How to get Kota Kinabalu to Ranau in 4 Days and 3 Nights

How to get Kota Kinabalu to Ranau in 4 Days and 3 Nights

How to Plan Your Holiday Well in Sabah for the very least you’ve got to experience:
-The highlands 
-The beaches
-The islands
-The seaside city, Kota Kinabalu

Here is a tried and tested itinerary, for the kind of travellers who got so little time and so much to do!


Itinerary

DAY 1 – DESTINATION: KUNDASANG

Day of arrival, opt for morning flight, the earliest if possible. 

Mission for the day, is to go directly to the highlands – where the air is cold and the sceneries are green and the highest mountain’s peak in South East Asia stands proud.

It is highly advisable for you to pre-book hotel/hostel/chalet, especially during peak periods like school holidays, public holidays or even weekends. 
Online reservation is no hassle at all.

Pick accommodation closest to your places of interest, 
make sure the place where you stay is within the walking distance of interesting spots such as the National Park, Mesilau or the War Memorial.

Kundasang

Kundasang War Memorial

Getting to Kundasang you can stop by at some tourists attractions along the way, for instance you can go to the Upside Down House, in Tamparuli.
Another interesting stops would be the roadside stalls that can easily be spotted along the way, selling various stuffs from handicrafts to fresh vegetables and fruits.

Special Treat for the non-muslim travellers. Try ‘Sinalau Bakas’ stalls are selling smoked wild boar. 

Next, Go round Kundasang (National Park, Mensilau, War Memorial, etc. )
Option 2: Head to Poring hot spring in Ranau. 

NIGHT 1 – CHILL AT KUNDASANG
There’re only a little to choose from if you want to have dinner in Kundasang. You can:
opt for hotel/chalet/ inn that comes with food
Or take away some food earlier and enjoy them while lounging on your veranda or simply relax on your bed and watch whatever it is that’s on tv.
One of the famous food to be take away here is the barbecue chicken wing, at Restoran Intan, in Kundasang town. 



DAY 2 – GET YOUR SUNNIES OUT!

Wake up early, by 6.00am the day would probably be clear and Foggy maybe.

The majestic Mount Kinabalu look the best in the morning. For photography enthusiasts, a sight of Kundasang in a cold, fine morning is simply a great moment to be put in frames. 
Visit to kinabalu Park in the morning.
Since most check out time for accommodation places are between 11.00 am to 1.00pm, you still have enough amount of time go round Kundasang, 
to places you missed yesterday.

Head to Ranau for Poring hot spring and Tagal Fish massage.
Then return to Kota Kinabalu and check in hotel for 2 nights. 

NIGHT 2 – SEAFOOD GALORE
Now, it is the perfect time to experience one of the thing that Sabah is most famous for: SEAFOOD! 
There’re plenty of places to eat seafood all around Kota Kinabalu for you to choose from.

You can choose the seafood place according to your budget, there’re high-ends seafood restaurants, mid-ranger and even open-air hawker stalls.

You can go for seafood dinner at the hawkers centre, next to the handicraft market, or most well-known as the Filipinos Market.

What To Do After Seafood Meal?
After seafood, you can also check out the night markets all around the city centre. A few well-known one are the Sinsuran Night Market and Kampung Air Night Market. 

Note: Beware of snatchers and pick pockets. 

The night markets offer a lot of items at bargained price, such as souveniers, jewelleries, clothings, shoes, handicrafts and so much more.

Return back to hotel.

segama night market

DAY 3 - ISLAND EXPLORE

Wake up inthe morning, afterbreakfast and get ready by 8:00am

head straight to Jesselton Point in Kota Kinabalu. Formerly known as the Kota Kinabalu Ferry Terminal, Jesselton Point, located north of downtown Kota Kinabalu, 
offers a one stop facilities of water transportation hub, casual dining, leisure and retail activities.

From Jesselton Point, you can get your ticket to your islands of choice: Manukan island, Sapi island, Gaya island, or you can also opt for a round ticket to go islands hopping. 
And, another choice for you to consider, spending the night at one of the island itself.
Noon BBQ Lunch for your choice.

Head back before sunset. You can sit back, relax, order some coffee or fresh juices and enjoy the beautiful view of sunset at Jesselton Point.

Take A walk at Tanjung Aru beaches, relax and phot shooting.

