 | ||
| Kota Kinabaluكوت كينبالو | ||
| State | Sabah | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | 452.058 () | |
| height | 5 m | |
| Tourist info | 60 (0)88 232 121, 60 (0)88 212 121 www.sabahtourism.com | |
| location | ||
| ||
Kota Kinabalu (Yes how: كوت كينبالو, IPA: [ˈkɔtɑ kɪnɑbɑlʊ]), or just "KK", is the capital of the Malaysian state Sabah. The place used to be under the name Jesselton known. The former Jesselton was completely destroyed in the Second World War and rebuilt a bit listlessly after the war and renamed Kota Kinabalu (town of Kinabalu - after the nearby mountain).
background
Kota Kinabalu, or just "KK", is the capital of the Malaysian state Sabah. The place used to be under the name Jesselton known. The former Jesselton was completely destroyed by the Japanese except for three houses during the Second World War and after the war it was rebuilt a bit listlessly and renamed Kota Kinabalu (town of Kinabalu - after the nearby mountain).
The majority of the population consists of Malay, who however prefer to call themselves Sabahanians and often do not belong to Islam, but rather follow the Catholic doctrine due to their Filipino roots.
Kota Kinabalu is a city built in the shape of a strip on the coast. This form was given by the mountain landscape beginning behind the city limits. Due to this fact, aircraft taking off and landing are forced to fly very low over the city in some cases, which can occasionally be associated with a certain level of noise. However, there are no flights at night, so rest and relaxation is guaranteed.
A trip to Kota Kinabalu is worthwhile for several reasons. For one, you can relax wonderfully on one of the offshore dream islands, as there is no mass tourism in KK and lonely beaches with crystal clear water and a variety of colorful fish offer a quiet and snorkeling paradise. On the other hand, Kota Kinabalu also offers numerous opportunities for active vacationers. Climbing Mount Kinabalus is certainly one of the highlights of a trip to Borneo. The same applies to visiting Kinabalu Park, Hot Poring Springs or White Water Rafting.
getting there
By plane
Kota Kinabalu owns the international Kota Kinabalu Airport
(IATA: BKI)(Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa), which has grown enormously in recent years and is now the second busiest in the country. The former small and somewhat shabby airport has become an international airport, the level of which comes close to the standards of large international airports such as Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok or Hong Kong. With the inauguration of the newly built Terminal 1 in August 2008, a spacious and pleasant terminal is now available. Gone are the days when passengers could not clearly assign themselves to a gate and there were not enough seats for passengers. The newly built Terminal 1 is served by full-service airlines such as Malaysia Airlines, Asiana, Cathay Pacific (Dragon Air), Singapore Airlines (Silk Air), Korean Air and Royal Brunei, which fly to international destinations all over Asia from here. The low cost carrier Air Asia serves the Low Cost Carrier Terminal 2 and flies from here to Shenzhen in China, Jakarta in Indonesia, Manila (Clark) in the Philippines, Brunei, Macau and of course to Kuala Lumpur and other destinations within Malaysia. Meanwhile, Kota Kinabalu Airport is second in Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur. The existing Terminal 1 will accordingly be expanded to include additional gates. At the same time, the South China Sea is being wrested more space for runway expansion.
Tip: Since 90% of all landings are from the west, you are well advised to sit on the left side of the aircraft (as seen in the direction of flight), as this gives you a wonderful view of the offshore islands and the clear water of the South China Sea gets.
You can get into town fairly quickly by taxi, the journey time is between 10 and 20 minutes, depending on the destination. The fare to the city is a flat rate of MYR 30 and is paid using the coupon system. This means that arriving passengers have to buy a coupon at the relevant counter in the arrival hall of the respective terminal and also pay the fare there at the counter. The driver only receives the coupon and no additional cash.
When departing from Kota Kinabalu, it is essential to tell the taxi driver the number of the terminal from which you are departing, as both terminals are far apart and not connected to each other.
By train
Due to a comprehensive renovation of the entire route, there is currently no train service to the state of Sabah.
By bus
The city is connected to all major places in the country by bus lines. It is advisable to purchase the ticket at the bus station one day in advance:
- Departure / arrival close Wawasan Plaza & Anjung Senja Esplanade: to Likas, Inanam, Tamparuli and Tuaran (RM 1.00 to 4.00), Papar (RM 5.00), Beaufort (RM 8.00) as well Sipitang (RM 14.00)
- Departure / arrival on Padang Merdeka: to Papar, Beaufort, Sipitang, Tambunan, Keningau, Tenom (RM 17.00, from Tenom daily at 08:00 and 16:00, Fri-Sun additionally at 07:00, 12:00 and 17:00), Lawas and Kudat (RM 5.00 to 19.00) and after Kundasang and Ranau (RM 15.00 to 19.00)
- Departure / arrival from City Bus Terminal in Inanam Township, Jalan Tuaran: after Sandakan (RM 35.00), Tawau (RM 55.00), Semporna (RM 60.00), Lahad Datu (RM 40.00) and Kudat (RM 18.00)
In the street
You can rent a car from the usual car rental companies and explore Sabah cheaply and comfortably. The traffic is much quieter than in Kuala Lumpur, but you should be used to driving on the left. When renting a car, you should definitely use an internationally operating car rental company and make sure that the rental contract includes fully comprehensive insurance. As everywhere in Malaysia, the physical integrity of road users is very little. The same applies to the integrity of the cars. Should there be an accident in Malaysia, one should be prepared for the fact that hardly anyone will stop to offer help. It is also considered normal that the person who caused the accident simply drives on without worrying about the damage caused.
