In our previous article, we talked about the natural beauty of Sabah, which includes the sunset, the beach, and the pristine rainforest. After enjoying the scenic wonders of Sabah, you can also find the beauty of modernity and tradition blended together in Sabah. In this article, we will focus on the city tour of Sabah’s capital, Kota Kinabalu.

Kota Kinabalu, or KK for short, is the gateway to the land below the wind. It is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city that offers a variety of attractions, activities, and experiences for travelers. You can explore the culture, history, and lifestyle of Sabah in KK. You can also enjoy the food, shopping, and nightlife of KK.

Why visit KK in the year end? As what we've mentioned in our last article, here are some reasons:

The weather is cooler and drier than other times of the year. KK has a tropical climate with high humidity and rainfall throughout the year, but the year end is usually less rainy and more pleasant. You can enjoy outdoor activities without feeling too hot or wet.
The festivals are more festive and colorful. KK celebrates many festivals throughout the year, from Chinese New Year to Kaamatan, a month-long harvest festival celebrated by locals to commemorate their culture and heritage. The year end is a time when many festivals are celebrated, such as Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year, and others. You can join in the festivities and experience the local customs and traditions.
The attractions are more attractive and lively. KK has many attractions that you can visit, such as museums, monuments, mosques, temples, markets, parks, and more. The year end is a time when these attractions are more decorated and illuminated. You can see them in a different light and atmosphere.

In this article, we will introduce you to some of the must-go places in KK that you should not miss if you are planning to spend your year end holiday there. We will also give you some tips and information on how to get there, what to do, and what to expect. Whether you are looking for culture, nature, or adventure, KK has something for everyone.

So, are you ready to discover the city beauty of Sabah? Let’s get started!

Kota Kinabalu City Mosque

Kota Kinabalu City Mosque stands as a striking testament to Islamic architecture and is one of Kota Kinabalu's most iconic landmarks. Nestled along the serene shores of Likas Bay in the northeastern part of the city, this magnificent mosque combines timeless design with a picturesque location. The mosque is renowned for its pristine white exterior, which beautifully contrasts against the azure skies and the cottony clouds, creating a sight that is truly breathtaking. It is this arresting beauty that has earned it the affectionate moniker, the "floating mosque."

This architectural marvel is the largest mosque in Kota Kinabalu, capable of accommodating up to 12,000 worshippers at a time. Beyond its size and grandeur, the mosque's unique feature is its location, seemingly hovering over the tranquil waters of the bay. This exceptional setting allows visitors to admire the mosque from various angles and perspectives, capturing its stunning reflection on the calm waters below.

For those eager to explore the interior of the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, a nominal entrance fee of 5RM per person is required. However, it's important to respect the mosque's sacred nature by adhering to the dress code. Women are expected to rent a robe and headscarf, while men should don long trousers and cover their arms. For those who prefer not to enter the mosque, there are ample opportunities to take captivating photographs of its exterior.

Beyond its architectural significance, the mosque offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in Islamic culture and history. Knowledgeable guides and informative boards provide insights into the mosque's heritage and distinctive features. A visit to the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque is not only a visual delight but also a chance to appreciate the rich tapestry of Islamic traditions in this corner of Malaysia.

Tun Mustapha Tower

Tun Mustapha Tower is a cylindrical shape tower that stands at 122 meters and 30 stories high. It is located on the northeastern side of downtown Kota Kinabalu, on the shores of Likas Bay. Tun Mustapha Tower is consider not far from the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, so you can actually visit both places in one day. You can visit it when you are on your way to University Malaysia Sabah, which is about 10 kilometers away.

Tun Mustapha Tower was built in 1977 by a Japanese company, Mori Building Co. It is one of the few buildings in the world that has a central core with 72 sides, supported by 96 steel rods in a radial pattern. It is also the only building in Asia with this unique design2. The tower has a glass facade that reflects the sunlight and the surrounding scenery.