NIGHT 3 – Night beach & relax
Go check out for heavy seafood dinner, a stroll by the beach will be perfect.
And enjoy night life at entertainment lounge.  

Return back to hotel.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

DAY 4 – LAST MINUTE SHOPPING

Wake up early, have your breakfast. There are plenty of nice places you can go for breakfast all over Kota Kinabalu.
From its humble beginning as a small coffee shop located in Damai, Kota Kinabalu, Kedai Kopi Fook Yuen has now developed into a very well-known kopitiam chain, 
available in another three different locations, namely Asia City, Gaya Street and Karamunsing Capital.

Time To Go Shopping!
After breakfast, it’s time to shop!
First of all, if you’re planning for a last minute shopping on your day of departure, please opt for a much later flight home.
For souveniers like pearls and crystals jewellery, handicrafts, fridge magnet, key chains, the Filipinos Craft Market should be your first stop. 
It opens as early as 7.00am and it offers you varieties of souveniers that fits well with your budget, IF you know how to bargain it right. 

Sabah’s Famous Dried Seafood
For Sabah’s famous dried seafood, such as dried shrimp, anchovies, clams and many more, 
the market famously known as ‘Pasar Ikan Masin’ is strategically located next to the craft market. 
And it also opens since early morning, and bargaining skills are also essentials.
If it happens to be Sunday, you can go to Gaya Street Baazar, starts as early as 6.00 am. 

More time to visit: Landmarks Around Kota Kinabalu City
Done early with your shopping and your flight home is much later in the evening, 
grab the chance to go to the tourist attractions that are located in Kota Kinabalu vicinity.

For instance you can go check out the Atkinson Clock Tower, the Kota Kinabalu Waterfront, Signal Hill Observatory Platform, Sabah State Museum or if your flight is much later in the evening you can go to places such as Mari-Mari Cultural Village, Kiansom that is less than 30 minutes drive from Kota Kinabalu city centre or Monsopiad Cultural Village, Penampang at about the same distance.




Excellent Time Management = Great Trip
It’s a proven fact, that with good time management, 4 days and 3 nights are enough to experience plenty of wonderful things that Sabah got to offer.

Yes, most of us want our vacation to be fun and spontaneous, but planning ahead won’t hurt either. 
Especially if you’re travelling with family or small kids, ‘control’ is the keyword to keep a family vacation an enjoyable one.
So, don’t get to stress out planning, just go with the flow, enjoy your holiday and keep a Plan B at hand!

Your weekend trip in Kota Kinabalu!

Your weekend trip in Kota Kinabalu!

This is a guide of very simple itinerary which we will use to managed a weekend trip in KK:

Itinerary

Day 1: Friday
7:30 pm – arrive Kota Kinabalu, check-in hotel. 
8:30 pm – explore KK City, night market, Waterfront, Anjung Senja. Dinner.
10:30 pm – weather and transport permitting, get to Signal Hill Observatory Deck to get an aerial view of KK City at night.

Signal Hill Observatory Deck

Day 2: Saturday
7:30 am – early start, have breakfast at local kopitiam.
8:30 am – Day program: depart to day trip of choice (White water rafting, The Lok Kawi Wildlife Park, The Green Connection, Kipandi Butterfly Park, Kiansom waterfall trekking, Klias Wetlands etc)
6:00 pm – back in KK City. Rest.
7:00 pm – enjoy a Sabah seafood dinner at the many city restaurants.
9:30 pm – join the weekend clubbing crowd at the city’s watering holes.

The Lok Kawi Wildlife Park

Day 3: Sunday
6:00 am – early start to explore Gaya Street Sunday Fair. Also check out Atkinson Clock Tower, Zero Kilometer Marker in front of Sabah Tourism office.
8:30 am – Day program: proceed to Jesselton Point for boat ride to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park islands.
9:00 am to 1:00 pm – island fun!
2:00 pm – back in KK City, rest.
3:00 pm – explore the local market for souvenirs and goodies to bring back. 
5:00 pm - Enjoy viewing of Tanjung Aru beach and dinner before departure to airport.
9:30 pm – bid farewell to KK.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Park islands

See how much you can experience on a weekend?

