Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sleeping & Eating
Most people visit Kota Belud as a day trip from KK, since you can make it there and back
with plenty of time for the market.
Kota Belud is hardly a gastronome's delight, but tasty snacks can be picked up at the
Sunday market. There are plenty of Chinese and halal coffee shops around the municipal
offices.
GUESTHOUSE
Mañana $$
( 014-679 2679, 014-679 3679;
www.manana-borneo.com
;
hammock/r/ste from
RM50/70/150)
This fantastic property is in the little village of Kampung Pituru Laut, way
out on the coast. The name comes from a Canadian guest, who was so enchanted with the
resort he kept putting off leaving till mañana…then mañana…then mañana… Owners Yan
and Nani have situated the property on a private, boat-only-accesible beach that is basic-
ally a slice of heaven buttered with paradise. Simple, cleverly designed chalets look out
onto clear water, hammocks sway in the ocean breeze, an on-site restaurant-bar serves hot
food and cold beer, and the sunsets will blow your mind. Ask about diving trips to see
what may be the world's largest brain coral. The owners prefer you book ahead so trans-
port can be arranged; their suggested agent in KK is the excellent GogoSabah (
Click here
).
Kota Belud Travelers' Lodge $
( 088-977228;
http://mykbtl.com
; 6 Plaza Kong Guan; r without bathroom RM65, en
suite RM85-115; )
A simple affair in the centre of town, it's about 200m southwest of
the mosque in a shopping block (it's well marked, so finding it shouldn't be a problem).
It's got the whole concrete-block-with-cosy-rooms vibe going that is oddly typical of in-
terior Sabah hotels.
LODGE
Getting There & Away
MINIBUS & TAXI
Minivans and share taxis gather in front of Pasar Besar, the old market. Most of these
serve the Kota Belud-KK route, (RM7 to RM10, two hours) or Kudat (RM10 to RM15,
two hours), departing from 7am to 5pm. To get to Kinabalu National Park, take any
minibus going to KK and get off at Tamparuli, about halfway (RM5, 30 minutes). There
are several minivans from Tamparuli to Ranau every day until about 2pm; all pass the
