The best things to do in Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah state in Malaysia, are truly diverse and cater to a wide range of interests. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or a foodie, there’s something for everyone in this charming city. From exploring the lush rainforests to diving in crystal-clear waters, here are some of the top things to do in Kota Kinabalu.
Explore the Rainforests of Kinabalu Park
Located just an hour’s drive from Kota Kinabalu, Kinabalu Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers visitors a chance to explore one of the oldest rainforests in the world. The park is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, including over 4,500 species of plants, 326 species of birds, and 100 species of mammals. Visitors can hike to the summit of Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, or take a leisurely stroll through the park’s many nature trails.
Snorkeling and Diving at Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
Just a short boat ride from Kota Kinabalu, Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park is a marine park that offers some of the best snorkeling and diving in the area. The park is home to a wide variety of marine life, including colorful coral reefs, schools of tropical fish, and sea turtles. Visitors can take a boat tour to explore the park’s many islands, or rent equipment and go diving or snorkeling on their own.
Experience Local Culture at the Sabah Museum
The Sabah Museum is the perfect place to learn about the history and culture of Sabah state. The museum features exhibits on the region’s indigenous peoples, including the Kadazandusun and Bajau, as well as displays on the area’s natural history and traditional crafts. Visitors can also see replicas of traditional homes and learn about the customs and practices of the local people.
Shop and Eat at the Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market
The Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market is the perfect place to shop for souvenirs and local crafts. The market is home to a wide variety of vendors selling everything from traditional textiles and batik to hand-carved wooden items and jewelry. Visitors can also sample local delicacies and street food at the market’s food stalls.
Take a Boat Tour to watch Fireflies
One of the most unique and magical experiences Kota Kinabalu has to offer is a boat tour to watch fireflies. These boat tours take place in the evening and take visitors on a journey along the Kinabatangan River, where they can see thousands of fireflies lighting up the trees along the riverbank. It’s a beautiful and peaceful experience that shouldn’t be missed.
Relax on a Beach
Kota Kinabalu is surrounded by beautiful beaches that offer a perfect opportunity to relax and soak up the sun. Some of the most popular beaches include Tanjung Aru Beach, which is known for its beautiful sunsets, and Pulau Manukan, which is a small island just a short boat ride from the city. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling on these beaches, or simply take a leisurely stroll along the shoreline.
Visit the Signal Hill Observatory Platform
For a panoramic view of the city, head to the Signal Hill Observatory Platform. The platform offers a 360-degree view of Kota Kinabalu and the surrounding mountains, and is a popular spot for sunset viewing. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the platform, which includes information about the history and landmarks of the city.
Try Local Cuisine
No visit to Kota Kinabalu would be complete without trying the local cuisine. The city is known for its delicious seafood and traditional dishes, such as laksa, a spicy noodle soup, and nasi lemak, a fragrant coconut rice dish. Visitors can also try local delicacies such as durian, a controversial fruit known for its pungent smell and creamy texture.
Experience the Nightlife
Kota Kinabalu is also a great destination for nightlife. Visitors can enjoy live music and performances at local bars and clubs, or try their hand at karaoke. The city also has a vibrant street food scene, with many night markets and street vendors selling a variety of local delicacies.
Take a Day Trip to Kundasang
If you have some extra time during your visit, consider taking a day trip to Kundasang. The town is located about two hours from Kota Kinabalu and is known for its beautiful mountain scenery and cool climate. Visitors can take a hike to Mount Kinabalu, visit the Kundasang War Memorial, or simply relax and enjoy the fresh air.
Visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village
The Mari Mari Cultural Village is a must-see attraction for anyone interested in learning about the diverse cultures of Sabah state. The village is a living museum that showcases the traditional lifestyles of the Kadazandusun, Bajau, Rungus, and Murut peoples. Visitors can take a guided tour of the village, watch traditional dances and demonstrations, and even try their hand at traditional activities such as blowpipe hunting and bamboo cooking.
