tour guide kota kinabalu
 

will be in kota kinabula in feb. 2006 and am looking for the best english speaking guide/driver

Did you ever find a tour guide in Kota Kinablau? If anyone has ideas for a one day stop on a cruise ship itineray, please let me know. Thanks!

I'm not sure why you would need a tour guide in KK. Just grab a taxi and have them take you where you want to go. If you just want to drive around, they will be glad to give you an hourly rate. You'll likely be most intersted in just walking the waterfront area with its local markets.

I just posted a reply to this and it doesn't seem to have appeared, so apologies if it turns up twice!

My favourite day out from KK was to the Klias wetlands, where we saw proboscis monkeys, flying quirrels and a huge assortment of beautiful birds during our boat ride. However, it's a long drive (about 2 hours each way), so I'm not sure that it would be suitable for a cruise stop, because it would be a shame not to be able to stay long enough to see the fabulous sunset and the fireflies when night falls.

I think, with limited time, I'd go for a boat trip to the islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. There's some fabulous snorkelling off these islands and a walk through the mangrove swamps on Gaya island is not to be missed. A guide definitely comes in handy there to show you the way through the forest and point out all the different flora and fauna along the way.

BTW, flying quirrels are an amazing previously undiscovered species! Sorry, obviously meant squirrels :)

Thank you for the information. This is what the cruise ship is offering:
KOTA KINABALU
RAIN FOREST WALK & ISLAND ADVENTURE
Visit the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. Explore the rain forest on Gaya Island during a guided walk. Travel to Mamutik Island for swimming, snorkelling, and a barbecue luncheon.

Approximate duration: 8 1/2 hours
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Tunku Adbul Rahman National Park – Five islands and their surrounding coral reefs compose this popular national park just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu. The park is famous for its crystalline waters, island wildlife, and accessibility.

Pulau Gaya – Transfer by boat to Pulau Gaya, the largest island in the park. Meet your guide and set off on an approximately 1.75-hour walk through the island rain forest. Keep watch for wildlife: the rain forest is home to long-tailed macaques, pied hornbills, sea eagles, pangolins, wild pigs, and monitor lizards.

Mamutik Island – Travel to Mamutik Island following your hike. Enjoy free time to swim, snorkel, sunbathe or comb the beach. A barbecue luncheon is served during your visit.

YOUR SCENIC JOURNEY
Board your motorcoach for the short drive to the boat jetty, where you transfer to a vessel for the approximately 30-minute cruise to Pulau Gaya. No price is listed yet.

Do you think we could do better on our own? Do you have a name of a guide we could contact for the Marine Park? we usually have private tours, but are willing to take the ship's tour sometimes.

Thanks again for all of the help.
Jeanne

Hi Jeno

The cruise tour sounds good. You'll probably find better value booking it locally, but that could be a bit of a hassle if you only have one day in KK.

I can't remember the name of the tour company we booked through, but if you do a google search for Gaya tours (and make sure it omits any references to Gaya in India) you should get some results to compare prices with.

The tour groups I found are called Active Tours or e-borneo.com. Do either of those sound familiar? Thanks!

I wonder if this appeals to you.

MONSOPIAD CULTURAL VILLAGE

Take a leisurely drive into the countryside, passing by rice fields and megaliths. You will see the typical village of the Kadazandusun, Sabah’s largest ethnic group. At the Monsopiad Cultural Village, you will have the opportunity to meet with the descendants of the famous Monsopiad, who was known as the greatest headhunter warrior in the early century. His collection of skulls is hung in a house specially built for this. It is a telling story of the Borneo Headhunter. A cultural performance is included.

US$49 per person. This trip lasts around 3 hours. I can supply booking details if this is of interest to you.

Jeanne

I think this is the company we booked with - http://www.infosabah.com.my/discovery/

Thanks! I have contacted the tour company. Jeanne