Kota Kinabalu is situated on the tropical island of Borneo, and is the state capital of the Malaysian state Sabah, which is one of the two states of East Malaysia. The location of the city is absolutely amazing; and from the airport it is just a short ride to mostly any hotel. You find a world class sailing marina and championship golf courses as well as both first class holiday resorts and good hotels for the budget traveler.

And the food is varied in a way that only a state with 30 ethnic groups can offer. The flavours you will find are excellent and in KK, as Kota Kinabalu also is called, there are gourmet meals in restaurants for elegant dining, but you will also find wonderful tastes and textures in a bowl in a hawker’s stall at the night market.
 
There is so much to do in and around Kota Kinabalu!
Just minutes away, you will find a natural beauty that is unbelievable, then you can choose – go and see some of the islands around Kota Kinabalu or catch a train and head for the rain forests.

Sandy white beaches are “everywhere” and the water has always the right temperature. If you want to go rafting in a river or just catch a train, the choice is yours. Perhaps you will just do something you never find time to do in your daily life – just sit down and relax to enjoy life! Then Kota Kinabalu and Sabah is the right place. Here, dreams come true; it is as simple as that.
 

Kota Kinabalu has of course major shopping malls as well as shopping areas that you find in many other Asian cities, most of them located at the main streets of the city.  The five major shopping malls in Kota Kinabalu are: Centrepoint, Karamunsing Complex, KK Plaza, Wawasan Plaza and. Wisma Merdeka.
They all have fixed and attractive prices. Most of the malls are open from 10.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. 

But here there are also markets that feel genuine and honest, like the urban Gaya Street Fair that starts every Sunday at 8 a.m. You will find the fair in the lower end of Gaya Street; the stalls are till offer a collection of everything you want and do not want.
 
In most of the towns and villages around Kota Kinabalu there is a Tamu, also known as Sunday Flea Market, where you can find all kinds of stuff from orchids, fruits, vegetables, poultry, handicrafts, traditional music instrument and much more.

From luxury to budget hotels
In Kota Kinabalu you will find some of the best hotels in Asia! Most of the Kota Kinabalu´s business hotels are downtown. If you are a backpacker and looking for a budget hotels

  -Splurge-

.
Nexus Resort Karambunai
15.7 km — Kampung Karambunai Off Jalan Sepanfar Bay Locked Bag 100, Kota Kinabalu (Sabah)

.
Promenade Hotel
No 4 Lorong Api-Api 3
Api-Api Centre , Kota Kinabalu
88000 Sabah , Malaysia 
Phone
+6088 265 555
Fax
+6088 246 666  
.
Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu, Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens,

 tel. (60) 8832 2222.
.
The Magellan Sutera
No 1 Sutera Harbour Boulevard, Kota Kinabalu (Sabah)tel. 60 88 318 888
.
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
Jalan Datuk Salleh Sulong,
Locked Bag 47
88991 Kota Kinabalu
abah , Malaysia 
Phone
+6088 221 234
Fax
+6088 218 909 

.
Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa
No 20, Jalan Aru, Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
+60-88-225800,

.
The Jesselton Hotel
69, Jalan Gaya, P.O. Box 10401,, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Tel:(6088)223333.Fax:(6088)240401

.
Berjaya Palace Hotel, 1 Jalan Tangki Karamunsing, tel. +60-88-211911.

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Sutera Harbour Resort & Spa
1 Sutera Harbour Boulevard
88100 , Kota Kinabalu
Sabah , Malaysia 
Phone
+6088 318 888
Fax
+60-88 317 777, Sales and Marketing +60-88 303 338  
Email: sutera@suteraharbour.com.my

  -Mid-range-

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King Park Hotel Kota Kinabalu, Jalan Masjid Lama, Bandaran Berjaya 88000  +6088 270 500 (reservations@kk.kingparkhotel.com.my),

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Megah D’Aru Hotel, No. 2, Jalan Kinabalu, Tanjung Aru Township, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. (located in the heart of Tanjung Aru Township), ? +6088 239 666 (mdaru2@streamyx.com).
  -Budget-
.
Akinabalu Youth Hostel, 
 tel. 60 88 237727. 
.
Asia Adventure Lodge,
tel. +60 138929995,

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Borneo Global Backpackers
Lot 29, Ground & 1st Floor, Karamunsing Godown, Jalan Karamunsing, Kota Kinabalu

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Borneo Backpackers,
tel. +6(088) 234 009, ,Email : info@borneobackpackers.com .

