Tanjung Aru Beach

Located at the end of Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman and about 6 kilometres from KK City, this place is closest to the hearts of the locals, and just one visit to the beach will tell you why. Taking its name from the casuarinas or aru trees that fringe the fine sands, this is where one might get a ringside seat to the greatest sunset on earth every evening when the crimson sun dips slowly into the horizon, leaving the vast skies a brilliant red.. Foodstalls serving local food and drinks are open till late at night. Enjoy coconut and sugarcane juice, chicken or beef satay and steamed peanuts and corn, or indulge in a full-course dinner at the seafood restaurant located there.

The Tanjung Aru beach is also home to Shangri-la's Tanjung Aru Resort, the Kinabalu Golf Club and the Kinabalu Yacht Club.

Getting There

From KK City Centre, take the No 16 bus towards Tanjung Aru from the bus stations in front of City Hall or Wawasan Plaza and let the driver know of your destination. Bus fare is RM1.50. You can also go by taxi, at RM15 per taxi (up to four persons).

Aquarium & Marine Museum

The state-of-the-art marine museum is yet another addition to the Universiti Malaysia Sabah campus.

Established in 1995, the Borneo Marine Research Institute (BMRI) is aimed to promote education, research and training in conservation and sustainable development of marine resources, and a rational deployment of biotechnology.

Situated within the Borneo Marine Research Institute (BMRI) Complex adjunction to the Sepanggar Bay area, this aquarium and marine museum boasts one of the best aquarium facilities on the Borneo Island.

Among its facilities are the free standing exhibition tanks, live open water reef exhibition centre, live shallow reef exhibition centre, mangrove walk, contemporary Marine and Maritime Museum, Multimedia Interactive Information Kiosk, and Sipadan deep dive diorama.

The UMS Aquarium and Marine Museum is open every day except on Wednesdays and public holidays. Visiting hours are from 9.30am – 12.30pm and 2.00pm – 4.30pm.

City Mosque

Built on a 2.47 acres site at the Likas bay, the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque is exemplary of the Islamic contemporary architecture. Situated near the sea, this majestic white mosque boasts similar features to the Nabawi Mosque in Medina. This floating mosque has a prayer hall which houses three madrasahs and accommodates from 9, 000 to 12, 000 people at a time.

By far the largest mosque in Kota Kinabalu, the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque is even possibly the most beautiful one in Malaysia – the man-made lagoon which surrounds it gives a serenely gorgeous and dramatic look to the mosque on a full moon night.

The Kota Kinabalu City Mosque is open for public visits daily except Fridays from 8am to 5pm. There are no fees charged on visitors.

Double Six Monument

The Double Six Monument is located in Sembulan, marking a significant tragedy in the history of Sabah. On June 6th, 1976, an airplane carrying Sabah’s fifth Chief Minister, Tun Mohd. Fuad Stephens and six other State ministers crashed, killing all on board. The Double Six monument was erected on the exact spot of the fatal crash.  

Getting There

The monument is a 10-minute drive from Kota Kinabalu city. A taxi ride from the city centre will cost approximately RM15.00 (one way). Take Bus no. 17B (marked ‘Putatan’) from the bus station in front of Wawasan Plaza for RM1.50 per person (one way). Buses run from 6:30am to 8:00pm.

Admission is free

Gaya Street (Sunday Market)

Originally named Bond Street, Gaya Street located in the Kota Kinabalu Central Business District has been the centre of business for over a hundred years. The wooden shops with nipah roofs are long gone but here is where generations-old family businesses are still thriving passed down from father to son.

Every Sunday morning, the length of Gaya Street is closed off to traffic to make way for the Fair. Shop for anything under shady trees and over-sized umbrellas, like batik sarongs, fruits and flowers, arts and craft, footwear, antiques and souvenirs, cakes, even pets and herbs!. This is the best place to experience the cross-section of the local population when entire families enjoy a Sunday outing.

The Gaya Street Fair is on every Sunday from 6.30 am to 1.00 pm

Getting There

A short stroll from anywhere around the city or take public transport into town.

