Tucked between emerald jungles and the South China Sea, Kota Kinabalu, the vibrant capital of Sabah in Malaysian Borneo, offers travellers an irresistible blend of cultural depth, historical richness, and modern city energy.
A city where tradition meets trend, Kota Kinabalu (or “KK” as locals call it) invites you to explore its living heritage — from Indigenous villages and floating mosques to bustling Sunday markets and nostalgic train rides through the countryside. Whether you’re a culture buff, a curious wanderer, or a casual shopper, KK is a destination that celebrates both its roots and its rhythm.
Step Back in Time at Mari-Mari Cultural’ Village
Located deep within the lush Kionsom rainforest, the Mari-Mari Cultural Village is a living museum that beautifully preserves the spirit of Borneo’s Indigenous tribes. Here, the past comes alive through interactive storytelling, traditional architecture, and hands-on cultural experiences. Meet the Kadazan-Dusun rice farmers, the longhouse-dwelling Rungus, the Lundayeh hunters and fishermen, the seafaring Bajau, and the legendary Murut headhunters. Walk through authentic bamboo houses, try your hand at blowpipe-making, sample local rice wine, and enjoy traditional dance performances that reveal the heart of Sabah’s native heritage.
“Every culture tells a story, and in Sabah, you don’t just hear it — you live it.”
Getting There:
🚗 By Car or Taxi: Approximately 35 minutes (17.1 km) from Kota Kinabalu city centre
🚐 By Tour: Many operators include return transfers
🅿️ Parking: Available at the village — just follow signs from Inanam towards Kionsom
Details:
📍 Jalan Kionsom, Inanam, 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
☎️ +6013 8814 921 / +6019 8824 921
🕙 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM daily
🎟️ From RM110 (Malaysians) / RM130 (Non-Malaysians)
📧 Visit the official website for updates and bookings.
Discover Sabah’s Heritage at the State Museum
If you want to understand Sabah’s cultural and natural identity, start with the Sabah State Museum. Designed to resemble a Rungus longhouse, this museum houses captivating exhibits that blend tradition and modernity.
Explore galleries dedicated to ethnography, archaeology, and natural history, and don’t miss highlights like the Heritage Village, featuring traditional houses of Sabah’s many ethnic groups, or the Science and Technology Centre. One of its star attractions — the 50-foot Bryde whale skeleton — never fails to impress.
Getting There:
🚗 10 minutes by taxi or Grab from the city centre
🚌 Buses heading towards Queen Elizabeth Hospital stop nearby
🚶 30-minute walk from downtown
Details:
📍 Jalan Muzium, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
☎️ 088-225 033 / 088-225 199
🕘 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
🎟️ RM 2 (Malaysians) / RM 15 (Non-Malaysians)
👥 Free for students in uniform, senior citizens, and disabled guests (Malaysians only)
Please visit the official website for more informatio
Serenity by the Sea: The Kota Kinabalu City Mosque
Gracefully poised over a man-made lagoon, the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, or Masjid Terapung (Floating Mosque), stands as one of Sabah’s most iconic landmarks. Inspired by the magnificent Al-Nabawi Mosque in Medina, this architectural gem captures the essence of peace and spiritual beauty. Its gleaming white façade, golden domes, and tranquil reflections over the water create a breathtaking sight — especially under the glow of the full moon.
“...symbol of peace, it reflects not only on water but on the soul of Sabah.”
