I felt a bit excited that Airasia has re-launched its Cebu-Kota Kinabalu route, which will start flying this March 2015. Based on personal observation, Kota Kinabalu is the cheapest “International destination” ticket when coming from Cebu, and even from Manila. Promo Flights can go as low as 2,500 round trip all in when booked 2 months in advance, and it could even drop lower, depending on season. Mentioned ticket price however, excludes Phil. travel tax and terminal fees.
Heres a quick glimpse of how I lazily roamed around Kota Kinabalu for two days. This charming city was my last stop from backpacking Northern Borneo last year. A bit tired, I just let myself loosen a bit from my planned itinerary to just spend afternoons strolling along downtown’s waterfront parks and commercial strips, and enjoy the view of the Sunset , which was totally gorgeous by the way, The best sunset I’ve seen so far .
Day 0 — Strolling around waterfront park and seafood tripping
I arrived at KK half pass 4pm via 9 hours bus trip from Bandar Seri Bengawan, Brunei , which gave me enough time to check in and settle my things and immediately rushed to the waterfront park nearby . I was just in time to view this gorgeous Sunset . It was surreal =)Enjoy a bottle of beer while chilling on this deck by sunset.Enjoy fresh seafood from the nearby Market , and they call it “Filipino Market” because there are a lot of Filipino stall owners here.Affordable Halal BBQ Chicken .. you don’t see much of pork openly displayed in KK as the citizens here are mostly Muslim-Malay.More Seafood at the Filipino Market . And as a traveler coming from Mindanao, these are a bit pricey.
Day 1 – Dat trip to Palau Manukan Island , around 20 minutes from KK by speedboat for around 23 Ringgit ( 6USD) including necessary fees. Palau Manukan is the biggest and most developed among three public island beach resorts that can easily be reached from KK. Tourist can also visit nearby islands to do snorkeling/diving , for additional fees.
The view upon docking at Palau Manukan IslandA view of Kota Kinabalu Cityscape from afar . which is 20 minutes away by speedboatExpect to see a lot of Australians on the Beaches of KK, as there are daily flight routes connecting KK to different cities in Australia.The Jesselton Port, where Boats to neighboring islands are docked.
Authentic Malaysian Food
Sup Daging from nearby Malaysian Eatery. Sup Daging (Beef Soup) is an aromatic broth serve with either noodles, rice or flat bread.Beef and Chicken Satay with peanut sauceNasi lemak – considered as Malaysian national food, is a set of rice in coco milk (and sometimes with Pandan) , served with sambal (spicy sauce with shrimp paste), fried crispy anchovies, toasted peanuts, Hard boiled egg and cucumber. Usually this set is paired with Ayam (Chicken)
Day 2 — Day trip to Mt. Kinabalu World Heritage Site, packaged tour cost around 130 Ringgit ( 36 USD ) with hotel pick up and buffet lunch . Any hotel in KK can arrange this for you. Other blogs also mentioned a DIY tour to this mountain park via public bus , which is around 2 hours from the city (90 kms.). If budget permits, then a Visit to this mountain park is still worthy to do =)
Behind me is the majestic Mount Kinabalu , the highest peak in archipelagic Southeast Asia, rising at 4,095 m. (Philippines’ Mt. Apo is at 2,954 m )Giant Insects still thrive in the protected areas of Mt. Kinabalu . Here in the frame is an actual Bornean stick insect.An actual mummified Giant Moth of Mt. Kinabalu , mostly are endangered species. some have already gone extinct due to over harvesting. so sad.Rafflesia Flower which thrives along the foothills of Mt. Kinabalu . This is around 15″ in diameter. Those in deeper woods can grow bigger.
Feast on Chinese Food in KK , as the Chinese holds a very strong influence in this Southeast Asian city. Hongkong Style Hawkers are almost on every corner.
Fishball soup and Teh Lou mee noodles , which is comparable to Filipino-Chinese Satemi , only that its more on the sweet side.Freshly squeezed lemonade with Kiamuy sinkers. Interesting !Hawkers Type Meal , a plate-full for around 5 Ringgit . 1.5 USDHongkong Style SkewersShaved – iced Durian ( not really ice cream, its just like durian milkshake , that has been freezed, then shredded and served )
Where I Stayed in Kota Kinabalu :
Travellers Light Backpackers Lodge at around 8 USD (Dorm Type) per night with light Breakfast and Unli Coffee/Tea , located at 19, Lorong Dewan, which was around 10 minutes walk to Jesselton Port and nearby Malls. The Lodge is owned by a Malaysian and his Filipina wife, Joy , whose from Iloilo .
