What is the "Inflated Accommodation Near Waterfront Events" scam in Kota Kinabalu?

Question

Accepted Answer

During the KK Jazz Festival, KK City Marathon, and other major events, some accommodation operators near the waterfront advertise online at inflated prices and then demand cash top-ups on arrival, claiming that the booking platform did not include mandatory event surcharges or "city taxes" that do not actually exist under Malaysian law. Book accommodation through major platforms with clear cancellation policies and do not agree to pay extra charges on arrival that were not disclosed in the original booking. If a property demands unexplained surcharges, cite your booking confirmation and contact the platform's customer support before paying.

Accommodation Scams in Kota Kinabalu

Inflated Accommodation Near Waterfront Events

Experienced a scam here?