The capital of Sabah, Borneo, Kota Kinabalu is a great place to explore. With beaches, islands, wildlife, and culture all within easy reach of the city, it's a popular destination for vacationers.
If you're looking for a day trip that includes beach time, island hopping, and snorkeling, head over to Jesselton Point Marine Park.
1. Kota Kinabalu City Mosque
If you’re planning a trip to Kota Kinabalu, the city of Sabah in Malaysia, you can’t leave without visiting the stunning Kota Kinabalu City Mosque. The iconic mosque is surrounded by an artificial lagoon that makes it appear to float on top of the water, casting a picturesque reflection in the cool blue waters around it.
It’s the largest mosque in the city, and one of the most visually striking. Built in 2000 to celebrate Kota Kinabalu’s elevation to a city, it’s inspired by the Nabawi Mosque in Medina.
The Kota Kinabalu City Mosque has a classic style, with four elegant minarets rising above its beautiful blue and gold dome. It can accommodate up to 12,000 worshippers at a time, and non-Muslims are allowed to enter outside regular prayer times.
When you visit, be sure to dress appropriately for religious purposes, and be respectful of the mosque’s surroundings. It’s also a good idea to visit at night, when the lights illuminate the building and it casts a gorgeous reflection into the water around it.
2. Signal Hill Observatory Platform
Situated high above Kota Kinabalu and its sprawling landscape, the Signal Hill Observatory Platform offers one of the city’s most impressive views. On a clear day, you can view the stunning Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park and Tanjung Aru Beach from this vantage point.
Another top destination is the Mari-Mari Cultural Village, a living museum that showcases the history of five different ethnic groups in Sabah. This is a great place to learn about the region’s past and take part in interactive exhibits.
For a fun way to get around the city, hire a bike from the City Hall and cycle through town on a route that takes you along the waterfront. It’s a great way to see all the best sights without getting lost and it’s free too!
3. Handicraft Market
One of the best places to buy souvenirs and local goods in Kota Kinabalu is the Handicraft Market. Here, you can find everything from Borneo sarongs and pareos to pearl jewelleries.
The cluttered stalls are full of knick-knacks, clothing and handicrafts – if you haggle well, you can get the best deals. The market also has a selection of local snacks, including dried crackers and fish snacks.
You can also find a range of freshwater and seawater pearls here which are available in different shapes, sizes and colours. These pearls can be customized into jewellery of your choice, such as earrings and pendants.
If you are looking for some culture during your trip to Sabah, a visit to Mari Mari Cultural Village is a must! This themed village depicts the lives of various Sabahan tribes. You can go on a guided tour to learn about their traditions, customs and food.
4. Kota Kinabalu Night Market
Located next to the waterfront in front of the Le Meridien hotel, this night market is a vibrant display of produce, raw fish and prepared food. It also serves as a great place to buy souvenirs and memorabilia from Kota Kinabalu.
Traditional markets are the lifeblood of any local community, and they’re a fascinating glimpse into the daily lives of a region. In Malaysian Borneo, a range of lively street markets celebrate both Sabah’s traditions and contemporary artistic creativity.
In Kota Kinabalu, a bustling outdoor night market, Satay Legend Lok Kawi 1, is open every Saturday and Sunday evening. It’s a great place to get your hands on a freshly made satay kebab and other tasty snacks.
A must-try are the seafood stalls, where you can order squid, snapper, grouper, tiger prawn, lobster and crabs grilled over charcoal. For a dessert, try cendol, a refreshing Malaysian concoction of shaved ice over different types of jelly, beans and corn with coconut or sweetened condensed milk drizzled on top.
