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TOP 10 REASONS

Why travel to Kota Kinabalu: Find out the top 10 reasons to visit

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A SNEAK PEAK

A Sneak Peek into Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu is the lovely capital city of Sabah, a state in East Malaysia.
East Malaysia, as opposed to Peninsular Malaysia, which is home to the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, has a very different vibe to it, and many visitors travel here to see the country's more rural side with lush jungles and towering peaks aplenty.
The central gem in Sabah's crown is Mount Kinabalu, which rises just outside the capital city. This is one of the main topics of a trip to Kota Kinabalu, as many of its main attractions lay in the countryside but can also be visited on a day trip.
As a result, if you go outside of the city, you can expect scenic train rides, bubbling hot springs, and winding river cruises through mangrove swamps, or you can check out some of the incredible diving in the region just off Kota Kinabalu's coast.
However, if you're only passing through on a flight, you won't be disappointed in Kota Kinabalu, as there's plenty to do in the city itself.
The handmade markets, delectable seafood restaurants, scenic viewpoints, and museums are some of the delights here.
In short, whether you prefer to stay in the city centre or venture further afield, there is plenty to keep you busy.
Capital – the state capital of Sabah
International Airport - Kota Kinabalu International Airport
Population- 563,000
Currency- Malaysian Ringgit
Time - UTC+8
Driving side- Left
Main electricity- 230V
Religion- Islam

HIGHLIGHTS

Top Tourist Attractions in Kota Kinabalu

Mount Kinabalu, the tallest mountain and one of the highest trekkable peaks in the world, is a breathtaking climb and a must-do for any adventurer.
Nature-lovers should make their way to the Botanical Garden if they are in the Mount Kinabalu area.
A river cruise on the Klias River is a relaxing and lovely way to enjoy the forest scenery of Kota Kinabalu.
Mari Mari, located away from the hustle and bustle of the city, invites guests to immerse themselves firsthand in the traditional Sabahan tribes' lifestyles.
This majestic white mosque, located near the sea, is a marvel of contemporary Islamic architecture and a sight to behold.

SEASONS TO TRAVEL

Best Months to Visit Kota Kinabalu

When it is busiest, December to April is the best time to visit Kota Kinabalu.
The weather is ideal for visiting beaches and mountain climbing on Mount Kinabalu at this time of year.
Other popular activities include white water river rafting and deep-sea fishing.

WORTH A VISIT

The Best Places to Visit in Kota Kinabalu

Mount Kinabalu

Mount Kinabalu, the tallest mountain and one of the highest trekkable peaks in the world, is a breathtaking climb and a must-do for any adventurer.
With a height of slightly more than 4,000 meters, the climb is relatively easy for most people, and the path is well-trodden.
Experienced hikers can complete the climb in a day or two, but it is recommended that you take up to three days to acclimate fully.
The climb costs about RM $300, not including food and equipment.
It is best to plan ahead of time for the climb, as last-minute hikers may be turned away due to the number of climbers being limited to around 135 per day.

Mount Kinabalu Park Botanical Garden

Nature-lovers should make their way to the Botanical Garden if they are in the Mount Kinabalu area.
This garden is one of Kinabalu Park's best-kept secrets, boasting one of the world's wealthiest assemblages of flora, with an estimated 5,000 plant species.
The Kinabalu Park Botanical Garden is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every day. Entrance fees are around RM $5, with visitors under 18 receiving a 50% discount.
Guided tours are available daily at 9 a.m., 12 p.m., and 3 p.m. and are highly recommended for nature lovers.

Klias River Cruise

A river cruise on the Klias River is a relaxing and lovely way to enjoy the forest scenery of Kota Kinabalu.
It is necessary to take a day trip to the Klias Wetlands Reserve. Sit back and enjoy stunning views of the river's confluence with the sea and a spectacular view of Mount Kinabalu.
You can cruise through a mangrove area while looking for incredible wildlife such as monkeys and birds.

DISCOVER MORE

Kota Kinabalu Off the Beaten Track

Muzium Sabah

Culture enthusiasts should not miss this museum.
Visitors can browse through ceramics and pottery, natural history, and ethnography, all of which are peppered with colourful displays and even animal exhibits and are packed with information on various aspects of Sabahan culture.
The Heritage Village, where visitors can enter and experience various traditional houses of Sabah's indigenous groups.
The museum charges RM15 for admission and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Gaya Street Sunday Market

If you're in Kota Kinabalu on the weekend, it's definitely worth stopping by this street market Sunday morning.
The market opens at 6 a.m.
Gaya Street is an excellent place to go souvenir shopping; local stallholders sell a variety of exciting knick-knacks such as crafts, clothes, and antiques.
Be aware that prices can be raised, so it's time to flex those bargaining muscles if you want to get a good deal.

