Kota Kinabalu is gradually becoming one of the main destinations in Southeast Asia due to the increasing popularity of Mt. Kinabalu and other attractions that can be seen in Sabah. Another reason for the gain of popularity is the increasing number of flights servicing this city
If you're not up for climbing Southeast Asia's highest peak, you still have a lot other things to do in Kota Kinabalu. Here are ten of them:
1. Visit the Sabah State Mosque
Sabah State Mosque, located in Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman is a stone throw away from Sadung area. But if you're living in Jalan Gaya, it might take you about half an hour to reach the mosque on foot. It is said that Sabah State Mosque could accommodate 5000 worshippers at one time.
2. Visit Kota Kinabalu City Mosque
The city mosque is probably one of the most photographed structures in Kota Kinabalu. It is located in Likas Bay and built on a man-made lagoon that creates a feeling that the mosque is floating above the water.
3. Visit Atkinson Clock Tower
An architectural wonder, Atkinson Clock Tower is said to be built all woods with no nails in 1903 in memory of Francis George Atkinson. Atkinson is a popular District Officer of Jesselton who died from a tropical disease. Atkinson Clock Tower is also known as the oldest standing structure in the entire Sabah.
4. Check out some grafitti art
Located in front of Suria Sabah Mall, this small area of ruins was turned into a beautiful work of art by locals.
5. Shop at Jalan Gaya on Sundays
Jalan Gaya turns into a sprawling street market every Sunday. There's a variety of items that might interest visitors and locals alike. A popular item includes souvenir shirts and some souvenir knick knacks.
6. Try out the local food
If you're looking to try the local cuisines of Sabah, head on to small restaurants scattered along Jalan Gaya. But if you're looking for fresh seafood, go to the market behind Pasar Kraftangan. Fresh catch of the day can be cooked in a variety of ways for a fee.
7. Try out some watersports in Tanjung Aru
Tanjung Aru is probably the most popular destination among locals due to its proximity to the city center. There are a variety of watersports being offered here such as parasailing.
8. Island hopping
The islands in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park are the nearest and some of the most beautiful among the other islands that you can visit in Borneo. White sand beaches and a variety of fishes await those who would snorkel or dive the warm waters of Sabah. You also have an option to camp and stay longer in some of the islands if you wish to.
9. Watch the sunset
If there's one thing that makes Kota Kinabalu special for me, it would be its sunset. Best place to watch the sunset would be Tanjung Aru, Jesselton Ferry Terminal and the mini public waterfront parks along the road. This is something that you shouldn't miss.
10. Get to know Borneo's wildlife
It's a joy to see a lot of colourful birds flying freely around the city itself. There are also occasional monitor lizards that you'll see in the city in the marine parks alongside with macaques. You could also go to Rasa Ria to see some orang-utan. For those who have more time, you could arrange a tour from Kota Kinabalu to various wetlands where you could see Proboscis Monkeys in their natural habitat.
These are just some of the activities that you can do in Kota Kinabalu City. For the travellers who have bigger budget and more time, you could venture to other towns in Borneo to see other wildlife in their natural habitat such as elephants, orang-utans and sea turtles.