As the largest floating mosque in Kota Kinabalu and among the most picturesque in Malaysia, it can accommodate between 9,000 to 12,000 worshippers. Visitors are welcome, provided they register in advance through the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque Tourism Management. Out of respect for the sacred setting, modest attire is required — robes can be rented at the entrance. Visitors are also reminded to refrain from eating, drinking, or imitating religious practices within the mosque grounds
Capable of housing up to 12,000 worshippers, the mosque is open to visitors who wish to admire its design and tranquil surroundings. Respectful attire is required, and modest clothing can be rented at the entrance
Getting There:
Taxi: Around RM 15 one way
Bus: Take Bus No. 5A from Hotel Shangri-La (RM 1.50 per person)
Details:
Address: Jalan Pasir, Jalan Teluk Likas, Kampung Likas, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Contact: 088-205 418
Visiting Hours:
- 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
- 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Fridays) Entrance Fee: RM 5
Gaya Street Sunday Market
“Where culture, colour, and community come alive every Sunday morning”
Once known as Bond Street in the early 1900s, Gaya Street Sunday Market has blossomed into one of Kota Kinabalu’s most vibrant and beloved attractions. Every Sunday morning, this historic street comes alive as it closes to traffic and transforms into a bustling open-air market — a lively celebration of local culture, creativity, and community spirit.
Stroll through rows of colourful stalls that line the entire stretch of Gaya Street, where friendly vendors offer a kaleidoscope of items — from handmade crafts, batik sarongs, and footwear to fresh tropical fruits, fragrant flowers, traditional snacks, antiques, herbs, and even pets. The air is filled with the aroma of local delicacies and the cheerful chatter of both locals and visitors, creating a warm and inviting ambience that perfectly captures the heart of Sabah’s everyday life
"....it's a window into Sabah’s living heritage"
Each corner tells a story, whether it’s a craftsman proudly displaying his handiwork, or generations of local families trading side by side. For travellers seeking authentic encounters, Gaya Street Sunday Market offers a chance to connect with the people, taste the culture, and witness the traditions that make Kota Kinabalu truly special.
Whether you’re on the hunt for a unique keepsake, eager to try a traditional street snack, or simply want to soak in the colourful energy of the morning crowd, this market promises a charming and memorable experience you won’t want to miss.
Getting There
- By Taxi: Easily available and recommended due to limited parking in the area
- On Foot: Conveniently walkable from anywhere within the Kota Kinabalu city centre
Visitor Information
Address: Gaya Street, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Operating Hours: Sundays, 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM
North Borneo Heritage Train
Step aboard the North Borneo Heritage Train and travel back in time on a captivating journey through Sabah’s storied past. Established in 1896 by William Clarke Cowie, then Managing Director of the British North Borneo Chartered Company, this railway was the first of its kind in Borneo — a lifeline connecting remote settlements and trade routes.
Today, the railway has been lovingly restored, offering visitors a nostalgic glimpse into the colonial era while showcasing the breathtaking landscapes of Malaysian Borneo. It’s not merely a train ride — it’s a moving window into history, nature, and culture all at once.
As the train chugs along the scenic route, passengers are treated to a visual feast of lush rainforests, winding rivers, emerald rice paddies, and charming rural villages. The experience is elevated by stops at notable landmarks such as the antique Tanjung Aru Train Station, the historic Kinarut Town with its Tien Shi Temple, and Papar Town, known for its tranquil paddy fields. A visit to the Bamboo Hut, where traditional bamboo cooking methods are demonstrated, offers a delicious taste of local heritage.
Aboard the train, guests can relax in colonial-style carriages while enjoying a continental breakfast, a traditional Tiffin-style lunch, and refreshments, all served with old-world charm. Whether you choose the Day Tour or the Sunset Tour, the journey promises a timeless experience — one that stirs nostalgia while celebrating Sabah’s enduring beauty.
Getting There
- By Car: A short drive from Kota Kinabalu International Airport to Tanjung Aru Train Station
- By Taxi: Approximately 15 minutes from the city centre or airport; taxis are readily available
Visitor Information
Ticket Prices:
- RM 345 (Adult)
- RM 200 (Child)
- Includes continental breakfast, Tiffin-style lunch, and refreshments on board. (Prices are subject to change.)
Tour Schedule:
- Day Tour: Every Wednesday (Meeting time: 8:30 AM)
- Sunset Tour: Every Saturday (Meeting time: 3:15 PM)
- Limited seats are available each week, so advance booking through local tour operators is highly recommended.
- For further details, please visit the official website for the latest updates and reservations.