By boat
There is a boat connection with the island Labuan, which also continue by boat Brunei connected is. The journey takes about 2-3 hours. There are two boats on the route every day, 8:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Price: RM 30.00.
mobility
The fastest and most effective way to get around Kota Kinabalu is by taxi. You should insist on switching on the taximeter, which is difficult to enforce. So you should at least ask about the price if the taximeter is not possible. From downtown to the Sabah State Museum it will cost RM 12.00 and to Tanjung Aru Beach RM 15.00. It can be difficult to get a taxi in the large urban area outside the downtown area. The same goes for the late evening hours. So it happens that in the evening you stand abandoned at Tanjung Aru Beach around 10 p.m. Going to the next upscale hotel helps here (on Tanjung Aru Beach, the Shangri La in the north). If you do not want this, you can also have the taxi driver's telephone number on the outward journey and arrange a call back.
There are some bus routes in KK, but these are more likely to be seen as minibuses and you should leave driving them to the locals, as the buses are sparsely signposted and only run irregularly. However, there is nothing wrong with getting on a bus in the appropriate direction or simply asking for the destination of the line. The bus to Tanjung Aru Beach costs 1 ringgit and starts opposite the town hall.
The city is actually ideal for exploring by bike because of the distances. Unfortunately, this type of transport is completely unusual. Otherwise, you can cover many distances on foot, as the part of the city that is interesting for travelers is not overly large. Most of the targets are in the downtown area. Those who are not afraid of a longer hike can walk along the water to the City Mosque and on to the Chinese temple.
Tourist Attractions
Since Kota Kinabalu was completely destroyed in the Second World War and the reconstruction after the war was rather bare, the city does not have any of the popular sights. There is a large mosque to visit, otherwise they are proud to have built a new high-tech district, which is to be a copy of the multimedia corridor (Cyberjaya) of Kuala Lumpur.
Mosques
- 1 Masjid Bandaraya (City Mosque) (Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu), Jl. Pasir / Jl. Do Fuad Stephens.
The city's largest mosque can accommodate up to 12,000 people. Their architecture has similarities with the Nabawi Mosque in Medina on. It is located on Likas Bay. Visitors are only allowed to enter the grounds, not the mosque itself.Open: Sa-Thu 08: 00-17: 00. - 2 Masjid Negeri Sabah, Jl. Sembulan / Jl. Tunku Abdul Rahman.
The mosque has a golden dome surrounded by 16 smaller ones. Visitors are asked to enter the building through the front door. The information officer Mr. Janis Abdullah (mobile: 013-8693148) is kindly available for questions and for the mandatory registration of the visit.Open: Mon-Thu: 08: 00-11: 00, 14: 00-16: 30; Fri: 08: 00-10: 30, 14: 30-16: 30; Sat, Sun: 08: 00-11: 00, 14: 00-16: 00.
temple
- 3 Pu Tuo Si Temple, Jl. Tuaran.Phu Tho Si Temple is the first and largest Buddhist temple in Sabah state. It is a temple of Mahayana Buddhism. In this place the Amithaba Boddha and the wise bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Guan Yin) and Bodhisattva Mahasthahamapratpta (Da Shi Zhi) are especially venerated. It is the most important place for Buddhists in Kota Kinabalu. Its unique design and its many religious representations and statues make it a place frequented by both Buddhists and tourists. The whole complex consists of a number of halls, buildings and chambers. The large main hall was completed in January 1980. The Da Guan House, which includes the library and the hall with the reclining Buddha, was built in 1998.
- 4 Gurdwara Sahib Sikh Temple (Gurudwara Sahib Kota Kinabalu) (Jalan Mat Salleh near Sembulan).The temple was built in 1924 and survived World War II unscathed. In 1997/1998 extensive repairs and expansion took place.
building
- 5 Atkinson Clock Tower (Menara Jam Atkinson).The clock tower was built in 1902 in honor of the first district chief Francis George Atkinson, who died of malaria in 1902, was commissioned and completed in 1905. The tower, originally made of Mirabau wood, stands on a 157-meter-high point with a view of the city center. As a result of repairs and maintenance measures, it no longer has its original appearance. In 1979 the Sabah Museum took control of the tower.
