Kota Kinabalu

Description

Kota Kinabalu, is the capital of the state of Sabah, Malaysia. The city, which was formerly known as Jesselton, was completely destroyed during World War II. In 1963, it was revived once more and given the name Kota Kinabalu.

Serving as the gateway to majestic Mount Kinabalu and to some of the most renowned scuba diving destinations in Borneo, Kota Kinabalu is the ideal destination for a family vacation. Not only that, but the city also offers a wide range of Muslim-friendly facilities, making it a great choice for Muslim travelers.

Kota Kinabalu is quite compact, making it easy for travelers to explore the city on foot. For those who prefer not to walk, taxis are readily available. Kota Kinabalu is also home to a number of stunning beaches, which are a must-see for any visitor. From the crystal-clear waters to the white sand, these beaches offer a truly unforgettable experience.

When it comes to museums and cultural attractions, Kota Kinabalu does not disappoint visitors either. The Sabah State Museum has several prehistoric collections and local artifacts. The Museum of Islamic Civilization is a great place to learn about Islamic history and heritage. The Aquarium and Marine Museum and the Green Connection Aquarium are also good places to visit. There are some iconic landmarks in the city, like the Atkinson Clock Tower and the Sabah Foundation Building, which are also worth visiting.

Kota Kinabalu offers visitors a plethora of shopping opportunities. From bustling markets to modern shopping centers, visitors are sure to find something to take home as a souvenir. The best places to shop in Kota Kinabalu include the Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market, Gaya Street Tamu, Suria Sabah, 1Borneo Hypermall, and Centre Point Sabah. Here, you can find everything from traditional handicrafts to the latest fashion trends.

Nearby Airports

Kota Kinabalu is served by the Kota Kinabalu International Airport. The airport is located about 7km from the city center.

There is a shuttle bus service available from the airport to the Wawasan Center in the city; a one-way ticket costs RM5-10.

Taxis are easily available at the airport and a one-way ride costs around RM30-50.

Travellers can also opt to take the minibus from the airport to the city. The minibus travels to the Kota Kinabalu bus terminal and the Wawasan terminal; a one-way ticket costs RM1.5-5.

Halal Restaurants

There are numerous halal restaurants in Kota Kinabalu and locating one is not difficult.

The best Muslim-friendly restaurants in Kota Kinabalu are Ocean Seafood, He Jia Fo Seafood Restaurant, Oriental Café, Tang Dynasty Hotel, Yummy Chicken, Restoran Fook Yuen, Nana Optima, Thien Thien Restaurant, etc.

Mosques

There are a number of mosques in Kota Kinabalu.

The most popular mosque in the city is the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, which is also known as the Masjid Bandar. Another well-known mosque in the city is the Sabah State Mosque also known as the Masjid Negeri Sabah.

Things to Do and See in Kota Kinabalu

• Sabah State Museum and Heritage Village
• Science and Technology Centre
• Museum of Islamic Civilisation
• Aquarium and Marine Museum
• Sabah Foundation Building
• Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
• Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre
• Green Connection Aquarium
• Atkinson Clock Tower
• Signal Hill Observatory
• Tanjung Aru Beach
• Likas Bay Beach
• City Park
• Sembulan Riverfront
• Watersports 
•  Imago KK Times Square 
•  Oceanus Waterfront Mall