KOTA KINABALU HIGHLIGHTS

Gaya Island
As Borneo’s biodiverse treasure house of jungle and marine life, Gaya Island is a dream for snorkelers and conservationists alike. It also happens to be the largest island out of the five islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park which lies just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu. Witn beaches and walking trails through the rainforest, here you can witness an array of bird life, wild boar, monitor lizards and possibly some macaque monkeys.

Kota Kinabalu City Mosque
Built on a 2.47 acres site at the Likas bay, the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque is an example of the Islamic contemporary architecture. On sight, the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque seems to be floating on top of water, an optical illusion that is designed by a man-made lagoon nestling around the building structure. The reflection of the mosque in the blue water creates an image that is.

Puh Toh Tze Buddhist Temple
Constructed in 1980, this temple stands out with its traditional Chinese roofing and structure. Ten large statues of deities adorn the temple with the Goddess of Mercy, Kwan Yin, standing tall at the main entrance of the temple.

Signal Hill Observatory Tower
At first glimpse, this signal hill observatory tower is one of its kind in architecture. Perched on the highest point within the city and standing about 100 meters above ground level, this observatory deck lets you enjoy an expansive view of Kota Kinabalu. Lean against the rails or relax on the steel benches as you look over the incredible view of the city. It’s leisure at its best enjoying the sight of the blue sea, the Atkinson Clock Tower and the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.

Atkinson Clock Tower
One of the oldest buildings in Kota Kinabalu, the Atkinson Clock Tower was built to serve as a memorial to the Kota Kinabalu’s first District Officer, Mr. Francis George Atkinson. Interesting fact, the Atkinson Clock Tower was one of only four buildings to avoid the bombing, fire and destruction of World War II. In 1959, the clock was refurbished to celebrate the city’s diamond jubilee and it is said that the original clock was replaced in 1964.

Australia Place
Home to some well-preserved age-old Chinese shop houses. This olden street is where the Australian Liberation Soldiers camped when they arrived in Kota Kinabalu back in 1945. A quick pit stop at the Museum Kopitiam lets you have a glimpse of a bygone era, with framed photographs of pre and post war days adorning its walls.

Sabah Museum
Step into the time machine and dive into Borneo history. Its galleries include the Islamic Civilization, Natural History, Ceramics, Archaeology, and Brassware. Being the state museum, it aims to collect, conserve and document interesting aspects of Sabah’s cultural and social history. While it may not be as big as world-class museums, its beauty lies in connecting the dots of the past revealing the stories of Borneo through its well-preserved historical artifacts, documentation, and photographs.