- 1 Sabah Tourism Building, # 51, Jl. Gaya. The building dates from 1916 and served as a printing works, district administration and treasury and was one of only three buildings that survived World War II. After a complete restoration, in 1991 it became the seat of the Kota Kinabalu tourist information center.
- 6 Do Mustapha Tower (Menara Do Mustapha).The Menara Tun Mustapha is the tallest building in Kota Kinabalu with 32 floors. From here you have a view of Likas Bay, the sunset and the University of Sabah. The revolving restaurant is located on the 18th floor of the building @mosphere. The house also houses the Do Mustapha Gallery.
Sabah Museum Complex
To the Sabah Museum Complex belong to the main museum, for which RM 15.00 entrance fee is to be paid. The ticket is also valid for the Heritage Village. The other museums are free.
- 7 Sabah Museum (Muzium Sabah), Jalan Muzium, 88566 Kota Kinabalu. Tel.: 60 (0)88 253 199, Fax: 60 (0)88 240 230, Email: [email protected].
The museum gives an insight into the history, the culture of the indigenous peoples and the nature of the state of Sabah.Open: daily 9 am-5pm.Price: Admission: RM 15.00 (foreigners); RM 2.00 (Malaysian). - Sabah Heritage Village. A small village was established in the small forest near the main museum. Each individual house was built in the typical style of one of the indigenous peoples of the state of Sabah. Even one of the hanging bridges typical of the rainforest was built here.
- Sabah Art Gallery. Small art gallery with works from Sabah.
- Science and Technology Center. The small technology museum is essentially devoted to three topics, crude oil (origin and production) - clearly sponsored by a mineral oil company (but not Petronas), as well as the topics of railways and radio.
- 8 Islamic Civilization Muzeum (Muzium Tamadun Islam). Tel.: 60 (0)88-538228. The museum shows the history of Islam in six galleries.Open: daily 9 am-5pm.
Other museums and galleries
- 9 Aquarium & Marine Museum, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Locked Bag No. 2073. Tel.: 60 (0)88 320000 (Ext 2590), Mobile: (0)16-2863697, Fax: 60 (0)88-320261, Email: [email protected]. The aquarium is one of the best marine museums in Borneo and is located on the Sabah University campus. From the city center (City Park bus station) line 5A goes to the university. It's a good 2-3 kilometers from the entrance (turn left at the first roundabout and follow the road uphill, at some point it will be signposted). The taxi from the city center costs RM 25.00.Open: every day except Wednesdays and public holidays 9:30 am–12:30 pm, 2:00 pm–4:30pm.Price: RM 10.00 (children under 18 years: RM 4.00; camera: RM 10.00).
Galleries
- Do Mustapha Gallery (in Menara Tun Mustapha (Sabah Foundation Building)). Tel.: 60 (0)88-326683, Fax: 60 (0)88-438026, Email: [email protected]. The gallery shows a lot about the life and time of Tun Mustapha, the former visionary leader of Sabah. The gallery also has a souvenir shop, which offers high-quality craftsmanship.Open: Tue-Sun: 9:00 a.m.-6: 00 p.m.Price: Admission: RM 10.00.
Markets
- Definitely worth seeing 1 Filippino Market (Handicraft Market), Jalan Tun Fuad Stephen (in front of the Le Meridien Hotel). There you can buy a variety of jewelry and souvenirs. Negotiating skills are required here. In the early evening, the catches of fishermen who have returned from the sea are sold in the market. A feast for the eyes of all kinds of marine animals! There is also a large selection of local delicacies available, but only those who know Asia should have meals there, as you cannot always tell at first glance which creatures are being offered here.
Lookout point
- 1 Signal Hill Observatory (Bukit Bendera). There is a small parking lot and some covered seating at the lookout point. From here you have a beautiful view of the central part of Kota Kinabalu and the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. Those who are not afraid to climb the small mountain on foot start at Perdana Merdeka der Jl. Istana up the mountain. After 200 meters turn left into Jl. Bukit Bendera, pass the Atkinson clock tower and follow the road to the lookout point. There is also a shorter route up a hard-to-find staircase. To do this, go to the small parallel street of Jl. KK bypass at the foot of the mountain at the level of the Gaya Walk. There are some backpacker accommodations there. The stairs begin behind "Lucy's Homestay" and "Traveller's Light" in the backyard. The best way to go around is "Lucy's Homestay" (the house with the blue roof on the left of the picture above with a view of the city center).
