Kota Kinabalu City Hotels

No matter where you’re headed to in Sabah, Kota Kinabalu – the state’s seat of government – will almost certainly be your first port of call. Located halfway up Sabah’s western seaboard, first impressions of KK (as its known to locals) are of densely packed blocks of concrete structures but the city has genuinely friendly residents and its proximity to a clutch of islands makes it simply hard to resist.

You’ll be hard pressed to avoid KK on a trip to Sabah and if truth be told, you shouldn’t – modern-day KK has a surprising array of not-to-be-missed sightseeing attractions. Noteworthy are the street markets, kampungs and the State Museum but KK’s true highlight is the offshore Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, whose five unspoilt islands are just 10 minutes away by speedboat. Lodging options in KK are varied, ranging from locally run Chinese hostels to charming mid-range establishments – budget accomodation in the city is limited but luxury ventures often offer good rates.