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Borneo BeacHouse Backpackers,
tel. +6(088) 218 331, 
tel: +6088 242 477,
Email : info@borneogayalodge.com.

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Globetrotters Lodge
(formerly New Horizon),
tel. +6088 272796,

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Hamin Lodge,
tel. +6(088)272008

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Hotel Holiday,
tel. +6(088)-213116,
 +6012-6909-888
.
Lavender Lodge,
tel. +6088 – 217119 ,
fax +6088 – 218077,
.
Step-in Lodge,
tel. +6088 – 233519,
.
Kinabalu Backpackers,
tel. +6088 – 253 385,
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X-plorer Backpackers, 1st Floor, 106/108, Jalan Gaya, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah,  +60-88-538780
info@xplobackpackers.com
fax: +60-88-538781
.
Hotel Kotajaya and Back Packers
+6088 222715,
.
Impiana Mutiara Hotel
Sadong Jaya, Kota Kinabalu., Ground Floor, No.3, Block BC, Lot 13, Lorong Ikan Juara 3, 88100 Sadong Jaya, Kota Kinabalu
+6088 268 823 / 268 824 (info@impianamutiarahotel.com),
.
Tune Hotels.Com 1 Borneo Kota Kinabalu
G 803 1 Borneo Hypermall, Jalan Sulaman, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

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others kota kinabalu hotels:

.
Manukan Island Chalet
Kinabalu Nature Resorts Sdn Bhd ,
Lot G15, Ground Floor, Wisma Sabah
88000 Kota Kinabalu Sabah , Malaysia 
Phone
+6088 243 629 / 245 742
Fax
+6088 259 552  
 

.
New Sabah Hotel
Lot 3 & 4, No. 9-11, Block A,
Jalan Pedas, Segama Complex ,
P.O Box 12055
88822 Kota Kinabalu
Sabah , Malaysia 
Phone
+6088 224 648
Fax
+6088 235 875  
 
 
.
Airport View Hotel
Jalan Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa
88100 Kota Kinabalu
Sabah , Malaysia 
Phone
+6088 251 919
Fax
+6088 239 319  
 
 
 
.
Langkah Syabas Beach Resort
KM3.5, Lok Kawi, Kg Laut Kinarut ,
Jalan Papar Baru
88800 Sabah , Malaysia
 Phone
+6088 752 000
Fax
+6088 751 058  
 
 
 
 
.
Hilton Inn Kota Kinabalu
No.23, Jalan Tugu, Kampung Air
88000 Kota Kinabalu
Sabah , Malaysia 
Phone
+6088 245 577
Fax
+6088 245 775  
 

.
KEKWA, Kota Kinabalu
Tingkat 2, Wisma BSN, Jln Kemajuan Karamunsing,
88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah  , Malaysia 
Phone
088-237052 / 051
Fax
088-242052  
 
 
 
.
Malaysia Airport Berhad, Kota Kinabalu
Malaysia Airport Berhad (Sabah)
Kota Kinabalu International Airport
88740 Kota Kinabalu Sabah , Malaysia 
Phone
088-238555 / 219211
Fax
088-219081  
 
 
 
.
Alpine Homstay
Lot 7, Jalan Taman Deluxe
88200 Kepayan , Kota Kinabalu
Sabah , Malaysia 
Phone
+6 088-237727
Fax
+6 088-237727  
Email: info@alpinehomstay.com.my 
.
Langkah Syabas Beach Resort Sabah
P.O. Box 451, Tanjung Aru
88858 Sabah , Malaysia 
Phone
60-88-752000
Fax
60-88-752111  
 
.
Holiday Park Hotel
3 1/2 Miles, Jalan Penampang, ,
P.O Box 11568,
88817 Kota Kinabalu
Sabah , Malaysia
 Phone
+6089 712 311
Fax
+6089 717 866  
 
 
 

 
 
.
Tang Dynasty Hotel
1-1 Lorong Plaza Wawasan Coastal Highway ,
Kota Kinabalu
88000 Sabah , Malaysia 
Phone
+6088 263 389
Fax
+6088 263 989  
 
 
 
 .
Beverly Hotel
Lorong Kemajuan
88000 Kota Kinabalu
Sabah , Malaysia 
Phone
+6088 258 998
Fax
+6088 258 778  
 
