This is one of the most fantastic cities you ever have been to. A modern capital with a warm hospitality that you hardly find in many places around the world. Just around a corner you have long sandy beaches, paradise islands, virgin coral reefs, tropical rain forests; and the mighty Mount Kinabalu is only 90 minutes away.
Kota Kinabalu is situated on the tropical island of Borneo, and is the state capital of the Malaysian state Sabah, which is one of the two states of East Malysia. The location of the city is absolutely amazing; and from the airport it is just a short ride to mostly any hotel. You find a world class sailing marina and championship golf courses as well as both first class holiday resorts and good hotels for the budget traveler.
And the food is varied in a way that only a state with 30 ethnic groups can offer. The flavours you will find are excellent and in KK, as Kota Kinabalu also is called, there are gourmet meals in restaurants for elegant dining, but you will also find wonderful tastes and textures in a bowl in a hawker’s stall at the night market.
A starting point for business in South-East Asia Kota Kinabalu is not only an instant resort city but also the perfect place for business, congresses and meetings. The business district is centrally located – with government, banks and commercial offices. And as a starting point for business in South-East Asia, this is a perfect place, there are direct flights to several main cities in this part of the world.
From luxury to budget hotels In Kota Kinabalu you will find some of the best hotels in Asia! Most of the Kota Kinabalu´s business hotels are downtown. If you are a backpacker and looking for a budget hotel, you can also find it here on KotaKinabalu.com. Make your secure hotel reservation here.
You will be fascinated of the variety of cuisine offered not only in hotels and restaurants, but also by hawker’s stalls. Well, what can you expect when you have over 30 ethnic groups that present different flavours that tickle just about any brain chemical. In Kota Kinabalu you will get supreme taste adventures, with unusual names that will fascinate you, whatever you choose.
In Kota Kinabalu you will find first class chefs that serve award-winning meals at fine restaurants, giving you the pleasure of tasting international gastronomic marvels of all kinds. But you must also try the stalls in the night market; some of them will take you to eater’s heaven. Do not forget that Kota Kinabalu is a city by the sea, with a long fishing tradition, which means that the variety of fresh seafood dining is endless.
Kota Kinabalu has of course major shopping malls as well as shopping areas that you find in many other Asian cities, most of them located at the main streets of the city. The five major shopping malls in Kota Kinabalu are: Centrepoint, Karamunsing Complex, KK Plaza, Wawasan Plaza and. Wisma Merdeka. They all have fixed and attractive prices. Most of the malls are open from 10.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m.
But here there are also markets that feel genuine and honest, like the urban Gaya Street Fair that starts every Sunday at 8 a.m. You will find the fair in the lower end of Gaya Street; the stalls are till offer a collection of everything you want and do not want.
In most of the towns and villages around Kota Kinabalu there is a Tamu, also known as Sunday Flea Market, where you can find all kinds of stuff from orchids, fruits, vegetables, poultry, handicrafts, traditional music instrument and much more.
Begin with the sunset, go on with karaoke and finish with the sunrise
You can start your evening quite early in Kota Kinabalu. Why not go down to the waterfront at around 6 p.m., sit down and take something to drink and after a while one of mother earth greatest shows take place when the breathtaking sunset is colouring the horizont in red, gold and purple. Just to sit there at the promenade or in some of the hotel gardens and watch the sun going down is the proof of our saying”…here dreams come true!”. The magic feeling is strengthened by the breeze and the palm treed islands in front of you. After your soul has got what it wants, it is time for your body.
When the sun is down, it´s time for dining. There are many first class restaurants, especially in the hotels, but why not escape to some eating places that looks a little different for a westerner, but where the food is excellent.
A passion in KK is another word that starts with K: Karaoke. Around the city you will find different places where you can sing in front of a big crowd or in private rooms together with friends. In most places there are a good mix of golden oldies and the latest hits. If you are not in the singing mood, there are places with live bands, in the bigger hotels every night. And if you like to stay up real late, you can get another highlight when you watch the sunrise. Not really so breathtaking as the sunset, but still an enjoyable experience.
Sitting outside on a warm evening and see the people Kadazan Dusun present their dances is an experience of a lifetime. Do not miss this when you are in Sabah and Kota Kinabalu.