Parks and natural areas
- 10 Kota Kinabalu Wetland Center, Jl. Bukit Bendera Upper, 8840 Likas, Kota Kinabalu (after Likas Square (coming from the sea) turn right at the intersection towards Signal Hill. After a few hundred meters the driveway is on the left). Tel.: 60 (0)88 246 955, Fax: 60 (0)88 247 955, Email: [email protected].A wetland area in the urban area was saved here. On a circular route through the mangroves, you can still observe some native animals, especially birds. - You can get there by bus or taxi (approx. RM 15.00) to Likas Square. If you are not afraid of a walk, you can also walk from the city center from the lookout point described above, just follow the road and go back down the mountain. Once at the bottom, the area is on the right.Open: Tue-Sun 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Mon closed.
activities
As activities in the city itself one can only recommend shopping and strolling. However, KK is a good, central point for various excursions (see section "Excursions")
Wellness & Spa:
- 1 Waterfront Reflexology. This massage is located directly on the beach promenade (at the level of the Le Meridien Hotel and in front of the Seaview Restaurant) the EURO Cafe. There you can indulge in a relaxing foot reflexology or body massage under a large white pavilion. An hour of foot massage costs RM 45, a body massage RM 55. During the massage, you can lie on a comfortable deck chair and look out over the sea and the offshore islands. Chilled drinks are also served on request.
- 2 Le Borneo Reflex & Beauty Spa, Lot B-2-12, Block B, Warisan Square, Jl. Do Fuad Stephens (opposite the Hotel LeMeridien). Tel.: 60 (0)88-447800, Mobile: 60 (0)16-8235212. The massage is quite inexpensive (from RM 30.00 and offers the program from foot massage, foot scrub, manicure and pedicure to body massage. There are also individual packages up to a 5-hour full program (RM 260.00 ).
- Six Senses, Lot 2-1-2, Phase 2, Kolam Center, Jl. Lintas. Tel.: 60 (0)88-213613. Hot Stone Detox Therapy is popular with travelers and locals alike.
- 3 Ka'andaman Traditional Healing Garden, Km 8, Hongkod Koisan, Jl. Penampang. Tel.: 60 (0)88-721008.This spa offers herbal baths in a relaxed atmosphere.
- 4 Jari-Jari, Lot 2, Blk B, 2nd Floor, Tanjung Aru Plaza, Jl. Mat Salleh. Tel.: 60 (0)88-272606, Email: [email protected].The wellness bath with its traditional massages received the Malaysia Spa & Wellness Award in 2006. There are now two more branches: in the Suria Sabah and in the Palace Hotel.
- D'Bor Neobayu Holistic Wellness Center, 1st, Floor, Lot 2, Wisma HCS, Jl. Kolam Luyang. Tel.: 60 (0)88-216648. Real Sabahan treatments are offered here.
Golf: Golfers get their money's worth in KK, as the golf courses in Sabah are among the best in the world. The hotel is recommended here Sutera Harbor Resort.
Beaches:
- 5 Tanjung Aru Beach (Pantai Tanjung Aru), near the airport.It is very flat and points very nicely in a westerly direction. Thus, it is not only suitable for those who are hungry for exercise. A dinner in one of the restaurants at sunset is actually part of every stay in the city (e.g. in the First Beach Café right on the beach). The best way to get to the beach is by taxi (RM 15.00 from the city center). At the north end is the beautiful Shangri La Tanjung Aru Resort. Those who sit longer in the evening can have the problem of not finding a taxi for the return journey. Either ask for the driver's phone number on the outward journey, or walk to the Shangri La Resort.
- Near the Masjid Bandaraya (City Mosque) on Likas Bay there is a beach that is frequented by the locals for swimming and picnics. However, this beach is rarely cleared of alluvial and discarded dirt. The beach has toilets and showers. There is no food. However, some vendors sell cold drinks in their cars in the parking lot.
shop
Kota Kinabalu has some medium-sized malls, which are quite well sorted, but do not come close to the size and selection of malls in Kuala Lumpur. But you are occasionally lucky in KK and can also haggle over the marked price in a mall. A new hyper mall has been opened, and the “SuriaKK” and “Time Square KK” are already under construction. A shopping ritual is a visit to the Sunday market on Gaya Street.
- 2 1Borneo Hypermall (in the north of the city near the Sabah University campus).
The brand new Hypermall is Sabah's largest shopping center. The complex also includes the Underwater World aquarium, a cultural center, a bowling center and a cinema. The mall is a long way from the downtown area. In the “Warisan Square” shopping center on the side facing the waterfront, a free shuttle service starts which runs via Likas Square to 1Borneo.
City center: There are a number of typical shopping centers with an unmanageable number of many small shops. These are some of the most popular:
- 3 Wisma Merdeka, Jl. 15 / Jalan Tun Razak.Right next to the Hyatt Hotel. There are also a few well-stocked souvenir shops here.
- 4 Center Point, Jl. 20 / Jl. Do razak.Shopping center very popular with the locals.
- 5 Warisan Square, Jl. Center Point.The mall across from the waterfront also has a number of restaurants.
kitchen
There are many small restaurants on the approx. 200 meter long beach promenade between the EURO Cafe and the Filipino Market, in which you can eat well and for little money. As the restaurants are right by the sea, a breathtaking view and a unique atmosphere are guaranteed. A number of other restaurants can be found in the downtown area parallel to the beach promenade.
