Day THREE - Kinabalu Park and Filipino Market

Day THREE - Kinabalu Park and Filipino Market

*read DAY ONE -  Downbelow Kota Kinabalu*

*read DAY TWO - Gaya Sunday Market and Kilas River Tour*

We hired a taxi driver to drive us to Kinabalu Park (RM 150-180)

He picked us up from the hotel around 6:30AM nd drove all the way to the park. 

It took us at least 2 hours to reach Kinabalu Park.

Entrance fee is RM 15/pax

We went to the souvenir shop and information center to ask for maps. 

Unfortunately, the map they gave us was useless.

So we just took more pictures instead

It was better to ask around than use their map.

We decided to visit the MT. KINABALU BOTANICAL GARDEN first since we are only spending a few hours in the park.

You have to be alert to find the sign going to the Botanical Garden.

It is located in the BUS PARKING AREA :)

Opening Hours: 9:00AM - 1:00PM; 2:00PM - 4:00PM 

LAST ENTRY is at 3:40PM SHARP

Entrance Fee: Malaysian (RM 4); Foreigners (RM 5); Children below 18 years old get 50% off

 It was a short and very enjoyable trek :) 

Raspberries were abundant in the area

as well as Pink Maiden berries that turn blue when ripe

(yes, they're also edible)

A river also runs through the lush green park

Did you know that you can also find the smallest orchid in Mt. Kinabalu Botanical Garden?

 

Pitcher Plants were kept in a secured zone inside the garden.

The trip to Kinabalu Park would have been complete if only there were REAL rafflesia plants :p

Our taxi driver drove us back to Kota Kinabalu City around lunchtime.

Our flight back to Manila was scheduled at 8:15PM so we still had plenty of idle time.

We dropped by the FILIPINO MARKET since it is one of the most popular places in Kota Kinabalu.

We went in.... and got out IMMEDIATELY after seeing some rats running around :p

There were a lot of food stalls outside and we tried an iced halo-halo. It was really interesting --- it had MACARONIs inside!!!! hahahaha

The day was scorching hot!!! 

So we just had to get some YOYO Bubble Tea :) (RM 3.30)

We never expected to have loads of fun in KK, and we DID! :)

so, Until Then, KOTA KINABALU :)