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Chinese New Year Escape: The Ultimate 13-Day Kota Kinabalu & Hong Kong Itinerary

Meta Description: Escape the winter chill with this 13-day Chinese New Year itinerary. Discover sun, sea, and culture in Kota Kinabalu and Hong Kong. Includes budget tips, packing hacks, and a complete travel guide.

YOLO — You Only Live Once 🦒

Some trips require meticulous planning; others just need a restless heart. When the damp, bone-chilling cold of a northern winter seeps into your core, and your puffer jacket feels suffocating, a thought quietly takes root: Let’s go somewhere the sun shines.

This is not just another travel guide. It is a real-life story about sunshine, waves, food, and unexpected surprises. From February 12 to 24, 2018, I embarked on a 13-day, spur-of-the-moment "escape the winter" plan, hopping from Hong Kong to Kota Kinabalu and back again.

If you are looking for a Chinese New Year travel guide that balances relaxation with adventure, keep reading.

Why Sabah? The Case for a Winter Sun Escape

Not every holiday needs to be packed with activities. Sometimes, being a little lazy, wasting time, and eating, drinking, and sleeping without any baggage is the best kind of vacation.

Crystal-clear water, incredible food, warm people, romantic sunsets, and serene landscapes—these reasons were more than enough for me to choose Sabah. Winter in many parts of Asia is just too damp and cold. I desperately needed some "photosynthesis." Thus, the escape plan to reject the cold and chase the sun was born.

Pre-Departure Preparations: A Practical Guide for Your Kota Kinabalu Trip

About Kota Kinabalu (KK)

Kota Kinabalu, often abbreviated as KK, is the capital of the Malaysian state of Sabah. Its old name was "Jesselton." In Malay, "Api" means "fire," and legend has it that the area was frequently visited by a fire deity, earning it the nickname "City of Fire." Today, it is a vibrant city of about 500,000 people.

Why it is perfect for Chinese travelers: - Language: The city is a melting pot of cultures with a large Chinese community. English and Mandarin are widely spoken. - Time Zone: Malaysia shares the same time zone as Beijing (UTC+8). No jet lag! - Religion: Malaysia is multi-religious, with Islam as the state religion, alongside Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity.

Climate: What to Pack for Kota Kinabalu

KK has a tropical climate, feeling like summer all year round. Average temperatures sit between 23–31°C (73–88°F).

• Rainy Season: October to March (bring an umbrella).
• Dry Season: April to September (best for clear skies).

Important Note: KK is known as "The Land Below the Wind." It sits in a typhoon-prone region but is sheltered from storms, resulting in calm, warm seas.

Packing Tip: UV rays are incredibly strong. Wear summer clothes year-round, but use high-SPF sunscreen. When heading into the mountains or rainforest, wear long pants and apply insect repellent liberally.

Flights: How to Save Money on Chinese New Year Travel

The price of flights during Chinese New Year is notoriously painful. To save money, I chose to fly from Hong Kong to Kota Kinabalu—the cheapest and most convenient route.

My Flight Itinerary: - Outbound: Wuhan → Hong Kong (China Southern Airlines) → Kota Kinabalu (AirAsia) - Return: Kota Kinabalu → Hong Kong (Cebu Pacific, with a layover in Manila)

Cost: 3,178 RMB per person (including taxes).

Budget Airline Warning: - AirAsia and Cebu Pacific charge extra for checked baggage (7 kg carry-on limit). - Cebu Pacific has a roughly 90% chance of being delayed. I waited over 8 hours at Manila Airport.

Getting Around: Grab vs. Taxi

The city center is small, and public transport is not well-developed (no subway). The easiest way to get around is by using the Grab app.

• Recommendation: Use Grab daily. You can choose between English-speaking or Chinese-speaking drivers.
• Cost: English-speaking drivers are about 2 Malaysian Ringgit cheaper.
• Benefit: The fare is shown upfront, so you don't have to worry about overcharging.

Note: You will need a local phone number to register for Grab.

Accommodation: Where to Stay

1. Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa (Kota Kinabalu) - Best for: Sunset views and luxury. - Cost: 2,056 RMB/night (including breakfast). - Room: Tanjung Sea View Room (40 sqm) with L’Occitane toiletries.

2. Hotel Grandis (Kota Kinabalu) - Best for: Budget and location. - Cost: 340 RMB/night. - Location: 12-minute drive from the airport, 10-minute walk to Gaya Street. Suria Sabah Mall is across the street.

3. The Park Lane Hong Kong - Cost: 920 RMB/night. - Warning: Rooms are very small. Next time, I would choose L’Hotel Causeway Bay in Tin Hau.

Currency and Spending

• Malaysia: 1 MYR ≈ 1.77 RMB. Exchange money at the mall (better rates than the airport).
• Hong Kong: 1 RMB ≈ 0.8 HKD. A shopping paradise.

Day Trip Costs: Budgeting Your Sabah Itinerary

Booking day trips on Taobao is the easiest way to visit the islands. Packages usually include hotel pickup, lunch (with seafood), and activities.

The Packing Challenge: What You Must Bring

Sunscreen: Buy it locally in KK. Local SPF ratings are higher than what you find in China. The UV rays at the beach are intense; reapply constantly.

Insect Repellent: Buy locally. Local formulas are designed for local bugs. If you go to forests or grassy areas (like Kudat), spray liberally. I learned this the hard way—I got bitten by vicious mosquitoes and crawled on by insects.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is Kota Kinabalu safe for solo travelers?

Yes. KK is very safe for solo travelers. The local population is friendly, and the city center is walkable. Use Grab for late-night travel.

2. Do I need a visa for Malaysia?

Chinese passport holders do not need a visa for tourism stays of up to 30 days. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months.

3. What is the best time to visit Sabah?

The dry season (April to September) offers the best weather. However, even during the rainy season (October to March), showers are usually brief.

4. Can I use WeChat Pay or Alipay in KK?

While some larger stores and restaurants accept Alipay, cash is still king in KK. Carry Malaysian Ringgit for local markets and taxis.

5. Is Hong Kong worth visiting during Chinese New Year?

Absolutely. While some shops close for the first few days, the atmosphere is electric. You can see the Chinese New Year parade and enjoy the city with fewer crowds than usual.

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Final Thoughts: Why This Itinerary Works

This 13-day plan rejects the cold and chases the sun. It blends the tropical paradise of Kota Kinabalu with the urban energy of Hong Kong.

• For the sun-seeker: Snorkel at Mantanani, relax at Shangri-La’s sunset bar.
• For the foodie: Eat fresh seafood in KK and dim sum in Hong Kong.
• For the budget traveler: Use budget airlines and Grab to cut costs.

Ready to Escape the Cold?

Don't let another winter pass you by. Whether you are planning a Chinese New Year getaway or a simple winter sun escape, this itinerary is your blueprint for adventure.

Book your flight today. Pack your sunscreen. And remember: YOLO.

Have questions about this itinerary? Drop a comment below, and I will help you plan your perfect trip.