This blog entry was supposed to be entitled “Don’t tell my mom I paid $400 to climb Mt. Kinabalu”. But I guess every travel has its own course of surprising us with more exciting events than one has ever planned.

If you aren't interested with my story, you can now skip from here and proceed down below for our Kota Kinabalu budget breakdown and sample itinerary.

Rising 4095+ MASL in the island of Borneo is Mt. Kinabalu, considered to be the highest mountain in Southeast Asia.

My travel buddies and I have been chatting about climbing three major mountains in Asia before arthritis hits us. First on our list obviously is Mt. Kinabalu since it’s the most EAR (Easy, Affordable and Realistic) next to Mt. Fuji and Mt. Everest. Very timely, Cebu Pacific Air announced a piso fare promo and right away I invited two of them to ‘a yet to be memorable trip’ to Kota Kinabalu.

I’m certain that we’re fit to climb so I booked a round-trip ticket in June, and we’re excited at the same time because it falls on our birthday. We barely have 4 months to prepare for the trip and we had this notion that relatively it’s easy to climb Mt. Kinabalu compared to the major climbs we’ve done here in the Philippines. However, one of my friends who already climbed Mt. Kinabalu shared that it’s technically tough because of the high altitude, the temperature and the climb fee will cost us a bit of fortune.

Well, we didn’t lose hope until our most anticipated day arrived. But our flight schedules got moved to later dates and the weather seems to be in conspiracy too. Hence, summiting Mt. Kinabalu up to this date is still on our bucket list.

Celebrated my birthday for the first time in the airport.

Since we have a couple of days left unplanned, we thought we might just hit the beach and explore nearby scenic spots. Fortunately, I found a generous host through Couchsurfing and we were also joined by old and new friends we met along the way that really made this trip one for the books.

I love KK.

Most people think travelling abroad is a luxury. It's true but there are also many ways to manage your expenses and avoid spending beyond your budget. Want to know the secrets? Well, that would be in another blog post. But a great example to that was our recent trip to Kota Kinabalu, except from climbing Mt. Kinabalu, here are some valid reasons why you should come explore Kota Kinabalu someday without worrying about the cost.

A laid back vacation

Considered as the capital of the state of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu is located Southwest of the Philippine archipelago and just a 2-hour flight from Manila. We arrived at around 1:30AM at Kota Kinabalu International Airport and decided to wait until morning before we head to the city. 

I slept well at the airport and yeah I can now tick off another item on my bucket list.

At 7:00AM, we were picked up by Vanessa’s sister, Danica, who drove us from the airport to their home. We spent a few hours to rest and fix ourselves while waiting for Vanessa who came all the way from Sandakan just to meet us. Soon as Vanessa arrived we set off to start the adventure but since she hasn’t secured her license yet, her cousin Alfredo drove for us.

Abby, Me, Vanessa and Alfredo. Thanks Nez for taking the photo.

First stop is Ranau. A town located in Sabah on the island of Borneo about 2hrs drive to East of Kota Kinabalu. There we saw the foot of Mt. Kinabalu, a quick stopover at Kinabalu Park, visited a World War II memorial site, bought some milk and yoghurt ice cream at a farm, and lastly tried their famous Sabah tea. All locations require a very minimal entrance fee between 5-10RM.

At night, we ate dinner at UpperStar Cafe & Bar and to celebrate new friendships we drank a few ounces of beers. Vanessa also introduced us to her best friend Tan who’s currently on vacation as a seafarer and an engineer. 

Next morning, Vanessa had to leave for work but asked Tan to accompany us going to the beach. Being the good friend and by our request Tan could no longer say no. 

Island hopping in Kota Kinabalu may be the most recommended thing to do if you’re not into hiking or long drives. The city of Kota Kinabalu itself is surrounded by small islands that offer clear water, sandy beaches, snorkelling experience and other water sports activities. Moreover, island hopping allows tourists to see more than one island in a day for only 150RM. The 20-minute speedboat ride from Jesselton Point (thought it was just normal speedboat but heck no, it’s super-fast) will take you to explore Manukan Island, Sapi Island and Mamutik Island.

