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Kota Kinabalu, Sabah: Land Below the Wind
3/19/2014 03:33:00 AM
My Kota Kinabalu trip has been my first out of the country travel. I never felt being away from home because there are lots of kababayans there wherever you go. Let me show you why you should visit this place.
Budget: P13,500
Round Trip Airfare - P3,000 via Cebu Pacific promo rates.
Airport Tax - P1,620
Terminal Fee - P550
Pocket Money - P8,370 (RM600)/(subject to international exchange rate)
Taxi from house-NAIA-house is not included here but roughly around P200 since I am with 3 of my friends.
Island Hopping (Mamutik and Sapi Island)
I have done several island hopping activities in the Philippines and Kota Kinabalu is way too far, well developed and maintained islands.
We were given a package from our accommodation for island hopping inclusive of van transfers, boat transfers, entrance and environmental fees, and buffet lunch for 175RM. We find it too expensive having checked several blog posts that it should only range from 60RM-100RM if you'll do it yourself.
Me and my friends allotted 100RM each for this activity for a total of 600RM for all of us. Since there are lots of Filipinos there, we were able to get a good discount (Tip: be extra friendly with them and feel at home). We rented a chartered boat for 250RM (exclusive just for the 6 of us). 90RM for live jackets and snorkeling gears (15RM each). 60RM for terminal fee (10RM each). Another 60RM for environmental fee (10RM each). Lunch in the island 90RM (15RM each), and 150RM for banana boat (25RM each).
Banana boat is not part of our itinerary so we have to shell out extra 15RM from our 100RM contribution.
This activity was given at P1,000 by the operator who's a Filipino (We ran out of Ringgit currency). This is not part of our itinerary but 2 of my friends want to experience it so I go with them to take their photos.
This island makes you look like a professional photographer with its pristine white sand and majestic blue waters.
Pine trees are everywhere to give you protection from the scorching sun. Large tables and chairs are also scattered on a first come first serve basis.
Every island has it's own docking port. You will not have to worry having your valuables and gadgets getting wet.
After spending 4 hours in Mamutik, we then transferred to Sapi Island for more adventures. Almost the same island but Sapi has double the crowd than Mamutik. We did our banana boat here, unfortunately, no photos were taken.
We received stares and glances from people strolling along the bay. Then, the restaurant owner, Ronald who's half-filipino, approached us and ask if we are band performers. Maybe because we're too boisterous and singing like no one is around.
Padas River White Water Rafting: The 2-hour intense jam-packed adventure...
Advertised package for Padas White Water Rafting ranges from 200-230RM. Luckily, I was able to find a recent blog post about this activity for only 150RM/person only (50-80RM in discount, not too bad...). Package included van transfer from hotel to train station, train tickets, buffet lunch, and 2 guides during the activity.
JSA Adventure Rafting
Contact Person - Joulian Songodau
Email - jsadventurerafting@yahoo.com
Contact Numbers - 0168360280/0142844062
Optional is the tip for the driver and guides and 150RM for the photographers who are chasing you in every rapid to take photos of you.
I spent 180RM in total including the 25RM (since we're 6, so we divided 150RM) and 5RM for the tip (30RM for the tip for both the driver and the 2 guides divided by 6).
We were the noisiest among other groups. We gave them the entertainment they wanted. It did not rain for a month so the river was not that deep and the rapids were not that scary.
Discovering the City
Just walk around the city and you'll discover what Kota Kinabalu has to offer. No need to hire a van or taxi since you'll discover these attractions, restaurants, markets, and stores through walking.
Be extra careful when crossing the streets. Cars here are right-hand drive and no blowing of horns (literally, you can't hear them even if you're almost hit by a car). No traffic enforcers and no security guards in every store and establishment. Still, I feel safe even if roaming the city at night.
If you got questions and suggestions, don't hesitate to leave a comment below. Thanks!
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