04 November 2022

6D5N to Kota Kinabalu & Kundasang, Sabah.

Few months overdue la this post heh. It is time to pen it all down here for future references. 

Our close friends were getting married in Kota Kinabalu, and we got invited to attend their wedding there - of course we said yes, and while it took us some time to decide whether to bring our kids, we at the end decided not to. 

We also treated this trip as part of the babymoon trip since it was Adrian's first time there, and my second time (although I didn't get to explore the city on my first trip). It was a great babymoon trip. Sabah, especially Kundasang has grown to be one of my favorite place to go. The weather is cool, and the view takes my breath away - every single time. 

We booked a direct flight from Penang to Kota Kinabalu with Firefly Airlines, and with meals on-board for both ways, it was RM412.31. We got the tickets in February and only finalized on our accommodation later on when it was much closer to the travel date. We got lazy heh. 

But when it was near to the travelling date, I remember feeling really excited to go on a holiday without having to pack for the kids, but I was also feeling extremely guilty for leaving them behind for so many days. So guilty that almost everyday I would remind both Alex and Sofia that we would be away from them for close to a week, and everytime Alex smiled back and said okay, it gave me temporary relief. But I kept needing to repeat doing that because I needed to know that they are okay with it. Hah. Can never run away from this parents-guilt thing wan. 

Anyways, here are details of our travel things and where we stayed and things that we do and stuff. Some may not have as much details as I would like to share because my brain's capacity is not at 100% - it will probably only be restored to 100% once Little Bean is out in December. Till then, I promise to provide as much information as I can heh. 

We flew on 5-Aug-2022 with Jack and Carmen on the same flight. We used to travel a lot with the both of them, so it was really nice to 're-live' olden days of travelling together. 


The first place we checked-in was Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort - because that was where the wedding was going to be at. We spend 2-nights here and we loved this resort so much that we didn't leave the place (except to eat) because we just really allow ourselves to enjoy its facilities and activities. I definitely enjoyed soaking in their pool in my hippo-kini. Hah. 


Our first dinner at KK was seafood - duh! We went to Sembulan Lobster Restaurant - as recommended by friends who has been staying there for years so we trust them. I cannot remember how much was the total bill anymore because it was way too long ago. Heh. 

And yes, the food was amazing! I remembered it being not too expensive - overall such a happy meal with friends from everywhere! 


Biggest congratulations again to the newlyweds, Clement and Yuh Ting! Your wedding is the most beautiful wedding we have ever attended - hands down! The location itself is jaw-dropping, and the weather were perfect. The food not the best, but you know what? Love was in the air and that's all that matters! We are so happy for you both and the journey onwards for sure is going to be so rewarding, though not gong to be easy but it is going to be worth it! 


Oh, we actually didn't spend like the whole time in the resort. We spent a few hours outside and visited the Monsopiad Heritage Village - entrance fee is RM20 per person (I think). If it's your first time to Sabah, then this would be highly recommended! 


Then, we spent a night in the city centre before spending two-nights in Kundasang - which actually at first we only booked a night but we decided to stay another night at Kundasang and enjoy the natural aircond there - and I said this way too many times - but I freaking love the Mount Kinabalu's view. It's really so majestic and full of all the wow factor. To conquer her one day, will definitely be a dream come true - okay boleh masuk bucketlist. Heh. 

The airbnb that we stayed at KK's city centre was pretty decent too! The place is spacious and clean and bright. The only thing about it that I didn't really like (but don't hate) is having to climb up the stairs to the top floor to access to the room. It is located in shoplots so make sense to climb stairs. It was just difficult for a pregnant person like me. 

But will I stay at the same place the next time I go Sabah with a group of people? Yes I would. We paid a total of RM329 per night for 9 adults. The airbnb is called Paradise Suite, Sky Residence, Asia City. Here's a quick video tour of the place. 


Okay so the rest of the photos are like of our trip to Kundasang and some of the pit stops that we made - that were also highly recommended by friends! 


The first airbnb we stayed at was called Nikgold Garden Resort Kundasang, Kinabalu National Park. I already posted a review on this place so go baca lah dulu ya. 


It was such a great and much-needed getaway without the kids - just with friends. We got to enjoy our meals while they were hot and we got to sleep in and have the bed to ourselves. We do miss the kids a lot throughout our six days there, but the trip also did some good in our marriage. 

It was really a refreshing trip for just the both of us. 


Till next travel, bye now.