Commonly referred as KK, Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah, Malaysia. The city is located on the northwest coast of Borneo facing the South China Sea, surrounded by the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park in the west and Mount Kinabalu to its east. Kota Kinabalu once a humble fishing village was known as Api-Api, and later Jesselton under British colonial rule, the city then was renamed in 1967 after the majestic Mount Kinabalu.
KK is a major tourist destination and a gateway for travellers visiting Sabah and Borneo. This bustling city showcases some of Malaysia's most breathtaking landscapes, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and modern conveniences with many tourist attractions in and around the city like the Kinabalu park that lies about 90 km from the city. The city stands as a captivating blend of history and modernity, where towering trees and historical landmarks like the Atkinson Clock Tower coexist with a bustling cityscape. With the stunning coastal views, lush rainforests, and the majestic Mount Kinabalu as its backdrop, Kota Kinabalu is a hub for adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts alike, inviting tourists to explore the wonders of Sabah.
The Sabah State Museum in Kota Kinabalu, is a hidden gem perched on a hill overlooking the city. One can learn about the rich history and culture of Sabah, a region known for its wildlife, trade history, and diverse ethnic groups. And explore a treasure trove of artifacts, exhibits, and galleries that showcase the diverse traditions and history of this Malaysian state.
Kota Kinabalu on the island of Borneo is the bustling gateway to Kinabalu National Park, a UNESCO heritage site. The park with its immense biodiversity and Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia's tallest peak, with height 4,095 metres, is a mecca for climbers and hikers. Visitors can hike to the summit or enjoy the park's many lower-elevation trails, which feature a rich collection of flora and fauna, including rare orchids, pitcher plants, and the world's largest flower, the rafflesia. The park also offers other range of activities, such as visiting nearby Poring Hot Springs and Desa Dairy Farm.
Kota Kinabalu also includes a part of a larger park, the islands that make up the Tungku Abdul Rahman National Park, a Marine Park made up of five islands all easily accessible from Kota Kinabalu on an island-hopping tour. Hop between the islands of Sabah, the most popular from Kota Kinabalu are Gaya and Manukan where you’ll find lots of activities to enjoy. From parasailing to banana boats and snorkel hire, these islands offer a fun-filled day-out that is worth waking up early for. Visitors can reach the island via a 15-minute ferry ride from Jesselton Point in Kota Kinabalu.
Kota Kinabalu is also one of the main industrial and commercial centres of East Malaysia. Ecotourism, oil and gas, and a growing retail sector fuelling the city’s economy. It also serves as a regional hub with global connections. The city is a rising commercial centre with developing digital industries and luxurious shopping malls, now dot its landscapes.
KK also gives an insight on Sabah's heritage in the form of cultural villages, like Mari Mari Cultural Village, KDCA Cultural Village and Walai Tobilung. These villages share the knowledge, history, and traditions of Bornean ethnic culture in the form of a live museum, ensuring the traditional way of life is always remembered.
Kota Kinabalu is one of the most versatile vacation hotspots, catering the diverse needs of travellers - be it a family getaway, a business trip, or an adventure-filled holiday. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from February to April, as the weather is pleasant, perfect for enjoying outdoor activities and exploring the beautiful surroundings.
Tanjung Aru Beach -
Tanjung Aru Beach, located just 6 km from Kota Kinabalu city center is one of the most famous beaches in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. With its spectacular sunsets, delicious local food stalls, and relaxing seaside vibes, it is a must-visit destination for both international and Malaysian travellers visiting Sabah. During the past years, the area was a gathering place for locals to relax, socialize, and celebrate festivals. And today, it has been evolved into a travel destination for both locals and tourists. It is also a cultural melting pot where Sabahan traditions blend with modern tourism. The best time to visit Tanjung Aru Beach is during the late afternoon until sunset. The golden hour transforms the sky into hues of red, orange, and purple, making it one of the best photography spots in Sabah. The Tanjung Aru food stalls is a beachside food court famous for affordable local snacks, like grilled seafood, chicken wings, satay, and refreshing coconut water.
Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu -
The enchanting Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu, also known as the Likas Floating Mosque is a stunning architectural gem inspired by Arabic design. It serves as a symbol of religious devotion in the region, built on reclaimed land between the shoreline and Likas village, in a sprawling 14.83-hectare area. The mosque can accommodate up to 12,000 worshippers at a time. Officially opened on 18 February 2000, following Kota Kinabalu's declaration as a city, this mosque boasts features reminiscent of Masjid Nabawi, with nearly 70% of its area surrounded by water. The mosque holds historical importance as the second main mosque in the city, and symbolizes the growth and development of Kota Kinabalu. The mosque lying just 5km north of the city, offers breathtaking views of the surrounding lagoon. It is a must-visit destination for travellers seeking cultural and historical experiences in Kota Kinabalu.
Manukan Island –
The Manukan Island is the second largest island of Tungku Abdul Rahman National Park, located off the coast of Kota Kinabalu. This island boasts well-developed resort facilities and offers a variety of water sports activities like snorkeling, diving, and swimming for visitors to enjoy. On the western edge of Manukan island, visitors can witness breathtaking sunset over the South China Sea at the Sunset point. And catch the spectacular sunrise at the eastern edge of the island, offering panoramic views of Mount Kinabalu and the UNESCO-protected natural beauty. Visitors can also explore cultural practices of the local community and learn about the island's past through various landmarks and historical events. Indulge in popular local dishes such as fresh seafood and traditional Malaysian cuisine. Explore the pristine beaches, lush jungle, and marine life around the island, and relax in hammocks by the sea.
Mari Mari Cultural Village –
Recognised as the “Best Tourist Attraction Non-Nature/Man Made” by Sabah Tourism in 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2019. Mari Mari Cultural Village is located in the countryside away from the modern and developing Kota Kinabalu city. The village operates as a museum that preserves Borneo ethnic culture, aiming to share the knowledge, history, culture, and tradition of Borneo. The Village showcases the captivating traditions and culture of North East Borneo’s 5 main tribes, with their authentic traditional houses, captivating cultural performances. The 5 different ethnic tribes in the village are the rice farmer Kadazan-Dusun, the longhouse resident Rungus, the hunters and fisherman Lundayeh, the cowboy and sea gypsey Bajau, and the famously feared headhunting tribe Murut. At Mari Mari Cultural Village, you can enjoy activities from rice-wine making to blow-pipe shooting, learn ancient skills like bamboo cooking and fire-starting, and enjoy sampling Sabahan delicacies and snacks while watching traditional performance. Each visit to Mari Mari Cultural village offers a rich, educational experience for all ages, making it an interactive journey into the heart of Borneo's heritage.
Night Food Market -
Located at the seafront in Kota Kinabalu, the Night Food Market serves a vast array of stalls for foods and drinks. It opens from early evening 5:30pm to 11 pm. Night Food Market in Kota Kinabalu serves all kinds of seafood meat, fresh straight from the sea. The market serves all kinds of ready to eat delicacies at very reasonable prices. Majorly known for its food and drink, this market does not have stalls for any other things. During the visit to this market one thing to note about this market is that it can get very smelly due to the meat and it might get overwhelming for some people due to the cramped and loud environment. And wearing simple clothes is suggested, so that it doesn’t get ruined from all the water puddles formed.
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