The capital city of the Malaysian state of Sabah on north Borneo, Kota Kinabalu (or KK as it’s usually called) functions more as a civic and transport hub than as a destination in its own right. This is a good thing, as visitors who base their trips out of KK will find abundant travelers services, big-city amenities, and an ease of communication from a tourism industry used to pleasing globetrotters, all with easy access to the nearby Borneo wilderness. Located practically in KK’s backyard, the 7.5-million acre (roughly 3-million hectare) Kinabalu Park promises a full day of adventure: Hike Mount Kinabalu; soak in the Poring Hot Springs; and learn about the lush flora and fauna (including the famous proboscis monkey) that earned this stretch of wilderness its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other outings include a short flight to the Sandakan Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre; ziplining excursions through the rain forests of Gaya Island; or snorkeling and scuba diving trips off off the coast of Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. Those who choose to linger in the city can see its most prominent attractions on a sightseeing tour, likely to feature the Sabah Museum, Wisma Tun Mustapha (Sabah Foundation Building), City Mosque, and views of Likas Bay from the summit of Signal Hill.
From March through September, the Bornean capital of Kota Kinabalu enjoys cool breezes, blue skies, and some of the year’s most spectacular sunsets. For your best chance of reaching the summit of Mt. Kinabalu—which is only accessible when weather permits—plan your visit for March or April.
The capital of Malaysia’s Sabah state, Kota Kinabalu is best-known as a jump-off point for Borneo adventures. These include seeing orangutans, rain-forest trips, diving the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, and climbing 13,435-foot (4,095-meter) Mt. Kinabalu. But this lively city offers markets, museums, seafood feasts, and cultural attractions.
...MoreAll Malaysians speak Malay, the national language, and the majority speak some English as well. Malaysians of Chinese descent generally speak one or more Chinese languages and dialects, with Mandarin and Hakka most common in Kota Kinabalu. Sabah’s indigenous people speak a number of different languages from four different language families.
...MoreKota Kinabalu is a great place to learn about Sabah’s indigenous cultures, whether at the Sabah Museum, the Mari Mari Cultural Village, or the Monsopiad Cultural Village. Nature lovers can explore mangroves at the Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre. Be sure to eat in one of the city’s many excellent and affordable seafood restaurants.
...MoreA sunset drink on the waterfront or in a beach bar is the perfect start to a Kota Kinabalu night. The city’s lively Night Market is a must for anyone who loves food, while entertainment options run from bars, clubs, and cinemas to the inevitable karaoke joints. Cultural shows with dinner are also popular.
...MoreYes. If you are exploring Sabah you will inevitably pass through Kota Kinabalu at least once and it’s worth taking a day or two to enjoy the highlights. Besides museums, markets, eateries, cafés, and bars, this vibrant city hosts mosques, temples, and galleries, as well as a lively waterfront area.
...MoreNo. Accommodation and eating out in Kota Kinabalu is slightly cheaper than in Kuala Lumpur. However, rain-forest trips, river adventures, scuba diving, wildlife spotting, and the Kota Kinabalu hike are not cheap activities, so a vacation in Malaysian Borneo will generally work out more expensive than peninsular Malaysia.
...MoreNumber of Attractions | 19 |
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Number of Tours | 144 |
Number of Reviews | 762 |
Currency | MYR |
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