Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

City Mosque

If you look at the Kota Kinabalu Mosque from a distance, it will seem as though it is floating above the surface of the water. This optical illusion was created by an artificial lagoon around the mosque. The mystery, beauty, and uniqueness of this stunning mosque are enhanced by the enigmatic reflection in the water. This beautiful building was constructed in 2000. It was designed to accommodate a vast hall for 12,000 worshippers. The mosque is considered one of the most beautiful places in the city and even across all of Malaysia.

Tun Mustafa Tower

Tun Mustafa Tower is the second tallest building in Borneo, offering a magnificent view of the surrounding area. On the 18th floor, there is a revolving restaurant-bar called “Atmosphere,” which completes a full 360-degree turn in one hour. Built in 1977, Tun Mustafa Tower is a glass building standing 112 meters tall. Its distinctive feature is a unique 30-storey cylindrical structure supported by tall, tensioned steel rods. This architectural and engineering marvel is truly remarkable: in the world there are only four towers of this kind, and Tun Mustafa Tower is the highest. By the way, in 1997, the climber Alain Robert climbed to the top of the building.

Kinabalu National Park

Within the territory of the national park is one of the highest mountains in Malaysia, Mount Kinabalu, after which the park was named. At the foot of the mountain, ancient jungles stretch out. These are evergreen, dense tropical forests where you can find fascinating plants at every step. Here, for example, more than 1000 species of beautiful orchids grow, as well as carnivorous flowers and the world’s largest and most unusual flower-Rafflesia, reaching up to a meter in diameter and feeding on insects. Most of the local plants are endemic-meaning they can be found only in these places. And among the animal life here, you can see various monkeys, deer, and the Malaysian bear.

Manukan Island

The second-largest island in the Marine Park, Manukan, is the most popular spot among Kota Kinabalu residents for Sunday picnics. Manukan offers good beaches with coral reefs for snorkeling lovers. In the wooded part of the island, several eco-trails have been laid out for walking. There are several restaurants on the beach.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is made up of five picturesque islands located in open sea just 5 kilometers from Kota Kinabalu. White sandy beaches, crystal-clear azure water, and thousands of colorful marine creatures make it a great reason for a day at sea from the state capital, Kota Kinabalu. You can reach the islands by boat from the Kota Kinabalu city jetty.

Tanjung Aru Beach

The only “mainland” sandy beach in the vicinity of Kota Kinabalu, Tanjung Aru offers quite decent conditions for a relaxing getaway. White sand, clear, transparent water, the shade of coconut palms, and all of it - just 15 minutes by car from civilization. And for those craving privacy on paradise islands, there are boats to the Abdul Rahman Marine Park.

Sabah State Museum

The Sabah State Museum is located on Bukit Istana Lama Hill, behind the main mosque. The museum is designed as a hut of the Murut and Rungus Malay tribes. The museum complex features not only exhibits-here you can also find an ethnobotanical garden, a zoo, and a historical-ethnographic village, where the huts of local tribes are built to full scale. Inside the huts, visitors can learn how the tribes lived, what handmade crafts they made, what they did, and how they mastered pottery. There is also a restaurant, a coffee shop, and a souvenir shop on the grounds of the complex.

Climb Mount Kinabalu

Kinabalu is one of the highest mountains in Southeast Asia and the highest peak in Malaysia (4095 meters). It is located within Kinabalu National Park in the state of Sabah. Despite its great height, Kinabalu is quite welcoming. Anyone may climb to its summit. No mountaineering skills or special equipment are required. An ascent to Kinabalu-named the Sir Hugh Low Peak-is offered by many tour agencies in Borneo. The park is open every day from 9:00 to 16:00 (for independent visits). Guided ascent is available at 9:00, 12:00 and 15:00, and a guided walk is available at 11:00.

You can find a more detailed list of excursions and their prices after booking the cruise in your client “Personal Account”.