Cheap
Asian and Western:
- 1 Upperstar Pepper Grill & Bar, Block C, Lot 8, Segama Complex. Tel.: 60 (0)88-270775. The Upperstar is also very popular with locals and is always well attended. The selection of Malaysian and Western classics (steak, pizza, pasta, burgers, salads) is good and inexpensive. In addition to WiFi, the restaurant also has a few tables with their own computers and internet access. WiFi.Open: Sun-Thu: 16: 30-01: 30, Sat and before public holidays: 16: 30-02: 00.
medium
Breakfast: Many of the restaurants - including the restaurants on the waterfront - don't open until midday. Since not all accommodations have a restaurant, you have to look outside. For example, the coffee shops also offer breakfast.
- 2 The Coffee Bean & Tea Leave, Lot AG16, Ground Floor Wisma Merdeka Phase 1, Jln Tun Razak. Tel.: 60 (0)88-232333. The Coffe Bean branch in the Wisma Merdeka complex (at the Hyatt) offers a good and fresh breakfast.Open: Mon-Thu: 8:30 a.m.-8:00 p.m., Fri-Sat: 8:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m., Sun: 8:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
- 3 San Francisco Coffee, C-G-01, Block C, Ground Floor, Warisan Square (in Warisan Square directly across from the waterfront). Open: Mon-Sun: 8: 00-24: 00.
Seafood: Kota Kinabalu is known for its first-class seafood, as the fishermen's catches of the day are sold in the restaurants in the evenings. It doesn't get any fresher! For tourists who come to Sabah for the first time, two restaurants are recommended:
- Seaview restaurant. The restaurant is located right next to the aforementioned EURO Cafe and is under Chinese management. It is known for the high quality of the food, but also for the slightly higher prices. The higher price is due to the sea view, which is worth paying. In the evening there is free entertainment by traditional dancers and musicians, which is sure to be an interesting performance for guests who are in Borneo for the first time.
- Sea Food Court. The Sea Food Court is tucked away in the back of town. The best way to get there on foot is to stand in front of the Le Meridien Hotel and walk along the street that leads to the right into the city center for about 500 meters. On the right side you will find the food court. This restaurant is not very well known and is mainly frequented by locals. Here, too, freshly caught sea creatures are sold and - as everywhere - you can choose your dish if it is still swimming in one of the show basins. Here, too, entertainment by traditional dancers takes place in the evening between 7.30 p.m. and 8.30 p.m. and at the end of the performance, some guests have the opportunity to try out their own skills in dancing or blow arrow shooting. The prices are a little lower than in the Seaview Restaurant and one should also test one's negotiating skills and negotiate a better price. Inexpensive delicacies are e.g. oyster omlett, king prawns and the offered lobsters, which are prepared according to the individual wishes of the guest.
Asian:
- Sushi King, Warisan Square (In Warisan Square in the north-eastern part on the 1st floor). Tel.: 60 (0)88-538064. Japanese restaurant with good sushi.
- Tam Nak Thai, Y / G5, Api Api Center. Tel.: 60 (0)88-257328. In the good Thai restaurant it is advisable to reserve a table for dinner.Open: daily 11: 30-15: 00 18: 00-22: 00.
Asian and Western:
- Tanjung Ria Café (at the Hyatt Hotel). The restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat buffet, which rotates weekly with a different theme every evening. Malaysian food is available every Wednesday.Open: 18: 30-21: 30.Price: RM 49.00 (vegetarians: RM 25.00).
- First Beach Café (directly on Tanjung Aru Beach at the level of the official driveway).
West:
- Toscani's, Lot 14 waterfront. Tel.: 60 (0)88-242879, Email: [email protected]. Restaurant with really good Italian and Spanish cuisine.Features: Italian cuisine, Spanish cuisine.
- Little Italy, Jl. Haji Saman, 88813 Kota Kinabalu (On the ground floor of the Hotel Capital). Tel.: 60 (0)88-232231, Mobile: 60 (0)19-8800881, Fax: 60 (0)88-232231, Email: [email protected]. Really good homemade pizza and pasta is served by Little Italy.Feature: Italian cuisine.Open: daily 10:30 am-11: 00 pm.
- The Aussie Barbeque and BAr, # 5, Cultural Entertainment Esplanade (Downtown, right on the waterfront). Tel.: 60 (0)88-243449. The name says it all, there is recommendable Australian food here.Feature: Australian cuisine.
- The Shamrock Irish Bar, Lot 6, Anjung Samudra 13046, 88833 Kota Kinabalu (on the beach promenade). Tel.: 60 (0)88-249829, Email: [email protected]. Nice Irish pub also with seats outside right on the water. Anyone who tries Western food in Malaysia will particularly appreciate the large amount of sauce that accompanies the dishes here, as Western food is generally served very dry in the country.
