5 Best Things to See and Do in Kota Kinabalu
The longer I traveled, the more I liked nature. I prefer bumpy roads to smooth ones, moonlight and starlight to colorful artificial lights, and the smell of durian and fish makes me smile. Especially if it’s Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.
Kota Kinabalu is the capital of the Malaysian state of Sabah, named for Mount Kinabalu (4,101 meters), the highest peak on the island of Borneo (kota means “city”). It is known for having one of the best sunset views in the world. Sabah is also famous for its orangutan population, and you can have an interactive experience with animals at the Koh Jubu Monkey Sanctuary and Turtle Island, home to sea turtles.
Kota Kinabalu Firefly Tour
Kota Kinabalu K2 Fireflies Sunset River Cruise Tour with Dinner
Firefly tours are offered in several locations in Kota Kinabalu, including Kawang, Bongawan, and Surabang. This tour takes you by boat into the mangrove forests of Kawang, where the sea and river meet.
It’s a silent wait in pitch blackness. No camera flashes are allowed, not even a small light from a smartphone. The only light allowed is a green flashlight waved by the boatman. This green light is similar to the green light emitted by the female fireflies, which fools the males into dancing in the light. These tiny creatures live only on dew and die in just two weeks. The fresh air, the moderate breeze, and the little bounces that burst out from the fireflies’ gestures are memories you’ll never want to forget.
Mantanani Island Tour
Mantanani Island Diving Paradise Tour from Kota Kinabalu
Home to some of Kota Kinabalu’s best beaches and crystal clear waters, Mantanani Island is one of the best places to visit, even if it is a bit of a trek. Snorkel underwater with beautiful corals and rare tropical fish, and relax on white sandy beaches sprinkled with coral dust. Guides are on hand to make snorkeling safe and enjoyable for beginners. It’s a long bus and boat ride, so it’s not recommended for the elderly, and if the weather doesn’t cooperate, the tour may be canceled due to high waves.
NORTH BORNEO RAILWAY
Travel back in time on a steam train
The North Borneo Steam Train, built in the 1900s from solid wood from Sabah, can still be ridden today, more than 100 years later. Not only does it look the same, but it still runs on wood-fired electricity. The smoke from burning wood rises and fades like a cloud, and only the distinctive smell of burning wood lingers like a memory of first love.
If you close your eyes, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back 100 years to a time you never lived. Since July 2011, you can enjoy a picnic aboard a steam train that has been recreated as it was in the British colonies in the 1900s. You’ll be served by a cheerful crew in colonial attire, and there’s plenty to do, including English morning tea and tiffin lunches, as well as exploring small towns and markets. Try to get a seat in the middle of the carriage (they switch back and forth at each stop), as those at the front will feel the fumes.
Kinabalu National Park Tour
2D1N Mount Kinabalu Climbing
Mount Kinabalu, which means “resting place of the soul” in the indigenous language, is 4,095 meters high. It is the highest mountain not only in Malaysia but also in Southeast Asia. The summit is often covered in ice caps. Thanks to its steep terrain, which gradually changes from tropical forest to alpine environment, and frequent climate changes, Mount Kinabalu has optimal conditions for the speciation of new species. In recognition of its value, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 2000. To protect the nature of Mount Kinabalu, the number of climbers is limited to 200 per day.
Even if you can”t climb to the summit, Low Peak, you can still visit Kinabalu National Park on a day tour. After a two-hour drive from the city to get your first glimpse of Low Peak from the viewing platform, you’ll get in touch with Mount Kinabalu’s nature on a botanical garden trek, treetop canopy walk, and natural sulfuric hot springs in the jungle. You can also explore the mountain on an overnight climbing package with a local mountain guide, and if you do a two-day tour, you’ll be greeted by a spectacular sunrise from the summit. If you have more time, you can stay at a Mount Kinabalu resort or lodge and soak in the hot springs of Porin Hot Springs and trek through the jungle. No matter how you choose to enjoy the trek, hikers will be rewarded with rare sights, including a suspended canopy walkway through a dense jungle of giant trees and the world’s largest flower, the rafflesia.
Waterfront Sunset, Tanjung Aru Beach
Sunset E-Foil Experience in Tanjung Aru Beach
Kota Kinabalu’s sunsets are famous for being among the top three in the world, along with Santorini in Greece and Fiji in the South Pacific. Of all the sunset spots in Kota Kinabalu, Tanjung Aru Beach is the most popular among travelers. The Kota Kinabalu Waterfront offers some of the most heart-wrenching sunsets you’ll ever see. Take a stroll along the waterfront and watch the sky and sea turn from pink to purple and orange as the sun sets.
The beach is about 6 kilometers from the city center, where casuarina trees and palm trees line the beach, creating an exotic getaway setting. During the day, it attracts swimmers and recreationalists, and in the evening, crowds gather to watch the sunset turn the sky red. The sunsets at Tanjung Aru Beach are fiery red, with beautiful colors reflected in the sky and calm waters. It’s a nod to why Kota Kinabalu’s sunsets are among the top three in the world. Don’t miss the dramatic moment and make sure to capture the sunset in a stunning photo.
Likas Mosque
KK Rainforest City Tour
On a clear day, the white buildings and blue roofs of the mosque are reflected in the water, making it look like it’s floating on the water. Likas Mosque is affectionately known as the Blue Mosque because of its beautiful blue dome. The 13 pillars that support the Blue Mosque represent the 13 federal states of Malaysia, while the four minarets symbolize the east, west, north and south. It’s large enough to hold about 7,000 people at a time, and there’s a museum of artifacts inside. Outside of prayer times, travelers are free to explore the interior, though you’ll need to rent clothing at the entrance to enter. After visiting the Rikas Mosque, don’t forget to take a photo of your life with the mosque in the background.