Handicraft Market

Located along Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, the Handicraft Market is a favoured shopping haunt for locals and tourists alike. Souvenirs galore await you and rest assured there is something for everyone. Start with the cheap trinkets, which make excellent gifts for friends and family. These include keychains, beaded bracelets and necklaces and bookmarks. You will be spoilt for choice with miles and miles of beautiful sarongs and pareos, an ideal reminder of your tropical holiday in Sabah! Be sure to check out the glistening and gorgeous pearl jewellery and handicrafts. You can purchase loose pearls or stunning brooches, necklaces and earrings, available at almost every stall you visit in this vast market.

For those with an eye for ornate wooden carvings, you have come to the right place. The market has an endless variety of carved crafts, including exotic wooden masks, picture frames and even stunning wall panels. Not be missed are the assortment of rattan baskets in all shapes and sizes.

The best thing about the Handicraft Market is that you never know what piece of treasure you might unravel during your visit. Some have returned home with an authentic sompoton (a traditional wind instrument), a Murut headhunter's blowpipe, a coconut-shaped handbag and a wooden-frog that ‘sings' when you stroke its back with a wooden stick.

The most important tip when visiting the market is to bargain, bargain, bargain! Pick up some local lingo to improve your bargaining skills and you might even walk away a steal.

Getting there

The Handicraft Market is located along the same stretch as the Waterfront in Kota Kinabalu City. It is a 5 to 10 minute walk from the city centre.

Opening hours

07.30am to 07.30pm daily.

Jesselton Point Waterfront

Formerly known as the Kota Kinabalu Ferry Terminal, Jesselton Point Waterfront has become one of the main city attractions in Kota Kinabalu ever since its privatization in February 2006.

Situated north of downtown Kota Kinabalu, this quaintly scenic place has an unmistakable historical feel to it—complete with olden days snapshots of Kota Kinabalu city (Jesselton) and vintage red English phone booths. Jesselton Point Waterfront serves as the only ferry terminal for Labuan-bound passengers as well as the main (and cheapest) boat terminal for the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and Gayana Island.

Jesselton Point Waterfront also offers casual dining, leisure and retail experiences with its array of alfresco F&B outlets, handicraft stalls, and a four-court futsal centre. In addition, fishing aficionados are now welcome to spend the evening fishing at the jetty from 6pm to 6am for only RM10 per entry (payable at the Suria Futsal Centre). However, fishing gears are not provided so visitors need to bring their own.

 In the near future, the Jesselton Point Waterfront is going to be expanded to cater more recreational, commercial, residential, and retail facilities. Having been the venue for the KK Jazz Festival 2007, the Jesselton Point Waterfront jetty is also bookable for social functions—be it dinner parties, fundraising concerts or even weddings.

After a long hard day at work, the Jesselton Point Waterfront is an excellent place to wind down and catch the breathtaking sunset! In the evening, bask in the cool Sabahan breeze while chilling out with family and friends. It makes a perfect spot for a romantic outing too.

The Jesselton Point Waterfront is open daily from 6am up until 2am; the ferry and boat terminal operates daily from 6am to 6pm

Kipandi Butterfly Park

Nature enthusiasts will definitely take pleasure in spending a day at the Kipandi Butterfly Park, located at Kampung Kipandi, Moyog—situated approximately 36 kilometers away from Kota Kinabalu city via the Penampang-Tambunan road.

The gorgeously scenic park is surrounded by the hills of the Crocker Range. Lying at 700 meters altitude, it is rich in entomofauna. Over 100 species of butterflies have been recorded in this park; among the recorded species are the Troides Brookiana (Raja Brook’s Birding), Troides Amphrysus (Golden Birding), and the Papilio Karna (Peacock’s Swalloe Tails).

The insectariums has over 800 butterfly specimens and over 1, 800 species of beetles which include many endemic species that are only found in the Crocker Range, such as the Cyclommatus Chewi. Special enclosures have also been constructed to house some of the rare and endangered species of Sabahan orchids and pitcher plants. This project is a joint collaboration with the Sabah Wildlife Department.

Plants have been saved from trees that were felled in land clearing for agricultural and developmental purposes. To date, there are as many as 400 species of native orchids, 28 species of Hoyas, and 5 species of Lipstick flowers Aeschynanthus and medicinal plants.

The park also initiates a free educational guided walk program for school children. This program is aimed at raising the awareness of the younger generations regarding the precious entomofauna of Sabah.

The Kipandi Butterfly Park is open daily from 9am to 4pm, the best time to spot butterflies are between 9am to 11am.

Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre

Situated just two kilometers north-east of Kota Kinabalu City in Likas (ten minutes from the heart of the city centre) is Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre (KKWC). Formerly known as Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary, this site covers 24 hectares (60 acres) of mangrove forest, and is used primarily as a model wetland centre for the purpose of conservation, education, recreation, tourism and research. KKWC is managed by local NGO, Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society.

A 1.5km boardwalk brings you deep into the mangrove - a unique ecosystem where land meets sea. A 45-minute stroll on the boardwalk is a pleasant experience where you can enjoy fresh air and tranquility, while spotting interesting birds, plants and wildlife.

KK Wetland Centre, designated as a bird sanctuary in 1996, is an important refuge and feeding ground for many species of resident birds as well as migratory species from Northern Asia. Commonly sighted birds include migratory species like the sandpiper, Greenshank, Redshank, egrets and herons as well as canopy birds such as collared kingfisher and stork-billed kingfisher. To date, almost 80 species of birds have been identified at the sanctuary. Other mangrove wildlife that live within KK Wetland Centre include monitor lizards, fiddler crabs, mudskippers, weaver ants, butterflies and other insects, jellyfish, water snakes and mud lobsters.

Things to Do

Apart from self-guided walks, there are a range of activities that can be done at KK Wetland Centre, including guided walks, Environmental Education programmes, bird-watching sessions, and corporate volunteer programmes. Advance notice is required.

Getting There 

Take the No.1 bus towards Likas from the bus stations in front of City Hall or Wawasan Plaza in the City, to Likas Square. At the traffic lights there, turn right towards Signal Hill until you get to the third junction on the left. Return bus fare is RM2.00.

Opening Hours 

Tuesday to Sunday 8.00am till 6.00pm (Closed on Mondays, except when falls on a Public Holiday); Open on all Public Holidays

Admission Fees

• My-Kad
  RM5.00 (Adult)
  RM3.00 (Student)
• Others
  RM10.00(Adult)
  RM5.00  (Student)
• Below 6 years - Free

Monsopiad Cultural Village

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.

Getting ThereTake the No.13 bus to Donggongon town in Penampang from the bus stations in front of City Hall or Wawasan Plaza in KK City. Fare is RM1.50. At Donggongon, board a minibus bound for Terawi and indicate your stop to the driver. Fare is RM1.00. You can also use any taxi to get there for RM35.00. Or contact the Village for shuttle services.

Opening Hours
Daily from 9.00am till 5.00pm

Admission fees (includes welcome drink, interactive guided tour)

• Local Malaysian
  RM 45.00 (Adult)
  RM 15.00 (12 years and below)
• International
  RM 65.00 (Adult)
  RM 25.00 (12 years and below)

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park

The Lok Kawi Wildlife Park was officially open to the public on the 17th February 2007. It is located along the Penampang-Papar old road and is fully developed by the Sabah Wildlife Department.

The park consists of two components: zoological and botanical. The main objective of the park is to become a family-oriented park and the emphasis is put on the Children’s Zoo.

Among the inhabitants of the zoo (zoological component) are the Borneo Pygmy elephants, Sumatran rhinoceros, Orang Utan, Proboscis monkey, Malayan tiger, as well as some different species of deer.

The botanical component, on the other hand; offers visitors the opportunity to go jungle trekking along the botanical trail. The paved trail is about 1.4 kilometers long. However, for leisurely strolls, visitors are only advised to walk halfway along the trail.

TariffsLok Kawi Wildlife Park is open for the public daily from 9.30a.m to 5.30p.m. Entrance fees charged are as follows: adults RM10 (Malaysian) and RM20 (non-Malaysian).

Getting ThereThe journey to Lok Kawi Wildlife Park takes 30 minutes to an hour’s drive from Kota Kinabalu, the estimated distance is 20 kilometers. For transportation, visitors can either drive or take a taxi from the city centre.

Taxi fare per way is RM25 to RM30. Please arrange with the taxi driver regarding the drop off and/ or return point.

Petagas War Memorial

The heart-wrenching sacrifice of the brave and the fallen are revered at the Petagas War Memorial. The memorial was built in remembrance of those who lost their lives defending Sabah during the Japanese occupation in World War II. The Memorial is located on the exact spot where 176 Sabahan guerillas were massacred on January 21st, 1944.