Tun Mustapha Tower is a representative building of Sabah, as it houses the Sabah Foundation (Yayasan Sabah), a state-sponsored foundation that promotes education and economic development in the state2. The tower was formerly named Yayasan Sabah Tower, but it was renamed in 2001 to honor Tun Datu Mustapha, a former chief minister of Sabah.

You can enter the tower and see some of the facilities and exhibits inside. There is a revolving floor on the 18th floor, which rotates once every hour and gives you a panoramic view of the bay and the city. You can also take picture with this iconic building.

Tun Mustapha Tower is a place where you can appreciate the architecture and history of Sabah. You can also enjoy the view and the atmosphere of this tower.

University Malaysia Sabah

University Malaysia Sabah (UMS) is a public university that was established in 1994 as the ninth public university in Malaysia. It is located on a 999-acre site at Sepanggar Bay, about 10 kilometers from Kota Kinabalu city center1. It has 13 faculties, 9 research institutes, and 2 academic service centers.

UMS is also known as the most beautiful university in the world, as it has a stunning campus that blends with the natural environment. The campus has a pink color theme, which makes it stand out from the green landscape. The pink color building and the pink color mosque are some of the iconic landmarks of UMS.

UMS is a good place to take nice and instagrammable photos, as you can capture the contrast between the pink and green colors, as well as the view of the sea and the mountain. You can also see some of the unique features of UMS, such as the underwater post office, which is the first and only one in Malaysia. You can send a waterproof postcard to your friends or family from here.

If you want to visit UMS, you need to pay an entrance fee. The price varies depending on your status and purpose. You can refer to their website UMS Official Website - Admission Bachelor for more details. You can also join a guided tour or a shuttle bus service to explore the campus.

UMS is not only a place where you can appreciate the beauty of Sabah, but also a place where you can learn more about the education and research of Sabah. UMS offers various programs and courses for undergraduate and postgraduate students, ranging from arts and humanities to science and technology. UMS also conducts various research projects and collaborations with local and international partners, focusing on areas such as biodiversity, biotechnology, marine science, renewable energy, social science, and more.

UMS is also a place where you can experience the culture and lifestyle of Sabah. UMS has a diverse and vibrant student population, with students from different ethnic groups, religions, and backgrounds. UMS also organizes various events and activities for students and visitors, such as cultural festivals, sports competitions, concerts, exhibitions, and more.

UMS is a place where you can have a fun and meaningful time in Sabah. You can see, learn, and feel the essence of Sabah presented to you in this university.

Sabah State Museum

Sabah State Museum is a place where you can learn the history of Sabah, from the prehistoric times to the present day. It is located on a 17-hectare site at Bukit Istana Lama, about 4 kilometers from Kota Kinabalu city center. It consists of several buildings and galleries, such as the Main Building, the Heritage Village, the Science and Technology Centre, and the Islamic Civilization Museum.

Sabah State Museum is one of the most iconic buildings in Sabah, as it is designed after a traditional Rungus longhouse. The Main Building houses various exhibits that showcase the rich and diverse culture and heritage of Sabah. You can see artifacts, costumes, weapons, musical instruments, ceramics, and more from different ethnic groups and periods. You can also learn about the natural history, archaeology, and history of Sabah.

You can also take pictures outside of the building, as it has a beautiful architecture and landscape. You can see the traditional houses of different tribes at the Heritage Village, which are surrounded by gardens and ponds. You can also see the replica of a megalith stone that was found in Tambunan.

Imago

Imago is a non-stratified, lease-only shopping mall located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. It has approximately 800,000 sqf of premium net retail space, well-planned circulation, controlled trade, and tenant mix. It is regarded as one of the most prestigious shopping malls in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, and among the most renowned in Malaysia.

We have introduced this mall in detail in our previous article, but here we will give you some highlights of what you can do and see in Imago. You can also refer to our previous article for more information.

First and foremost, Imago is the first mall that has traditional dance performance everyday. You can watch the indigenous dance performance at the lobby. The performance is held every day at 12 pm and 6 pm. You can see the colorful costumes and graceful movements of the dancers, and learn about their culture and history.

