Need to know
Kota Kinabalu, also known as KK, can be found on the island of Borneo. The capital of the Sabah province of Malaysia, most travellers use the capital as a base for exploring the wider province, which is known for its sprawling jungles and beautiful beaches.
Kota Kinabalu has a humid equatorial climate and is known for its spectacular sunsets. The coastal city is a great spot to watch the sun set over white sands at one of its many beachfront spots such as Tanjung Aru beach or the Segama waterfront. Head to the Signal Hill Observatory Tower for stunning views of the the city and ocean views that stretch to the outlying islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. Surrounded by rainforest, one of the best views can be seen from the top of Bukit Padang, a popular hiking spot with panoramic vistas of the region.
Kota Kinabalu is renowned for its vibrant markets and delicious street food. The Central Market sells fresh everything, from exotic fruit and vegetables to meat and poultry, while the Filipino Market is a great place to pick up seasonal produce and local delicacies. You can also check out the nearby Handicraft Market, where you can find mementos and souvenirs for friends and family. Visit the Night Market for a lively, festival atmosphere with a brilliant multicultural mix of stalls stocked with items such as pearl and crystal jewellery and handcrafted trinkets.
There’s an amazing array of Chinese and Malaysian regional cuisines on offer throughout the city, as well as Filipino and, of course, traditional Sabah cuisine. Sample flavoursome dishes such as hivana, a ceviche-like snack, and tuaran mee, springy fried noodles with sliced meat and vegetables.
Getting around
In the city most things are within walking distance, so it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the harbour and market area and work from there. Hiring a car is a good travel option if you want to travel to a number of destinations across the city as you are in control of your trip and the pace at which you explore. Hiring a car also means you can avoid spending money on local taxis. Taxis are available throughout the city, however, they do not run on meters and it can be hard to gauge how much the journey should cost. Minivans also operate from several stops including Padang Merdeka Bus Station and Wawasan Plaza.