 .
Trekkers Lodge
Block L, Lot 5 & 6, ,
Tingkat 2, Komplek Sinsuran
88803 , Kota Kinabalu
Sabah , Malaysia 
Phone
088-252 263
Fax
088-258 263  
 

.
Mercure Kota Kinabalu
TA-00-01, 1Borneo Hypermall, Jalan UMS, Kota Kinabalu
 

.
Novotel Kota Kinabalu 1Borneo
TB-00-01 1Borneo Hypermall Jalan UMS , Kota Kinabalu

.
Best Western Kinabalu Daya Hotel
Lot 3 & 4, Block 9 Jalan Pantai, Kota Kinabalu

.
Seapark Condotel
Jalan Murni, Tanjung Aru,, Kota Kinabalu (Sabah)

The Pemanggil island is a fisherman‘s best-kept secret. Its other magnetic charms include endless stretches of white sandy beaches and awesome snorkeling spots. As the island is still not known, the corals are almost untouched and the waters are free of pollution. This remote island is famous for its beauty and abundance of marine life within its clear emerald waters. Pemanggil island, situated south of Tioman, requires a 4 to 5 hours ride by boat from Mersing, the mainland Johor. In Malaysia’s recent fishing competition organised by a leading newspaper company, Pemanggil Island was nominated as one of the best fishing spots in the country. Among the favorite game fish is the Black Marlin, however it is quite rare to catch it.  The island is well known for deep sea fishing and good hunting grounds for marlins and tenggiri (spanish mackerel).  Along the journey if you’re an avid angler, drop a line and start fishing right away! One will never be disappointed with the catch. Pemanggil Island is one of the ‘must visit‘ fishing paradise.
A kampung concept with chalets built on a rocky plateau just off Kampung Pak Kaleh. The resort arranges group trips for minimum of 20pax and there are usually groups going to the island on weekends. If there are only a few of you travelling, you could join these groups for a 3days 2nights trip. All chalet rooms have attached bathroom and fan and package includes boat transfer from Mersing-Island-Mersing and is full -board.

3 Days 2 Nights Lanting Beach Resort
Package (minimum 10 persons)
——————————————————-
Adult
 RM 258 nettt per adult Weekday Rates
 RM 308 nett per adult Weekend and Public Holiday Rates
 
Child (2 – 11 years old)
 RM 158 nett per child Weekday Rates
 RM 198 nett per adult Weekend and Public Holiday Rates

Package inclusive of:

* Accommodation/Welcome Drink & snacks * 3 Buffet breakfast/ 2 Buffet lunch/ 2 Buffet dinner/ 1 Standard BBQ * Snorkeling, Fishing, Jungle tracking and Telematch * In house movie and Karaoke, In-door & Outdoor Game

Please Note:

* The management has the right to change/cancel any activities due to instability of the weather condition. Minimum 20 person is required in order for service to be carried out.
Confirmation Requirements :

The following is required in order to secure bookings ~ * 50% deposit at point of booking/ total no. of person * 50% full payment before the event ( within 2 weeks)

Any cancellation must be notified to us at least (2) weeks before the event. Deposit will not be refundable or cancellation is between (2) weeks before the event.

Speed boat  : RM60.00 nett (adult ) per way/ RM50.00 nett (child) per way

Standby boat : RM15.00 nett per person per way (Island Hoping P.Aur, P.Dayang, P.Tioman)

S/boat Fishing : RM 500.00 (40 / 50 ft ) RM 650.00 (50 / 60 ft) per day per boat.

**Please Note that there will be a non-refundable credit card charge on payment made

3 Days 2 Nights Package Itinerary:
————————————————-
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Day 01
 ( Pulau Pemanggil / Mersing)

Depart Mersing jetty for Pulau Pemanggil, Johor. (5.00 am, depending on the tide). The tropical island of Pemanggil Island captures the imagination of those who love sea and it’s tranquility. Upon arrival, check-in to rooms. The rest of the day free for you to explore the island . You may option to go fishing, snorkeling, swimming, canoeing and jet skiing. Lunch time, 1.00pm buffet. After lunch, free activities. Dinner will be served at 8.00pm. After dinner, in-house movie and karaoke all night long.
-
Day 02
 (Pulau Aur, Pulau Dayang, Pulau Lang Excursion)

