|
Kota
Kinabalu was at one time known as Api-Api (Fire-Fire) because of the
pirates’ troublesome habit of repeatedly putting it to the torch. Known
as Jesselton until 1963, Kota Kinabalu is the state capital of Sabah
and a thriving seaport and is the modern gateway to the rest of Sabah.
Kota Kinabalu was razed during WWII to prevent the Japanese using it
as a base. KK as it is locally known, has since developed into a
thriving city.
The
Sunday Gaya Street Fair is
held
every Sunday. This is a boisterous open-air market and Pasar Malam (night market), where you can polish up your bargaining
skills. A 15 min walk from here is ‘Signal Hill’ atop of which
sits Signal Hill Observatory.
Location:
Jalan Gaya in the Eastern edge of Kota Kinabalu old quarter of town.
Sabah
State Museum,
based
on the architecture of Murut and Rungus longhouses,
consists of several galleries. Interesting exhibits include a
cluster of human skulls, totemic figures, old photographs,
stuffed animals and antique Korans.
Open:
Mon – Thur (10 am – 6 pm),
Sat
& Sun (9 am – 6 pm)
Location:
Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman,
Kota
Kinabalu
Tanjung
Aru Beach
has quaint water villages and idyllic off-shore islands.
Located here are the Kinabalu Yacht Club, Prince Phillip Park and an
international class resort.
The State
Mosque is an
example of contemporary Islamic architecture. It lies in the
outskirts of town and will be visible on the way to and from the
airport.
Withing the vicinity of
the
Science and Technology Centre and Art Gallery
is the Ethno botanic Garden, with its myriad of tropical
plants. Also found in the garden are replicas of traditional houses.
Location:
Jln. Tuanku Abdul Rahman
The Central
Market
is in two sections - the waterfront area for fish and an area in
front of the harbour for fruit and vegetables. Next to the main
market on the waterfront is a market, known locally as the
Filipino Market, where the stalls are owned by Filipinos who
sell a wide variety of handicrafts
Location: Waterfront,
Kota Kinabalu
The Sabah
Foundation Building
is a unique glass shrouded tower of 72 sides.
Location:
10 mins drive north from K. Kinabalu
Kampung
Monsopiad is a Kadazan cultural theme park, the Village consists of a museum and
handicraft workshops.
Location:
10 km south of K. Kinabalu
Tunku
Abdul Rahman National Park is
made up of the offshore islands of Gaya, Mamutik, Manukan, Sapi
and Sulug. These
tropical islands offer some of the best beaches in Borneo
featuring crystal-clear
waters and a wealth of tropical corals and marine life.
The Marine Park is
home to a variety of flora and fauna, including one of the
most intriguing birds, the megapode or Burung Tambun, a
chicken look-alike with large feet and meows like a cat!
Location:
20 minutes speedboat ride from
K. Kinabalu
|
