Local Attractions

Climb up to this highest mountain between the Himalayas and the island of New Guinea. In the Malaysian language, this mountain is called as Gunung Kinabalu and is quite unlike any other on earth as it rises almost twice as high of its Crocker Range neighbors. While hiking towards its peak you shall come across several fine walking trails in the rainforest at the base of the mountain where the climate is agreeably cool than the coastal base. Even though you might not wish to climb the mountain, you can admire its beauty from most of the parts of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu and the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park.

Address: Kinabalu National Park, Malaysia

Among all the islands that surround Kota Kinabalu City, Sapi Island (Pulau Sapi) is the most favorite amongst tourists. Not only does it offer abundant nature’s experience, it also offers activities such as Coral Flyer(longest island to island zipline in the world) to render your trip an exciting one. With a perfect landscape combination of blue sky, white sandy beach, crystal clear seawater and green forest, this island captivates the senses of everyone who visits it.

Address: Kota Kinabalu 88000, Malaysia

Located near Kota Kinabalu, Manukan Island is one of the most famous and most frequented islands by domestic and international tourists. To reach here, you just need to take a 15-minutes boat ride from Kota Kinabalu City. With its long stretch of white sandy beach and tranquil waters, the island is a must visit as a day trip in your itinerary of Kota Kinabalu. The water is so calm and shallow that it’s also suitable for non-swimmers. Families feel safe to let their kids playing in the water. This island is also the second largest island ofTunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.

Address: Malaysia

Your stay in Kota Kinabalu can become exciting with experiencing the wildlife at the Orang-utan Care Project, Shangri la. The project offers people with a chance to view these amazing creatures up-close and even take memorable snaps. You will also be shown a short video demonstration at the beginning and after that you get escorted to the feeding platform. A trip to this place can prove to be really thrilling especially when you are accompanied with your children. Apart from the Orang-utans, you can also catch up on a few monkeys hanging around nearby.

Address: Pantai Dalit Beach | Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort, Kota Kinabalu 89208, Malaysia

Poring Hot Springs is about 40 kilometers from the Kinabalu National Park Headquarters in Kundasang. The hot springs is actually part of the hugeKinabalu National Park. The Poring Hot Springs was first developed by the Japanese during World War II and has progressed gradually to become one of the top tourist destinations amongst foreigners and locals alike. The hot waters of the spring contains sulphur are piped into open-air Japanese style baths where you can rest your tired limbs after the long hours and strenuous climb up the Mount Kinabalu.

Address: Poring, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

This is a huge wildlife park that is made up of two parts: the zoological and the botanical side. Among the many residents of the zoo are the Borneo Pygmy elephants, Sumatran rhinoceros, Orang Utan, Proboscis monkey, Malayan Tiger as well as a few species of deer. The botanical component offers visitors the chance to go jungle trekking along the botanical trail. The readily paved trail is approximately 1.4 kilometers long and the botanical component is about 200 acres in size. The aviary is a more lively section where you will hear myriads of sounds of the mynahs, greeting visitors who come to the park.

Address: Jalan Pintas Penampang|Penampang,Kota Kinabalu89500,Malaysia

One of the attractions of Kota Kinabalu is to take a ride on the North Borneo Railway that recreates the era of British North Borneo. As you take a ride in this steam train, you shall come across the tracks of Tanjung Aru, through Kinarut and towards the end, the Rice bowl of Sabah, Papar. The journey on this train proves to be beautiful as you come across the green vistas of sprawling paddy fields, villages of stilt and natural landscapes. On the board, you shall also be served with lunch comprising of Asian and Continental cuisine.

Address: Tanjung Aru Railway Station, Mail Bag 2047, 88999, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 88999, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

Kota Kinabalu is populated by predominantly Muslim population. Therefore, the city is scattered with emblems of Islamic faith and culture. Visit the largest mosque of Kota Kinabalu city that displays the contemporary Islamic architecture. Situated just near to the sea, this mosque looks resplendent with its white structure and looks quite similar to the Nawabi Mosque in Medina. With its structure floating in water, this mosque houses a prayer hall that can accommodate 9000 to 12000 people at a time.

The Sabah museum in Kota Kinabalu was built in 1985 and was constructed on the site of British North Borneo’s Governor Istana. Surrounded by lush gardens, this museum comprises of:

• The Main Building
• The Science and Technology Centre
• The Heritage Village
• Ethno-Botanical Garden
• Sabah Islamic Civilization Museum

This museum is an interesting place that also houses a heritage village where you can get to know about the various types of traditional houses of the various indigenous groups of Sabah. Further, you can also check out the museum’s website to know of the various cultural programmes that take place here.

Address: Jalan Muzium, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

Atkinson clock tower is the oldest structure in Kota Kinabalu that has endured the vagaries of time especially the World Wars. As for its dimensions, this is a square, 15.7m-high wooden structure that was completed in 1905 and named after the first district officer of the town, FG Atkinson, who died of malaria aged 28. This clock tower stands right on the bluff along signal Hill road. Today this clock tower is managed by the Sabah museum under its antiquity and history section.

Address: 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

Monsopiad cultural village is made up of many traditional buildings and a living museum. The name Monsopiad is the name of the fearless warrior of the village of Kuai who lived about 200 years ago.The Monsopiad Cultural Village is a site full of history which is situated in the heartland of the Kadazandusun people. It was back in 1996 that this cultural village was first opened to the public to commemorate the great Kadazan warrior named Monsopiad. The traditional village houses here were built on the historical site where Monsopiad, the fearless warrior used to live and roam about two centuries ago.

Address: Monsopiad Cultural Village, Jalan Putatan Ramayah, 89500 Penampang, Sabah, Malaysia

If you wish to experience the pre war beauty of Kota Kinabalu, visit Weston Wetland Park that displays its old world charm with a jetty which is 100 years old and the oldest wooden school in Borneo. Endowed with the vignettes of wildlife such as flora, fauna and animals, the island becomes a charming escape for those looking out for some peace of mind.

Address: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Kokol Hill offers you with the most stunning panoramic views of the city of Kota Kinabalu. Situated at a short distance from the city of KK, the hill can be visited as a part of your day trip or for an overnight stay. There are a number of accommodations that offer a great stay on this hill. While driving towards this hill, you shall come across wonderful scenery with lots of villages situated along the route. The hill also offers beautiful views of sunset.

Address: Kohol Poring Poring Road, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia