Kota Kinabalu (Sabah - Malysia, November 2007).
Locally known as KK, Kota Kinabalu, capital of Sabah State is considered within Malaysia , and to an extent, internationally, as a tourism gateway into Sabah and Borneo. Located on the northwest coast of the island of Borneo, at a few degrees from the Equator, the city faces the South China Sea and has the Mount Kinabalu in the background.

Originally known as Jesselton but, completely destroyed by the Japanese in 1944, KK is an active young city and sprawls for kilometers along the coast and towards inland. Besides this, it features tourist attractions and is one of the major industrial and commercial centers in East Malaysia . It is a growing tourist destination due to is proximity to tropical islands, lush rainforest and Mount Kinabalu where the last orang utans are protected.

Where to stay ? ___________________ Where to play ?___________________ What to see ?

  Where to stay : NEXUS Resort

 

The Nexus Resort Karambunai nestles upon the sandy fringes of the spectacular Karambunai peninsula, 30kms Northeast of KK and 40kms from the Airport. The 3,335 acres of natural and landscaped surroundings create a perfect background for all 485 well-appointed guestrooms, suites and luxury villas, eight restaurants and bars and an almost endless array of leisure and recreational activities. And golfing is open on the award-winning 18-hole championship golf course and an exclusive Borneo Spa complement the superb facilities of this magnificent resort. Sort of heaven !

Luxurious accommodation at Nexus Resort Karambunai include 236 rooms at the villa-style Borneo Wing, located in 7 clusters of 2-storey " kampung " like buildings that are surrounded by a large botanical garden of tropical flora.  Units are oriented either to the golf fairways, gardens or Karambunai beach and South China Sea . 

Dining: a superb array of Asian and International restaurants awaits resort's guests, complimented by spectacular views of the resort's gardens and beach: Asian and cosmopolitan dishes at The Penyu; traditional Malaysian cuisine at Kingfisher, authentic Mediterranean specialties at Olives, Chinese delicacies at Noble House and char-grilled favourites at the Sunset Bar & Grill. Chill out with a glass of margarita at Splashes Pool Bar, sip tea or coffee at The Horizon Lounge, the perfect venue for light snacks and afternoon teas.  And to top off each beautiful day in paradise, hang out at Darlin' Darlin Entertainment Club in the energetic company of a live band and deejay.
Last but not least, service is perfect and the sales management at the reception is very concerned about solving difficult problems at the best satisfaction of the customer.

At the end of the daytime, it is recommended to take a boat tour in the surroundings to see the water villages and the water cemetery (very impressive) and billions of fire flyes sparkling in the nught like Chrismas trees.

  Where to play

Undulating across a series of small lakes, waterways and hillocks, amidst a panoramic expanse of natural and landscaped surroundings, the Nexus Golf Resort Karambunai captivates golfers with breathtaking views of Karambunai Beach , the South China Sea and Mount Kinabalu . Set against the backdrop of a 130-million year old tropical rainforest along its eastern edges, the par 72, 18-hole international championship golf course was designed by renowned golfing architect Ronald Fream.
Designed with the Mount Kinabalu in the backdrop between the resort and the sea - from holes 3 to 5 - on one side and the tropical rainforest on the other side, the 6063 m long course is challenging due to 12 landscaped lakes which golfers have to turn along, around or over, so that playing this flat course remains a memorable and very scenic golf experience.

Nexus Golf Resort Karambunai is a full buggy course and has a clubhouse that features practice putting and chipping greens, a driving range, Golfers Lounge, Cocktail Lounge, pro shop, several conference rooms and well-appointed changing/locker rooms.  Rental of golf sets and golf shoes are also available.

 

  What to see

As capital city of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu is where are located the state government, ministries, departmental headquarters, and government agencies. It is nicely set against a backdrop of lush green tropical hills and faces the luminescent emerald green waters of the South China Sea . KK is a city of exciting contrasts as a result of ethnic group diversity.
The State Museum is dedicated to Sabah heritage, the State Mosque is a unique 36 floor cylindrical where floors are hung by steel cables and Signal Hill is where beacons once lit to signal ships coming into the harbour. Central Market is the place for shopping.

Visit the Kinabalu National Park , Malaysia's first World Heritage designated by UNESCO in December 2000 for its 'outstanding universal values' and role as one of the world's most important biological sites. It is possible to stroll amidst the treetops at the rainforest canopy walk and gaze up close at centuries-old wonders. But the focal point of the park, of course, is the majestic Mt. Kinabalu . Such is the importance of this mountain to Sabah , that the capital was renamed Kota Kinabalu (Kinabalu Fort) in 1964. The highest mountain between the Himalayas and the Snow Mountains of Papua Barat ( New Guinea Island ), this magnificent granite massif stands at 4,095.2 m . ( 13,435 ft .) tall.
The Tunku Abdul Thaman Marine Park comprises 5 islands accessible via different boat services from KK.