Kota Kinabalu is the capital of the Malaysian-Borneo state of Sabah. Often called the 'Land Below the Wind' because it lies below the typhoon belt, Sabah occupies the eastern part of North Borneo and is East Malaysia's second largest state with an area of 74,500 sq.km. Sabah has the South China Sea on the west and the Sulu and Celebes Seas on the east.

Kota Kinabalu is mountainous and largely carpeted by lush tropical rainforests, with 32 colourful ethnic communities making up its population of nearly two million. Kota Kinabalu lies in a fertile lowland plain where most commercial and administrative activities are concentrated, but the ‘real’ Sabah can best be found in it countryside.

Kota Kinabalu has an equatorial/tropical climate, generally hot and sunny all year round; visitors need to wear comfortable clothing to avoid heatstroke. Kota Kinabalu also have scattered unpredictable rains, therefore, it’s advisable to always bring an umbrella. The average temperature is about 32°C.

Kinabalu Park
The Kinabalu Park covers an area of 754 sq km and is made up of Mount Kinabalu, Mount Tambayukon and the foothills. It was gazetted to preserve this valuable natural environment. The mountains have a fascinating geological history, taking 'just' a million years to form. The mighty Mount Kinabalu is actually a granite massif that was later thrust upwards through the crust of the surface.

Subsequent erosion removed thousands of feet of the overlying sand and mud stone, exposing this massif. During the Ice Age, glaciers running across the summit smoothed it out, but the jagged peaks that stood out above the ice surface remained unaffected, retaining the extremely ragged surfaces. This rugged mountain is the focal point of the National Park.

If you plan to climb the mountain, be sure to bring a head torch for the early morning climb to the summit which starts in utter darkness and cold weather gear. The summit temperatures have been known to dip to below freezing!

Rafflesia Centre
The centre serves as the entrance to the virgin Forest Reserves around it. For those who do not wish to go jungle trekking, the centre provides information on the largest flower in the world. The unique feature of the reserve is the high occurrence of the world's largest flower, the Rafflesia Precei. Jungle trekking and the sight of a Rafflesia in full bloom make the Rafflesia Forest Reserve an interesting place to visit.

The natural vegetation here is of the oak or chestnut types. Large trees, especially of Shoreas, can be found on ridges and slopes. One Shorea with a girth of just under 600cm was found at an elevation of 1350m.

The Rafflesia takes a long time to bloom, and when it does, it stays in bloom for just seven days, after which it rots and has an extremely pungent smell. You may end up smelling a wilting Rafflesia before you see it.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
The Tunku Abdul Rahman park comprises a group of five islands located only 20 minutes away from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah's capital. The park is spread over 4,929 hectares, two thirds of which is sea.

The five idyllic islands, Manukan, Mamutik, Sulug, Gaya and Sapi have soft white beaches and are teeming with fish and coral, perfect for beginner divers as well as snorkellers and picnickers. Gaya and Sapi Islands also have hiking trails through their pristine jungles.

These islands are home to a variety of flora and fauna, including one of the most intriguing birds, the Megapode or Burung Tambun, a chicken lookalike with large feet and makes a meowing sound like a cat.

Manukan Island has the best infrastructure. This includes lovely chalets where you can spend the night, as well as a small dining facility and barbecue pits near the beach.

Pulau Tiga Marine Park
Pulau Tiga is the largest of the three islands that make up Pulau Tiga Park. Its beautiful landscape and unspoilt natural environment has attracted CBS TV Network of the USA to use this island as the main location for the popular ‘Survivor’ Programme, dubbing it the ‘Survivor Island’.

This island was formed through the eruption of several mud volcanoes. The last explosion happened in 1941 and since then the volcanoes have remained relatively passive. Several small mud volcanoes spewing cool, mineral-rich mud can still be found near the summit of the island. The notion that this mineral rich mud is good for your skin makes mud-bathing a must-do activity on this island.

The island’s lush green jungle serves as a soothing backdrop, while the fine, white sand beaches and the clear unpolluted water are a wonder for nature lovers. The coral reefs encircling the island are home to many species of fish and other marine life. Among the activities that await you here are diving, non-motorised water sports, trekking, bird watching and mud bathing.

The Park Headquarters is situated on the southern side of the island, not far from Pulau Tiga Resort, the only resort facility available on the island.

Pulau Tiga and Pulau Kalampunian offer great snorkeling just a short distance from the beach.

Because of Sabah's remote location, just about everybody will arrive by air through the Kota Kinabalu International Airport in the capital city, about a 20-minute drive south of the central part of the city.

Air
A surprising number of direct international flights connect Sabah to the region. Malaysia Airlines flies from Hong Kong, Manila, Osaka, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, and Tokyo, among others. Air Asia has direct flights from Bali, Jakarta, Macau, Manila and Shenzen.

Malaysia Airlines also has direct domestic flights to Kota Kinabalu from Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Kuching, Sibu, and Miri, with in-state service to Sandakan and other towns. AirAsia has direct domestic flights from Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Miri, Penang, Sandakan and Tawau.

Road
Overland journey by bus or car is possible to arrange between Kuching (Sarawak), Bandar Seri Begawan (Brunei Darussalam) and Kota Kinabalu. Passports are stamped at all the borders.

The most efficient way to get into town from the airport is by taxi. The cars line up outside the arrival hall and are supposed to use a coupon system -- look for the coupon-sales and taxi-booking counter close by. You'll pay about RM12 (AUD$3.85) for a trip to town. Ignore the drivers that will try to lure you away from the coupon counter; they will always overcharge you.

In the downtown area, you can get around quite easily on foot between hotels, restaurants, tour operators, markets, and the tourism office. For longer trips, a taxi will be necessary; in town trips cost about RM10 (AUD$3.20). Taxis are flagged down on the street or by your hotel's bellhop.

8 hours ahead of GMT (GMT+8)

Metric

351 sq km (136 sq mi)

220V to 240V AC (50 cycles)

Local Area Code: 088

About 340,000 people reside in Kota Kinabalu.

Bahasa Malaysia (Standard Malay Language) is the official language but English is widely spoken. Mandarin and some Chinese dialects are also spoken.

Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)

Monday through Friday from 9.30am to 3pm

Monday to Friday from 8am – 1pm and 2pm – 5pm; Saturday from 8am – 1pm