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Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

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Asia Malaysia Kota Kinabalu Do & See Sabah State Museum

Overview

Sabah State Museum

The guide was updated: 2024-11-20

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.

Useful Information

Address: Jalan Muzium, Kota Kinabalu
Opening hours: Daily 9am–5pm
Website: museum.sabah.gov.my
Phone: +60 88 225 033

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

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.

Weston Wetland Park

Weston Wetland Park

Get a glimpse of Borneo's unique endemic primates — proboscis monkeys — and marvel at the beauty of nature. On this guided tour, you will see local fauna in their natural habitat, followed by an unforgettable sunset. Once the sun sets, trees fill with fireflies, creating a picturesque scene.

Kokol Hill

Kokol Hill

Climbing Kokol Hill rewards you with stunning views of KK and its surroundings. On a clear day, you can see the sunset in the west, Mount Kinabalu in the east, and the western coastline of Sabah. There are several hiking trails to choose from, suitable for different fitness levels.

Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures

Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures

Delve into an incredible rainforest experience on this beautiful jungle island. Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures offers activities like hiking, snorkelling, scuba diving, and more. The hikes are challenging, but the views are worth it. Snorkelling, scuba diving, and other underwater activities are managed professionally, ensuring a fun day outdoors.

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