The Best Travel Guide to Kota Kinabalu (UPDATED 2024) | ArrivalGuides.com

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Kota Kinabalu

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Asia Malaysia Kota Kinabalu

Overview

Kota Kinabalu The guide was updated: 2024-05-27

Kota Kinabalu is the vibrant capital of Malaysia’s Sabah state on Borneo’s northern coast. Surrounded by the stunning waters of the South China Sea, mountains, and ancient rainforests, KK is a bustling city known for its lively markets, modern boardwalk and beautiful beaches. The iconic Kota Kinabalu City Mosque and the nearby Kinabalu National Park, home to the towering 4,095-metre Mount Kinabalu, highlight its unique charm. This gateway to Borneo offers an enticing blend of natural beauty and urban excitement.

Facts

Population:	500,421
Currency:	Malaysian ringgit (MYR or RM), plural: ringgit. 1 ringgit = 100 sen
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Emergency: 999 From mobile: 112
Newspapers:	Borneo Post: www.theborneopost.com Sabah Times Daily Express: www.dailyexpress.com.my
Website:	sabahtourism.com/district/kota-kinabalu
Opening hours:	Most shops are open from 10am to 7pm, but some have longer opening hours like 8am–10pm. Malaysia is a Muslim country, which means that shops generally close on Friday, but some (Chinese or Indian) may still be open.
Tourist information:	Sabah Tourism Board 51 Jalan Gaya, Kota Kinabalu +60 88 212 121

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Section in Kota Kinabalu

The centre of town is based around the waterfront area, which is home to a charming mix of old and new: trendy bars, restaurants and hotels line the area, but are contrastingly interspersed with traditional markets, fishing ports and hawker stalls, a great blend.

Sea & Island Tours

Sea & Island Tours

If you enjoy cruises, snorkelling, fishing trips, island hopping or diving, SeaQuest Tours & Travel and Borneo Dream Travel Tours Sdn Bhd offer a wide range of activities to choose from. Known for their well-organised tours, they typically include lunch, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Atkinson Clock Tower

Atkinson Clock Tower

The Atkinson Clock Tower is the oldest surviving structure in Kota Kinabalu, dating back to its days as Jesselton. Located just a 10-minute walk from the Filipino Market and the I Love KK sign, this colonial-era landmark is easily accessible and offers a glimpse into the city's historical past.

Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre

Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre

Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre is a 24-hectare mangrove forest that serves as a crucial refuge for local and migratory birds from North Asia. Located in the city, it supports diverse wildlife and marine life, offering visitors a chance to see crabs, lizards, and unique plant species. The Centre also plays a vital role in stabilising sedimentation, storing nutrients, and removing toxins from freshwater supplies.

Taman Abdul Rahman Island Park

Taman Abdul Rahman Island Park

Taman Abdul Rahman National Park, named after Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, consists of five stunning islands. It’s a paradise for tourists and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Enjoy island hopping, snorkelling over coral reefs, and relaxing on white sandy beaches. Activities like windsurfing, parasailing, and kayaking are also available.

Cap Kuda Coffee Factory (CKCC)

Cap Kuda Coffee Factory (CKCC)

Everything you ever wanted to know about the unique Malaysian caramelised coffee you will discover on a tour of this factory. Cap Kuda Coffee Company (or Yap Yu Sdn Bhd trading as Hock Lee Coffee Powder Factory) was established in the early 1960s and is now one of the largest coffee manufacturers in Sabah.

Kota Kinabalu City Mosque

Kota Kinabalu City Mosque

The second main mosque in the city is set by a peaceful lakeside. Kota Kinabalu City Mosque at Likas Bay is an extraordinary example of contemporary architecture, resembling the design of the Masjid al-Nabawi (The Prophet's Mosque) in Medina, Saudi Arabia. The prayer room can hold up to 12,000 worshippers at one time and houses three madrasahs (religious schools). The man-made lagoon surrounding the mosque offers a beautiful and dramatic view on a full moon night.

Monsopiad Cultural Village

Monsopiad Cultural Village

Nestled beside the Penampang River, the Monsopiad Cultural Village is a living museum located 16 kilometres from the KK City Centre. The village features traditional buildings and displays a variety of artefacts, including ceramic jars, padi grinders, bamboo items, and the costume of Bobohizan Inai Bianti, a senior high priestess. Other notable exhibits include a massive monolith surrounded by legends, a traditional restaurant, and Siou Do Mohoing, the House of Skulls, where all 42 "trophies" of the warrior Monsopiad hang from the rafters.

Sabah State Museum

Sabah State Museum

This museum preserves the cultural identity of Sabah by collecting, conserving, educating, and documenting ethnographic, archaeological, historical, numismatic, art-historical, botanical, zoological, and mineralogical collections from across the state. Additionally, they conduct research on Sabah’s cultural, social, and natural history, viewing it as an investment for the future and an essential part of the state's heritage.

Adventure & Sport

Adventure & Sport

If lounging on the beach isn't your style, Sabah has plenty of adventure and sports activities for you. Try the Mountain Torq via ferrata, Kiulu White Water Rafting, or jungle trekking in Mesilau.

Borneo Jungle

Borneo Jungle

A range of treks is available for those keen to explore the jungle in depth. Temperatures can drop to 13°C at night, so bring your own sleeping bag and warm clothing. Proper shoes for varied terrain are essential. Mosquito nets are usually provided. Some treks offer porters to carry your backpack. Consider what you want to experience: options include fish massages, forest reserves, monkey sanctuaries, and white water rafting through the jungle.

Golf

Golf

Golfing in Sabah offers numerous courses across the state, each with stunning scenery and challenging play. Scenic Dalit Bay Golf & Country Club, the historic Kudat Golf Club, the Jack Nicklaus-designed Borneo Golf & Country Club, and the prestigious Sabah Golf & Country Club are all near Kota Kinabalu. Visit their websites for more information.

Sabah Art Gallery

Sabah Art Gallery

The building of the Sabah Art Gallery itself is a piece of art. Its internal structure is similar to the Guggenheim in New York and resembles a bahuyun — a traditional woven bamboo basket. The interior is quiet and peaceful and hosts an eclectic mix of local artist and student work from the Sabah region.

Jari Jari Spa

Jari Jari Spa

Jari Jari Spa is renowned for its excellent service and lovely ambiance. The interior design, featuring textured walls, a tinkling fountain, and dark wood flooring, is perfect for restoring a tired body.

Rasa Ria Reserve by Shangri-La

Rasa Ria Reserve by Shangri-La

Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort & Spa launched a nature care project to raise awareness for endangered species and fauna endemic to Sabah and to support rehabilitation programmes aimed at returning these species to the wild. Remember to wear sturdy footwear and prepare for mosquitos.

Manukan Island

Manukan Island

Manukan Island has a beautiful beach perfect for snorkelling, water sports at reasonable prices, or simply relaxing by the sea. You can hike through the lush and shady rainforest, or try jet skiing.

North Borneo Railway

North Borneo Railway

Travel back in time and experience the nostalgia of the Colonial era. A ride on the old British Rail is a brilliant way to see the countryside and its people. With the staff dressed in colonial style and a traditional Tiffin lunch, you'll be amazed at how authentic the experience feels on one of the last steam trains in the world.

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