Take a Boat Ride to Selingan Island
Selingan Island is a small island located about an hour’s boat ride from Kota Kinabalu. The island is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters, as well as its population of green sea turtles. Visitors can take a boat tour to the island to see the turtles laying their eggs on the beach, or even snorkel and dive to see them in their natural habitat.
Visit the Poring Hot Springs
Located about an hour’s drive from Kota Kinabalu, the Poring Hot Springs are a natural hot spring located in the heart of the rainforest. Visitors can take a dip in the hot spring’s pools, or even try the traditional Japanese-style open-air baths. The hot springs are also surrounded by beautiful gardens and a canopy walkway that offers a unique perspective of the rainforest.
Discover the Local Art Scene
Kota Kinabalu has a vibrant art scene that showcases the work of local and international artists. Visitors can visit galleries and exhibitions, such as the Sabah Art Gallery and the Sabah Museum, to see a wide range of art, from traditional crafts to contemporary pieces. The city also has a number of street art and murals around the city that are worth visiting.
Visit the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park
Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is a beautiful marine park located just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu. The park is made up of five islands and visitors can take a boat tour to explore them. Visitors can also go snorkeling and diving in the park’s crystal-clear waters, which are home to a wide variety of marine life.
Visit the Gaya Street Sunday Market
The Gaya Street Sunday Market is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in local arts and crafts. The market is held every Sunday and features a wide variety of vendors selling traditional textiles, hand-carved wooden items, jewelry, and much more. Visitors can also sample local delicacies and street food at the market’s food stalls.
Take a City Tour
Kota Kinabalu is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. Visitors can take a city tour to learn about the city’s landmarks and history, such as the Atkinson Clock Tower, which is the oldest standing structure in the city, and the Sabah State Mosque, which is known for its unique architectural style.
Visit the Sabah Tea Garden
The Sabah Tea Garden is located about an hour’s drive from Kota Kinabalu, and is the perfect destination for tea lovers. Visitors can take a tour of the tea plantation and learn about the history and process of tea production, as well as sample and purchase different types of tea. The garden also offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Take a Jungle Trek
Kota Kinabalu is surrounded by lush rainforests and offers visitors the opportunity to take a jungle trek and explore the area’s natural beauty. Guided treks are available and can take visitors to see diverse flora and fauna, including orangutans, gibbons, and many bird species.
Visit the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque
The Kota Kinabalu City Mosque is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city, and is worth a visit to admire its unique architectural design. Visitors can take a tour of the mosque and learn about the history of Islam in the region.
Visit the Kota Kinabalu Central Market
The Kota Kinabalu Central Market is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience local culture and cuisine. The market is known for its fresh seafood and traditional delicacies, as well as its wide variety of fruits and vegetables. Visitors can also find traditional textiles, handicrafts, and souvenirs at the market.
Take a Cultural Tour of the Kadazandusun village
Kota Kinabalu is home to a diverse range of cultures, and the Kadazandusun are one of the major indigenous groups in the area. Visitors can take a cultural tour of a Kadazandusun village to learn about their traditional customs, practices, and way of life. The tour includes visiting the village’s longhouse, watching traditional dances and demonstrations, and trying traditional activities.
Visit the Sabah State Mosque
The Sabah State Mosque is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city, and is worth visiting to admire its unique architectural design. The mosque is known for its blend of traditional Islamic design with modern elements and its large dome. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mosque, learn about the history of Islam in Malaysia, and admire the stunning views of the city from the mosque’s rooftop terrace.
Visit the Sabah State Museum
The Sabah State Museum is the perfect place to learn about the history and culture of Sabah state. The museum features exhibits on the region’s indigenous peoples, including the Kadazandusun and Bajau, as well as displays on the area’s natural history and traditional crafts. Visitors can also see replicas of traditional homes and learn about the customs and practices of the local people.
Take a Boat Ride to Mantanani Island
Mantanani Island is a group of three islands located about an hour’s boat ride from Kota Kinabalu. The islands are known for their beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters, as well as their rich marine life. Visitors can take a boat tour to the island to go snorkeling and diving, or just relax on the beach.
