What to do in Kota Kinabalu?

October 21, 2010 9:25 PM

I'm planning on a family trip with my wife and 18-month-old daughter to Kota Kinabalu, in northern Borneo, Maylasia. Where to stay? What to do?

We're shooting for early January 2011, and plan to stay just about a week or so, maybe as few as 5 days. Any suggestions? With the kid our outdoorsy option are a bit limited, but surely there can be something.

posted by zardoz to Travel & Transportation around Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia (2 answers total)

Best answer: The islands just off KK have some very nice and very accessible snorkeling. I arranged with one of the boat companies to drop us off in the morning at one island and then move us to a second island after lunch.

The islands usually have a restaurant, shower and other basic services and the snorkeling is a short wade from the beach.

There is also some nice jungle up towards mount kinabalu if you feel like hiring a car or taking a bus trip.
posted by ccoryell at 1:43 AM on October 22, 2010

Shangri-La has two resorts in KK, one in the city and a second on the South China Sea. I've stayed at and enjoyed both, especially the latter (although it is about 45-minutes from KK proper). They are five star resorts that offer good value for money.

There is also a steam train excursion through the jungle that is cool, and kid friendly.

If you are going towards the end of January, you may find it difficult to get flights or reservations because Chinese New Year -- a peak period -- runs from Feb 3 to 5.
posted by quidividi at 6:21 AM on October 23, 2010