Tips to have a trip to Kota Kinabalu

If you're planning a trip to Kota Kinabalu, I’ve gathered some useful tips to help make your journey smoother. Some people question why anyone would head to hot Southeast Asia in the peak of summer, but surprisingly, it’s often less humid than summer in Korea, making it quite manageable.

This might make you wonder if Korea’s summer weather is particularly challenging. Kota Kinabalu is one of Malaysia's larger cities, but it’s so far from the Malay Peninsula, taking about a three-hour flight to reach, that it sometimes doesn’t feel like the same country.

Kota Kinabalu: Swimming Goggles

First off, it's a good idea to bring swimming goggles when visiting Kota Kinabalu. With so many swimming pools around, you’ll want to have a pair handy if you plan to go underwater.

If you forget them, though, you might find it surprisingly hard to buy a pair locally, which could be frustrating if you don’t know where to look. Here’s a helpful link to find swimming goggles in Kota Kinabalu.

Seafood Restaurants in Kota Kinabalu

One must-try in Kota Kinabalu is the seafood. Known for being budget-friendly, it’s easy to eat your fill without breaking the bank.

The standout places are Suang Tain Seafood and Welcome Seafood, so popular that many tourists believe they’re the only spots for seafood. While there are other options, these two have a solid reputation, making them a safe bet for great food.

If you're unsure where to go, check out this guide to recommended seafood restaurants in Kota Kinabalu.

AirAsia Cabin Baggage Weight Limits

When flying around Southeast Asia with AirAsia, remember that they’re strict about carry-on baggage weight limits.

However, if your booking reference is the same, you can combine cabin baggage weights. It’s essential to understand these details to avoid any last-minute surprises. For more details, see this article on AirAsia cabin baggage weight policies.

Malaysia Roaming Options

Choosing a roaming option is another important consideration. SIM cards are popular and convenient, but there are even cheaper ways to stay connected in Southeast Asia.

For example, using BaroBox turned out to be a great option—affordable and reliable with minimal disruptions. For a full review and comparison, visit this guide on Malaysia roaming choices.

While resorts and hotels often have Wi-Fi, having stable internet around the city can make all the difference.