Beautiful plaques are inscribed with the names of those who died, with well-kept lawns surrounding the area. Every year, a memorial service is held here on January 21st to commemorate those who fought and fell during the war. 

Getting There
A 15-minute taxi ride from the city centre will cost around RM17.00 per taxi. You can also take Bus No. 17B (headed in the direction of Putatan) from the bus station in front of the Wawasan Plaza shopping centre.

Inform the bus driver your destination and he will bring you to proper drop off point. Buses run between 6:30am to 8pm and fares are at RM2.00 per person.

Admission is free

North Borneo Railway

In the 1880s, with the emergence of rubber and coffee plantations in Borneo's hinterland, a need of some kind of transportation between towns was triggered, thus the North Borneo Railway was born.

Today, it runs from Tanjung Aru till Tenom town, passing coastal and rural areas, picturesque villages and small towns, a mountain tunnel and a spectacular Gorge.

Revisit the early days of North Borneo when adventurous young British officers ventured deep into the heart of Borneo, opening up new towns and establishing Sabah's only railway line with a ride on a British Vulcan Steam Locomotive.

Operated by Sutera Harbour Resort, it also available for charter for groups, incentives and private parties.

Getting There

Take the No.17B bus that goes in the direction of Putatan, from the bus station in front of Wawasan Plaza in KK City Centre. Fare is RM1.50. A taxi to the same place will cost RM15.00.

Fares

• My-Kad
  RM120.00 (Adult)
  RM100.00 (Child 12 years and below)
  
  
• Others
  RM195.00 (Adult)
  RM110.00 (Child 12 years and below)
  
  *Complimentary for children below 5years of age.
  (Rates are inclusive of meal and light beverages.)
  (Rates are not inclusive of ground transfers.)

Orchid de Villa

Established in 1995 and located in Inanam about 20 kilometres or 30 minutes away from KK City, the centre covers an area of 12 acres and boasts of about 50 hybrid species showcased in their Hybrid Garden. There are also 300 species of Borneo wild orchids, including some rare ones. Its main attractions are commercial orchid planting and conservation of wild orchids.

The Orchid de Villa also incorporates a fishing pond within its vicinity, a cacti garden, cottages and other amenities. Guided as well as tailor-made tours can be arranged with prior notice.

Orchid de Villa also has recently started a Borneo Orchid Discovery Tour, which is a 2 to 3-hour long guided tour that include activities such as fish feeding and lessons on hybrid orchid re-potting. This Discovery Tour also comes with complimentary homemade snacks, mineral water drink, cold towel, as well as a free gift. Visitors will also be entitled to get 10% percent discount on hybrid orchid purchases.

Transportation can be arranged at a reasonable charge.

Opening Hours
Monday - Saturday from 8.00am till 5.00pm
(Special arrangement for Sunday visits)

Admission fees
Adults - RM80.00
Children (below 12) - RM40.00

Puh Toh Tze Temple

Sabah is proud of its multiculturalism and this is often reflected in its diverse architecture. The Puh Toh Tze temple is a Buddhist temple located off Tuaran Road.

Built in 1980, the temple stands out with its traditional Chinese roofing and structure. Ten large statues of deities adorn the temple with the Goddess of Mercy, Kwan Yin, standing tall at the main entrance of the temple.

Getting There
The Puh Toh Tze Temple is located some 15km from the city centre. Take a taxi from the city centre for approximately RM15.00 per ride.

Arrange for your return with your taxi driver. You can also take Bus no.1 or No.3 from the bus station in front of Wawasan Plaza for RM1.20 per person. Inform the bus driver of your destination. Buses run from 6:30am to 8:00pm.

Admission is free

Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village

Built in 1985, the Museum complex is sited where then British North Borneo Governor's Istana was once located. The Museum consists of the Main Building, Science and Education Centre, Heritage Village, Sabah Art Gallery and Museum of Islamic Civilization.

Inside are various Galleries housing Natural History, Ceramics, Ethnography and Archaeology exhibits, among others ...

Ceramics, traditional weapons and costumes reflect the diversity of the State's culture and traces Sabah's early trade links with the neighbouring countries of Southeast Asia and China. The museum also houses musical instruments, tools and ritual paraphernalia.

There is a Heritage Village on the Museum grounds where you can enter and experience different types of traditional houses of the various indigenous groups of Sabah. Cultural activities are held here from time to time.