The Lodge’s terrace where breakfast is served , and is usually visited by stray monkeys begging for a slice, which is kind of cute; But these ,monkeys don’t come near people so theres no point to be scared =)Having dinner with fellow backpackers from Spain and China , Hosted by the owner, Joy !
Roaming around KK is accessible via public Bus or Taxi .. buses to the international airport however are limited, which almost got me losing my flight. haha ! I’ll be more vigilant with schedules next time . =)
Closed counter . Buti nalang nadala sa pakiusap ! Took this shot after I checked in =)
Visiting Northern Borneo was not originally part of my backpacking route last March- April 2014 . After spending more than two weeks in India and Nepal , my route supposedly was to head back to Kuala Lumpur , then Manila ( which was the cheapest option by the way if you think of travelling to central Asia. ) But apparently at the time of booking my tickets online, my lust for wander brought me to find super cheap promo tickets from Kuala Lumpur , to other key cities in Malaysia . Still having a few days left , I then decided to take the long way back to the Philippines, and see more of the south by passing through Miri ( Sarawak State in Malaysia ), the Kingdom of Brunei , and Kota-Kinabalu (State of Sabah).
My promo tickets were quite cheap with “Airasia” . Got a morning flight from Kuala Lumpur to Miri ( Sarawak State ) at 731 pesos (around 15 usd All in ), And Kota Kinabalu ( State of Sabah ) to Manila at 947 pesos ( around 22 usd All in ). Bookings were made around 3 months in advance. Apparently, low cost intercity flights within Malaysia are more flexi and affordable ( as compared to local Philippine flights ). More so when they are on sale, like what I got! =) In between the two Malaysian States , I hopped on local buses , which were a bit consuming , but still worthy to do!
Easy-practical route ? not quite. Up for another travel adventure ? Totally !
Travelling between cities in Borneo is heaven for Passport Stamps Collector
Heres why .
Travelling within Malaysia is quite interesting. Malaysia is composed of several states , and it is a policy of the country for foreign travellers to have their passport stamped approved when crossing between certain states, which is actually ideal to monitor foreign individuals roaming around the Malaysian peninsula. As such , travelling within Malaysia alone, would gain you quite a number of stamps , plus the stamps you get when crossing boundaries with Brunei. The lands of Sarawak and Brunei are interlocked , so If you are on your way to Sabah from Miri/Sarawak , public buses would most likely pass through the capital of Brunei , then through Tendungan/Limbang towns of Sarawak , then enter Brunei once again through Puni/Labu eastmost provinces, then enter Sarawak once again through Lawas, before reaching the State of Sabah. Just to give a simpler picture, here is how my 6 days travel from Miri to Brunei and to Kota Kinabalu by LAND/BUS went on..
Fly from Kuala Lumpur and Enter Miri, Sarawak — 1 stamp at the airport
Stayed one night in Miri
Exit Sarawak State at Sungai Tujuh ( Malaysia side ) — 1 Stamp
Enter Brunei at Sungai Tujoh ( Brunei Side ) — 1 stamp
Stayed 2 nights in Bandar Seri Bengawan, Brunei
Exit Brunei at Kuala Lurah — 1 Stamp
Enter Sarawak State at Tedungan — 1 Stamp
Exit Sarawak State at Dermaga Kastam Limbang — 1 Stamp
Enter East Brunei at Puni — 1 Stamp
Exit East Brunei at Labu — 1 Stamp
Enter East Sarawak at Lawas — 1 Stamp
Exit East Sarawak at Merapok — 1 Stamp
Enter Sabah State at Sindumin — 1 Stamp
Stayed 2 nights in Kota Kinabalu , Sabah
Fly out from Kota Kinabalu to Manila — 1 Stamp at the airport
Thats 12 stamps in Total =)
Bus Travel Details : Miri — Bandar Seri Bengawan — Kota Kinabalu
Miri to Bandar Seri Bengawan (BSB) — PHLS Express runs a direct bus between BSB and Miri for 45 MYR/18 Brunei Dollars . The bus leaves Miri at 7AM and 1PM and takes about 4 hours to BSB . Bus leaves Miri at Pujut Intercity Terminal and stops at the Riverside Promenade in downtown BSB.
