Kota Kinabalu Cheat Sheet

This was done by Surya before we started for KK.

Team PaPPu:
Mahesh 82233522
Santosh 91891638
Sudheendra 82233505
Nagaraj 81382383
Suryam 97250998

In the event you get into trouble:
Indian Embassy
The High Commission of India
No. 2 Jalan Taman Duta, Off Jalan Duta,
50480 Kuala Lumpur
Tel : (00-603) 2093 3510 (Five lines)
Fax: (00-603) 2093 3507, 2092 5826

Hostel in Kota kinabalu:
Borneo BeacHouse
House No.122, Lorong Ikan Lais,
Jalan Mat Salleh, 88100
Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Tel: +6088 218331

Weather Forecast


















Mount Kinabalu Facts:
Summit (known as Low’s Peak) at 4,095 metres.
Essentially a huge granite dome that was pushed up from the earth’s crust, it is still pushing up at the rate of 5 mm per annum. The climb starts at 1,563 m. Climb starts at the Timpohon gate at 1800 m, either by minibus or by walking, and then walk to the Laban Rata hut at 3300 m. Most people accomplish this part of the climb in 3 to 6 hours. The last 2 km (2600 ft), from the Laban Rata hut at 3300 m to Low's Peak (summit) at 4100 m, takes between 2 and 4 hours. The last part of the climb is on naked granite rock. A typical descent from the summit is quicker but it is often equally painful as the ascent as the climbers descend more than 3000 m in five hours. The total trail to the summit is 8.5 km.

Dos and Don’ts on the mountain
Do not pee (unless you are about to explode)
Do not call out names (spirits may haunt you)
Do not have unprotected sex

Must-have at all times
Passport
Condoms
Lighter
Clean underwear

Local language phrases
You are cute - anda comel
What is your name – apa nama kau
Will you have sex - bolehkah anda mengadakan seks
How much – Berapakah harganya
What time (is it) – Pukul berapa?
Thank you – terima kasih
Help me – tolong saya
Good bye – selamat tinggal

Sightseeing

The Gaya Street Fair is held every Sunday morning and is the place where locals come to buy their goods. You can find almost anything at the Fair. From local handicrafts, souvenirs and clothing to food, drinks, Chinese medicines, delicacies and even animals like chickens and pet dogs, can be purchased for very reasonable prices. It also is a good opportunity to try out your bargaining skills.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Islands Park - Only 10 to 20 minutes by boat from Kota Kinabalu city, you can enjoy the beautiful tropical islands and indulged in lots of R&R. The Park consists of 5 islands, namely Gaya, Mamutik, Manukan, Sapi and Sulug. The park offers ample space to try water sports and you can also enjoy and adventurous jungle trek.

Shopping
There are 5 major shopping complexes in KK: Centrepoint, Wisma Merdeka, Wawasan Plaza, Karamunsing Complex and KK Plaza. Major shopping malls are located along the main artery of Kota Kinabalu, and you find just about anything from branded goods to local handicraft.

Filipino market: Situated a bit further than the above places, Filipino Market is a huge souvenirs and local handicrafts centre in Kota Kinabalu. It has more than 100 sellers that is placed under one roof. The building is made of wood and situated very near to Kota Kinabalu wet and fish market

Signal Hill Observatory

Offering a bird’s view of the city; the Sabah Foundation Building - a unique 30-storey building (it is a circular structure supported by high tensile steel rods, an architectural and engineering marvel, and there are only four such buildings in the world; it is Sabah’s highest tower)

Pouring hot springs

The Poring Hot Springs ranger station is 40 kilometers from Kinabalu Park HQ. Within 1 1/4 hectre (3 acre) area there are 5 hot springs with temperature ranging from 49º to 60º C (120º to 140º F) Soaking in a hot water bath is an ideal way to recurperate from an ardous mountain climb. Other attractions across the river are a small butterfly enclosure, a forest trail system, a Canopy walkway and picnic area. The chalets and hostels can accommodate 90 persons per night.

Itinerary
Day 0 – get your ass on to Tiger airways TR 484 departing @ 2020hrs
Day 1 – Diving starting morning till afternoon. Chillout in the evening by the beach or go into the city
Day 2 – Gates close by … Reach Laban rata by 6pm
Day 3 – Start climbing at 2am and reach peak by sunrise. After sunrise, start climb down and reach base by 1pm. Depending on the condition of the climbers, chill out in hot-springs or hit the city.
Day 4 – Flight TR 483 leaves @ 1155hrs

Time Zone
Malaysia is in the same time zone as Singapore (GMT +8)

Getting around
Mostly by taxis – a lot of haggling is due. But short trips cost 10 RM and slightly longer ones are 20 RM.

Night life / Hangout

Waterfront - Opposite the Promenade Hotel is a short stretch of the KK waterfront that becomes a hub of activity from dusk onwards. It is a popular meeting place for youngsters to hang out with their friends and where office workers converge for a beer after work. For tourists, it is the place to relax while watching the sun going down and eyeing the pretty ladies that may stroll by.
Some of the joints that are noted – BED, beach club, Cock n Bull, sugar bun

The Office pub - Tucked away in the Api Api Centre on the Marina Court side of the promenade, Pub grub will line your stomach, including famous sandwich wedges, fries and other what-have-yous. Populated by locals, Aussies, Brits, Americans and the odd South African, The Office Pub is watering hole of note.

Cocoon - Around the corner from Upperstar and Shani's is Cocoon. A funky place with modern decor, good looking and efficient waiter staff, with a live band always at the ready, peppered by the DJ's mix.