Jesselton, former name of Kota Kinabalu. At Jesselton Point is where you take the boat to the islands.

You can judge the beauty of Sapi island by looking at my face. Kidding, just look how clear is the water.

One can explore the islands by taking a short hike and get a better view of the coast.

At Manukan Island, unfortunately the waves are quite strong so we didn't get to enjoy swimming.

If nature tripping isn't really your thing, worry not because there are other places you can visit around the city and that are accessible by walking. Some sites includes: the Gaya Street Sunday Market, Grand Mosque, Signal Hill, City Clock Tower and the Sabah Museum.

Back in the city, we were later joined by my old friend Rosy and her new found friend Tom. Rosy has been travelling Asia for months already hoping to fill her passport with stamps one country after the other. Meanwhile, Tom is an English teacher in Vietnam who is currently on vacation and exploring Sabah for the first time. These two completed the trip and made every conversation extra fun.

The Kota Kinabalu City Mosque is surrounded by man-made lagoon which gives a dramatic look,

Wondering what's in our background? That's a Bryde's Whale Skeleton & the biggest of its kind.

Atkinson Clock Tower was built in 1905, an all-wood and no-nails structure.

Held every Sunday, the Gaya Street is closed off to traffic to make way for local vendors.

Signal Hill is highest point in KK with an amazing view that extends to its outlying islands.

Food exploration

It's no surprise that apart from its natural wonders, Kota Kinabalu boasts a wide variety of food choices that will surely satisfy everyone’s pallete. From Malay to Chinese cuisines you can be adventurous with your order and all at very affordable prices.

Right down our hostel is a local food house where we mostly dine during our stay.

Kitchai -- lemonade with sour plum, and fried Kiew Tiaw. Best combi everrrrr!

Good food and good company.

Traditional Hainanese Chicken Rice.

I don't eat pork but they said it's really good. Sasau -- roast pork in sweet sauce.

Saunyuk -- one of our favorites.

Malaysia's largest halal-certified kopi tiam restaurant chain, and one of the best.

Don't look at me. Find that food house behind me, they cook the best Bah Kut Teh in KK.

Pork rib dish cooked in broth infused with herbs. You don't want to miss this, swear!

We took photos but we didn't try Sayap Bakar, and I'm asking myself why?

Aside from being so generous with his time and driving us around the city, Tan might consider an alternative career while off duty – a food guide. He knows very well where are the best restaurants and what food to order that suits our big stomachs. He treated us also to an exotic meal at D'Place Kinabalu. Who would have thought live worms can be this delicious? Also, you should not miss eating ‘butod pizza' and try their local rice wine called ‘tapai’.

Welcomed by a colorful cultural performance at D' Place Kinabalu restaurant.

Game face on! While waiting for the 'butod' to be served.

Want the truly exotic? Give the sago worms, or butod, a try! Not for the faint hearted.

The more fancy way to serve 'butod'.

Local rice wine known as Tapai.

It’s always the people you’re sharing the experience with...

I have been to quite number of places local and abroad but what I would remember after every trip are the anecdotes and the misadventures. The place was just the background. Indeed, there is no perfect vacation. In every trip, something would really go wrong but as long as you enjoy the company of your travel buddies, every trip would be a pleasure. Wherever you are, wherever that place may be, no matter how expensive or cheap, the company of happy and generous people will never fail.

Wish we had more time with Danica and her cats. Thanks for the warm welcome.

Couldn't be more thankful to Vanessa and Alfredo for the amazing tour.

Tom, Rosy, Nez, Me and Abby. Til our next travel guys!

We hate to say goodbye to Tan *sepanx* but he'll surely have friends when he visit PH.

BUDGET BREAKDOWN:

SAMPLE ITINERARY:

June 23 (Friday)

June 24 (Saturday)

June 25 (Sunday)

June 26 (Monday)

June 27 (Tuesday)

Most photos if not all were taken by Nez. And to see more of our travel photos follow us on Instagram @nicodino.ph @wheretonez and @abibaaaaay. Terimah kasih and hope this inspires you to travel more. See you around!