Kota Kinabalu

Larger vessels use their tenders to carry passengers ashore.

Passengers can walk into town, which is 2km from the port or terminal. Taxis are available there, but public transport is not. Tour buses stand less than 100m from the ship.

Bring the available printable map.

Sabah is often called the 'Land below the wind' because it sits beneath the typhoon belt. Covering eastern North Borneo, it is East Malaysia's second-largest state at 74,500 sq km. The South China Sea borders its west, with the Sulu and Celebes Seas to the east. Mountains and lush tropical rain forests cover much of the state, whose nearly two million residents belong to 32 colourful ethnic communities. Kota Kinabalu, the capital, occupies fertile lowlands containing most administrative and commercial activity. Sabah's 'real' character is best experienced in the countryside, including Kinabalu Park...

The compact city centre can be crossed on foot from one end to the other in less than 30 min.

Short taxi journeys cost around RM10, longer ones about RM20, and a full day should be no more than RM300.

Mount Kinabalu rises 13,431 feet above verdant tropical forest. It is Kinabalu Park's dramatic centrepiece and one of Southeast Asia's highest mountains.

Haggling is absolutely essential to secure a fair fare. Some Malaysian taxi drivers are known to increase prices even after detailed negotiations, feign ignorance or take unaware visitors to the wrong hotels in return for possible kickbacks. Mentioning a call to the authorities can resolve matters quickly.

For a SHORT TRIP/HALF DAY, consider these SIGHTSEEING OPPORTUNITIES:

• Take a KK City Tour.
• On the KK Heritage Walk, stroll through the city centre while learning about its pre-war, post-war and post-independence periods.
• KK Wetland center functions as an environmental education centre.
• Monsopiad Cultural Village commemorates the renowned Kadazan warrior and headhunter Monsopiad. About half an hour southeast of town, the small park presents traditional Kadazan life and tells of Monsopiad, who lived around 300 years ago and killed 42 attackers threatening his village. Their 42 skulls are displayed in the Hall of Skulls. Non-Malaysian admission is RM50 for adults and RM10 for children. Hire a Kota Kinabalu taxi and arrange collection several hours later; expect roughly RM80, or RM20 one-way.
• Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is a group of five islands about a 20-minute speed-boat journey from the city. Boats leave Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, or travellers on dive trips may be able to use a dive operator's vessel from Kota Kinabalu.
• Signal Hill Observation is a popular place for a bird's-eye view across the city.

Beside the waterfront, Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market is a colourful place likely to remain as a 'souvenir' in visitors' memories of Sabah.

The recommended shopping purchases are:

• Pearls from Sabah.
• Beaded work in ethnic styles.
• Contemporary products carrying ethnic designs.
• Locally made tapestries.
• Tea and coffee from Sabah.
• Sabah Dried Seafood, including anchovies, shrimp and fish.

Malaysia uses the ringgit.

ATMs are widespread in cities, but carry cash when travelling to smaller islands or the jungle. Most shops, restaurants and hotels accept credit cards, although less reputable outlets may present a skimming risk.

Tipping is not customary in Malaysia, though hotel porters and taxi drivers appreciate a small amount after exemplary service. Expensive restaurants, bars and hotels may display prices as RM19++, indicating that 5% sales tax and a 10% service charge will be added.

Malaysia's sole official language is Malay (Bahasa Malaysia). English is taught in schools and spoken widely in cities, although some Malay is helpful in rural districts.

Broadband Internet is offered by most hotels, customer-WiFi cafés and some restaurants and cafés. Both cable and wireless broadband are available, with hot spots at places such as Starbucks and McDonald's.

For all types of emergency, call 999. From a mobile phone, use 999 or 112.

In larger cities, shops generally open from 10.30am until 9.30pm. Businesses begin and finish earlier in smaller towns and rural areas.