Upscale
Buffet:
- Ming Garden Hotel & Residences (Lorong Ming Garden, Jalan Coasta). Tel.: 60 (0)88-528888, Fax: 60 (0)88-528889, Email: [email protected]. In addition to eating a'la card, the hotel offers a nice buffet with many dishes (RM 70.00 per person - only includes water as a drink).
nightlife
The offer for night owls is quite clear in KK. There are bars in the individual hotels (the Le Meridien Hotel has a bar with great live Latino music. The Hyatt Hotel also has live music and entertainment), but these bars also close between 1am and 2am. Only the Shangri-La Hotel has a good night club, which is open longer.
- There are some open but covered bars and cafes, which also offer live music in the evening, in the city center between Jl. Pantai and Jl. Ewan.
- The Waterfront(Anjung Samudera) is a very popular meeting place for locals and tourists in the evenings. There are a number of different bars and restaurants. All of them have spaces in the building as well as outside directly on the water.
- The Shamrock Irish Bar, Lot 6, Anjung Samudra 13046, 88833 Kota Kinabalu (on the beach promenade). Tel.: 60 (0)88-249829, Email: [email protected]. - Nice Irish pub also with seats outside right on the water.
- Other Recommendations:
- Shenanigan's, Jl. Datuk Salleh Sulong (Inside the Hyatt Hotel (entrance to the bar from the street)). Good bar with a good DJ and live music.Open: Mon-Thu: 6 p.m.-1 a.m., Fri-Sat: 6 p.m.-3 a.m., Sun: 4 p.m.-midnight.
- 1 Q bar, 1st Floor, 50 Jalan Gaya, 88000 Kota Kinabalu. Tel.: 60 (0)88 230 722, Email: [email protected].The nice little club is popular with the local gay scene. On Fridays and Saturdays (not before 11 p.m.) it is well filled with a nice local crowd. On Fridays there is a ladyboy show (entry: RM 15.00 including a drink)
.
Movie theater:
- Growball Cinema, Jl. 20 / Jl. Do razak (On the 8th floor of the Center Point shopping center). The cinema has a number of cinema halls and offers a wide range of films.
accommodation
There are a number of good accommodation options in Kota Kinabalu, with something to suit all budgets!
Cheap
up to approx. 100 ringgit
There are various backpacker hotels, but the standard in terms of cleanliness and safety is not as high as one is used to from similar hotels in Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok. Backpacker accommodations are in Jalan Gaya and Lorong Dewan
- Tune hotel, Unit No. G-803.1 Borneo Hypermall, Jl. Sulaman. An exception to the above rule is the Tune Hotel, which is not located directly in the city center, but scores extremely well in terms of price, safety and cleanliness.
medium
approx. 80 to 400 ringgit
- Novotel One Borneo, Tower B Jalan Sulaman Highway, 00-01 Ground Floor, 1Borneo Hyper Mall. Tel.: 60 (0)88-529888, Fax: 60 (0)88-529889, Email: [email protected]. The new 4-star hotel is part of the new One Borneo Hyper Mall.
- Beverly Hotel, Lorong Kemajuan, 88000 Kota Kinabalu. Tel.: 60 (0)88-258998, Fax: 60 (0)88-258778, Email: [email protected]. There are inexpensive and good rooms in the Beverly Hotel, which is a bit on the edge of the city center, but offers a good view of Mount Kinabalu from some rooms.
- Promenade Hotel. Tel.: 60 (0)88-265555, Email: [email protected]. The Promenade Hotel is only 10 minutes away from the airport and offers prices from RM 170 (approx. 34 €).
- 1 City Hotel, Lot 1 Block B, Ground Floor, Segama Complex (on the back street between KFC and Burger King across from the Hyatt). Tel.: 60 (0)88-230478, Fax: 60 (0)88-234478. Newly opened at the end of 2008, the 1 City Hotel is a real recommendation. Modern, beautiful rooms, beautiful bathroom, safe and quite large flat screen TV set the hotel apart. Each floor has its own WiFi. There is no restaurant, but the central location doesn't make it necessary either. The location in the somewhat gloomy (but clear) side street may put some off, but it is not a problem.Price: RM 108-128 (Low Season) RM 128-148 (High Season).
Upscale
from approx. 300 ringgit
- Ming Garden Hotel & Residences (Lorong Ming Garden, Jalan Coasta). Tel.: 60 (0)88-528888, Fax: 60 (0)88-528889, Email: [email protected]. new hotel on the road to the airport south of the city center.Price: Online promotion rate from RM 248.00 to RM 388.00.
- 1 Jesselton Hotel, 69, Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu. Tel.: 60 (0)88 223 333, Fax: 60 (0)88 240 401, Email: [email protected].Traditional boutique hotel in the city center.Price: each from RM 215-450.
- 2 Le Meridien (Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu), Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, Sinsuran, Kota Kinabalu 88000. Tel.: 60 (0)88 322 222.Das Le Meridien Hotel gehört zu den führenden Hotels der Stadt und ist besonders für aktive Urlauber geeignet, die kein Resort-Hotel suchen. Besonders am Wochenende werden attraktive Zimmerpreise angeboten und die Aussicht aus den geräumigen Zimmern mit Sicht aufs Meer, garantiert atemberaubende Blicke auf den Sonnenuntergang, welcher in Kota Kinabalu jeden Tag anders und jeden Tag besonders ist. Zu erwähnen ist, dass sich das Hotel direkt gegenüber eines Marktes befindet, auf denen man gut sein Verhandlungsgeschick testen kann.
