MH2613 BKI-KUL 8 MAY 11 (ECONOMY)

Not much to say on this one, just a few negatives to list I think.

After the success on the outbound, I paid the fee with OptionTown to try for a business upgrade for my wife and I. The price was £52 each this time. Sadly, no upgrades this time, so we had our original economy seats, 5BC. On landing I had an email from Optiontown confirming that the upgrade had not occured and that the refund would process within 5 days. Still too little soon to see it on my accounts. Fair treatment from Optiontown though.

As on the outbound, the plane had no entertainment system for the 2.5 hour flight. Fortunately my wife was content to share an earbud and watch Babylon 5 episodes on my iPad.

Food was above average as usual on Malaysian Airlines, even in economy. Hot meal served slotted into a clever cardboard mini-tray, an excellent chilli chicken with rice and veg. A real Kitkat too.

Legroom remains good on MH, typically 34" in economy, so 2 more than VS. Really makes a difference I find.

Paul

How did you like Kota Kinnabalu?

I liked it a lot. Personally I was looking to relax, enjoy the view and some great food. The service was outstanding, and I felt very relaxed, if a little hot. My wife was looking for something a little more active, being keen on seeing the sites rather than snoozing the day away around the hotel. I think we covered both.

We had three days at the Tanjun Aru just outside Kota Kinabalu itself. Recently rebuilt pool looked great, and the new kids water play zone looked a hoot. We booked a cheap room but got bumped to the Club wing, though they wouldn't let us use the Club lounge. Hotel food pricey and rather mixed. Short walk out of the hotel takes you to local food hawkers, amazing satay sticks and other dishes for virtually free (compared to the hotel food). Of course having a Malaysian wife helped navigate a little, but other backpackers seemed to be coping fine. Had a couple of fresh coconuts to drink then a cocktail at the beach bar.
We did the day coach tour up Mt Kinabalu to the Hot Springs. Very long day, scary steep main roads but overall worthwhile.

My favourite part was 3 days at the other ShangriLa resort, the Rasa Ria. We booked the exclusive Ocean Wing (pricey, hence a cheap room at the other hotel). Amazing place. Huge room, huge balcony with 2 person bathtub overlooking the palm trees and ocean. The staff were all really great, happy to help in any way. Restaurants all really good, not cheap but much better value for money than the Tanjun Aru. I'm looking for an excuse to return.

Are you thinking of going?

Paul

No I stayed at the Tanjung Aru back in about 1995 - the new wing had only just opened then.

I'm betting Kota Kinnabalu looks completely different now.

Optiontown refund appeared on schedule. Will certainly use them again next time I use any of the eclectic set of airlines which work with them.