Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of Sabah, is a hidden gem of East Malaysia. Most travelers visit the city to conquer the highest mountain, Mount Kinabalu, in Malaysia. Others explore the beautiful underwater world.

For us, we want to sightsee the city, enjoy its food, and discover Kundasang on this trip in May 2024.

Kota Kinabalu City

Mari Mari Cultural Village

With its picturesque jungle setting, the village allows visitors to have an authentic experience and glimpse into the lifestyle of Sabah’s indigenous people. The guided tour will walk you through the traditional houses of various indigenous ethnic groups, such as the Dusun, Rungus, Lundayeh, Bajau, and Murut.

The Dusun tribe, the largest ethnic group in Sabah, is renowned for their agricultural practices and close connection to the land. At the Rungus longhouse, visitors can admire their vibrant handicrafts and woven textiles. The Lundayeh tribe village offers visitors a chance to witness a blowpipe demonstration and see ancient hunting tools. The Bajau tribe is known for their seafaring heritage, and the traditional house offers a glimpse into their maritime lifestyle. The Murut tribe, famed for their warrior traditions and tattoos, welcomes visitors inside the Murut longhouse, where they can enjoy the traditional “jumping mat”.

Along the way, you can sample their traditional delicacies. The last part of the tour includes a cultural dance performance.

Time : 10am – 1pm ; 2pm – 5pm | Fee : RM130 per adult (Non-Malaysian)

Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu

The largest mosque in the city, capable of accommodating up to 12,000 people at any given time. Surrounded by a man-made lagoon, it stands as one of the most beautiful mosques in Malaysia.

Fee : RM5 per pax for exterior ; RM10 per pax to enter

Watch beautiful sunset

Both Tanjung Aru Beach and the Sunset Bar at Shangri-la Tanjung Aru are the best spots to capture the sunset in the city. Adventure lovers can also try stand-up paddleboarding at Tanjung Aru for a unique experience.

Explore Gaya streets

Gaya Street, located at the heart of the city center, boasts a rich history dating back to the colonial era. Many of the buildings still retain their colonial architecture, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. Wander around the lanes to discover its old charm and character. The area also offers a wide range of food options to cater to visitors’ preferences.

On Friday and Saturday nights, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Api Api Night Food Market and explore the delicious local food and snacks it has to offer.

And of course, the Gaya Street Sunday Market is a must-visit for anyone in the area.

Savor Local Cuisine

Welcome Seafood is the city’s most renowned seafood restaurant, with its Asia City outlet being the largest, occupying almost the entire ground floor. It offers fresh and value-for-money meals.

Yee Fung Laksa, a family business since 1984, serves a delicious bowl of curry laksa, a favorite among patrons. Their claypot chicken rice is also highly recommended. In fact, the laksa is so delicious that we been there twice.

Keng Wan Hing, a breakfast spot with over a decade of presence in Gaya Street, is famous for its freshly baked and steamed buns, which are described as yummlicious.

Fatt Kee Fish Noodle specializes in fish soup, with both tom yum and tomato soup bases offering special and unique flavors.

Jia Siang Coffee Shop is known for its pork noodle, which originated in Tawau, Sabah. The dry version features noodles mixed with dark soy sauce and pork oil, served with a flavorful pork slice and ball soup.

Accommodation : Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu seaview room

Kundasang

About a 2-hour drive from the city, Kundasang offers lush greenery and a cool climate, making it a haven for nature lovers. The majestic Mount Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s highest peak, draws adventurers to its summit. During this trip, we admired the breathtaking landscape at Mountain Valley Resort and were fortunate to witness a stunning sunset with hues of orange and pink before dinner.

In Tamparuli town, make sure to walk across the Tamparuli Suspension Bridge, as the view from the midpoint is breathtaking. Additionally, the low bridge next to the suspension bridge holds its own legend, having withstood numerous floods.

And before leaving the town, be sure to try the famous Tamparuli fried noodles.

Canopy Walk and Poring Hot Spring provide an opportunity to step into the rainforest and discover various varieties of trees, ferns, and mosses. The canopy suspension bridge offers an extraordinary view from the treetops, though it’s not suitable for those with a fear of heights as the bridge moves while you walk. After the adventure, a relaxing soak at the Poring hot spring is a must.

Spotting the rare Rafflesia flower at the nearby JFC garden is another highlight. Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower, blooms for only five days. At JFC, gardeners can cultivate Rafflesia from its host, allowing visitors to observe the flower in different stages of growth.

Ascending Sosodikon Hill rewards visitors with a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, with picturesque greens of rolling mountains.

Desa Dairy Farm, with its surrounding mountainous landscape and cooling weather, offers a serene setting. The farm’s large plot of land, beautiful gardens, and hands-on feeding experiences attract many visitors.

Enjoy local flavors

For a culinary adventure, try the smoked wild boar meat sold at stalls along the roadside as you approach Kundasang. We sampled it at Sinalau Bakas Himbaan Bongol and found it flavorful and delicious.

For a unique dining experience, visit BW Bus restaurant, where you can dine on converted fully air-conditioned dining buses. After dining, slide down to the lower deck for added fun.

Accommodation

At Mountain Valley Resort, where we stayed for one night, guests can choose from valley-facing rooms or mount KK view rooms. The resort’s restaurant, Kloud, serves fantastic dishes with an amazing view, especially during sunset.