Kota Kinabalu Sightseeing

Gaya Street

Originally known as Bond Street, this is the main street of Kota Kinabalu. Fully rebuilt in 1950s and 1960s, the shop houses were used in the traditional way, with shops on the ground floor and residential units on the upper floors. Today, Gaya Street has the largest number of legal offices, banks and financial institutions of any street in Sabah. It also has many eateries open during the day and night.

Australia Place

While in downtown Kota Kinabalu, do walk to Australia Place, where the Australian soldiers camped when they landed in Jesselton (Kota Kinabalu old name) in 1945. This is now a quiet street of print shops, the downtown Police Station, two popular backpackers hostel and the Dewan Merdeka. Although times and landscapes have changed, old memories linger and the site continues to be known as Australia Place to some.

Atkinson Clock Tower
The first District Officer of Jesselton, Francis George Atkinson, died of malaria at the young age of 28. His mother, Mary Edith Atkinson of England, built the Atkinson Clock Tower on Bukit Brace (Brace Hill) in 1905, in the memory of her son. While the original merbau wood used to build the Clock Tower has been replaced over the years, the building's overall structurehas been retained.

Filipino Market
Filipino Market is a huge souvenirs and local handicrafts centre in Kota Kinabalu. It has more than 100 sellers that is placed under one roof. The building is made of wood and situated very near to Kota Kinabalu wet and fish market. The place was well known to the Peninsular Malaysian traveler, which they usually go there to buy souvenirs, especially pearls, beads and crystals.

Poring Hot Springs

Springs ranger station lying 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Kinabalu Park HQ in the humid lowlands is a complete contrast to the cool environment of Kinabalu Park HQ. Within 1 1/4 hectre (3 acre) area there are 5 hot springs with temperature ranging from 49º to 60º C (120º to 140º F). The steamy sulphur water is channeled into several tiled pools and tubs. Soaking in a hot water bath is an ideal way to recurperate from an ardous mountain climb.

Maranjak Home Stay
Maranjak Homestay was developed by a family, which have come together for a community project to share their lifestyle and culture with visitors. One of the best ways to become acquainted with the Rungus culture and their communal way of life is through a homestay experience in the longhouse.