Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Kota Kinabalu is a true oriental pearl and the capital of Sabah, a state in Malaysia. Surrounded by spectacular waters, mountains and ancient rainforest, this is truly the gateway to Borneo, with a vibrant city life that will surely captivate you.

Population:

618,000

Currency:

Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
RM1 ~ US$0,25

Emergency Numbers:

999

Opening Hours:

Banks: Monday - Friday 9 am - 4:30 pm. Closed from 12:30 - 2 pm
Shopping centres vary, Monday - Friday: 10 am - 9 pm

Newspapers:

Borneo Post
Sabah Times
Daily Express

The City

Kota Kinabalu, affectionately known as KK in Malaysia, is a fascinating and richly “blessed” city. It is situated on the shores of the South China Sea, and flanked by lush tropical islands and clear blue waters on one side, and Mount Kinabalu on the other. The city is graced by some of the finest sunsets in the world.

Originally named Jesselton, the city was flattened during World War II, and has risen from the ashes to become a thriving and vibrantly colourful city. Much of the city is relatively new, but legacies of its Chinese trading history and colonial past can be found dotted all around town, along with water villages, and an ever-expanding array of commercial and residential developments.

Do & See

The centre of town is based around the waterfront area, which is home to a charming mix of old and new – trendy bars, restaurants and hotels line the area, but are contrastingly interspersed with traditional markets, fishing ports and hawker stalls, a great blend.

Dining

The melange and variation of culinary experiences in KK is amazing. Being such a multi-cultural city you will find everything from Malay and Filipino hawker food to 24 hour budget Malay and Indian restaurants to exquisite Chinese seafood restaurants as well as top-class international restaurants.

Cafes

The inner city is a calm and friendly place, characterised by an interesting mix of old and new, what you'll also see when visiting the best hangout spots in town.