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MALAYSIA
KOTAKINABALU
COUNTRY CODE
+60 (88)
CURRENCY
MYR1 = PHP13.88/US$0.33
TOUCHDOWN
The Kota Kinabalu International
Airport is only 10 minutes away by taxi, which
usually costs about MYR20 (PHP278). Be sure to
negotiate and agree on the fare before you step
into the cab.
BY DAY
Experience the local culture at the Mari
Mari Cultural Village, where you get to experience a
slice of life of Sabah’s ethnic tribes. Another option
is a day trip to gorgeous Mantanani Island for
beachcombing and scuba diving.
BY NIGHT
For those who prefer to club, dine and
chill out in just one place, the KK Waterfront is
your best bet. For a quiet drink or two, check out
Sunset Bar at Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort
and Spa.
SLEEP
The Jesselton Hotel hits a happy
medium between budget and luxury. What’s
more, it has a great location and unique design.
www.jesseltonhotel.com
COUNTRY CODE
+673
CURRENCY
BND1 = PHP34.52/US$0.81
TOUCHDOWN
The international airport is
approximately 10 minutes (about 10km) away
from the center of Bandar Seri Begawan (BSB).
There are taxis, car rentals and regular public bus
services that can take you to and from the airport.
BY DAY
Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque, one
of South-East Asia’s most impressive mosques, is
named after Brunei’s 28th sultan. It boasts granite
from Shanghai, chandeliers and stained glass from
England, and Italian marble, to name a few.
BY NIGHT
Head over to Gadong Pasar Alam
(night market). You’ll find fresh vegetables and
cooked food at countless stalls, like
nasi katok
(fried chicken),
nasi lemak
(chicken with coconut-
flavored rice) and, if you dare, chicken butt.
SLEEP
For budget travelers, Grand City Hotel
provides good value and decent lodgings. About
five to 10 minutes from the airport, it’s also close
to small shops, restaurants and streetside cafés.
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
BANDARSERI BEGAWAN
BEST SOUVENIRS
Amplang
fish
crackers or
kuih cincin
(it literally means
ringlet biscuit).
BESTDINNER
Indulge in seafood,
hands down! Or try some
ikan bakar
(grilled fish).
MUST-TRY
Go mountain climbing.
Sabah happens to have the three
highest peaks in Malaysia — great
for trekkers.
Nova Renata
freelancewriter
BESTBREAKFAST
The Empire
Hotel buffet or
nasi katok
at any
local cafeteria.
BEST DINNER
Bob Ume Restaurant
in Tamu Selera serves great seafood at
affordable prices.
BEST SOUVENIRS
Nothing is
better than your own photographs and
your own experience in Brunei — these
are priceless.
Ben Lo
inbound tour
coordinator