- Hyatt Regency, Jalan Datuk Salleh Sulong, 88991 Kota Kinabalu. Tel.: 60 (0)88-221234, Fax: 60 (0)88-218909, E-Mail: [email protected]. Das Hyatt Regency Hotel befindet sich auf einer ins Meer reichende Landzunge und bietet die wohl luxuriöseste Unterkunft in Kota Kinabalu. Allerdings befindet es sich ca. 5 km vom Flughafen entfernt und wird gelegentlich von startenden oder landenden Flugzeugen überflogen.
- Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa, 20 Jalan Aru, Tanjung Aru. Tel.: 60 (0)88-327888, Fax: 60 (0)88-327878, E-Mail: [email protected]. Das Shangri-La Hotel hat einen großen Strand- und Poolbereich, nebst ansprechenden und luxuriös eingerichteten Zimmern und eignet sich besonders für Gäste, welche ein Resort-Hotel bevorzugen. Allerdings wird es - wie auch das Hyatt Hotel - von startenden und landenden Flugzeugen überflogen und man muss hin und wieder mit Lärm rechnen. Das Shangri-La besitzt einen der wenigen Nachtclubs in Kota Kinabalu.
security
Kota Kinabalu ist als sichere Stadt bekannt. Dennoch sollte man die üblichen Sicherheitsvorkehrungen treffen, um nicht ein Opfer von Taschendieben oder Trickbetrügern zu werden.
In den Küsten- und Inselgebieten nahe der Grenze zu den Philippinen besteht das Risiko von Überfällen, Entführungen und Geiselnahmen durch bewaffnete Gewalttäter aus den südlichen Philippinen. Von Reisen in entlegene Gegenden und an unkonventionelle Ziele an der Küste Sabahs sowie auf die vorgelagerten Inseln in der Region Kudat bis Tawau wird abgeraten.
Man sollte sich vor einer Reise nach Sabah daher die neuesten Informationen vom Auswärtigen Amt einholen und seine Reiseroute ggf. anpassen
health
Krankenhäuser:
- Bukit Padang Hospital, Jalan Kolam , Luyang P.O. Box 11342, 88815 Kota Kinabalu (im Osten der Stadt nahe des Sees). Tel.: 60 (0)88-240984, Fax: 60 (0)88-244703.
Practical advice
Grundsätzlich kann man sich in KK gut in Bahasa Malaysia und Englisch verständigen. Auf Grund der Nähe zu den Philippinen sprechen einige der Bewohner auch Tagalog oder Cebuano. Sabahanians sind in aller Regel sehr freundliche und aufgeschlossene Menschen, die allerdings meistens mit Kopfschütteln auf europäische Hektik reagieren. Deshalb sollte man nichts in Eile "erzwingen" und sich für seinen Gesprächspartner Zeit nehmen.
Telefonieren: Öffentliche Fernsprecher stehen im üblichen Maße zur Verfügung. Wie überall in Malaysia empfiehlt es sich, von einem der Mobilfunkanbieter eine Prepaid-Karte zu kaufen und seine Gespräche damit abzuwickeln. In Sabah ist DiGi unter den Einheimischen der beliebteste Anbieter. Oftmals haben auch Reiseagenturen Mobilnummern angegeben. So ist es manchmal einfacher eine Tourbuchung einfach per SMS abzuwickeln.
Internet: Internet ist verfügbar, die Anzahl der Internetcafés aber noch überschaubar. Einige Restaurants bieten aber mittlerweile WLAN an.
- Oasis Internet Centre, Jl. 20 (im Centre Point). Geöffnet: 08:00-24:00.Preis: Rm 1,50/ halbe Stunde.
- Home Net, Lorong Api-Api 1 (im Api-Api Appartment Complex).
- Speed Cyber, Jl. Mat Salleh (an der Straße zum Tanjung Aru Beach, im Tanjung Aru Plaza). Preis: Rm 3,00/ Stunde.
trips
kleine Ausflüge
- Die schönen vorgelagerten Inseln des Tunku Abdul Rahman Park bieten viele Möglichkeiten zum Relaxen, Schwimmen, Schnorcheln und liegen nur ein paar Kilometer vor der Stadt. Zentraler Ausgangspunkt für die Ausflüge ist der Jesselton Point. Dies ist der Hafen für die Zubringerboote zu den Inseln. Kurz hinter dem Eingang befindet sich rechts ein Gebäude mit einer Wartehalle und mehreren Ticketschaltern. MR 40.00 sind für eine Fahrt zu einer der Inseln inklusive Hafensteuer und Parkeintritt mit einem der kleinen Boote zu berappen. Nach 3-4 Stunden fahren die Boote wieder zurück zur Stadt. Die Rückfahrzeit kann vorher gewählt und angegeben werden. Einige örtliche Reiseveranstalter bieten auch organisierte Ausflüge zu den Inseln des Parks an.
