Top Sabah Hotels

Best sunset that we can remember seen from Waterside restaurant area. Check out the drink prices at all venues as the Irish bar was double one a few doors down. No great food experiences at all in KK as food generally lacked spice. Night market is only for counterfeit goods and doesn''t match markets in Thailand, Vietnam or China for range and quality.

My partner (Damian) came up with the bright idea for us to climb Mount Kinabalu over the Chinese New Year. Seemed a great idea at the time. We flew from Senai Airport (near Johor Bahru) to Kinabalu, which took just over two hours and was some S$150 each cheaper than flying from Singapore, where we live. Our treat for such a reckless mission was a stay at the luxurious Jesselton Hotel (the best hotel in Kinabalu) either side of our time at National Park.<br> <br> The next morning we were up early to take the local bus to the Park – about an hour away. When we checked in at the Park, we discovered that we were staying at Mesilau, which, though still within the confines of the Park, was a 30 minute (or, in cash terms, RM65) taxi ride away. Plus, this would then add some 2 hours to our trek the next day. Fantastic! (Tip: Bring plenty of US dollars as the park only accepts cash and there seems to be lots of add-ons that they should really have told you about before you arrive.)<br> <br> Our room was a dormitory - a far cry from the Jesselton - with shared bathrooms but at least it was warm and dry. The next day, after breakfast and another early morning shock to the system, we met our guide, Alex, and started up Mount Kinabalu.<br> <br> There is not too much to say about trekking up a mountain other than that even though you have a rough idea that it will involve a lot of walking, it does not really hit you until you have to do it. (Tip: It is worth investing in proper clothing and shoes, as everything will get soaked otherwise. Plus a plastic sheath for your nap-sack is a must to help try and keep things dry.)<br> <br> During our trek upwards, I lost track of the number of times that Damian apologised for choosing the ''break'' or me pointing out that I was ''so choosing our next break''. Plus the locals put us to shame as they flew past us with 15kg gas cylinders on their heads. Still we struggled on. And on…<br> <br> We eventually reached base camp, Laban Rata, at 5 pm: some eight, long hours after setting off. Neither of us could really say or do much until we had showered, put on some dry clothes and were fed. (Laban Rata may have been a basic hut high on a mountain, but the fact that every single thing has to be carried up to it makes the place seem very special indeed).<br> <br> The ascent the next day not only involves a 2am start and takes 2 ½ hours in the pitch black, but you have to literally pull yourself up the mountain, avoid altitude sickness, so that you can then huddle around in the cold to wait for sunrise. If you are lucky, you will then have 15 minutes to take in the view (provided that the mist has not already descended) before you set off back from whence you came. After arriving back at Laban Rata, you should have time to grab a quick bite before embarking on the 4-hour descent in the pouring rain. (Tip No. 3: Going up is only half the battle!)<br> <br> On paper, it sounds a piece of (Kendle Mint) cake to stroll back down. But when your legs/feet are aching like never before, the weather decides to drench you again and the stones/steps become even more slipperier, it soon becomes apparent that you are in for another hard slog. So some 4 hours after leaving Laban Rata we were back on terra firma - though as Damian, quite rightly pointed out, we were always on terra firma - just that up on the mountain, it did not feel like it.<br> <br> We took a bus back to the Park HQ (for which we, were again charged for) and then had to take another ride (yes, charged again for that too) to our room for the night. There we discovered that there was no electricity from 1-5pm anywhere in the Park but, thankfully, there was just enough hot water to shower.<br> <br> We ate locally that night - as neither of us could walk/hobble that far - and the next day, we took a taxi to Poring, where, after a scary stroll some 150 feet above the ground via a suspended canopy, we got to bathe in the hot, natural springs there. Then it was a cab back to Ranua (which is just one big bus terminal), where we took a cramped, but cheap, bus back to Kinabalu for another night at the Jesselton.<br> <br> All in all a pretty tiring but rewarding trip all the same. Next time, if there is a next time, we will take the shorter trek up Mount Kinabalu (ie not from Mesilau) and invest in some proper out door gear other than shades, a sarong and some sun-cream. Before that, though, I am so choosing our next ''break''!

Spent 5 days and 4 nights in KK. The TAR islands were definitely a highlight. Visit Sapi Island for some enjoyable snorkelling and a welcoming beach. All of this can be seen on your own without the need of a tour. Mt. Kinabula Park is also enjoyable and a nice break from the heat. Poring Hot Springs, should you ever have visited hot springs elsewhere in Asia, are probably best missed.

The town is pretty grotty, but interesting. The hotel is definitely the reason to stay and we stopped here en route to Kinanabalou which was perfect.

KK is a pleasant, quiet Asian city.

Lots to do and see in the region - KK itself is not much to look at.

Taxis without meters very annoying.

We enjoyed walking around the city, people were friendly and helpful, the markets were clean, interesting to browse in with a variety of produce and crafts. We hired local boatsmen to take us to the Abdul Rahman nat''l park offshore and there was decent snorkelling at the ecolodge beach altho the coral was severely damaged. A tour and private car was available through the hotel to Kinabalu nat''l park which had great flora, fauna and hiking trails

Well, KK does not have much to recommend it I''m afraid. It''s not wholly unpleasant, but with a dearth of sightseeing, and with the food and shopping surpassed by most other Asian capitals, it''s not a great destination. But it is often a necessary stopover for Sabah exploration, and staying at the Jesselton makes the KK experience worth it.

The hike up Mount Kinabalu is tough, but well worth it. A very unique and spectacular summit. The Sabah Museum is interesting. It''s not a "must-see", but if you want to burn up a few hours, it is money well-spent.