Top Things to Do in the Kota | Must-See Attractions & Experiences

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Places To Visit In Kota

Kota Kinabalu City Mosque

The Kota Kinabalu City Mosque is the largest and second main mosque in Kota Kinabalu. Surrounded by a man-made lagoon, it is popularly known as the "Floating Mosque" because it appears to be floating on the water. The mesmerising mosque is believed to be an epitome of Islamic architecture having been built in the lines of the Mosque Of Nabawi Al-Munawwara. It consists of a huge prayer hall along with three distinct madrasahs (Islamic schools) with the capacity of accommodating 9000 to 12000 people at a time. Visitors are permitted to enter the mosque and look through it. However, it is mandatory for the tourists to register themselves with the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque Tourism Management first. Read More

Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre

Situated 2 kilometres off Kota Kinabalu, the Kota Kinabalu Wetlands was initially known as the Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary. It is a vast area that happens to be the remnant of a mangrove forest existed along the coast. A walk into the mangrove directs the visitors to a unique ecosystem where the land comes in contact with the sea. The entire area covers over 60 acres of dense mangrove forest managed by Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society. Birdwatchers are elated to find multiple varieties of birds that migrate to Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre from all parts of North Asia. More than 80 different species of birds have been identified at the wetlands so far. The tourists are also thrilled to spot a number of colourful butterflies, mudskippers, weaver ants, jellyfish, water snakes and other amphibian or aquatic animals within this region. Read More

Atkinson Clock Tower

The Atkinson Clock Tower is an all-wood prominent landmark in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Standing 50-feet tall, this is the oldest standing structure in the city that even survived the World War II. The most fascinating thing about the precious Atkinson Clock Tower is that not even a nail was used in its construction. This white-coloured timepiece looks beautiful at night, when lit up.

Gaya Street Sunday Market

Bustling with the hustle of the locals and tourists, the Gaya Street Sunday Market is once in a weekly market set in the Gaya Street of Kota Kinabalu. It has been an important place for the farmers, fishermen and other traders for more than a hundred years. The sunday street market is famous among the locals as well as the tourists, providing a large number of unique, handcrafted, organic and herbal items along with plants, flowers, stylish and colourful clothes, jewellery and other items of local, cultural and traditional importance. The market opens early in the morning and strolling around to shop and also try the authentic Malaysian and international cuisine at the roadside stalls. Read More

Kinabatangan River

Kinabatangan River is one of the most prominent and accessible places in Asia to see a variety of flora and fauna. It is located in Sabah. The river is home to more than 200 bird species and more than 50 mammals along with ten primate species. The significant animals are the probosci's monkey and the Bornean gibbon. The Kinabatangan River has a length of 560 km and is the second longest river in Malaysia. The name Kinabatangan is a reference to the early Chinese trades who settled around the river mouth of the river. The word Kina is a direct reference to the Dunsun tribe of the Chinese settlers. Chinese traders had settled in the river mouth of Kinabatangan since the 7th century and used trading as a means to live their livelihood. Read More

Kokol Hill

The beautiful hilly site, perfect for an easy escape, Kokal Hill stands 800 metres high at Kokol Poring Poring Road, Kota Kinabalu. It is popular for the mesmerising city view, cool and fresh air, chilly temperatures and a relaxing atmosphere. The panoramic view is achieved by a hiking trail to the top, providing tranquillity and an enjoyable experience with resorts, cafes, homestays and a perfect location for landscape photography with a lot of fun and interesting activities like nature walks, bird watching, paragliding. Read More

Kota Kinabalu Waterfront

Providing a soothing arena, with fresh air and spectacular nightlife, the Kota Kinabalu Waterfront is a mixed development project with a mall, hotels, restaurants, resort homes and a boardwalk between Filipino Market and Oceanus Mall at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Also known as KK Waterfront, the place is situated in the heart of the city offering an unmatchable experience of the mesmerising sunset, nightlife with the start of businesses, flogging of locals and tourists when the air is no more hot and humid and an array of restaurants, bars, and small eating and massage joints. Read More

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park is a famous natural wildlife park located near the Penampang-Papar old road, Kota Kinabalu. The park is divided into two sections – zoological and botanical and houses many species of flora and fauna. Lok Kawi Wildlife Park is developed and maintained by the Sabah Wildlife Development and is famous for its family-oriented atmosphere and has a special children’s zoo. The zoological part of Lok Kawi houses many animals while the botanical part of the wildlife park offers an opportunity for a nature hike and also a chance to witness various different types of flowers and trees along with insects, some of them indigenous to Malaysia. Read More

Mamutik Island

The smallest island in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Mamutik Island is the closest to Kota Kinabalu city. With a 200-meter stretch of white sandy beach, the island is a perfect destination to unwind since it is a quiet and less crowded place. Mamutik Island is a great spot for scuba diving and snorkeling as well. One can also indulge in some exciting water sports activities at the Borneo Divers Dive Academy located here. The restaurants here serve delicious local delicacies. Read More

Mantanani Islands

The Mantanani Islands are a collection of three stunning islands with gold beaches and ringed with nearly untouched coral reefs, located off the northwest coast of Sabah, Malaysia. The islands are a perfect getaway from the city and has recently become increasingly popular among travellers and locals alike. The scenic Mantanani Islands have small resorts for those wishing the spend the night under the skies, and maybe explore the scenic beauty at night. For the particularly adventurous travellers, the nighttime is when the island holds the most mystery. It also houses some of the most diverse aquatic life that travellers can experience for themselves through the underwater activities like diving and snorkelling. Read More