Rainforest on the left, ocean on the right! In Kota Kinabalu, I found what paradise looks like!

With a monthly salary of 3K, you can easily make it happen! Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia—enjoy the same seawater as the Maldives, the marine life of Semporna, and world-class sunsets with a Thailand budget! This guide will teach you how to explore this hidden gem destination!

【About Kota Kinabalu】
It’s not a bustling metropolis but the capital of Sabah, Malaysia, a city gently embraced by the South China Sea. Here, world-class sunsets, unbeatable sea views, tropical rainforests, and delicious food come together, making it Southeast Asia’s undisputed king of cost performance!

【Must-Visit Highlights & Pitfall Tips】

1. Tanjung Aru Beach: World-Class Sunset
· Must-do: Arrive before sunset and watch the sky burn from golden yellow to crimson—breathtakingly beautiful.
· Avoid pitfalls: Don’t just stay on the public beach; spend a little to visit the sunset bar at Shangri-La Hotel for the best views.
2. Island Hopping: Easy Ocean Adventures
· Must-do: Head to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park; Manukan Island and Sapi Island have the best water quality, where you can snorkel to see coral and fish.
· Cost-effective: You can sign up anytime at the pier, costing just a few dozen Malaysian ringgit per person—super affordable!
3. Mangroves: Proboscis Monkeys and Fireflies
· Must-experience: Spot the unique proboscis monkeys during the day, and at night, watch thousands of fireflies flicker along the dark river like stepping into a fairy tale.

【Essential Pre-Trip Tips】

· Visa: Malaysia eVisa, fast approval, high acceptance rate.
· Food List:
· Must-eat: You Ji Bak Kut Teh, D’Place Seafood (butter tiger prawns, salted egg yolk crab), Laksa.
· Must-drink: Three-color juice, iced tangerine.
· Accommodation Advice: Stay in the city center (near Gaya Street) for easy access to dining, shopping, and booking day tours.

In Kota Kinabalu, play with the ocean by day, enjoy a sunset feast by evening, and soothe your stomach with delicious food at night. It offers the richest rewards at the most affordable prices.