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Many hotels and backpacker hostels are concentrated along the historical Gaya Street at the centre of Kota Kinabalu city. Borneo Gaya Lodge opened in 2009 is one of the newer backpacker hostels and it has nice rooms, new pillows and beds. Five types of rooms are available here, ranging from dormitory to private rooms, and only the double bedroom has an adjacent bathroom. A simple and small kitchen at the back is provided for the convenience of the guests. It also has a specious lobby with television and computers with internet connection. Plenty of tour information is available from the reception desk, if that is not enough Sabah Tourist Office is just another block away.

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Sarangnova is, a newly opened hotel, located right at the heart of the old Gaya Street. The name Sarangnova simply means bird’s nest and stars. This hotel has an unique theme which showcases the birds of Borneo, especially those that are endemic to Sabah. A total of 26 rooms are available at this hotel, and each of the room is designed with a special bird, and no room is alike. These birds with their colourful feathers also help to create different displays, colour schemes, and special effects for each room. Guests can choose to stay at a particular room that they like, or stay in different rooms each time they visit Sarangnova. Some of the birds that grace the rooms are the White Fronted Falconet, Bornean Bristlehead, Black & Crimson Pitta, and Rhinoceros Hornbill. These bird pictures were taken by the well known Sandakan photographer and conservationist, Cede Prudente. (more…)

Kundasang has slowly but steadily becoming a resort town of Sabah, the cold climate, beautiful scenery and Mt. Kinabalu are a big draw for locals and tourists alike. The cabins, chalets, lodges, and resorts in and around Kundasang town are often full during the weekends. During school holidays these accommodations are always booked to its limit. Staying at Kundasang area also allows visitors easy access to the nearby Kinabalu Park Headquarters, and Poring Hot Spring. Located about 5km away from Kundasang, Golden Kundasang Highlands is one of the few accommodations built near the Mesilau area, the other being Mesilau Resort and Philip Garden Chalets. The Mesilau area is much higher in altitude, about 6,000 feet above sea level, and so the temperature is colder (14°C-16°C) and the place is more windy too.

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celyn resort kinabalu wing

Fancy of getting away for a few days from the busy and some time chaotic life of the city? Celyn Resort Kinabalu, a 3 star establishment, is a perfect hide out for such a need, and it also comes with a great view of Mt. Kinabalu. Many people, even the local Sabahans, do not know about this place, as it is hidden away from the public eyes. About 3 km away from the Kundasang – Ranau main road, and nestled high on a hill which is sandwiched between two valleys, one being Samathan valley and the other one is at the foothill of Mt. Kinabalu, Celyn Resort has a peaceful, serene and natural setting atmosphere. Temperature is around 18° to 20° C during the night time. Guests will get to enjoy the beautiful landscape of the surrounding areas without sacrificing the comfort of the city lifestyle.

reception office and the valley wing (right)

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