Borneo In Motion: Getting Around Kota Kinabalu

Before you start daydreaming about sipping on mimosas whilst sunbathing on the white-sand beaches of the islands or jungle-trekking through the lush jungles of Borneo - let's look into getting around Kota Kinabalu as a tourist.

Sabah isn't like Kuala Lumpur or Penang, where there are vast public transportation options. Exploring Sabah, one ride at a time, can be part of the adventure.

Based on personal experience, I've compiled this guide to help you navigate Kota Kinabalu like a local.

Mount Kinabalu, Kundasang

The Best Way To Get Around Borneo

Four out of the five times I've been to Kota Kinabalu, I rented a car simply because it gave me the freedom to explore at my own pace. It truly is a game-changer because I can now stop at whichever roadside stall to stuff my face with food every chance I get (there are a lot of roadside stalls, especially on the way up to Kundasang).

You can either arrange to have the car's pick-up point be at the airport when you arrive, or rent a car at the airport itself.

Travel Tip: It would be best to rent a 4WD if you're headed to rugged areas like Danum Valley or Maliau Basin- roads can go from nicely paved

roads to sketchy real quick. Especially during the rainy season.

If you're staying at a resort, most often than not, they offer free pre-arranged shuttles for guests; something you might want to look into before arriving in Kota Kinabalu.

Airport Transfer Kota Kinabalu

Upon arriving at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport, you have a couple of choices of public transportation to choose from. The airport is located approximately 8km from the city

Airport Bus Service

The airport bus service operates from 7:30 pm to 8:15 pm daily, with a bus running every 45 minutes between the airport (KKIA) and Merdeka Square in the city center. The bus only stops twice, at Centre Point Sabah shopping mall and Horizon Hotel.

These buses are easy to spot as it has the logos of Airasia, Malaysian Airlines and Batik Air on them.

The airport bus tickets can be bought at the Airport Bus service counter and Merdeka Square for RM5 for adults and RM3 for children.

Airport Taxi Service

Taxis are available 24/7 and operate through a coupon system, and are the best option if you're arriving earlier or after bus operating hours for a fixed fare of RM30 (up to 4 passengers to get into town)

You can buy a taxi coupon at the airport taxi counter located at Level 1 Arrival Hall of the airport. After you've bought your coupon, head outside to the taxi stand and hand your coupon over to a taxi driver.

Private E-Hailing Service - Grab

Grab is Southeast Asia's trusted ride-hailing app.

Similar to Uber, you'd have to download the Grab app on the Apple store or Google Play, then pinpoint your location and choose where you would like to go. It will then show you how much the ride would cost and the type of ride, and Grab will assign the nearest driver to you. This way, you can pay for your rides via online card payment.

Download and book a ride in a few clicks with the Grab Ride app - a reliable taxi service

However, the downside to this ride-hailing service is that it works well in cities like Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan, but that's about the coverage area. Don't expect to find a driver in rural areas of Borneo

Car Rental In Kota Kinabalu

When it comes to hiring a car, there are numerous online car rental sites available; however, I would recommend booking a car through Booking.com. This platform makes booking a car easy and hassle-free. You have the conditions and reviews, price and dates, all at the click of your mouse

Alternatively, if you want other options to consider, Topaz Car Rental would seem like a hassle-free choice. My sisters have rented cars from them on several trips to Kota Kinabalu and always had a good experience; well-maintained cars, top-notch cleanliness, and helpful staff.

Important Info You Need To Know When Renting A Car In Sabah:

1) When picking up your car:

• The driver will need to provide the car rental company with their passport, driver's

  license and a credit card

• The person driving will need to leave a refundable security deposit of RM1,000.00 on their credit card, and unfortunately, if you hire a car on Booking.com, the car rental

  companies do not accept debit cards or cash. Local car companies, such as Topaz

  Car Rental may have a different security deposit policy

3) Damage or Theft Excess between RM3,000 to RM5,000 - depending on the car rental

company

• Essentially means that in the case of any damage or theft of the car, you will have to pay the capped amount specified in your rental agreement, under 'damage or theft excess'

4) Vehicle Mileage

• Most car rental companies offer unlimited free kilometres, however, some companies cap their free mileage and charge a fee for the extra kilometres clocked

5) Fuel Policy

• When you pick up your car, the best practice is to take a photo of the fuel tank indicator - it is usually full or partly full. Before returning the car, you are required to replace the fuel you've used.

