properly well worth the effort and time. Make sure to carry loads of water, and don’t overlook the layers you’ll want for the upper altitudes.
Highlights at decrease elevations embody a cruise alongside the Kilas River to view monkeys, mangroves, and night fireflies, in addition to snorkeling off of Tanjung Aru seashore or in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. After having your fill of journey, there’s no higher solution to finish the day than kicking again on the seashore and watching the solar fade into the horizon.
Header photograph by Wallula on Pixabay