India, March 31 -- Kota Kinabalu is known for its namesake mountain, coastal parks, and thriving nightlife. Mount Kinabalu might be Malaysia's most scenic peak for trekking, while Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is an island escape that might keep calling you back again and again. And do not even get us started on the local seafood and Sang Nyuk Mien, which taste extra delicious after a tiring day of scuba diving and white-water rafting. But the most important question many people ask is, "Can we explore Kota Kinabalu in a couple of days with a short itinerary?" or "Should we save it for when we have more time?"

There's no reason ever to skip the capital city of Sabah, whether you have just a day left before leaving the country, or can t...