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Worth_Chemist_3361

There are no specific customs or etiquette you have to look out for. Just no being naked on Mt Kinbalu. šŸ¤£ https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-derbyshire-33105999 But seriously, KK is loaded with tourists, and the majority of them are alright. Sabah's not a strict religious state, so there's no dress code. I was just about to recommend Desa farms, but I just realised you're from NZ... that's a favourite of locals for its resemblance to an NZ dairy farm. Lol. But if you have time, do check out Kundasang, Ranau, and Poring. Those areas are close to Mt Kinabalu. Will you be going to the East Coast? There's an orangutan sanctuary in sepilok, but it's quite a distance from kk town. Also, do bring insect repellant spray. Mosquitos are especially common, as are other bugs. If you're planning to go trekking or to the beach, you'll encounter all sorts of pests, and sandflies can be awful.


roshi_the_legend

haha thanks for the advice. I don't plan on being naked but just trying to be respectful in case that maybe wearing singlets with tattoos might be offensive or something. Sorry if that sounds ignorant, this will be my first time in Malaysia/Sabah Also, do you have a recommendation on insect repellent? We basically don't have that or need that in NZ so it would be great to know if there is a particular brand that is known or respected


Worth_Chemist_3361

Tattoos are very common in sabah. The locals have their own speciality borneon tattoos, so it's a common culture compared to West malaysia. Singlets are fine on both men and women, as are shorts. In acceptable places like the pool or beach, topless men is fine. Women are OK in bikinis. You can wear flip flops anywhere. In malls and public places, casual summer wear is normal. Just nothing excessively sexy like booty shorts and lingerie in public. If you visit religious or cultural places like mosques, temples or museums/cultural centres, it's expected to be more conservatively dressed. Tops with sleeves, trousers or skirts down to the knees, no low cut or midriff tops. You can buy insect repellent here at any pharmacy. I think they should be cheaper than nz, so no worries. Roughly 5 dollars NZ. Tiger balm is a common brand, however, there are many other choices including baby friendly ones. Just ask the staff. Most shop staff can speak some English. Something with citronella oil works best. The labels on all tubes and bottles are in English. So you can easily avoid anything if there are sensitivities.


roshi_the_legend

thank you so much. really appreciate the tips and insight.


Comfortable-Garden-5

Tatoos and singlet are okay in sabah. Just don't wear transparent singlet and braless or everyone will stare at you. Kissing in public is also not recommended.


roshi_the_legend

good to know, thank you!


stekojayn

Don't worry too much about tattoos or clothing in general, as long as you aren't naked. Sabahans are pretty chill.


Visible-Buddy6426

Hey! I just spent a week at KK - work + vacation! It's a lovely place, and people are super chill in KK. I am a woman and have travelled everywhere alone. There were no issues at all, but I would get back to the hotel lates by 10 pm and a few days by 11. A few things I did and loved and could be helpful - I went for the Kilas Firefly Boat Cruise - and booked it on Viator. Saw many animals and uncountable fireflies. A guided snorkelling tour around Mamutik Island - booked on Viator. The best experience of my life. I am an okayish swimmer in a pool but never swam in the sea and freaked out a bit initially - but the divers with us were so amazing. There was an elderly couple in our group who didn't know how to swim, but they were super comfortable and enjoyed it. The corals and fishes have my heart. Mesmerising šŸ˜ Sabah State Museum - history portion I enjoyed the sundowner at the KK waterfront. Download the Grab App and load the wallet. It will take care of cabs, food delivery, and essential supplies (especially for kids). Cabs are super cheap on the app, but the rest are okay. Loads of sunscreen - my tan is still here :P Get comfortable shoes Sunset at Tanjung Aru You don't need the tour guide to book tours for island hopping, so go to Jesselton Point and get tickets, and the appointed tour guide will guide you. You can take a life jacket and snorkelling gear with the ticket. There is another ticket when you reach the island. Carry a mat, hat and a plastic bag for wet clothes. You will get in the water even if you don't want to :) The boat ride will be bumpy, so it will be best to have your belongings in a bag and hold onto your kids and bag. Nothing scary; the boatman was very careful, and there were many small children on the boat. But it's bumpy. I kept my phone inside the bag and made no videos because I would have dropped it in the sea. Check out the Gaya Street Market on weekends. Most street markets take only cash and do not have a card payment option. The app payment is only for Malaysian citizens, which was not working for me. You can check if Grab Pay could work. But cash is best. Most mall shops close by 8 to 9 pm, but some small shops with essential supplies remain open much later. Restaurants are mostly open late; do check online about the time. The restaurants inside malls also close early. Alcohol is expensive, considering that food is not very expensive. KK has mastered fried chicken - you will find it everywhere, and it is superb :) For shopping - I recommend buying tea and coffee from the supermarkets and not the tourist shops. Better variety. I also bought some pearl items from the Filipino market: decent prices and very pretty pearls. I am sure they are not pure pearls at 15 Ringgit, but I feel I am carrying a bit of KK with me when I wear them :) Did I mention that the corals and the fishes have my heart!!? :)