After breakfast, which will be at 8.00 am, you will be taken on an island-hopping trip (add RM 30.00 per person) . Uninhibited islands, which is surrounded by white coral sands and undisturbed corals, you can indulge in snorkeling or just sun bathing on the sand beach. The boat will anchor at a favourite spot for you to try your luck at fishing. Packed lunch will be provided (picnic). After lunch you will be taken back to Lanting Beach Resort for more free activities, such as water sports and so on. Get ready for dinner and BBQ. At leisure for the rest of the evening, with choice of karaoke.
-
Day 03
 (Pulau Pemanggil / Mersing)

After breakfast free and easy till you bid farewell to this enchanting island by ferry. Reach home safely with sweet memories.
 
————————————————

Pemanggil means “Calling” in the Malay Language. Situated south of Tioman Island, famous for fishing expeditions especially for marlins, giant travallys and Tenggiri (Spanish Mackerel). One of the lesser known islands, and still untouched by modern developments. It is not only known for fishing but also for jungle/hill climbing and also for diving/snorkeling. For snorkellers the most thrilling experience will be to see a sunken wreck close to shore not more than 5 meters deep.

-
Kampong Buau

This is the main kampung (village) where the first settlers made home. A clinic ,a mosque,a police outpost and a school form the backbone of the community. The school is made up of only 15 students with ages ranging from 5 to 12years. One of the reasons many families have moved away from the island is the need to pursue further education for their children. The population of the island has now dwindled to a mere 40 villagers and continues to drop as younger folk leave in search of their destinies. Towering majestically in the heart of Pemanggil Island, is a huge boulder known locally as Batu Buau, regarded as the sacred guardian of the island. On a clear day, this landmark is clearly visible from the south of Tioman Island which is 50 km away.

-
Kampung Pontianak
 

The village has retained the name ‘pontianak’from a banshee that once had disturbed the village but is now a quiet, serene beach. The villagers there go about their daily chores of salting fish, repairing nets and taking coffee breaks. And there’s a great snorkelling patch just in front of the jetty.

-
Kampung Pak Kaleh

In the old days, the village was situated up on the hill. As villagers started moving out, the remaining ones moved down to the beachfront.  However, only foundations of the settlement and graves of their loved ones remain as milestones of the living history on the island.
-
Teluk Lancang is an isolated bay on the northeastern coast of Pemanggil Island. Coconut trees grow with abundance amidst the tropical vegetation along the coast. It is an angler’s paradise. Accommodation is very simple and basic, but there’s nothing better than savoring the rustic life of a fishing village. For the adventurous, the hill outcrop of the island makes a challenging climb with the reward being a breathtaking view of the ocean.
For more information about Mersing, please contact
the Johor Marine Park Information Centre in Mersing at 607-7991161 
Mersing Tourist Information Centre (METIC) at 607-7995212.
 
 
Getting there
 
From Johor Bahru city centre, take the Johor Bahru-Kota Tinggi trunk road and on through the Kota Tinggi-Mersing trunk road (Highway 3). From North-South Expressway take the Ayer Hitam exit (Interchange 244) and drive towards toward Kluang and onwards using the Kluang-Jemaluang trunk road (Highway 50). After Jemaluang town, get onto the Kota Tinggi-Mersing trunk road, heading towards Mersing. Look out for signboards that will lead you to Mersing Jetty. 

Pulau Pemanggil is 1,036 ha ( 6.4 km square ). It has population of 109 people. The locals involve in tourism, fisheing and agriculture activities. The island has a small dam for their water supply. Located 85.5km from Mersing jetty and 59.5km from Tanjung Leman jetty. It uses solar energy system and genset for electric supply. Installation managed by TNB.

Jetties:

Kg. Pontianak jetty
Kg. Buau jetty
Kg. Pak Kaleh jetty
Lanting Resort jetty
-
It also has basic necessities for the locals:

1 mosque and 1 surau
Pos Malaysia representative
Police Station
Community Centre
Primary School
-
Resorts and Chalets:
Lanting Beach Resort
Matahari Beach Resort
Matahari Chalet
Green Chalet
Karim Chalet
Pemanggil Holiday Heaven
Pak Kaleh Chalet
Family Inn Resort
Pemanggil Indah
-

Visitors Activity:

Scuba Diving
Snorkeling
Bathing
Jungle Trekking
Deep Sea Fishing
Telematch
Rock Climbing