Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (Borneo), Malaysia
Staying at Akinabalu Youth Hostel , planning to try to get ourselves to Mount Kinabalu tonight, to start the 2 day climb to the top by tomorrow. We plan to try to stay at one of the Sutera Sanctuary Lodges , hoping they have room for last minute travelers.
We just spent 1 night in KK, since we were eager to get out and start exploring the natural wonders of Borneo. KK is known for its markets and seafood, and I understand why. For dinner, we wandered up and down the esplanade, and settled on a small waterside joint that was very eager to serve. When we simply inquired about fish, the waiter rushed off down the esplanade, to the adjacent night market. Shortly after, he returned with a selection of two fresh, whole, fish, for us to chose from. Now that’s service. Steamed, with some fresh sambal sauce, it was delicious.
The next morning, we discovered how close our hotel was to the Sunday market. It was right outside our window, setting up at 6:00 AM. At the end of the market, a few meters away from our window, was a massive speaker pointing at our window, pumping out spastic video game type dance music, which would cut out briefly as the announcer yelled something. Apparently it was a promotional booth for the local mobile service. We dragged ourselves out of bed, wandered down the bustling market where they’re selling anything and everything a local or villager could possibly need or want, and hunted down the nearest Islamic restaurant for our favorite breakfast (Teh Tarik and Roti Telur). After stalking up on a few necessities (i.e. delicious Sabah Tea), we caught the first taxi to the mountain.
Where we stayed
Akinabalu Youth Hostel – 1st Floor, No. 133 Jalan Gaya, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