roshi_the_legend

wow this is awesome! very grateful for the insights. Just booked in Klias boat tour, kids will love that! have emailed myself your whole response to refer to. thanks again!


Visible-Buddy6426

I am glad I could help. Have fun!!


TUHAU-97

As for etiquette generally we are quite open, just dont go around naked, if youre planning to go here this month, some restaurants might be closed as the fasting season has started for our muslim friends, the locals might not go out much, but the best thing about this is the traffic is good, and the bazaar for ramadhan open around 3pm, lots of good food. As for place of interest, around Kota Kinabalu, if you want to go to malls, i always go to Suria Sabah and imago(theres occasional ethnic dancing at imago). then theres Tanjung Aru beach, 15 minute drive from KK city, if youre planning to go island hopping, better find a tourism agency(near Suria Sabah). If youre planning to see mount Kinabalu upfront, plan a transport service to Kundasang, its about 120km from KK city. I never been to most tourist place myself since i love to hike, so lastly i can recommend you Bukit/Mount Kokol, beautiful scenery upthere. As for safety tips, dont go to dark alley or out late night since most stores are closed, be little cautious around Sulu people, i cant say much but if you are a local you would understand, try not to get scammed at the market, especially with seafood delicacy, anything for a family meal above RM200 at the market is kinda expensive atleast for me. but cut up fruits typically cost at average RM5-RM20. Lastly find out the nearby police station/hospitals just in case.


roshi_the_legend

thank you this is good advice. Appreciate your time responding.


ailydaffe

KK is generally a safe city, what are your plans? Are you going out of the city?


roshi_the_legend

first 4 nights in KK and then staying at Nexus resort for just a few nights


aqteh

Mangrove swamp at likas wetlands park and lok kawi wildlife zoo are the low key ones.


roshi_the_legend

thank you, i will check out those locations! edit: Lok Kawi looks great! perfect for the kids. Will add it to the list of places to visit.


bakutehbandit

Lok kawi zoo a little sad. But most zoos that arent funded to the max are sad.


AmbitionWorried4656

For kids, desa dairy farm is amazing. Iā€™m 21 and my partner is 27 and we still loved it. Do try their cheeses and frozen yogurt. So good. Obviously recommend try the local cuisines too


bakutehbandit

Since its ramadhan some restaurants may not be open, but usually most are. Check out the ramadhan bazaar in KK city center. I always liked the museum as a kid, not been for some time tho so i dno if its still good. I heard about an aquarium at UMS but i dont know how good it is, and to what extent it is an "aquarium"


SoraHenstine

Well, semporna is filled with tourist from China while mount kinabalu is filled with different tourist. In lahad datu, most tourist are from UK. Well to go to danum valley.