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Guide to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
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Click to go to Flight Prices for Kota Kinabalu
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Kota KinabaluSabah, one of few islands off the eastern coast of Malaysia, is a sanctuary for exotics. Many aspects of living here are primitive in nature, with few paved roads and more bicycles than automobiles, but these characteristics only enhance one's fascination with the island. Sabah's chief attraction and capital city is Kota Kinabalu, which carries on the traditional simplicity of life here with the additions of necessary services and accommodations for visitors. The most peculiar (albeit, loveliest) thing about Kota Kinabalu is that you'll want to fit in. Discard the fancy outfits and expensive shoes. This is the place to kick back, rent some bicycles for you and your family, do nothing spectacular, and yet learn so much. For those wishing to experience wildlife in its natural habitat you can make your way to the smaller islands off Sabah's coast which collectively make up the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park; boats do all the transporting. Those yearning for shopping malls and other tourist magnets will do well not to come to Kota Kinabalu, but if a cultural crash course of Malaysian life sounds interesting to you, book a flight to Sabah.
When to go:
Kota Kinabalu offers you two climatic conditions: hot and/or humid, and separating the two is a might task if it's at all possible. The best chance of having a good time, weather-wise, on the island is to avoid winter. Sabah gets clobbered by rainfall each year during this period and what's worse than having to endure intense heat? - walking the streets and forest in drenched clothing. Near Kota Kinabalu are a few beautiful, secluded beaches nestled among the main strips, and at these sites you can somewhat get away from incessant perspiration and watch the surf run its unpredictable course.
Getting there and around:
The only chance of obtaining a direct-flight ticket to Kota Kinabalu is if you're already within Malaysia, and in order to do so from international locations, you'll have to travel to one of its capital cities. If you're a lucky fellow and are able to spring for a trip to Sepang, home of Kuala Lumpur International Airport, easy access to Kota Kinabalu is available. When you arrive in Kota Kinabalu, you'll be greeted by three types of transportation services all looking to win your favor. We'd recommend a vehicle of your own, but the city is somewhat cramped and you'll just get lost inside the island's unfriendly roadway network, so you're pretty much left with a choice between a taxi and a bus. Make a bit of a compromise and opt for the taxi to get you in and out of town, and the public bus system to keep you moving inside Kota Kinabalu. Attractions:
What can we say about Kota Kinabalu? It's a whirlpool of sights, sounds, smells, and markets with everything from fresh produce to various media collections (no kidding). Of course, no one goes on a vacation, or any trip for that matter, if relaxation cannot be found. Not to worry. Sabah has so many beaches you won't know which one to pick. The smallest, most secluded piece of coastline is usually the most desirable, but the only way you'll find such a token is in the early morning or evening hours.
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