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By the waterfront, KKs Central Market is a feast for the eyes, if not the stomach. 7 BEST PLACES to visit in Kota Kinabalu + THINGS TO DO - Detourista Not just that, as they also exhibit the recent pop culture arose in the state of Sabah as well. Accommodation availability is also at its peak during this time, so you wont have to worry about finding a place to stay. Crowds start to clear out again in September as the rains become more frequent and temperatures start to cool down. Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia: See Tripadvisor's 96,732 traveller reviews and photos of Kota Kinabalu tourist attractions. Also, be sure to bring the appropriate clothing and supplies for a day out on the mountain. Start saving these places so you know where to go once you land! In fact, Kota Kinabalu itself is wonderful. With lower tourism numbers during this period, youll get a better chance at bargain prices and unique finds.And the market has a covering, so even if it rains, you can still enjoy the local products and culture. Image by Sarah Reid Lonely Planet, Why not to skip Kota Kinabalu: 7 reasons to stick around Sabahs capital. The water along most of the river is gentle and is suitable for people of any age. Roughly 40,000 people attempt to scale the 4,095m summit of Malaysias highest mountain every year, but you dont have to commit to climbing Mt Kinabalu (best done over three days to acclimatise) to appreciate Sabahs first World Heritage Site. Because so much of the sightseeing in Kota Kinabalu is outdoors, its best to avoid the wet season from May to July when the rains can make it difficult to explore. Some of the highlights here include the craft markets and delicious seafood restaurants, as well as pretty lookout spots and museums. The five islands in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park are not far away from each other, so they are very suitable for island hopping. One of the best places to come to try some seafood is the waterfront which is covered in seafood restaurants and you can choose from large tanks that are filled with the latest catch and then decide how you would like it to be cooked. The main building exhibits Sabahs natural history, ceramics, archaeology and even their ethnic and pre-independent history. I met Sentiya, an Indonesian citizen who has been living in Kota Kinabalu, and she told me that Malaysian people see Sabah like Indonesian see Bali. But, it is not the building that makes it worth visiting. 8 Best Restaurants In Kota Kinabalu Worth Visiting As such, you may still hear it referred to by this name, but whatever the moniker, this is a great place to come for anyone who wants to pick up some local souvenirs. The name is actually something of a misnomer as this is actually a museum complex and you will find the Science and Technology Museum here as well as the Sabah Art Gallery and a small heritage village with models of local houses. To get the most bang for your buck, its best to book during the shoulder season when prices are usually lower. At the market, you can buy seafood, fried food, various vegetables and fruits, and evenwhite coffee. From outdoor adventurers seeking thrills to culture seekers looking for unique experiences, or those simply wanting a peaceful getaway, you will find something special in this enchanting Asian destination. When you book a hotel or tour that we link to, we may earn a commission. The wetlands located in the Klias Peninsula are one of the top spots in Sabah and you will find acres of mangrove swamps which are a haven for amazing wildlife. Sabi Island attracts the most tourists and has the most water sports events. Many Malaysian specialties can be found here, such as Bak Kut Teh, Weiya Hainan chicken rice, and others. Kota Kinabalu City Mosque: Worth visiting - See 1,171 traveler reviews, 860 candid photos, and great deals for Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, at Tripadvisor. 1. However, these aren't very pleasant to listen to. Get a quote below or read our in-depth review! Kota Kinabalu is a nice, big city that will be suitable for all those city dwellers. Also day trip-able, but better as an overnighter, is Pulau Tiga, accessed from Kuala Penyu, about two hours drive south of the capital. Just make sure to bring an umbrella, as the weather can change at any time. Could you guess who?! Still around the same complex, you can also check out the heritage village where you could see the miniature of some ethnic houses in Sabah. To name a few, theres Big Ben in London, or Konak Saat Kulesi in Izmir. Lonely Planet contributors do not accept freebies for positive coverage. read more This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance. Its the quietest you will find the city, so you can get some good deals on accommodation but there is a reason its the off-season. SafetyWing is convenient, cheap, and trouble-free Insurance was never this easy! hahaha. From Sabah Museum Complex, the city mosque is quite far. March to May and mid-August up until October are great times of year for budget travelers who want a really good deal on their holiday to Malaysia! Prices during this time tend to be higher due to increased demand so plan ahead and book early. But while Sabahs west coast waters cant compete with the marine diversity of the Coral Triangle, the handful of jungly humps that comprise Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, just a 15-20min boat ride from KK, are perfect for day-tripping. This is because it is such a magical place full of beauty and adventours. Many Malaysians on the Peninsula have never been to KK, which is a shame. Its even a better version of Miri, like at least I wouldnt mind to transit here for a couple of days. Thats the other reason why I decided to skip going to the Islamic Civilization Museum as well as the Sabah State Mosque.Some ethnic houses at the Heritage Village. 