Sights in Kota Kinabalu
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A
Science & Technology Centre
Just north of the main hall of the Sabah Museum, at the end of the parking lot, the Science & Technology Centre has some small exhibits on the petroleum industry.
reviewed
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Mari Mari Cultural Village
Located about 25 minutes outside of the city centre, the Mari Mari Cultural Village is the most interactive centre of its kind in all of Borneo. Visitors are taken on a three-hour show/tour (beginning at 10am, 3pm and 7pm), which winds through the jungle passing various tribal dwellings along the way. At each stop, tourists learn about the indigenous way of life, and can try their hand at a variety of interesting (and fun) activities, like traditional bamboo cooking, rice-wine making (and drinking!), fire starting, tattooing, blowpipe shooting etc. But the most fascinating part of the tour is little tribal titbits offered by your guide. For example, in the Dusun tribe, an…
reviewed
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Cultural village
In the small town of Penampang, about 13km south of KK, this high-quality Kadazan-Dusun cultural village on the banks of Sungai Moyog is named after a legendary warrior and headhunter, whose direct descendants established this private heritage centre in 1996. The hefty entrance fee includes a tour, a dance performance and several activities (similar to Mari Mari). The highlight is the House of Skulls, which supposedly contains the ancient crania of Monsopiad’s unfortunate enemies, as well as artefacts illustrating native rituals from the time when the bobolian (priest) was the most important figure in the community.
reviewed
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B
City Mosque
Heading north out of KK, you can’t miss the four minarets and graceful dome of the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, in Kampung Likas, about 4km north of the city centre. Overlooking the South China Sea, this mosque is more attractive than the State Mosque in terms of setting and design. Completed in 2000, it can hold up to 12,000 worshippers. It can be entered by non-Muslims outside of regular prayer times. To get there, take bus 5A from Wawasan Plaza going toward UMS (RM1.50). Just ask the conductor to drop you off outside the City Mosque after the Tanjung Lipat round about. Taxis are about RM15 each way.
reviewed
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C
State Mosque
A fine example of contemporary Islamic architecture, the State Mosque is set some distance from the heat and noise of central KK. It’s south of the city centre past the Kampung Air stilt village, not far from the Sabah Museum; you’ll see the striped minaret and Octopussy-style dome on your way to or from the airport. Non-Muslim visitors are allowed inside, but must dress appropriately and remove their shoes before entering.
reviewed
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D
Atkinson Clock Tower
The modest timepiece at the foot of the hill is the Atkinson Clock Tower, one of the only structures to survive the Allied bombing of Jesselton in 1945. It's 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. The tower was once visible from the sea, though there's now quite a few buildings in the way!
reviewed
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E
Signal Hill Observation Pavilion
You can wander up to the UFO-like Signal Hill Observation Pavilion, at the eastern edge of the city centre, to escape the traffic and to get another take on the squatters' stilt village at Pulau Gaya. The view is best as the sun sets over the islands. From the top, it's also possible to hike down to the bird sanctuary on the other side.
reviewed
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Lok Kawi Wildlife Park
If you’d like to check out the orang-utans, visit to Lok Kawi Wildlife Park is highly recommended, especially for those with children in tow. There are plenty of other animals as well, from tarsiers to rhinos. Don’t miss the giant aviary at the top of hill, with its ominous warning sign ‘beware of attacking birds’!
reviewed
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Orchid DeVilla Farm
Travellers interested in plant life should consider a visit to the Orchid DeVilla Farm, located halfway between central KK and the cultural village (at ‘Km 6’). The farm specialises in rare Bornean orchids, hybrid orchids, cacti and herbal plants, and services all of the five-star hotels in the region.
reviewed
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Likas Bird Sanctuary
Opened in 2000 and protected by the WWF, the Likas Bird Sanctuary sits across from the mosque, covering 24 hectares of mangrove swamp. The preserve attracts a variety of migratory birds, some from as far away as Siberia. To reach the bird sanctuary, see the directions to the City Mosque.
reviewed
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Kiansom Waterfall
A small chute – Kiansom Waterfall – about 400m beyond the cultural village, which is easily accessible by private transport or on foot. The area around the cascade lends itself well to swimming and it’s a great place to cool off after a visit to Mari Mari.
reviewed
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Chinese Street Market
On Sunday a very lively Chinese street market takes over the entire length of Jln Gaya, with all kinds of food and goods (including some great pancakes) on offer. On Chinese New Year it goes completely crazy - you'll hear the gongs and dances starting around 07:00!
reviewed
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F
Sabah Museum
The Sabah Museum is centred on a modern four-storey structure inspired by the longhouses of the Rungus and Murut tribes. It’s slightly south of the city centre, on the hilly corner of Jln Tunku Abdul Rahman and Jln Penampang.
reviewed
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G
Sabah Art Gallery
Check out the Sabah Art Gallery, which features regular shows and exhibitions by local artists.
reviewed
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H
Museum of Islamic Civilisation
The Museum of Islamic Civilisation is devoted to Muslim culture and history.
reviewed
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Cultural village
In the small town of Penampang, about 13km south of KK, this high-quality Kadazan-Dusun cultural village on the banks of Sungai Moyog is named after a legendary warrior and headhunter, whose direct descendants established this private heritage centre in 1996. The hefty entrance fee includes a tour, a dance performance and several activities (similar to Mari Mari). The highlight is the House of Skulls, which supposedly contains the ancient crania of Monsopiad’s unfortunate enemies, as well as artefacts illustrating native rituals from the time when the bobolian (priest) was the most important figure in the community.
reviewed
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I
Signal Hill Observation Pavilion
You can wander up to the UFO-like Signal Hill Observation Pavilion, at the eastern edge of the city centre, to escape the traffic and to get another take on the squatters' stilt village at Pulau Gaya. The view is best as the sun sets over the islands. From the top, it's also possible to hike down to the bird sanctuary on the other side.
reviewed
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Orchid DeVilla Farm
Travellers interested in plant life should consider a visit to the Orchid DeVilla Farm, located halfway between central KK and the cultural village (at ‘Km 6’). The farm specialises in rare Bornean orchids, hybrid orchids, cacti and herbal plants, and services all of the five-star hotels in the region.
reviewed
