Best of Both Worlds: Exploring Culture & Shopping in Kota Kinabalu

Sabah

Kota Kinabalu, the dynamic capital of Sabah in Malaysian Borneo, is a stunning destination blending history with modernity whilst also brimming with cultural legacy. This captivating city is hidden amongst beautiful jungles and sparkling blue waters, and is packed with a myriad of activities that are compelling even to the most discerning traveller.

From its rich tapestry of indigenous cultures to bustling local bazaars, Kota Kinabalu offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself where the past meets the present in a symphony of brilliant colours. As one walks through its mediaeval streets plus vibrant marketplaces, the city's distinct charm and historical depth become evident, beckoning inquiry alongside discovery at every turn.


Mari-Mari Cultural Village

Mari-Mari Cultural Village is a living museum that preserves the best of Borneo's unique ethnic traditions. This interactive experience showcases the traditional lifestyles, rituals and legacies of five important Indigenous groups: the rice-farming Kadazan-Dusun, the longhouse-dwelling Rungus, the hunter-fisher Lundayeh, the cowboys and sea gipsies Bajau as well as the headhunting Murut.

Visitors have the opportunity to visit real traditional residences, enjoy vivid cultural performances, witness traditional demonstrations like blowpipe-making and rice wine processing, try out local handicrafts and sample traditional dishes from each ethnic group.

To get to Mari-Mari Cultural Village

  • By car or taxi: Convenient and direct routes are available from the Kota Kinabalu city centre. Drive time from Kota Kinabalu is approximately 35 minutes (17.1 kilometres).
  • Joining a tour: Numerous tour operators offer packages, which include transportation.
  • Driving there: Ample parking is available. Simply follow the signs from Kota Kinabalu to Inanam, then head towards Kionsom.

Further Information: 

  • Address: Jalan Kionsom, Inanam, 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
  • Email
  • Admission Fees:
    • Malaysian Citizens:
      • RM 110 (Adult)
      • RM 100 (Child)
    • Non-Malaysian Citizens:
      • RM 130 (Adult)
      • RM 110 (Child)
    • Prices may be subject to change. Kindly refer to the official website for updated pricing and information.
  • Contact: +6013 8814 921 or +6019 8824 921
  • Operation hours: 10:00AM – 1:00PM, 2:00PM – 5:00PM daily

Please visit the official website for more information.

Sabah State Museum

The Sabah State Museum is housed in the traditional style of Rungus longhouses, which harmoniously combine contemporary conveniences with Indigenous architectural features. It was founded to conserve and showcase Sabah's rich cultural legacy, natural history and archaeological riches.

Highlights include the Main Museum Building, which showcases exhibits on history, ethnography and natural history; the Locomotive Gallery, which displays vintage trains; the Heritage Village, which features traditional houses from various Indigenous groups; the Science and Technology Centre as well as the Islamic Civilisation Museum. Notable sights include the spectacular bone remains of a 50-foot Bryde whale.

To get to the Sabah State Museum

  • By car or taxi: A 10-minute drive from the Kota Kinabalu city centre, where taxis and ride-sharing services like Grab are readily available.
  • By bus: Local buses heading towards the Queen Elizabeth Hospital stop near the museum and from there, a short walk from the bus stop.
  • On foot: A 30-minute walk from the city centre.

Further Information: 

  • Address: Jalan Muzium, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
  • Contact: 088-225 033/199
  • Operation hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily.
  • Admission Fees:
    • Malaysian Citizens: RM 2
    • Non-Malaysian Citizens: RM 15
    • Free admission for students in uniform, disabled guests, senior guests and taxi drivers (This offer is only valid for Malaysian citizens).
  • Email
  • Instagram: muziumsabah
  • Facebook: Muzium Sabah

Please visit the official website for more information.

Kota Kinabalu City Mosque (Masjid Terapung)

The Kota Kinabalu City Mosque – also known as Masjid Terapung (floating mosque) was inspired by the beautiful architecture of the Al-Nabawi Mosque in Medina. This mosque is a stunning emblem of peace and architectural grandeur. As Kota Kinabalu's largest floating mosque, also possibly the most beautiful in Malaysia, its uniqueness lies in its ‘floating’ architecture, surrounded by a man-made lagoon offering a breathtaking vision, especially beneath a full moon.

The mosque can house between 9,000 to 12,000 worshippers and is accessible to the public with prior registration through Kota Kinabalu City Mosque Tourism Management. Visitors must dress modestly, conform to the mosque's attire requirements, obey particular restrictions such as respecting the sacred place, refraining from eating or drinking and avoiding improper conduct or mimicry of religious acts.

To get to Kota Kinabalu City Mosque

  • By Taxi: At a fee of approximately RM 15 one way.
  • By Bus: Take Bus No. 5A from the front of Hotel Shangri-La, which will cost RM 1.50 per person, each way.


Further Information:

  • Address: Jalan Pasir, Jalan Teluk Likas, Kampung Likas, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
  • Contact: 088-205 418
  • Visiting Hours:
    • Mondays - Sundays, except Fridays
    • Morning: 8:00AM – 12:00PM
    • Afternoon: 2:00PM – 3:30PM
    • Late Afternoon: 4:00PM – 5:00PM
    • Hours are subject to change
  • Entrance Fees: 
    • Malaysian Citizens & International Visitors: RM 5
    • Modest clothing can be rented for RM 5 to RM 10
  • Email: mbrkk2015@gmail.com
  • Facebook: Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu

Please visit the official website for more information.

 

 


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