• If you return your car with less fuel than it had when you picked it up, you will be charged a refueling fee and the cost of the missing fuel, which will be more than what you would pay to refill the tank yourself.

• The extra charges will be deducted from your deposit (a separate deposit will be taken to cover fuel costs)

6) Car Insurance

• I would highly recommend buying additional cover (insurance) to reduce or remove your liability (damage or theft excess), or to cover things that are not insured by the Collision Damage Waiver, such as tyres, windscreen, and undercarriage.

7) Car Inspection

• Your rental car may look brand new, but I would still insist that you ask the car rental representative if the brakes and tyres are in good condition. Then, when you pick up the car, be sure to check the tread on all tyres. As soon as you start driving, check the brakes as well

Explore Sabah With A Tour Guide

If you would rather relax in the backseat and not have to worry about itineraries or figuring out road maps, perhaps booking a tour van with a private driver (knowledgeable local guide) is the best option for you.

My trip to Pouring Hot Springs and Kiulu River was part of an organized day tour, and I must say, it was enjoyable. The vans are comfy, and the local guides double up as storytellers. It was exciting when our tour guide made a slight detour in search of the Rafflesia - the World's biggest flower! (which was not part of the initial itinerary)

How To Get To Mount Kinabalu?

Kundasang, Sabah

If you're planning a trip to Kota Kinabalu, it will be an absolute waste if you don't make a trip to Kundasang to see Mount Kinabalu.

That is one of the main reasons to visit Sabah - in my opinion, anyway.

The easiest way to travel up to Kundasang is to hire a car. They do have buses that can take you up; however, moving around in Kundasang might be a challenge without a car.

It is a pretty small town, but there are quite a few beautiful spots up there, such as the Desa Dairy Farm.

Domestic Flights: Flying Within Borneo

Here's something you need to know about Sabah; as small as it looks on the map, Sabah is huge! It would take over 500km to get from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau - no joke. Given the distance between major cities by land, flights can save you hours on the road, especially if you're tight on time

I would recommend AirAsia as it is a low-cost airline, and if booked early, the flight price is way cheaper than driving. You should also check out Malaysian Airlines (MAS) for cheap flights.

For rural flights to Lahad Datu or nature reserves, MASwings is your friend. These small aircraft make you feel like you're on an episode of Survivor as they land in tiny airstrips surrounded by dense jungles. A bit nerve-wrecking? Maybe. Memorable? Most definitely.

Island Hopping And Sea Escapades

Now onto my favourite part - the sea!

If you're in Kota Kinabalu, head on over to your launchpad to island paradise -Jesselton Point Jetty. It is ridiculously easy to buy an island-hopping ticket around Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.

Alternatively, boats leave regularly for Sapi Island, Manukan Island, Gaya Island and Mamutik Island. The ride is short, sweet, and absolutely gorgeous! You'd have a choice to rent snorkeling gear and spend the day snorkeling at whichever island you fancy.

In all honesty, I wasn't too happy snorkeling in Sapi Island; I found the waters rather murky, but the three other islands were worth it! Although I was told by a local that the waters get a tad bit murky if the waves are rough

You can do all of the above and make it back to KK town before sunset to feast on scrumptious fresh seafood at the Filipino Market.

If you enjoy slow travel, you may want to take a ferry from KK to Labuan Island for a more laid-back journey and take in the beautiful views Sabah has to offer

The Sabah Railway

Yes, Sabah has trains; however, they only serve certain areas. The Sabah State Railway runs from Tanjung Aru (just outside KK) to Tenom.

But whenever the talk of trains in Sabah comes up, they're actually talking about the real gem of Sabah: the North Borneo Railway, a vintage steam train that feels like something out of a colonial movie. The perfect journey to step into another era with white-gloved service, tiffin lunches, whilst watching the World go by

Getting Around Is Part Of The Sabah Adventure

Sabah is a humbling experience; it is about the jungles, authentic food, islands, and cultures that are deeply connected to the land.

So book your flight, pack your bags and don't stress out too much about getting from point A to B, as the journey is part of the adventure. Trust me, Sabah has a way of making every journey magical if you're open to it