Malaysia - The Rough Guide to Southeast Asia on a Budget - page 496

street from the courthouse on Jln Pantai. Minivans to take
you to Mount Kinabalu National Park congregate around
the Merdeka Field area, just off Jln Tunku Abdul Rahman.
Generally, buses leave when full; turn up by 7am to ensure
a seat. Buses and shared taxis for Kudat leave from the
Padang Merdeka bus terminal on Jln Padang.
Destinations Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei (daily; 9hr);
Kinabalu National Park (8 daily; 2hr 30min); Kudat (3 daily,
3hr 30min-4hr); Sandakan (15 daily; 6hr); Semporna
(4 daily; 9hr); Tawau (3 daily; 9hr).

Lucy's Homestay 25 Lorong Dewan, Australia Place
T 088 261495, W lucyhomestay.go-2.net. Like the home
of a favourite auntie, hospitable Lucy's place, complete
with her cherished cats, has been a traveller favourite -
particularly with solo female backpackers - for years. The
rooms are simple and clean, there's a cosy library nook and
Lucy goes o ut of her way to help you. Walk-ins preferred.
Dorm RM23 , double RM58
★

6

Masada Backpacker Jln Masjid Lama, Pusat Bandar
T 088 238494, W masadabackpacker.com. Besides the
massive cityscapes superimposed on its walls and maps
and Mt Kinabalu photos galore, this hostel is ahead of the
pack thanks to its good, bed-sized bunks with proper
mattresses, super-helpful staff running the lounge and
other nice to uches, s uch as all the coffee you can guzzle.
Dorm RM35 , double RM80
North Borneo Cabin 74 Jln Gaya T 088 272800,
W northborneocabin.com. The rather spartan a/c or fan-
cooled rooms and dorms at this super-central hostel are
popular with a mix of local and international backpackers,
and the staff a re som e of th e nices t in town. Breakfast
included. Dorm RM20 , double RM56 ; a/c rooms pricier.
Step In Lodge Block L, Kompleks Sinsuran, Jln Tun Fuad
Stephens T 088 233519, W stepinlodge.com. A bright
exterior hides prim rooms with colourful bed linen and
large, comfortable mattresses; the staff are helpful and
fellow backpackers congregate around the satellite TV in
the lo unge, fuelled by the complimentary (real) coffee.
Dorm RM28 , double RM70

INFORMATION AND TOURS
TOURIST INFORMATION
The Sabah Tourism Board (Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat & Sun
9am-4pm; T 088 212121, W sabahtourism.com) is at
51 Jln Gaya and has a range of information on the top
tourist destinations in Sabah. Staff are very helpful and
provide you with a good map of KK.

TOURS
Borneo Adventure Block E-27-3A, Signature O ce, KK
Times Square T 088 486800, W borneoadventure.com.
Award-winning operator that organizes anything from
multi-day wildlife safaris and trips to Mt Kinabalu to
longhouse visits on the northern tip of Sabah. Three-day/
two-night MT Kinabalu tour RM1868.
GG Adventure Tours Lot F-105b, 1st floor, Wisma Sabah
T 088 316385, W gogosabah.com. Very helpful operator
that can create pretty much any itinerary you want,
depending on your interests, as well as organizing offbeat
dirt-bike tours and renting motorbikes. Scooter rental
RM45/day.
River Bug Lot 227-229, 2nd Floor, Wisma Sabah T 088
260501, W traversetours.com. Whitewater rafting on the
Klias River and Padas River (RM235/day-trip).
Scuba Junkie Lot G23, ground floor, Wisma Sabah T 088
255816, W scubajunkiekk.com. A reputable and affordable
diving operator offering underwater adventure in the Tunku
Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Open Water course RM980.

EATING
Self-caterers will find many Western foods that they've
been missing at the pricey Tong Hing Supermarket on Jln
Gaya. Cheaper supermarkets are found at KK Plaza and
Centre Point. Keep an eye out for good, popular chains such
as Secret Recipe and Old Town White Coffee .
Alu-Alu Café Jesselton Point. Feast on marine dishes such as
fish in creamy buttermilk sauce, made from ecologically
sourced fish at this bright and breezy spot. Plenty of vegetable
dishes here, including Sabah vegetables in oyster sauce.
Mains from RM12. Daily 11am-2.30pm & 6.30-10pm.
Borneo 1945 Museum Kopitiam 24 Jln Bewan,
Australia Place. Both a memorial to the Australian soldiers

ACCOMMODATION
Akinabalu Youth Hostel Lot 133 Jln Gaya T 088
272188, W akinabaluyh.com. Green is the dominant
colour here - the lime green of walls and the deep green of
plants that make the breezy common area look like an
indoor garden. The rooms are a little on th e dark side, but
the st aff are cheerful and helpful. Dorm RM25 , double
RM70 ; a/c rooms cost more.
Borneo Backpackers 24 Lorong Dewan, Australia Place
T 088 234009, W borneobackpackers.com. A guest
lounge perfect for socializing, friendly staff on hand for
booking travel, clean rooms and dorms (singles available),
free breakfast and a gre at café downst airs. W hat more can
one ask for? Dorm from RM25 , double RM60

TREAT YOURSELF
Hotel Eden54 54 Jln Gaya T 088 266054,
W eden54.com. At this stylish boutique
hotel - an absolute bargain at the price
- you can expect beds with crisp linen,
great showers, urban-chic decor and
satellite TV, though the cheapest rooms
lack window s. The staff are extremely
helpful, too. RM149

★