flip pockets: kota kinabalu
After our Kota Kinabalu stint last April, we were asked the question “How much was the damage?” for God knows how many times. So we stole this idea of post trip accounting from Nina Fuentes of justwandering.org
So here you go, once and for all 
PART 1: MANILA TO CLARK
The only Airline that flies from Philippines to Kota Kinabalu is Air Asia, which embarks at Clark International Airport in Pampanga.
Bus from Quezon City to Dau – PhP 130
Tricycle to Clark gate – PhP 70
Private jeep to Clak Airport – PhP 200
Travel & Airport Taxes – PhP 1,650 + PhP 720
Other Options:
- Shuttle from Megamall to Clark Airport – PhP 400
- Bus from Manila to Dau – PhP 130 ——> Airport Shuttle to Clark – PhP 50
PART 2: KOTA KINABALU AND AROUND
cab from KK Airport to Hostel – MYR 30
food (average per meal) – MYR 10
Borneo Backpackers Accommodation (Air-conditioned Dorm bed/common bathroom; per bed/night) - MYR 25
Tip: Everything in Kota Kinabalu is within walking distance, bus or cab rides aren’t necessary.
PART 3 : MT. KINABALU
Shuttle to Park gate – MYR 15
Climbing guide (per group) – MYR 100
Conservation fee – MYR 15
Shuttle from Park gate to Timpohon gate – MYR 10
Sutera Sanctuary Package (per climber)- MYR 492
Inclusions:
- Panar Laban Accomodation for 1 night
- Packed lunch
- Buffet dinner, supper and breakfast at Laban Rata
- Post climb lunch at Balsam Restaurant
- Climbing permit
- Insurance
Cab from Park Gate to Kota Kinabalu – MYR 110
Tip: After the climb, the mini shuttle buses that we took going to the park where nowhere to be found, instead cab drivers were all waiting for tourist going back to the city. But we find it too expensive to at MYR 150. another option is to take the Ranau-KK Big Bus, but it was too late, the last bus left at 5 PM (MYR 20). Monette used her charm to a cab driver waiting across the street outside the gate. We got it for MYR 110, still too pricey.
PART 4: POST CLIMB
1 hour Body Massage – MYR 100
Souvenir/pasalubong shopping at the Sunday market – around MYR 50-100
Day trip to Palau Manukan – MYR 45
Inclusions:
- Speed Boat round trip
- Conservation Fee
Tips: Some employees at Jesselton Port and receptionist in the islands are Filipinos, they even actually offered us snorkeling gears for free, we could have taken it if it’s not for the horde of jellyfishes in the water.
PART 5: HEADING BACK HOME
Cab to KK Airport – MYR 30
Clark to Manila (see breakdown above)- PhP 250
Traveling alone will definitely be more expensive at a mark up of at least 20% as compared to the expenses if you’re traveling with someone. In our case, for a 4 days / 4 nights in Kota Kinabalu, we spent around PhP 17,000 (excluding airfare) and we spent a huge portion of that (PhP 7,000) for our climb. Pricey we know, actually our priciest to date considering the length of the trip.