You can also shop till you drop at Imago. It is the largest shopping mall in Kota Kinabalu, with more than 300 outlets offering a variety of products and services. You can find international brands, local specialties, fashion, beauty, electronics, and more. You can also buy souvenirs and gifts for your friends and family. When you're craving for some local foods, Imago has more than 100 food and beverage outlets that cater to different tastes and preferences. You can find local delicacies, international cuisines, cafes, bars, and more. You can also enjoy the live music and entertainment at some of the outlets.

You can play and have fun at Imago. It has many entertainment options for all ages and interests. You can watch movies at the cinema, play games at the arcade, sing karaoke at the KTV, or try the indoor escape room. The escape room is a game where you have to solve puzzles and clues to escape from a locked room within a time limit. It is a fun and challenging activity that tests your logic and teamwork skills.

In short, Imago is a place where you can have a great time in Kota Kinabalu. You can find everything you need and want in this mall.

Gaya Street Night Market

Gaya Street Night Market is a weekly night market that takes place every Friday and Saturday, from 6 pm to 12 am, at the famous Gaya Street in Kota Kinabalu. It is a place where you can find a variety of local foods, handicrafts, and local products at affordable prices.

Gaya Street Night Market is a specialty of Sabah, as it showcases the culture and cuisine of the different ethnic groups in the state. You can taste some of the local delicacies, such as hinava (raw fish salad), bambangan (wild mango), linopot (rice wrapped in leaves), hinompuka (glutinous rice cake), and more. You can also try some of the street food, such as satay, rojak, laksa, nasi lemak, and more.

You can also find some of the handicrafts and local products that are unique to Sabah, such as beads, pearls, batik, rattan, bamboo, and more. You can also buy some souvenirs and gifts for your friends and family, such as keychains, magnets and stickers.

Gaya Street Night Market is not only a place to shop and eat, but also a place to enjoy the atmosphere and entertainment. Sometimes there are live band and dance performance held nearby the night market. You can listen to the heartful voices and see the colorful costumes and graceful movements of the dancers, and learn about their culture and history.

You can also visit some of the nearby places that are within walking distance from the night market. You can visit the Atkinson Clock Tower, which is the oldest standing structure in Kota Kinabalu. It was built in 1905 as a memorial to Francis George Atkinson, the first district officer of Jesselton (the former name of Kota Kinabalu). You can also visit the Signal Hill Observatory Platform, which offers a panoramic view of the city and the sea.

After you finished exploring the Gaya Street night market, there are also a lot of restaurants and bars located nearby that you can go and enjoy the night life of Kota Kinabalu.

In conclusion, Gaya Street Night Market is a place where you can have a fun and lively time in Kota Kinabalu. However, you should also be careful and vigilant when you are there. You should avoid carrying too much cash or valuables with you, as there may be pickpockets or thieves around. You may also bargain with the sellers before buying anything, as they may charge higher prices for tourists.

Conclusion

In this article, we have introduced you to some of the must-go places in KK that you should not miss if you are planning to spend your year end holiday there. We have also given you some tips and information on how to get there, what to do, and what to expect. Whether you are looking for culture, nature, or adventure, KK has something for everyone.

We hope you enjoyed reading this article and learned more about the city beauty of Sabah. Sabah is a state that has so much to offer, from nature to culture, from adventure to relaxation. You will never run out of things to do and see in Sabah.

If you are planning to visit Sabah soon, don’t forget to download Reviewbah. Reviewbah is a local app that provide reviews from other travelers as well as share your own feedback. With Reviewbah, you can easily plan your trip and make the most of your time in Sabah. You can also earn rewards and discounts for every booking you make. Reviewbah is your ultimate travel companion for Sabah.

Download Reviewbah today on Google Play or ‎on the App Store and start exploring the wonders of Sabah!

Year End City Travel Guide 2023: Kota Kinabalu City Tour