Hidden Gems & Recommendations: A Review of Four Hotels in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, Malaysia, is a popular travel destination known for its stunning natural scenery and therapeutic experiences.
1. Tanjung Aru Beach Sunset
Known as one of the world's three major sunset spots, the long coastline and gradient-colored sunset create a stunning picture. It is recommended to arrive 1–2 hours in advance to grab a front-row seat, and you can sample local snacks at the night market next to the beach. The light is soft around sunset, making it ideal for taking silhouette photos.

2. Mount Kinabalu Sunrise and Sea of Clouds
You need to depart from Kota Kinabalu at 3am to go to Kinabalu Park and hike to the Laban Rata viewing platform to wait for dawn. When the sea of clouds is surging, the rising sun will dye the mountains golden. Please pay attention to the large temperature difference (it is recommended to bring a windproof jacket). You need to reserve a permit in advance for mountain climbing. Those with insufficient physical strength can choose the short route to the viewing platform.

3. Mantanani Island Sunset + Blue Tears at Night
Take a boat to Mantanani Island. After snorkeling during the day, enjoy the sunset on the isolated island on the sandbar in the evening. After night falls, bioluminescent plankton that glows blue on the shore forms the "blue tears" spectacle. It is recommended to take long-exposure shots. Accommodation on the island is limited, so you need to book a resort in advance.

Itinerary Planning Recommendations:

Day 1: Arrive at Tanjung Aru Beach in the afternoon, watch the sunset + night market in the evening
Day 2: Go to Mount Kinabalu in the early morning to watch the sunrise, and return to the city in the afternoon to rest
Day 3: Full-day Mantanani Island itinerary (including sunset and blue tears)
Precautions: The weather on Mount Kinabalu is changeable, so it is recommended to reserve a backup day; Tanjung Aru Beach is crowded on weekends, so it is recommended to go on weekdays.

Post by MarkusHaugen | May 2, 2025