We stayed at Lavender Lodge – good location, very friendly, cheap and clean. 80RM for ensuite, cheaper for shared bathroom and even cheaper for dorms. Free internet and wi fi and as much tea and toast as you like for breakfast :)
Market – we loved the food market on the coast by KK plaza. It’s where the locals eat, so authentic and fresh. You choose the fish / chicken and they cook it fresh for you and bring it over. You can have noodles with it or pancakes (with peanut syrup or something similar inside) mmmmmm sooo nice. And obviously so so cheap! Pancakes were 1RM for 3!! We loved the biggest giant prawns we have ever seen and the chicken.
To the right of that is a market with loads of handmade gifts (lots of jewellery) – you can barter for all, and a fresh fish market right of that - very interesting but a little smelly!!
Drinks – outside bars by the coast (just left of the open food market). Walk by the coast to choose your bar in the best position for the lovely sunsets. Live bands etc and Auzzie and Irish bars etc. Alcohol (and food in the bars listed) is much more expensive than restaurants locals eat in, but still very very cheap in comparison to London!!
Mari Mari cultural village – booked from one of the tourist offices in a shopping centre (RM 150) – picked up from hotel. Was quite interesting to see the tribes dress, housing, way of life and try making the food, henna tattoo's etc. The most 'touristy' thing we did but still worth it.
Island off KK - we got a ferry from Jetterson Jetty (17RM each return plus 10RM to enter island) to Mamutik island. Lovely beaches and the water is lovely and warm and wasn’t too busy. The snorkelling wasn’t as good as it was supposed to be though
Tips – money exchange seems to be better at the shopping centres (not banks) – i.e. Wisma Sabah. They won’t accept even slightly damaged notes though (or notes with writing on)
Sepilok Jungle Resort – great location for the orang-utan sanctuary (two minute walk) and reasonably priced at 69RM / standard room with fan and a proper bathroom although you should bring a mozzie net. Lovely swimming pool with lakes (although these represent a concrete jungle). The food is nice but not cheap. HOWEVER..... I think we got ripped off re our deposit, at the end of the stay they denied all knowledge of it and as we had no receipt, had no proof. However the main concern is this is the only place we stayed in which they do not go out of their way to help you out and make you feel at home.
