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Trip Report
A 7 days journey of food and mountains in Malaysia
A weeklong trip eating through the streets of Penang and climbing the highest free-standing mountain in Southeast Asia in Sabah.
+ 9
AsiaMalaysia7 days / April 2019
Highs & Lows
Watching the sunrise atop Mount Kinabalu, Sabah
The food in Sabah, though good, doesn't compare to Penang
Itinerary Overview
Splitting your time in Malaysia on the cultural gem Penang and the wild Sabah.
The first 2D2N is spent in Penang eating and sight seeing, before the rest of the 5D5N is spent island hopping in Sabah as well as hiking Mount Kinabalu!
Q & A
What would you have changed?
If time permits, I would also visit the Poring Hotspring in Sabah or add a day trip to Langkawi.
Anything go wrong during the trip?
We ended up taking too long to descend Mount Kinabalu and missed dinner.
How was the food?
The food in Penang was fantastic, I've recommended the best restaurants in the itinerary.
Packing tips?
Bring thermals for Mount Kinabalu as well as sturdy hiking gears as it is a technical hike and cold on the top.
Transportation Tips?
Download the Grab app which is the Uber of Southeast Asia and an affordable way to get around Malaysia.
Booking details?
Pre-book Mount Kinabalu hike months in advance as it has limited spots per day - I went with Sutera Santuary.
Lodging
Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Center A modern hotel located close to the Jesselton Point, Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Center is a 20 minutes walk to most attractions and easy to get Grab pick up, too. The rooms are small but with great layout and very functional.
Sutera Sanctuary Lodge - I stayed with my friends at the Nepenthes Villa is a comfortable villa
Stay at the Panalaban Base Camp where you will be allocated accommodation on arrival. We stayed in a dorm room, but you can also request twin rooms (with extra cost PRIOR to the hike)
Dock In Dock In is a great choice for those who want to stay close to the airport since it’s only 10 minutes away. Similarly, it’s also only 10 minutes’ drive away from the city. It is a modern hostel situated by the main road and I’m particularly impressed with the shared bathroom and shower facilities. Each floor has a separate female and male shower area and bathrooms and they are both spacious and clean.