Kota Kinabalu Waterfront

The Waterfront is where you want to unwind after a long day of walking around.
The entire waterfront esplanade of Kota Kinabalu is within walking distance across the street of hotels.
Rows of pubs and restaurants and a shopping mall line the Waterfront; the place comes alive at night.

CULTURE & TRADITIONS

Kota Kinabalu Culture and Traditions

Sabah's indigenous groups were originally animistic, believing that all of nature's creations, including trees, rocks, and rivers, have a spirit. Sabah, later colonized by the British, has the highest proportion of Christians of any Malaysian state.
Islam was made the state's official religion in 1973, and Muslims now account for roughly 65 per cent.
Religion bears the mark of Chinese influence, with a sizable Buddhist and Hindu population.
Malaysia is an Islamic country where conservative clothing is preferred. It is customary to cover one's knees and shoulders when travelling to respect local customs.
Travellers should remove their shoes when entering mosques or private homes.
Good idea to pack a sarong in your day bag to enter temples and mosques with dignity.

FOOD FUN FASHION

Kota Kinabalu: Food, Fun & Fashion Guide

Food

#Food

Mee Tuaran is a noodle dish in which the noodles are fried and mixed with egg yolk or beaten eggs, but it's not your typical egg noodles.
This is yet another noodle dish known locally as Sang Nyuk Mee. It was invented in Tawau in 1979, and the name means "raw pork noodles." However, while this is a pork noodle dish, the meat is not raw.
A type of bread popular in Southeast Asia, Roti is typically served with lentil soup, curry, or gravy.
Laksa is a spicy soup that includes tender chicken, chicken broth, noodles, and beans. This dish is sometimes prepared in coconut curry, adding sweetness to the spicy flavour.
Pan Mee is a popular local version of Hakka noodles in Malaysia's Sabah state. The dish is made with wheat noodles that are hand torn into bite-sized pieces.

Fashion

#Fashion

The Imago shopping mall is the best place to shop in Kota Kinabalu. This 4-level shopping mall with approximately 300 tenants provides its visitors with many options, including retail, entertainment, and dining outlets.
Suria Sabah's modern one-stop mall is popular with locals and tourists visiting Kota Kinabalu. It meets customers' needs from all walks of life, with something for everyone.
Centre Point Sabah is one of Kota Kinabalu's oldest shopping malls.
Kagaku, which translates to "my shop" in the local dialect, is a treasure trove of souvenirs and handicrafts in Kota Kinabalu. It specializes in 100 per cent authentic local handicrafts and offers a variety of one-of-a-kind Sabah handmade handicrafts.
The largest shopping complex and the largest mall on Borneo Island. It is also known as 1Borneo Hypermall.

Fun

#Fun

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, a 20-minute speedboat ride from Kota Kinabalu, is a playground for daring.
The Marine Park consists of several islands, including Pulau Gaya, Pulau Sapi, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Mamutik, and Pulau Sulug.
Each of these islands has a variety of activities to offer; Gaya and Manukan are the most tourist-friendly and ideal for leisurely beach strolls and a quick swim.
You can stay in one of the resorts on the island as an island getaway from the city.

NATURE & SAFARI

Kota Kinabalu: Natural Beauty & Safari Adventures

Diving in the crystal-clear oceans of the islands is one of the most popular things to do in Kota Kinabalu.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park provides a variety of dive spots at various islands and snorkelling spots for those who are not licensed to dive.
Licensed divers looking for a challenge can join independent dive tours and travel to popular dive spots that suit their driving style.
If you want to start diving, start here by signing up for PADI-certified diving courses with one of the many operators.
These courses last about three days, and completing one will grant you a diver's certification that can be used anywhere!

EVENTS & FIESTAS

Kota Kinabalu Must-Attend Festivals and Events

The Chinese New Year is celebrated by lighting up the streets, decorating homes with lanterns, organizing cultural programs in city halls, and Chinese delicacies.
Each ethnic group has its language, culture, arts and crafts, and way of life. The Sabah Fest brings together these groups to celebrate Sabah's cultural diversity and unique heritage every year.
The Sabah Dragon Boat Race, is held at Likas Bay. During the race, dragon boats and other streamers make their way across the River Milo to the beat of pounding drums and cheers from the crowd.
This occasion is observed in Kuala Penyu. Rumbia, also known as sago, is an essential component of the Bisayas and Kadazan diets. They live in the Kuala Penyu region and the surrounding districts of Beaufort and Papar.
The Pesta Jagung is held in the Kota Marudu District at the beginning of November. jagung is an essential crop for the Kadazandusun community in Kota Marudu's economic survival.

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