Visit the Kota Kinabalu Wetlands Centre
The Kota Kinabalu Wetlands Centre is a protected area located on the outskirts of the city. The centre is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including migratory birds and mangrove forests. Visitors can take a guided tour of the centre, go birdwatching, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Visit the Sabah Islamic Civilisation Park
The Sabah Islamic Civilisation Park is a cultural park located on the outskirts of Kota Kinabalu. The park is designed to showcase the rich Islamic heritage of Sabah state, and features replicas of famous Islamic monuments, such as the Al-Haram Mosque in Mecca, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. Visitors can also learn about the history and culture of Islam in the region through interactive exhibits and displays.
Visit the Kota Kinabalu Waterfront
The Kota Kinabalu Waterfront is a popular spot for visitors and locals alike. The waterfront offers beautiful views of the South China Sea, and is a great place to relax and take in the sights and sounds of the city. Visitors can also find a variety of restaurants and shops along the waterfront.
Visit the Sabah Art Gallery
The Sabah Art Gallery is a must-see destination for art lovers visiting Kota Kinabalu. The gallery features a wide range of art from local and international artists, including traditional crafts, contemporary pieces and modern art. Visitors can take a tour of the gallery and learn about the art and the artists.
It’s worth noting that while Kota Kinabalu offers a variety of activities and attractions, repeating the same activities and points of interest over and over again will not provide an exhaustive list of things to do in the city. To provide more options and a more diverse list of things to do, I would need more information about the specific interests of the readers and the goal of the blog post.
Visit the Sabah State Museum and Heritage Village
Located on the outskirts of Kota Kinabalu, the Sabah State Museum and Heritage Village is a must-see destination for anyone interested in learning about the culture and history of Sabah state. The museum features exhibits on the region’s indigenous peoples, including the Kadazandusun, Bajau and Murut, as well as displays on the area’s natural history and traditional crafts. Visitors can also see replicas of traditional homes, and learn about the customs and practices of the local people.
Take a Boat Tour to Sapi Island
Located just a short boat ride from Kota Kinabalu, Sapi Island is a popular destination for snorkeling and diving. The island is known for its beautiful coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life. Visitors can take a boat tour to the island to go snorkeling and diving, or simply relax on the beach.
Take a Cultural Tour of the Rungus village
The Rungus are one of the major indigenous groups in Sabah, and visitors can take a cultural tour of a Rungus village to learn about their traditional customs, practices, and way of life. The tour includes visiting the village’s longhouse, watching traditional dances and demonstrations, and trying traditional activities such as bamboo cooking.
Visit the Sabah Foundation Building
The Sabah Foundation Building is a modernist building located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu. The building was designed by renowned architect Leong Yew and is known for its unique architectural style and beautifullandscaping. Visitors can take a tour of the building and learn about its history and significance, as well as admire the stunning views from the rooftop terrace.
Visit the Sabah Agriculture Park
The Sabah Agriculture Park is a popular destination for visitors interested in learning about the region’s agriculture and farming practices. The park features a wide range of exhibits, including a butterfly farm, a fruit orchard, and a variety of animals such as cattle, goats, and pigs. Visitors can take a guided tour of the park and learn about the history and significance of agriculture in the region.
Visit the Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market
The Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market is a great destination for visitors looking to buy traditional crafts and souvenirs. The market features a wide range of items, including textiles, jewelry, and hand-carved wooden items. Visitors can also find traditional musical instruments, such as the kulintangan, a type of gong used in traditional music.
In conclusion, Kota Kinabalu is a city that offers a wide range of activities and attractions, from culture and history, to nature and art. There are plenty of things to see and do, and visitors can explore the city’s diverse cultures, natural beauty, and rich history. So plan your trip today and experience all that this charming city has to offer!
I apologize, but as I mentioned earlier, repeating the same activities and points of interest over and over again will not provide an exhaustive list of things to do in the city. I have already provided several options of things to do in Kota Kinabalu, and repeating them again would not be productive. If you have any specific interests or questions about Kota Kinabalu, I would be happy to try and assist you further.
