Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu is the capitol of the state of Sabah, located in East Malaysia.  It is on the northeast coast of Borneo.  Mount Kinabalu (the world's 20th most prominent mountain) is located here.  We refer to it as "KK" and Jeremy goes here a lot for work (meaning we've lost count of how many times).  Of all the places he goes, it the one he enjoys the most. The flight from Singapore to KK is 4-1/2 hours.  Jeremy usually stays at the Hyatt, and on occasion at the Meridian.

Different beach views from a local golf course:

Jeremy frequently eats at this restaurant at The Magellan:

The Navy visits this orphanage on occasion when they come in for port visits.  Most of the children are handicapped:

There are many great restaurants:  Indian, Irish Pub food, pizza, Italian, and satay.  It is not too expensive.  The area is known for eco-tourism.  Other than climbing the mountain, you could go Class 5 white-water rafting.  It is the only place in the world where you can go visit the orangutan and the probiscus monkey in its natural habitat/the wild.  Sometimes he gets an hour-long back or foot massage for US$20.  He keeps a list of the best places to eat in a file!

Here are some of his recommendations:

Hotels:
--Hyatt (good basic 4 star hotel.  Was undergoing some renovation in lobby but don't know if it is completed yet.  In town, but on the edge so you can walk to a lot of places still...this is where I stay while working)
--Le Meridian (good basic 4 star hotel with really good breakfast buffet.  Best location in town as you can walk most places and right across street from waterfront and great restaurants)
--The Magellan Sutera (5 Star with a golf course)
--Sutera Harbor Resort (5 star with golf course)
--Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa (5 star) ( there are two Shangri-La's in KK so make sure you pick this specific one that is close to town and not the other one out of town) (What can I say...it is a Shangri-la)

There are 2 or 3 fantastic resort hotels on Gaya Island across the bay from KK.  And I mean fantastic, but you will pay for it:
Bunga Raya Resort (isolated, quiet, phenomenal...movie stars have been known to stay here when they want to get away.  Nicest resort I have ever seen and no way I could afford it)
Gaya Island Resort (never been, but hear it is great)
Gayana Resort (Great.  Huts on the water.  Turtle and fish preserve

KK Tour Company:

Excellence Eco-Tours
Ling Ling, Vun (director of business Development)
Cell: +60 17-818 6121
Work: +60 12 833 7086
Excellence_tour@hotmail.com
uaelingling@hotmail.com

Mention Jeremy's name with his work name and that he recommended her company.  She will probably give you the name and contact info for someone working under her to take care of all the details of any potential reservations.  Company can coordinate tours, excursions, etc.

Restaurants (some, not all that he likes--which he also has on a map and slide, ask us to e-mail it to you):

• Thai Restaurant (Bulatan Perkasa— traffic circle of Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens and Jalan Haji Saman) (good Thai food.  Good prices.  Nice spot)
• Little Italy (good pizza, have not tried other dishes yet.  Good prices.)
• Bella (nice ambiance, good food.  Good prices)
• Burger King (if you need a taste of home)
• Bombers Burgers (OK burgers.  Worth trying.  Good reviews.  Good prices)
• Kohinoor North Indian Restaurant (Next to the “BED” club.  Best Indian I have ever had, and I eat a lot of Indian.  Make sure you get the Naan or Cheese Naan and the chicken tikka kabab.  Eat outside on water.  (Good prices)
• Outdoor Satay Grill (On outside deck between Shamrock’s and Kohinoor.  Great steak and chicken satay.  (Great prices)
• Irish Shamrock’s Bar and Restaurant (best fish and chips I have had, other dishes good too.  Eat on water.  Good prices.  Next to Kohinoor Indian rest.)
• KK Times Square is a covered, open air square with multiple clubs, bars, and eating places.  It is a little isolated and relaxing.  A great place to chill out and have a drink/meal.  You must use a taxi/vehicle to get there as there is no room for pedestrian traffic crossing the bridge.
• KK Times Square = Multiple clubs, small bars, and restaurants.  Some of the bars are “higher” class, but not much more money.  Vino Vino is a great Italian restaurant with fantastic atmosphere.