Kota Kinabalu – A Natural Paradise Inside Borneo

Kota Kinabalu or locally known as KK is the capital of the state of Sabah in Malaysia. It is situated in on the northwest coast of Borneo facing the South China Sea. For those visiting Sabah or Borneo, Kota Kinabalu is known as a major tourist destination. It is also known as a major industrial and commercial center for East Malaysia aside from its major attractions like Mount Kinabalu, which gives name to the city; the surrounding tropical rainforests; the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, an archipelago of five islands with great beaches and even better diving sites; and the city itself.

Kota Kinabalu Waterfront

The KK Waterfront is a reclaimed land. This is where you find a good offer of restaurants, bars and coffee shops. This is the best place to be in KK if you want to witness the sunset.

Kota Kinabalu Sunset

Next to Waterfront is the Filipino Market, where you can find sea food at incredible prices. I noticed that sea food here is not always fresh so spend some time looking for a restaurant offering fresh sea food.

Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal

Jesselton Point is where the speedboats to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park's Islands depart from. You will get here by walking north from Suriah Sabah Mall.

Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal

Once you are inside the terminal, you will find different companies selling tickets to the islands. You can purchase a ride to one or more of the islands.

 

Atkinson Clock Tower

The Tower stands prominently on the side along Signal Hill Road. Mary Edith Atkinson ordered to build the Tower in 1905 in memory of her son, Francis George Atkinson the popular first District Officer of Kota Kinabalu. Before it was overshadowed by taller buildings, It was formerly used as a navigation aid for ships until. Today, this memorial is the oldest standing structure in the whole of Sabah that survived the air raids and bombings of World War II.

Atkinson Clock Tower

Gaya Street

Gaya is one of the main streets of KK. It's used to be known as Bond Street. Every Sunday morning, this street is closed to traffic and transforms to a street market where tourist and even locals come to buy their goods. You can find anything at the fair. From souvenir items, local handicrafts, food, clothing, drinks, Chinese medicines nad delicacies and even animals like dogs, turtle and chicken.

City Mosque

The KK city mosque is the second main mosque in the city. It is located at Likas Bay at the north of coastal highway. It is another impressive example of marvelous structure. The City Mosque is built on a man 'made lagoon and has the illusion that the mosque is floating above the water.

Kota Kinabalu City Mosque

Road to City Mosque

Tanjung Aru Beach

In south of downtown of KK, you will find Tanjung Aru district where you can see Tanjung Aru Beach, the biggest beaches in town. Most of the local come here to spend their day. The sunset view in Tanjung Aru is also amazing!

 

Tanjung Aru Beach

Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort

Sea Food Market

There's lot of places to eat in KK. But I noticed that most restaurants here have Asian specialties (Malaysian, Japanese, Filipino and Chinese), although there is a few with Western food as well.

Close to Gaya Street in the center of KK, you will find the fish and vegetable market. In here, you can have a good meal.

 

State Mosque

The State Mosque is one of the most outstanding pieces of architecture in Sabah. It is a unique combination of contemporary design and prevailing Islamic architecture.

KK State Mosque

The State mosque is a place of where Muslim inhabitants and visitors pray. For visitors who plan to visit, please note that dress code is strictly implemented.

 

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

 

The Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park comprises five islands: Pulau Sapi (sound of a mowing buffalo), Pulau Manukan (Fish), Pulau Gaya (Big), Pulau Mamutik (Shell) and Padang Point or Pulau Sulug (commemorating the ancestry of the Sulu peoples of Sabah). It is named after the first Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tunku Abdul Rahman. The park has been protected since 1974. In order to enter the park you have to pay for a conservation fee, which will be collected at the Jesselton Point ferry terminal. Boats out to the islands are also arranged at the terminal and run from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm.

 

Pulau Sulug (Padang Point)

Pulau Sapi

Pulau Manukan

Pulau Mamutik

The five islands offer thick rainforests full of wild life, white sand beaches, and rich coral reefs, apt for snorkeling and diving.

 

I've seen a few part of Malaysia and each of them offers a unique and memorable travel experiences. In Kota Kinabalu, I experienced the natural beauty of Malaysia or Boneo in particular. Unpolluted, less populated, long sandy beaches, amazing islands and tropical rain forests make Kota Kinabalu a natural paradise inside Borneo.