Tip of Borneo at Tanjung Simpang Mengayau

Tip of Borneo at Tanjung Simpang Mengayau

LOCATION:
Tg Simpang Mengayau a.k.a the Tip of Borneo is located 40 kilometres to the northwest of Kudat town. The journey will pass through mostly coconut plantations and remote villages such as Kg Sin San, Kg Tajau, Kg Pinangsoo, Kg Loro and Kg Tiga Papan before finally arriving at Tg Simpang Mengayau. Note that the road from Kudat is partially unpaved, and judging from the way things are, it will take some time before the current road resurfacing project to fully complete. Just get ready for some bumpy and unpleasant rides on the gravel road.

In general, Kudat is located some 3 hours to the north of Kota Kinabalu. It is best to rent a car from Kota Kinabalu for a self-drive tour to Kudat and its vicinity. Otherwise, the only option to get to various tourist attractions in Kudat is by chartered tours which are not exactly economical and does not offer travel flexibility. 


DESCRIPTION:
Today, Tg Simpang Mengayau needs no further introduction. In the advent of this mass-communication era where travel discoveries can propagate like wild fire through the Internet and the print media, this very tip of Borneo Island has slowly done away its unknown state and is fast becoming a must-visit for visitors to Sabah. Not to mention, various tourist facilities have and will be built in the area to accommodate the anticipated influx of visitors to the unique attraction.

The name is rather mind boggling. Tanjung Simpang Mengayau literally means the 'wandering crossroad promontory' which should signify a few things, depending on which literature you read. First and foremost, this is the very point where the South China Sea meets the Sulu Sea. Somehow or rather, it suggests that the water from these two bodies of ocean wanders between each other at the tip. History also has it that Ferdinand Magellan, a famous seafarer, had stopped at the crossroad of these two oceans to repair his fleets. The local dialect name for this ocean promontory is Tanjung Sampang Magazo, which means 'a junction where a battle took place'. A tale from the Rungus tribe's folklore had it that the promontory was used as a lookout point to ward off the invading pirates, and naturally a few battles had taken place through the years.

The area is generally well-kept with proper maintenance and adequate facilities. Ample parking space is provided right at the entrance, as well as some shops selling snacks, gifts, etc. One will have to walk a little bit up to the first landmark, The Globe, which looks more of a glorification for the tip of Borneo, if nothing else. The actual tip is still a further walk down the pavement. Soon, from the top of the hill, you will be presented with a triangular rocky outcrop that protrudes some distance into the ocean. The very tip is generally out of bound, as pointed out by various warning signs along the way, due to the slippery rock surface. Nonetheless, there are some locals seen swimming at the very tip, perhaps as a way to tell that soaking up in the heavenly waters of South China Sea and Sulu Sea is a sanctified ritual that is not to be missed.

The view from the hill top is spectacular. To the south is the beautiful stretch of Pantai Kalampunian which boasts crystal-clear waters. To the north and northeast, views of Pulau Banggi and Pulau Balambangan, the former actually being the biggest island in Malaysia, can be enjoyed on clear days. 

In short, Tg Simpang Mengayau holds a very important significance, historically and geographically to the people of Kudat and Malaysians as a whole. It is truly a beautiful place and should not be missed by those visiting Sabah.

Kinabalu National Park

Kinabalu National Park

Kinabalu National Park, about 90 kilometres from Kota Kinabalu, is one of the world's most significant natural environments.

The park is home to thousands of types of flora and fauna that are native to the area, and several hundred that are found only in the park.

As such, Kinabalu National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000, the first in Malaysia. While its tourist trails are well-worn, the majority of the park is an unspoilt paradise for rare flora and fauna.

For those who aren't keen on testing themselves on Mt Kinabalu's slopes, there is still much to enjoy from a visit to the park.

The presence of Mt Kinabalu, the highest mountain in South-East Asia, is one of the contributing factors to the wide variety of animal, bird, insect and plant life found in the park.


The stunning blooms of orchids 
from Kinabalu National Park.

The terrain ranges from lush, green rainforest at the park's lowest altitudes, while further up the mountain, rhodendron and coniferous forest is prevalent. At the highest altitudes, stunted plant growth and small marsupials survive in a harsh environment.

Orchids and carnivorous pitcher plants are among the park's most famous plants, although they are rare along the park's most worn tourist trails. However, they are all on display in a botanical walk near park headquarters, where visitors can view some of the area's most beautiful flora.