25 Best Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia), Source: Augustine Bin Jumat / shutterstock, Source: Alexander Mazurkevich / shutterstock, User: (WT-shared) Shoestring at wts wikivoyage / Wikimedia, 15 Best Things to Do in Broome (Australia), 15 Best Things to Do in Mooroopna (Australia), 25 Best Things To Do In Gilbert (Arizona), 15 Best Things to Do in McPherson (Kansas), Admire the fish at the Green Connection Aquarium, Take in the views at Signal Hill Observatory Platform, Island hop at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Have a cup of tea at the Sabah Tea Garden. The weather in Kota Kinabalu is a little different than in the rest of Malaysia and is generally divided into two seasons the dry season and the monsoon season. While not traveling, chances are you'll find me chilling at home. It really depends on the perspective. Visit the Derawan Islands: Getting to the Derawan Islands in East Kalimantan isn't easy, but once there you'll enjoy a wonderland of marine life. The park is a selection of five islands which are just off the coast from Kota Kinabalu and include Sulug, Gaya, Manukan, Sapi, and Mamutik. May is the worst time to visit Kota Kinabalu due to the extreme heat and humidity. So, Is Kota Kinabalu Still Worth Visiting Without the Hype of the Mount? Its seriously a tropical paradise that you dont want to miss when youre here. 2023, The Broke Backpacker. Kota Kinabalu is also one of the three places in the world with the largest gathering of fireflies. So, Is Kota Kinabalu Still Worth Visiting Without the Hype of the Mount? . This will require you to sleep overnight on the mountain but for all my adventurers and thrill-seekers alike, the trek to its peak provides breathtaking views that are worth every step! A post shared by Fadzlishah Johanabas Rosli (@fadz_johanabas) on Jun 30, 2018 at 1:37am PDT. The Kota Kinabalu City Mosque was our next destination. Set up with support from the Sabah Wildlife Department, the Shangri-La Rasa Ria owns a 64-acre nature reserve backing on to the hotel that acts as a halfway house for orphaned orangutans until they are ready to integrate with their brethren at Sepilok. Review of Pasar Besar Kota Kinabalu Reviewed January 31, 2019 via mobile Got to see local people, fruits and veggies which are unique to KK & Sabah as a whole. For a more challenging experience due to the rainfall the mountain receives, set your sights on scaling the mountain between November and February. Thats why Kota Kinabalu is perfect for those who love warm places all year round. There are a few other parts of town such as Chinatown that also have a good bar scene, but one of the highlights of the waterfront is the chance to take in the sunset views over the water as you sip on a cocktail or a cold beer. . Most travel agencies take you rafting for a while in the morning, go ashore for a buffet at noon, and then go rafting again in the afternoon. like, let me settle with all the ticketing and dont speak at all so that they dont have to pay for the international tourist fee. At this time, Central Market is the most bustling place in Kota Kinabalu. It is the 3rd highest peak in Southeast Asia with a height of 4095 metres. I write mostly about my travel antics and occasionally share my thoughts on other topics that I enjoy, including beauty, dating, and everything else. Here you can see some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world and some of the most beautiful islands in Malaysia. During the first week of May each year, they celebrate Pesta Kaamatan with an important ritual known as Magavau: inviting Bambaazons spirit amidst them to ensure a successful festival season ahead. Wow the Mosque is beautiful and the museum complex looks intriguing. Popular things to do Nature and Wildlife Tours Bus Tours Shopping Malls Day Trips 4WD Tours Flea & Street Markets Hiking Tours Climbing Points of Interest & Landmarks Full-day Tours Half-day Tours Islands Night Tours City Tours Scuba Diving Top Picks Luxury & Special Occasions Transfers & Ground Transport Special Offers Ports of Call Tours Behind December, August is the busiest month for tourism in Kota Kinabalu, though the temperatures remain relatively hot. Copyright 2023 Trip.com Travel Singapore Pte. Plus, with the Monsoon season yet to start, your trip wont be dampened by rain! As such, this is a good place to come on a rainy day, especially if you are traveling with children and are looking for an engaging collection of exhibits all in one place. Here's how to do it responsibly in 2022. Idyllic Islands Near Kota Kinabalu