Thursday, February 10, 2011

Kota Kinabalu in a Nutshell

Kota Kinabalu is the capital state of Sabah and is a fast growing resort destination due to its proximity to tropical islands and Mount Kinabalu. "KK" as the locals affectionately call it, is a relaxed, friendly tropical city.

Mount Kinabalu as seen from the sky. The mountain is about 80km from Kota Kinabalu. With the height of 4, 095.2m, it is the tallest mountain in Borneo.

The city center itself is quite small and walking seems to be the best option to venture around.

Shopping complexes and hotels are everywhere. Visitor will come across either one of them within a short walking distance from Api-Api Centre to Jesselton Point

Padang Merdeka (Independence Field) was originally a recreational field where football was first played in 1901. When Sabah gained independence in 1963, it was the venue for the Proclamation of Malaysia. Now, the field is used during major event such as Chinese New Year, Christmal carol singing and Harvest Festival.

A stroll down Gaya Street is like walking down memory lane where old shophouses built in the 1950s can be spotted on both side of the road. On Sunday morning, the street is turned into a street fair with traders fruits, food, souvenirs, cloth and etc.

Jesselton Hotel, located at Gaya Street is the first post war modern hotel. The hotel may be unassuming in its look but many famous personalities have stayed here including boxer Mohammad Ali and Pope John Paul II.

The city also have a few mini parks such as City Park and Chong Thein Vun Park

The waterfront here will be the perfect place to enjoy the South China Sea view and breeze with the fishermen boats as the backdrop.

The markets here such as the Central Market, Fish Market and Handicraft Market are worth visiting.

Probably it is my luck but I saw a replica of Herbie the Volkswagen Beetle in Gaya Street one night.

3 comments:

I AM A BLOGGER said...

it seems very clean thre~~^^
like the air oso very fresh ooo~~

escape said...

a lot of filipinos has been going there lately. havent bought a ticket yet. soon. soon.

Ensurai said...

You make KK look so good!! Actually KK has a lot to offer...and it deserves all the fame and recognition.