A cozy place to retire at the end of a day’s activities is one of every traveler’s highlights. Most tourists head straight to Jalan Pantai, which is located at the heart of the city, to look for vacancies and but I’ve done my research even before our trip to Kota Kinabalu. I had a short list of hotels and there I found the Kinabalu Daya Hotel.
MG at Kinabalu Daya Hotel
Kinabalu Daya Hotel Lobby
Since we are on budget, Kinabalu Daya proved to be an ideal choice since the price ranges are cost-effective, add to it a whole selection of fine rooms. I booked via HotelsCombined which is the perfect site if you’re trying to compare hotel rates and prices. Actually, most of the lodging houses in Kota Kinabalu are quite affordable so choosing became easy. Somehow though, the Kinabalu Daya Hotel had been a sweet find.
Our routine before breakfast…stroll along Jalan Gaya
Jalan Gaya
The Kinabalu Daya Hotel is a convenient place that lies near (5-10 minutes on foot) the Jalan Pantai waterfront, and about 15-20 minutes away from the Kinabalu Airport. The waterfront was already a come-on. You can compare it to hotels in Manila that face the Manila Bay but the air is cleaner and the water is clearer. It added a little drama and grace to this almost ordinary setting. It’s also located along Jalan Gaya where most popular Bak Kuh Teh outlets are and the same place where the famous Gaya Sunday Market is set up.
Just one of the many restos/canteens open for breakfast daily
Gaya Sunday Market
The hotel also featured a few valuable amenities and services such as free wi-fi and buffet breakfast every morning. Almost every hotel serves complimentary foodies to its guests so there is nothing really new to it but I must say the foods tasted decently.
Various spreads for your toast
Condiments for the Rice Porridge
Mee Goreng which is always present during breakfast and is typical KK food
Rice Porridge or “lugaw”
There’s also a cereal bar for the kids and European and American guests. Not in picture is the Egg station.
Fruit selection. Must try is the Papaya which is so sweet here.
MG enjoying her waffles.
What was more comforting was the hotel’s proximity to restaurants, shopping malls, banks, and entertainment center, making it easier for us to take a stroll whenever we felt like making the most out of our stay. The hotel had its own dining and lounge area but if you would like to explore the city, go out and look around for more interesting sights.
Aside from the 24-hour security, Kinabalu Daya also offers laundry service, wake up call service, car rental service, and safe deposit boxes. We were not able to enjoy all these but we did appreciate the courtesy of hotel staff and room service staff plus the low price. Overall, Kinabalu Daya Hotel is just a typical hotel but is an excellent place to spend the night especially if you feel like having a moment under the sky while smelling the sea breeze.
MG in bed after a long day of sight-seeing…
More on our Kota Kinabalu getaway here…
Thanks for sharing. Got an idea from your post.
Been planning to visit Brunei next month and hopefully get the chance to visit KK. San pa kaya mas maganda and murang place to stay while in KK?
Your suggestion will really help a lot. Thanks!
Oh, Best Western! I normally book at any Best Western properties sa Europe kasi medyo mura at kaya ng budget. Nice choice! Next time, try Choice hotels too kung meron sila sa place na pupuntahan mo. They’re also in the affordable bracket. Otherwise, wait for the flash deals in Booking.com
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