Bandar Seri Bengawan to Kota Kinabalu — Jesselton Express offers direct bus from Brunei to Kota Kinabalu at B$ 45 / 114 MYR, which runs only once a day at 7 am . A bit pricey, but it is a direct ride so you wont have to change buses at the border. The total travel time is about 8 and 1/2 hours. Jesselton Express leaves BSB at the riverside promenade fronting Maybank Building, and stops at Kota Kinabalu City Center bus terminal.
Option to ride a ferry to Kota Kinabalu is also available. But I prefer bus ride to see more of the countryside. =)
Daily Expense Tip : Food is relatively inexpensive In Miri and Kota Kinabalu . 10 USD would be more than enough for a day’s allowance, as there are a lot of hawkers and street side cafeterias for budget conscious travelers. with price ranging at 2 USD for a full meal. Dormitories are much available for 5-8 USD per night, with breakfast.
Brunei however, might require you additional budget, especially with accommodation and getting around with public transportation. Brunei Dollars (BSD) is around the same Value as Singapore Dollars ( 35 pesos per 1 BSD ). An accommodation worth 20 BSD/pax was the cheapest that I came across in Brunei. But on a brighter picture , food in Brunei is relatively affordable , if you buy from Gadong night market and grocery stores. 20 – 25 USD per day per pax would probably be a safe budget when travelling in brunei , that includes accommodation, food and getting around. More of Brunei at https://iamjosemanuel.com/2014/09/14/weekend-itinerary-around-brunei-darussalam/
Miri, Sarawak Malaysia Miri is a relatively small , but wealthy city of the northern part of Sarawak State. ( The more famous city in Sarawak is Kuching at the south ) . Miri may not talked about by usual Pinoy tourists like us , but this city is quite famous to westerners, as well as Australians , as the gateway to the nature reserved mountains of inner Borneo , which is valued for its biodiversity and protected tropical wildlife sanctuary. Aside from that, Miri is also known as the oil producing province of southern Malaysia. Miri was just a transit city for me because I only stayed for one night. Aside from the nature parks and reserve (which I did not get to visit) , theres nothing much to do within the city of Miri . But I did have a good rest though, the dorm and the people were nice.
Downtown MiriMiri Public Park . very quietGovernment office of MiriThere are no buses Miri Airport to City enter. I was forced to take a taxi at 23 MYR (around +300 pesos, 8 usd) for a 15 minute ride. =(Downtown Miri.
Sarawak Tourism
Where I Stayed In Miri : Coco Guesthouse ( Dormitory of 8 capsule type beds per room ) at 35 MYR per Bed (+400 pesos)
Good places to eat : A lot of Hawkers around, serving Chinese food. There are a lot of Chinese in Miri , and even more chinese restaurants than Malay . But they do have malls and fastfood like pizza hut and Mcdonalds
Hawkers food just along the streets of MiriCoco Guesthouse where I stayed. Just tell the taxi driver to bring you to this place beside the Grand Hotel.My bed for a nightAuntie Rita , whom i met at the guesthouse . She helped me find a local bus to Pujut inter city terminal ,where I got my bus to Brunei .Humble ticket kiosk at Pujut inter city bus terminalPHLS Express runs a direct bus between Bandar Seri Begawan and Miri for 45 MYR/18 Brunei Dollars . The bus leaves Miri at 7AM and 1PM and takes about 4 hours to BSB
Bandar Seri Bengawan , Brunei . The peaceful Islamic Kingdom
Refer to this for more of Brunei –> https://iamjosemanuel.com/2014/09/14/weekend-itinerary-around-brunei-darussalam/
Sarawak – Brunei Immigration Border CrossingBandar Seri Bengawan does not have a formal Bus Station . Inter city Bus stops at this riverside promenade , opposite MayBank Building.among the nice government offices you’ll pass by when entering BSB city center.Sultan’s Mosque at BSB , among the first sites you’ll see upon the arrival of the bus at the city center.
Direct Bus Ticket Brunei to Kota Kinabalu at B$ 45 / 114 MYR by Jesselton Express , which runs only once a day at 7 am . A bit pricey, but it is a direct ride so you wont have to change buses at the border.Jesselton Bus, The only direct bus from BSB Brunei to Kota Kinabalu , which travels daily at 7 am . It is an 8 and 1/2 hours ride.