- Lok Kawi Wildlife Park, Jl. Penampang - Papar Lama, W.D.T. #63, 89507 Penampang. Tel.: 60 (0)88-765793, Fax: 60 (0)88-765762. Unweit der Stadt befindet sich dieser kleine Wildlife Park. In den Gehegen findet man unter anderem Orang Utans, Elefanten und die Nasenaffen. Am Ende des Parks befindet sich ein Botanischer Garten. Auf schmalen Dschungelpfaden kann man hier die Flora Borneos erkunden.Preis: Einritt: RM 20.00.
- Orchid De Villa. Tel.: 60 (0)88-4349997. 45 Fahrminuten von der Stadt entfernt kann man im Dorf Kampung Kawakaan über 200 Pflanzenspezies bewundern. Eine einfache Fahrt mit dem Taxi kostet MR 30.00.Geöffnet: tägl. 08:00-17:00.Preis: Eintritt: RM 10.00.
- Monsopiad Cultural Village. Tel.: 60 (0)88-774337. In Penampang, ca. 20 Minuten von der Stadt entfernt, bekommt man in diesem Dorf Einblick in die Kultur der Kadazandusun. Hier gibt es Spiele, Sport, Hängebrücken, traditionelle Häuser und natürlich traditionelles Essen. Es gibt eine 1-1,5 stündige geführte Tour. Kulturshows gibt es täglich um 10:00, 11:00, 14:00 und 16:00 Uhr.Geöffnet: täglich 08:30-17:00.Preis: Eintritt: RM 50.00; Kinder bis 12 Jahre: RM 10.00.
Tagestouren
- Regenwaldtour Kinabalu-Nationalpark - Ein Ausflug in den Regenwald ist ein "Must Do" in Kota Kinabalu und für Touristen, welche nicht zu den "Berufswanderern" gehören, empfiehlt sich ein Ausflug in den Kinabalu Park. Der Park befindet sich ca. 100 Kilometer von KK entfernt. Angeboten wird dieser Ausflug von allen örtlichen Reisebüros. Die Abfahrt ist ca. 8 Uhr morgens am Hotel und man kommt nach ca. 2,5 Stunden Fahrt im Park an. Nach einem Besuch des botanischen Gartens betritt man den Canopy Walk, welcher ein einmaliges Erlebnis ist. Auf einer Länge von 157.80 Metern und auf 41 Meter Höhe, läuft man über (abgesicherte) Hängebrücken auf Höhe der Baumkronen durch den Regenwald. Die Aussicht von den Hängebrücken ist atemberaubend. Nach dem Abstieg besucht man noch die Poring Hot Springs. Man hat die Möglichkeit in der Quelle zu baden, daher Badesachen nicht vergessen. Gegen 17 Uhr ist man wieder in KK. Wer den Mount Kinabalu besteigen möchte, kann eine 2-Tages-Tour besuchen und den Sonnenaufgang auf dem Berg erleben. Es gibt auch einige Klettertouren. Es stehen Klettersteige unterschiedlicher Schwierigkeitsgrade und Längen zur Verfügung.
- Im Distrikt Kudat befindet sich die nördlichste Spitze der Insel Borneo. Die Tagestour verbindet die Fahrt zum Kap mit dem Besuch eines traditionellen Longhouses. Sonntags kann man zusätzlich den Tamu Markt von Kudat besuchen.
- Proboscis Monkeys und Fireflies - Ein Ausflug für Tierfreunde ist der Besuch bei den freilebenden Proboscis Affen in den Klias Wetlands. Nach Sonnenuntergang hat man dann noch die Möglichkeit, Fireflies in großer Anzahl zu beobachten. Alle Reisebüros haben den Ausflug für ca. RM 190.00 im Programm.
- White Water Rafting - Ein aufregendes Abenteuer für sportliche Touristen. Je nach Wasserstandspegel ist der Schwierigkeitsgrad zwischen 2 und 4. Das Rafting findet unter fachkundiger Anleitung statt und der Fluss führt durch eine Bilderbuchkulisse des Regenwaldes!
Mehrtagestouren
- Für die Besteigung des Kinabalu-Nationalpark sollte eine normal trainierte Kondition ausreichen. Die Tour dauert zwei Tage. Am ersten Tag bewältigt man bereits einen großen Teil der Strecke. Übernachtung ist auf einer Berghütte. Am nächsten Morgen startet der Trip gegen 03:00 Uhr um den beeindruckenden Sonnenaufgang auf dem Gipfel genießen zu können.
- Die Tour zum Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary und zu den Nasenaffen wird als 2-Tages-Tour mit Übernachtung in Sandakan angeboten