The Sabah State Museum is located on Jalan Bukit Istana Lama, Kota Kinabalu, 4 km or about 15 minutes from the KK City Centre.

Getting There
By bus, take the No.13 (towards Penampang) from either bus stations in front of City Hall or Wawasan Plaza in KK and indicate your stop to the driver. You will have to walk up to the main building. Bus fare is RM1.00.
By taxi, the fare is approximately RM12 to 15.00 for up to 4 persons.

Opening hours
Daily from 9.00am till 5.00pm

Admission fees
My-Kad - RM2.00
Others - RM15.00
Picture-taking is only allowed outside the buildings.

Sightseeing in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu was formerly known as Jesselton, named after Sir Charles Jessel, one of the Directors of the British North Borneo Chartered Company, or BNBCC. During WWII, Kota Kinabalu and other towns throughout Sabah suffered heavy allied bombing which all but leveled them. Emerging from the War, the BNBCC discovered it was too costly to rebuild, so in 1946, Sabah became a British Crown Colony - until 1963, when Sabah was granted Independence within the Federation of Malaysia.

On 30th September 1967, Jesselton was renamed Kota Kinabalu. 23 years later, on 2 February, 2000 she was proclaimed a city. As the capital of the State of Sabah, KK is also the gateway to other major towns and districts and has a population of around 300,000 .

In the vicinity of the city, there are various places of interest. Many can be explored on foot while others may be reached by bus or taxi.

Sabah State Mosque

One of the most outstanding pieces of architecture in Sabah is none other than the State Mosque. With its majestic dome and stunning gold inlay motifs, the mosque sits a stone's throw away from the city centre. It is a unique combination of prevailing Islamic architecture and contemporary design.

The mosque can accommodate up to 5,000 worshippers at one time. There is also a special balcony exclusively allocated for Muslim women during prayer time, with room for up to 500. Visitors are advised to adhere by the dress code when visiting places of worship. Avoid visiting on Fridays which is the day of prayer for Muslims.

Getting there
Take a taxi from the city centre for approximately RM10 or self-drive.

General Rules while at the Mosque:

1. All tourist are required to enter from the front entrance or the main entrance (not at the back or side door) for safety of their belongings.
2. Tourists / Tourist guides must report to the Security Officer/Information Officer prior to entering the mosque. Tourists are NOT allowed to enter the mosque without permission from the officers mentioned above.
3. All tourists / tourist guide must be properly dressed ie. no short pants for male.
4. For the female, they are required to wear robes and head scarf.
5. All shoes must be removed and left on the stair case in front of a security guard.
6. Tourists are required to be silence at the mosque.
7. Visiting time (subject to change from time to time as to suite the prayer time):
   Monday to Thursday : From 8.00 AM to 11.00 AM & From 2.00 PM to 4.30 PM
   Friday : From 8.00 AM to 10.30 AM & From 2.30 PM to 4.30 PM
   Saturday & Sunday : From 8.00 AM to 11.00 AM & From 2.00 PM to 4.00 PM

Sabah Golf & Country Club

Situated along Jalan Kolam 10 minutes drive from the KK City Centre is the SGCC, Sabah's oldest 18-hole golf course which opened for play in 1976.

This challenging par 72, 6335m championship course was designed by Robert Muir Graves and acknowledged as one of South East Asia's toughest courses. The longest and probably the most difficult hole is Hole 14 par 5, 625 yards but according to the locals, brain presides over brawn here.

Play is by member arrangement. The club facilities include golfers' lounge, tennis/squash courts, practice green, golf set rental, changing rooms, restaurants, gym, games rooms, pool and driving range.

Golfing Rates

My-Kad	Weekday RM180.00 nett	Weekend RM300.00 nett
Others	Weekday RM300.00 nett	Weekend RM315.00 nett

Getting There

Transport is best pre-arranged as the Club house is off the main road.

Signal Hill Observatory Platform

Signal Hill, the highest point in the city, is one of the best places to get a good view of Kota Kinabalu. Just a couple of minutes drive from Padang Merdeka will bring you to the airy deck where you can get amazing views that extend to the outlying islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park and further.
TariffTaxi fare to the Signal Hill Observatory Platform is RM10-RM15

Getting There
You will have to use a taxi as it is off the normal bus route.

Opening Hours
Daily from 8.00am till 12.00am
Admission is free.