Kota Kinabalu City Top 10 Attractions

Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah. This is the first leg for tourist visiting the Land Below the Wind.  But where should we start the trip? Based on tourist popularity, here are the top 10 attractions that won’t disappoint you:

1. Tunku Abdul Rahman Park
   
   Oceans here I come! Besides swimming, snorkelling and sun-bathing at this pristine marine park, there are varieties of exciting water sports to keep you busy. Among those are riding the banana boat, kayaking, water-paragliding, seabed walking and PADI’s Discover Scuba Diving course for first timer.
    
2. Handicraft Market
   
   You can buy all kinds of cheap handicrafts and souvenirs here. Be prepared to unleash your bargaining skills and you will not leave empty handed. As evening approaches, appetizing smells will emanate from behind the market, here is also a good place to eat barbecued seafood.
    
3. The Waterfront
   
   The Waterfront is the hip place for seafood dining and nightlife. The nearby Ocean Seafood Restaurant and Port View Seafood Village is the first choice.
    
4. Tanjung Aru Beach
   
   Drink cooling coconut water while watching the sunset. If you are lucky, you may be able to see crimson clouds as the sun sets into the horizon.
    
5. Sabah State Museum
   
   Have you ever see jars used to bury the dead? Knives of the headhunting tribe? Or coffins in the shape of cow? Come visit Sabah State Museum to see these wonderful cultural relics!
    
6. Monsopiad Cultural Village
   
   This is where the headhunting warriors originated from. 200 years old human skulls were exhibited here, as well as several cultural performances by various indigenous tribes of Sabah.
    
7. Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre
   
   This exotic mangroves conservation area is the place to spot many kinds of birds. Early morning and near evening is the good time to visit as the numbers of birds will increase during these times.
    
8. Floating Kota Kinabalu City Mosque
   
   This architecture that seems like floating on water surface is among the most beautiful mosque in the country
    
9. Menara Tun Mustapha
   
   Menara Tun Mustapha, formerly known as Sabah Foundation Building, is one of the only 4 glass style concept building in the world. The structure is also the highest in Sabah. The Atmosphere revolving restaurant and bar is located on 18th floor of the building.  
10. Gaya Street Sunday market
    
    Blending into the hustle-bustle of Gaya Street Market and become a Sabahan. You can get what you use, eat, play and see all in one place. Don’t forget to visit century old buildings nearby, the historic Sabah Tourism Building and Atkinson Clock Tower.

Shopping in Kota Kinabalu

Gaya Street (Sunday Market)

Just a short stroll from Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, Gaya Street was originally known as Bond Street and has been the main business street of Kota Kinabalu for over 100 years. This nostalgic street features rows of old shoplots populated by family-run businesses that have been handed down over the generations.  Today, this area is still known as a central-business district but is home to many international financial institutions, low to mid-range hotels and quaint eateries.

Every Sunday from 6:00 am to 12:00 noon, the entire stretch of Gaya Street is closed to traffic, making way for a street fair filled with all kinds of vendors selling tropical plants and seedlings, foodstuff, tourist souvenirs and handicrafts, freshly ground coffee beans, kitchenware, tools, domestic pets and fashion items.

Handicraft Market
Within 5 minutes walking distance from Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, this vibrant market offers local crafts, souvenirs, woodwork, sarongs and Borneo pearls that can be found in rows of compact stalls where most prices are determined by bargaining.

Open daily from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm.

Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, Telephone: +60 88 48 7087
Less than 10 minutes walk from Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, this is one of the newest and largest shopping malls in the city. Suria is also home to several major international and local chain retailers, a multiplex cinema and a 3D movie theatre.

Open daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Wisma Merdeka Shopping Complex, Telephone: +60 88 23 2761
Just adjacent to Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, Wisma Merdeka is one of the longest standing shopping centres in Sabah. There is something for everyone at Wisma Merdeka, from souvenirs, sporting equipment, fashion, optometrists, hairdressing and beauty salons and food courts.

Open daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.