Where to go in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia?

Last updated on September 9, 2022

Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn. – Benjamin Franklin

Estimated conversion RM 1 = PHP 14

1. Kota Kinabalu (KK) Wetland Centre

I think of mangroves like a sanctuary for creatures who live in part salty and part fresh water. Snapping shrimp and mudskipper were just two of the interesting things I found in the Wetland. Do you know what they are? The place was also good for bird watching so I have to bring binoculars next time.

© lyalberto07 | Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre | Mangroves

Trivia: Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre was formerly known as Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary. The site covers 24 hectares of mangrove.

Direction:
Option 1 – Bus from Gaya Street Terminal → Likas Square Mall drop off→ Walk to KK Wetland Centre (5-10 min.)
Option 2 – Centre Point Mall → Likas Complex drop off→ Walk to Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre (15-20 min.)

Fare: RM 1 = PHP 14
Admission Fee: RM 15 = PHP 210
*Close on Mondays.

2. Sapi Island

An island of white sandy beach with the touch of wildlife. This place was great for snorkeling. Little by little though, wastes were being washed to the island. I was so sad I had to pick up trash in the beach. How about we help out the island before it get worst? And be a genuine world citizen.

Trivia: The island has the longest island-to-island zipline at 250 meters long from Gaya Island, according to Sabah Tourism.

Direction: Walk from Gaya Street → Jesselton Point
Tour groups inside the port sells tickets. Prices would vary depending on the number of island to visit.

Environmental fee* as of April 2018: RM 20 = PHP 280
Total fee for one island (including transfer, terminal, environmental, conservation fee): RM 65 = PHP 910

* Environmental fee is good for 3 islands of Mamutik, Manukan and Sapi island. 4 pm is the last ferry pick up time for the tourist on a day trip

3. Tanjung Aru Beach

It was a long hot walk from Imago mall to the beach but it was all worth it.

© lyalberto07 | Tanjung Aru Beach sunset

Trivia:The name Tanjung means casuarina, a tree with slender, jointed, drooping twigs that resemble horsetails and bear tiny scale-like leaves. It is native to Australia and SE Asia, and is a valuable source of timber and firewood. (Oxford Online Dictionary)

Admission: Free
Click here for direction

4. Likas Complex Swimming Pool

“Swimming is a good form of exercise”, many would say. For me, I just love hitting the water.

© lyalberto07 | Likas Complex Swimming Pool

5. Night Market

Wherever we go, food will always be number one in the list. Love food! Chicken satay, sweet and sour fish cooked with sea birds nest were just two of the many dishes served here. Foreign folks flock (that was a tongue twister!) here for other freshly catched seafood.

Admission: Free
Click here for direction

6. Sunday Market

Do you also have a strong desire to know people and witness their daily life? Most often, a market is the best place to do so. Where else do locals go, right? Sunday market in Kota Kinabalu City was interesting. The transformation of Gaya street to a market filled with for sale accessories, clothing, instruments, pastries, vegetables, Kinabalu coffee, tea, cacti, artists and many other local stuff was more than astonishing.

© lyalberto07 | Gaya Street on a normal day

Trivia:The weekly Sunday Market is known locally as Tamu (Fair). The word Tamu is derived from the word ‘temu’ which means “to meet”. (Museum Volunteers, JMM)

Admission: Free
Click here for direction

7. Kinabalu Park

Do you remember the pitcher plant in Pokemon series when we were kids? Found one in Botanical Garden inside the park. Most of the featured orchids in their brochure though were dead already when we went on April 2018. Sad. Perhaps not their season.

The park was high in humidity so it would be better to wear proper clothes and insect repellant for mosquito magnets.

Trivia: Kinabalu’s name is a mystery but the most popular view is from the Kadazan words, Aki Nabalu, meaning ‘the revered place of the dead’. (Borneo Tours Travel, Mount Kinabalu Climb)

Direction: Bus/Van from Ranau Terminal near Gaya Street → Kinabalu Park
There were not a lot of public vehicles going back to the city so it was a little tricky. We got lucky because there was a private vehicle waiting outside the park. A kind driver offered to take us back to the city for RM 25 (PHP 350) each. As an alternative, try to book a vehicle with a group going to and fro KK park to save time and cash.

Fare: RM 20 = PHP 280
Travel period: 2 hours, from the city to park
Admission Fee*Does not include admission fee for Botanical Garden.

The famous quote from Benjamin Franklin that was mentioned in the beginning has always been true. May it be small or big, indulging into something can go a long way. Happy travel, happy learning!