A modern capital of Sabah (formerly known as Jesselton), one of two states of East Malaysia, with a warm hospitality that you hardly find anywhere around the world. Just around a corner you can enjoy long sandy beaches, paradise islands, virgin coral reefs, tropical rain forests and the mighty Mount Kinabalu only 90 minutes away. There are a world class sailing marina and championship golf courses at hand, but also backpackers will find something for themselves.
The delicious food is varied in a way that only a state with 30 ethnic groups can offer. And in KK, as Kota Kinabalu is usually called, there are gourmet meals in restaurants for elegant dining, but you will also encounter wonderful tastes and textures in a bowl in a hawker’s stall at the night market.
The most famous one is almost opposite the main minibus station, next to the Centre Point Shopping Complex on Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens and is known as the Filipino Market- as most of the stalls are run by Filipino immigrants. A variety of Filipino and local handicrafts are sold in the hundreds of cramped stalls, along winding alleyways which are strung by low-slung curtains of shells, baskets and bags. You can find a diverse range of products available at the Filipino Market - from traditional foods to medicine and toiletries. Even if you're not looking for anything in particular, a trip to the market can offer a great cultural experience and an enjoyable excursion when visiting this area.
Yet, excitement beckons as you set out to discover all Kota Kinabalu’s delights. Making your way to Kinabalu National Park, you are thrust into a jungle paradise of natural wonders, rugged landscapes and scenic beauty. From the Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world, to the famous Orangutans in their natural habitat, it only gets more breathtaking every step of the way. An option for the afternoon is to spent it exploring the picturesque town of Kota Belud. As Sabah’s largest and most popular open market, you find gems of all sorts, ranging from handmade handicrafts to mouth-watering local delights like natural honey.
KK lies on the west coast of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, a destination that is accessible via direct or single-stop flights from the nation’s capital Kuala Lumpur and several major Asian cities such as Singapore, Bangkok, Sydney, Melbourne, Manila, Taipei, Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo, Guangzhou and Xiamen.
