Desert Dweller

I'm thinking of going to Kota Kinabalu for a few days in mid-November. Does anyone know any good places to stay that aren't 5 star and still on the beach? What are prices like, and what is the food like- seafood, curries etc.
What are the beaches like around the island and is it easy to travel around- mopeds, buses etc.
I know nothing!

Englishmum

This is a popular getaway for expats living in Singapore (although I never went there myself). Personally I would rather go to the beaches in Thailand, but you will almost certainly get some informative replies about Kota Kinabalu/Eastern & peninsula Malaysia (Sabah - Borneo etc.) if you go to the travel & recreation forum on the messageboard at:

http://www.expatsingapore.com