Kota Kinabalu - Do & See
- Nearby guides:
- Boracay
- Cagayan de Oro
- Cebu
- Davao
- Manila
- Ho Chi Minh
- Phnom Penh
- Singapore
- Surabaya
- Siem Reap
- Other guides in Malaysia:
- Kuala Lumpur
- Penang
- More
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 and Island Tours
If you are into cruises, snorkeling, fishing trips or diving, the Sea Quest Tours & Travel offer a wide range of activities to choose from.
Atkinson Clock Tower
Old colonial clock tower, and the oldest surviving structure in the city from the days it was called Jesselton.
KKCBS - Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary
This is a great place to see both local and migratory North Asian birds. The 24-hectare mangrove forest is located in the city centre.
Gaya Street Market
Souvenirs, handicrafts, live animals, chicken pieces, potatoes and coconuts. You will find all the ingredients for a "malaysian curry" and more. This is the most interesting market in town with it´s bustling crowded stalls and lanes. Get there early for beautiful photos in the morning light. Don´forget to haggle the price.
Signal Hill Observatory
Signal Hill is the highest point in the city and it is probably the best places to go if you are looking for a good view of Kota Kinabalu, especially at sunset time.
Taxi fare to the Signal Hill Observatory Platform is RM 10 - RM 20, no buses run this route.
Taman Abdul Rahman Island Park
Taman Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, named after the first Prime Minister, is the five islands included in this national park. It is a true paradise for both tourists and wildlife lovers from all over the world. Do some island hopping, see exotic animals, snorkel above coral reefs and marvel over white sandy beaches or enjoy activities like windsurfing, parasailing and kayaking.
The park is about a 10 - 20 minute speedboat ride from the city of Kota Kinabalu.
Cap Kuda Coffee Factory
Everything you ever wanted to know about the unique Malaysian caramelized coffee you will find out in this tour of the factory. Cap Kuda Coffee Company (or Yap Yu Sdn Bhd trading as Hock Lee Coffee Powder Factory) was established in the early 1960's and is now one of the largest coffee manufacurers in Sabah.
City Mosque
The second main mosque in the city dwellls in an impressive and fascinating set on a peaceful lakeside. Kota Kinabalu City Mosque at Likas Bay is an extraordinary example of marvelous contemporary architecture, resemblant in some ways to the design of the Masjid al-Nabawi mosque (The Prophet´s Mosque) in Medina, Saudi Arabia.
The prayer room can see up to 12,000 worshippers at one time and houses three madrasah (religious schools). Sitting on the man-made lagoon which surrounds it gives makes it a beautiful and dramatic view on a full moon night.
Monsopiad Cultural Village
Fascinating array of traditional buildings in a living cultural museum. Nestled besides the Penampang River are the many traditional buildings that make up the Monsopiad Cultural village, a living museum located 16 km or about half an hour away from the KK City Centre.
Monsopiad was a fearsome warrior who lived in the village of Kuai nearly 200 years ago. At the Village, visit the Tangkob or Grainery where the padi is housed. Kotos Di Monsopiad or Monsopiad’s Main House is dedicated to the life and times of Monsopiad and his descendants. On display are ceramic jars, padi grinders, bamboo items as well as the costume of Bobohizan Inai Bianti, direct descendant of Monsopiad and very senior high priestess.
Other interesting exhibits include the massive monolith which invokes a dozen legends, the traditional restaurant and of course Siou Do Mohoing, or the House of Skulls, where all 42 ’trophies’ of Monsopiad hang from the rafters.
Sabah Museum
This museum takes responsibility of preserving the cultural identity of Sabah. It collects, preserves, conserves, educates and documents ethnographic, archaeological, historical, numismatic, art-historical, botanical, zoological and mineralogical collections from all over the state. Furthermore they research on Sabah’s cultural, social and natural history as they belive it is an investment for the future and is an important part of the state's heritage.
Adventures & Sports
If sitting still and relaxing on the beach isn’t your thing, then Sabah offers a wide choice of adventure and sporting activities. From Mounting Torque Via Ferratta, to Kiulu White Water Rafting and jungle trekking in Mesilau.
Borneo Jungle
There is a range of trekks to take if you want to dig deeper into the jungle.Make sure to remember that temperatures can drop to 13°C at night, so make sure to bring your own sleeping bag and warm clothing. Proper shoes for walking in different terrain is a must! Mosquito nets are usually provided.
Some trekks offers porters who will carry your backpack or knapsack. Take some time to figure out what you really want to experience since there is a vast supply of trekks including everything from fish massage, forest reserv, monkey sanctuary to white water rafting through the jungle.
Golf
Golfing in Sabah means choosing from numerous golf clubs located in all corners of the state with some courses offering gorgeous scenery and challenging play.
