Experience Ecotourism — Kota Kinabalu Is More Than a Tropical Destination
Ecotourism is getting more and more popular every year as people grow to be more environmentally conscious. Since the pandemic started, my interest in visiting natural wonders of the world and heritage sites has grown so much. It became my advocacy to support causes that promote and preserve some of the most beautiful places on Earth.
Early this month, I had the opportunity to visit one of the most underrated yet captivating places in the South East Asia region, Kota Kinabalu (KK). With the easing mobility restrictions, AirAsia Philippines has just resumed flying to KK starting May 27 — making it the first airline in the Philippines to reopen flights to Sabah. A relatively big city in the Sabah State of Malaysian Borneo, KK is indeed one of the fastest-growing tropical destinations and home to pristine rainforest and rich marine areas.
During our 3-day trip to KK, our group stayed in the Pacific Sutera Hotel, an opulent five-star hotel located on 1 Sutera Harbour Boulevard. One of my favorite things about staying in this hotel is the panoramic view of the South China Sea and its strategic location close to shopping and business centers.
KK prides itself as an ecotourism destination that seeks ways to preserve and conserve the culture, biodiversity, and local communities. More than its turquoise-colored waters, white sand beaches, and breathtaking sunsets, KK offers more beauty than I originally thought.
Ecotourism: Kota Kinabalu Park
Surely, one of the most popular attractions in Sabah is Kinabalu Park, Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain on the island of Borneo and the 20th most prominent peak in the world
Kinabalu Park is known for its wide assemblage of flora and fauna. We had a short walk around the famous 700-meter botanical garden trail and discovered the wonders of its flora kingdom. This botanical sanctuary is home to flowers, fruits, ornamental plants, dense trees, local herbs, endemic floras, and other special plants.
As a nature person, I consider this one of the highlights of my trip as it expands my knowledge on the importance of protecting natural areas and the preservation of wild spaces and species.
Island Hopping: Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Your trip to KK will never be complete if you don’t get a chance to experience their serene beaches and crystal-clear sea waters. Our second day in KK was dedicated to marine adventure and island hopping — although tiring, I must say this is the one I enjoyed the most.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is a public marine park located 3 kilometers offshore from KK. It comprises five islands — Gaya, Mamutik, Manukan, Sulug, and Sapi… plus its surrounding reefs and sea. However, we only had the opportunity to explore Manukan Island later that day.
From Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, we took a boat to JSK Borneo Reef, considered the largest reef activity pontoon in South East Asia. We stayed there for roughly five hours and spent it enjoying marine adventures like kayaking, sea walking, snorkeling, and observing marine life through an underwater tunnel.
From JSK Borneo Reef, we went to Manukan Island via boat and had a BBQ lunch. As the second largest island and the most developed, Manukan Island offers a combination of authentic island life and amazing amenities for a holistic beach experience.
Rafting: Kadamaian White Water Village
Moreover, if you’re looking for an extreme water adventure, the Kadamaian White Water rafting might be perfect for you. From our hotel in KK, it took a 2-hour trip to the starting point in kampung Lingkubang so you need to get up early so you’ll finish the two-hour morning session before lunchtime.
Before we head out to the river, the guide conducted a thorough safety briefing on basic rafting techniques and procedures. Honestly, I was extremely nervous and anxious since I am not really into this kind of water sport but our guide’s expertise and assistance made me feel safe throughout the exhilarating ride. We also had multiple stops along the way to chill in the cold water river and enjoy the lush green trees—not to mention the majestic view of Mount Kinabalu as your background.
At the endpoint, there are available toilets and bath areas for you to freshen up. Just a reminder, don’t forget to bring towels, sunblock, extra clothes, and a LOT of courage.
Cultural Experience: Mari-Mari Cultural Village
Certainly, cultural immersion through Mari-Mari Cultural Village is the best way to end our KK escapade. Situated in the middle of a remote forest in Kionsam, Inanam — a roughly 30-minute ride from KK — this village features traditional homes of five major Sabahan ethnic communities like Murut, Rungus, Lundayeh, Dusun, and Bajau.
We had an immersive experience of the life and culture of the ethnic tribes by checking out their houses while their daily routines and traditions were being explained by the tourist guide. Along the cultural tour, we also got the chance to try traditional Sabahan delicacies from each ethnic group, witnessed primitive fire-building methods, and other significant symbolism that made the Sabajan culture interesting, especially to foreign travelers. At the end of the tour, tourists will have a chance to watch a cultural dance presentation.
I appreciate this form of ecotourism that involves tourists giving respect to the culture, traditions, and heritage of ethnic communities. Mari mari!
Just a tip for travelers, make sure to purchase your traveler sim card (15GB for seven days) during your stay as most of the public spaces don’t have a wi-fi connection. Tune Talk has been very helpful for travelers as it offers affordable mobile plans.
Special thanks to AirAsia Philippines and Sabah Tourism Board for making this Route Story Conference possible.
Truly, I enjoyed Kota Kinabalu and I am looking forward to coming back!