Worth Visiting When The Singapore If you want to learn a little more about the history of Kota Kinabalu and Sabah generally, then make your way to the Sabah State Museum where you will find three floors of memorabilia. And that sunset has got me wetting my lips. I love traveling as much as I enjoy staying in. The memorial dates from 1923 and is a little piece of important history in the center of Kota Kinabalu. Cheap flights in Malaysia AirAsia has made air travel easy and affordable. If you want a day trip outside of Kota Kinabalu then consider a trip to Poring Hot Springs. The temperatures start to become a lot hotter in May and its one of the least busy months to visit Kota Kinabalu, so its perfect for those who want a peaceful holiday. However, the good news is that October marks the end of the summer tourism season in Kota Kinabalu and accommodation prices become much more affordable. However, I decided to skip Mount Kinabalu for an absolutely legit reason: the day trip to the mountain from Kota Kinabalu is quite expensive. Currently, the office tower is claimed as the tallest building in Borneo, taking over the record from Wisma Sanyan in Sibu, Sarawak. Visiting Kota Kinabalu Without Stopping by Mount Kinabalu, Why I Skipped All the Main Tourist Destinations in Sabah. There are five worship sessions here every day, namely at sunrise, noon, afternoon, sunset and at night. Mount Kinabalu is one of the most famous landmarks in Malaysia. So regardless of when you decide to visit, you will have an incredible time. Worth forking out a little more for is a meal at Alu-Alu Caf. If possible, try to get a look at the mosque at night when it is illuminated and reflected in the inky waters that surround it. 12. To get to the tower you need to walk up a scenic hill which is located off Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman and which affords you views over the rest of the city. Prices for accommodation drop significantly during this time, so its a great opportunity to get some budget-friendly deals. Another good pick is to take the train to neighboring Beaufort which is a pretty market town that is well worth exploring in its own right. 1. Guided tours are also available at 9 a.m., 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. daily and are highly recommended for nature enthusiasts. The best time to visit Atkinson Clock Tower would be either early in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is not at its hottest. its such a beautiful and strategic ocean! You can book an island hopping tour package at a local travel agency, or you can do the tour by yourself. It was named for the presence of manatees in the nearby sea. The countrys Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation closed Thailands 133 national parks on 25 March to restrict visitors. This is the place to come if you are looking for something of a nightlife scene in the city and the waterfront is dotted with bars and restaurants, many of which feature live music in the evenings. The weather is at its best, the days are long and sunny, with only a few days of rain here and there. Rain has slowed and you will get a better chance to experience the beauty of Kota Kinabalu. Whether it be weather patterns, tourist traffic, affordability, or something else weve got you covered! I actually havent heard about either, so it was interesting learning from you through this post. During these months, the weather is still pleasant, and the city bustles with activity. You can go to the fair if there is one on when you are there. Some of the highlights here include proboscis monkeys as well as macaques, exotic birds, and lizards. 2023. 2. In the evening, more and more people come out to view the sunset. Even though the weather is warm, the city is still full of summer tourists and prices are still higher. One of the main features to look out for in the park is the British North Borneo Memorial which is dedicated to the soldiers who died here at the time of the British Empire during the First World War. Just outside Kota Kinabalu is the town of Lok Kawi which is also the home of the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park. Some of these groups are said to have come to Sabah in the 15th century although many of these areas have now become known as a haven for illegal immigrants. If you want an almost untouched paradise, then Sulug is a good spot, or you can take a boat and just island hop around, stopping at whichever island takes your fancy. Located some two hours outside of Kota Kinabalu is the Sabah Tea Garden which is where you will find the delicious tea for which this region is famous. This is when you can count on sunny, warm days that are perfect for taking dips in the sea or lounging around under a palm tree. Places To Visit In Kota Kinabalu: Attractions & Itinerary - Rider Chris So lets jump in. THE TOP 15 Things To Do in Kota Kinabalu - Viator Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. Kota Kinabalu City Mosque: worth visiting - See 1,168 traveler reviews, 860 candid photos, and great deals for Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, at Tripadvisor. I took around 20-minute driving, depends on the traffic. We mainly ate yummy food and then escaped off to visit islands!