Where I Stayed In Kota Kinabalu : Travellers’ Light Backpackers’ Lodge , #19, Lorong Dewan, Pusat Bandar, 88000 Kota Kinabalu , at 25 to 30 MYR/Night . Joy, the owner’s wife, is a Filipina and is very comforting to have a chitchat with. I Definitely recommend this place. You may get in touch with them through Agoda.com and https://www.facebook.com/travellerslight
Photo credits – Joy of Travellers’ LightPhoto credits – Joy of Travellers’ LightFellow guests at Traveller’s Light Backpackers’ Lodge https://www.facebook.com/travellerslightTerrace and Dining Area at Traveller’s Light , just around the perimeter of Kota Kinabalu’s mountain park . The Lodge occasional ets monkey visitors at this area, especially during breakfast. =)
Around Kota Kinabalu . Will upload more of this soon. =)
Jesselton Ferry Terminal In Kota KinabaluBeach of Pulau Manukan IslandSeafood Market in KKLovely Sunset at KKMount Kinabalu
When we were still planning our backpacking itinerary, I made sure to include visiting the Historic Melacca , even for just a day .
The inter City Bus Terminal . Catching the bus to Melacca , around 2 hours travel . VIP bus for just 9 ringgit ( around 110 pesos)
Melacca is rich in History and is a known international port since the dawn of Asian Trade between Malay, India and China. It was also said that in the 15th Century, the princess of China’s Ming Dynasty was married to the Sultan of Melacca , which signified strong ties between the 2 kingdoms. The Melaccan Monarchy was abolished during the 16th Century with the colonization of the Portuguese . and later on , captured by the Dutch. As such, European Architectural influence is much evident in this part of Malaysia .
Sample of an Old World Malay Architecture , with its prominent high pitched roof suitable for Malaysia’s tropical Climate
The Xavier Church on top of a Hill .
Jonker Street , Melacca. Malaysia did a good job in preserving the old streets of this town . Indeed you would feel like you’re in an old world Chinese town when you walk on this area.
Enjoyed Free tastes on this Chinese/Malay delicacy station =)
Yogurt ice cream shaped like an egg. 5 Ringgit . I tried the Passion Fruit Flavor .
It was my first time to visit Malaysia and I was among the few lucky ones to avail the lowest Cebu Pacific promo ever, which flew me from Manila to Kuala Lumpur for just around P 250.00 including fuel surcharges VAT and booking fee. I booked this flight around 13 months in Advance.
Cebu Pacific Landed on the KL Budget Terminal so I was not able to see the Main KL airport which was modern – eco friendly, as described by many . KL airport was more than an hour journey to Central Kuala Lumpur . The airport complex was surrounded by vast Palm Plantation ; No prominent Residential / Industrial developments in its surrounding, which was very ideal.
We arrived at KL Central Station around 7pm and transferred train to Imbi Station , walking distance to Jalan Alor , and the off streets which is one of the backpackers’ area in central KL.
The lively Jalan AlorMobile Beverage shop along Jalan Alor.
We stayed at i2inn Guesthouse along Jalan Tong Shin (the street after Jalan Alor) .
Highlight : The 6 Ringgit ( P 13 x 6 ) Breakfast Buffet just along Jalan Alor . They say its Buffet, but really its a one round plate but you can put there all the food you can eat . I actually thought at first that it was a literal buffet , so I went back for more. I was Charged + 3 ringgit for the second round . Not Bad Still . Me Goreng noodles and the malaysian chicken curry was awesome ! didnt get hungry for hours . hahaha
KL Central Station . for Inter City / International Trains . Also has check in counters for KL Airport . KL has one of the most efficient transportation system I have experienced . and Cheap fares too!
Kuala Lumpur Central Station
My first stop was the Batu Caves at the northern tip of KL where the Hindu Shrine is situated . There is a large number of Hindu in Malaysia , Mostly Indian immigrants. The cave is pretty amazing . By far the biggest I’ve got in to ; fully developed into a temple , so the errryyy cave feel is not there anymore.
The rest of the day was just spent walking around Central KL.
The entrance to the Food court at the Basement of Isetann , along road 50 (near the pavillion mall) . Read in blogs that this was a good food court.
The 8pm fountain show at Petronas Complex.
Petronas looks more dramatic at night, and is by far the best looking building I’ve seen . More than just its towering form and dimensions , this building put Malaysia in the Map as one of the Most Aggressive nations in the world.
I have also visited Merdaka Square and nearby landmarks of Kuala Lumpur but didn’t get to take pictures because my Camera got wonky. =(
Travel + Lifestyle + Architecture Blog 