The most famous of the pitcher plants endemic to Kinabalu National Park is Nepenthes raja, a giant pitcher plant whose bell can hold more than three litres of water. There are a number of other species of pitcher plants in the park, and these can be seen just off some of the tracks in the park.

One of the many varieties of pitcher plant in the park.
Kinabalu National Park is also home to the world's largest flower, the Rafflesia, which blooms exceptionally rarely and then only for a matter of days.

Unlike most of its floral brethren, the Rafflesia emits a foul smell, reminiscent of rotting meat. The stench attracts flies and insects, which the plant then feasts upon.

With a diameter of up to one metres and a potential weight of 10 kilograms, the blooming of the Rafflesia is an event keenly awaited by botanists around the world.



Mount Kinabalu

Mount Kinabalu (Malay: Gunung Kinabalu) is a prominent mountain in Southeast Asia. It is located in Kinabalu National Park (a World Heritage Site) in the east Malaysian state of Sabah, which is on the island of Borneo in the tropics.
In 1997, a re-survey using satellite technology established its summit (known as Low’s Peak) height at 4,095 metres (13,435 ft) above sea level, which is some 6 metres (20 ft) less than the previously thought and hitherto published figure of 4,101 metres (13,455 ft).[1] The mountain is the third tallest in Southeast Asia behind Hkakabo Razi of Myanmar (Burma) and Puncak Jaya of New Guinea - Indonesia,[2] and is therefore also the tallest in Malaysia and on the island of Borneo, which Malaysia shares with Indonesia and Brunei.

The mountain and its surroundings feature a huge variety of flora, and is one of the world’s most important biological sites.

The main peak of the mountain (Low's Peak) can be relatively easily climbed by a person with a good physical condition, and requires no mountaineering equipment. Other peaks along the massif, however, require rock climbing skills.

Kundasang War Memorial and Gardens

Kundasang War Memorial and Gardens

The fort-like Memorial was designed by J.C. Robinson, a local architect. It has four interlocking but separate gardens to represent the homelands of those who died:

1) Australian Garden,

2) English Garden of roses,

3) Borneo Garden with wild flowers of Kinabalu

4) 'Contemplation Garden' with a reflection pool and pergola.

The Kundasang War Memorial commemorates the British and Australian soldiers who perished in the Sandakan Death March during the Second World War.

Horrendous memory of the event contrasts strongly with the 4 peaceful gardens, carpeted with a blissfully ignorant sea of green grass and colorful flowers, hedged in by imposing stone walls.

Emotionally-charged messages and poetry, inscribed on stone plaques erected by survivors and families of victims, emanate with the powerful feelings of loss and longing arising from this tragedy.

It was in 1962 that the building of the Kundasang War Memorial was commissioned (along with the opening of Kinabalu Park) by Major Carter, a Kiwi employed with an oil company, to remember the events associated with the Sandakan Death March. Between 1942-1943, 2,400 Allied soldiers were captured by Japanese forces (mostly in the Battle of Singapore) and sent to work on an airstrip in Sandakan together with forced labor comprising 3,600 Javan civilians.

Living conditions were harrowing and the prisoners suffered terrible losses among their ranks from disease, malnourishment and summary executions by their captors.

In 1945, towards the end of the war, the Japanese forced what remained of their prisoners (about 1,900 people) on a series of marches towards Ranau from Sandakan.

Meanwhile, brave natives of Borneo risked their lives helping prisoners who escaped during the marches - though many of the escapees did not eventually make it. The brutal march, compounded by lack of rations and brutal treatment, wiped all of them out except six Australians who escaped successfully.

Three of them lived long enough after the war to give their testimonies at war crime trials and punish those responsible. When the war memorial was completed in 1970, it too fell into disarray over time because of neglect.

It was not until Sevee Charuruks, a Thai-born retiree came visiting that he saw, and was appalled at its condition.

Taking on the responsibilities of a caretaker, he restored and embellished the war memorial with money from his own pocket and funding from various sources, including Australian authorities.

Expanding the park grounds, he build four memorial gardens, the first three dedicated respectively to the countries involved (Australia, Britain and Borneo) and the final one, a contemplation ground for personal reflection on the matter - complete with pergola, pool and balcony overlooking Mount Kinabalu.

The gardens are incredibly well-kept and planted with roses, orchids and hibiscus flowers but please don't pick any of them. Tickets are priced at MYR2 for Malaysians while international travelers pay MYR10 per person.

It's a quick walking distance from the vegetable market in Kundasang, just down the road towards Mesilau.

The war memorial is certainly worth the visit, not just for appreciating the beauty of its landscape and architecture, but also for honoring the fallen soldiers and brave people of Borneo in our hearts.

Tagal Sungai Moroli (Kampung Luanti)

Tagal Sungai Moroli (Kampung Luanti)

District: Ranau

Location
131 kilometers away from Kota Kinabalu is the Tagal Sungai Moroli in Kampung Luanti. If you fancy something other than your average spa, Kampung Luanti is where you should head to. Here, you will have the chance to try out the fish massage. This fish massage is deemed to have curative effect on those who suffer from psoriasis.

Overview
The word 'tagal' in the local kadazan-dusun dialect means 'no fishing'. The main purpose of 'tagal' is to preserve the environment as well as the ecosystem of the river for the benefit of the generations to come. The Pelian fish or the Malaysian Mahseer originates from the family of Cyprinidae. It is said that these fishes are specifically trained by the villagers here at Kampung Luanti to perform the healing massage on the visitors.

Other than this ticklish fish nibbling activity which helps remove the dead skin from your feet, there are also several activities to be done here. You can also choose to trek in the jungle or camp here at Kampung Luanti. If you do intend to extend your stay at Kampung Luanti, there is homestay program that you can join to learn more about the ways of life of the villagers here in Kampung Luanti and also to relax.

With so many attractions here in the Land below the Wind, there is no reason why you should not extend your stay here. Sabah is the place to go if you are a fan of everything natural. The beauty of the scenery and untouched jungles and beaches are simply to die for. Accommodations in Sabah are plentiful and do not worry about not finding a place to stay. There are plenty to choose from based on your budget and convenience.


Admission:
Within Ranau (Local): Adult >18 yrs RM 3.00/Children <18 yrs RM 1.00

Outstation (Local): Adult >18 yrs RM5.00/Children <18 yrs RM 2.00

International: Adult/Children RM 10.00

Poring Hot Spring

Poring Hot Spring

Location
Poring Hot Springs is about 13 kilometers from Ranau or about 40 kilometers from the Kinabalu National Park Headquarters in Kundasang. The hot springs is actually part of the huge Kinabalu National Park. The Poring Hot Springs was first developed by the Japanese during World War II and has progressed gradually to become one of the top tourist destinations amongst foreigners and locals alike. The hot waters of the spring contains sulphur are piped into open-air Japanese style baths where you can rest your tired limbs after the long hours and strenuous climb up the Mount Kinabalu.

Overview
It is never a complete to hike up Mount Kinabalu but not swing by at the Poring Hot Springs. This hot springs is situated about 40 kilometers slightly northeast from the Kinabalu Parks Headquarters. Poring is situated in the lowlands which are contrasting with the Park's headquarters. Poring Hot Springs is the best place to distress and soak away all the sores and aches in your muscles. The water of the hot springs contains sulphuric minerals w hich have been deemed to have special healing properties and is very famous among the locals.

Other than the natural hot spring as the main attraction at Poring Hot Springs, there are also other interesting areas in the park which is worth visiting. There is a butterfly farm, the Poring Orchid Conservation Center, the tropical garden, the Poring canopy walkway and the Rafflesia flower site.

The butterfly farm is the first butterfly farm in Borneo. It features a vast garden, nursery and hatchery for the purpose of education, research and preservation. The Poring Orchid Conservation Center is the house of the largest collection of Sabah orchids as well as the rare endemic orchids. There is a staggering 1200 species of orchids in this center. It is at the tropical gardens where you get a chance to glimpse at mousedeer and deer sauntering in the garden in the company of some flamboyantly colored birds in the aviary. The Poring canopy walkway is a must visit for those who has ever set foot in the Poring Hot Springs as you can take a stroll amidst the lush greenery of the Menggaris tree. The walkway is 157.8 meters long and is 41 meters high. You also have the opportunity to see the largest flower in the world, the Rafflesia. With this many places to visit just at one area, there is a must to stay as long as you can in Sabah to visit more places here. Accommodation in Sabah is more than you can imagine and there is for sure one that will suit you.