Mesilau Resort

Mesilai Resort is  2,000 meter above sea level, the highest point accessible by car in Sabah.

Mesilau Nature Park is located at the end of the mountain road. Alone the same road are Kundasang Dairy Farm and Kinabalu Golf Resort.

Before arriving Mesilau Park is Sabah Park's guard house which signifies the entrance to the national park's proper compound.

2,000 meters above sea level, at such height when the location is too near to Mt. Kinabalu, do not expect spectacular Mt Kinabalu view because view is blocked by surrounding hills.

At the entrance is a small waterfall that streams cold, fresh mountain water.

The vegetation at Mesilau is different from most tropical forests - the chilly climate resulted in sparsely spaced tree concentration, with a great variety of ferns and medium-height trees.

Melisau Resort is the 2nd entry point for hiking up Mt Kinabalu on Mesilau Trail. The 1st entry point  is Timpohon Gate from Kinabalu Park HQ.

There is a restaurant in this nature park. Accommodations at Mesilau Nature Resort are operated by Sutera Sanctuary Lodges.

INDOOR CHINA TOWN IN 1BORNEO

One can now experience a piece of China without going to the Republic. Launched in September 2008 at 1Borneo Hyper mall, the Chinatown Yu Yuan Garden located at the lower ground floor, north atrium of 1Borneo is the latest addition to the hyper mall endless tourist destinations. With a sprawling 20,000 sq ft of space....

Entertainers in 2008 Christmas Celebration in 1Borneo

Street Art by Malaysian artist don4rudo

Christmas greeting poster from
Tong Hing Supermarket

Chinese New Year decoration in
Gaya Street

Aquarium in KK
International Airport Terminal 2

Fruit bat at
Lok Kawi Wildlife Park

Girl sitting on fish sculpture at
 evening Water Front

Traditional Dancers at
Tanjung Aru Brach

Drawing of Chong Wen Xin displayed in Wetland Centre

Outside KK City
Double Six Monument
Kipandi Butterfly Park
Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre
Layang-Layang Island
Lok Kawi Wildlife Park
Mandara Spa, Magellan Sutera
Mari Mari Cultural Village
Monsopiad Cultural Village
Nexus Golf Resort Karambunai
North Borneo Railway
Orchid de Villa
Petagas War Memorial
Sabah Golf & Country Club
Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village
Sabah State Railway
Sutera Harbour Golf & Country Club
Tamu Penampang
Tanjung Aru Beach
The Coffee Experience Tour at Cap Kuda Coffee Factory
Tunku Abdul Rahman Park
Water World Theme Park
St. Michael Church Penampang
Puh Toh Tze Temple

Galleries
Borneo Art Gallery
Cres Moment
Tun Mustapha Gallery
Chi, the Spa at Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa
Jari Jari (Day Spa) for Body & Mind Relaxation
Ka'andaman Traditional Healing Garden

 

Terminal 2 of Kota Kinabalu International Airport

The second low-cost carrier terminal in Malaysia, the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) Terminal Two in Sabah commenced operations on 1 January 2007 coinciding with the start of Visit Malaysia Year 2007.

Kota Kinabalu has two terminal airports.

Terminal 1 is for most of international flight, mainly to provide transit for flight by our national carrier, Malaysia Airline System (MAS).

Terminal 2 is a low cost carrier terminal (LCCT), mainly for AirAsia and FAX.

More about LCCT Kota Kinabalu...

Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA)

Terminal One, which Is currently undergoing a major expansion project, serves all international (lights and the national carrier, Malaysia Airlines.

Terminal Two Is used mainly by Air Asia, the second national carrier, and some charter flights. KKIA is about 15 minutes from downtown KK. There could be traffic jams during rush hours so those with flights to catch must bear this in mind.

1Sulaman, a self contained neighborhood consisting of shoplexes, multi-storied condominiums and a water theme park.
 

Royal Kinabalu Resort Hotel and Suites  Managing director, Francis Goh

A 5 star resort located less then 1 km from the entrance to Kinabalu Park Headquarter. The Royal Kinabalu Mountain Resort & Hotel Suites, a 5-star abode within the proximity of Kinabalu Park, Malaysia’s first World Heritage site. The luxury mountain resort, estimated to cost RM300 million, is being developed by Kinsabina Sdn Bhd.

The hotel will be managed by Signforce Hospitality Sdn Bhd, a renowned hotel operator in Asia Pacific and currently the operator of the Tanjung Rhu Hotel on Langkawi Island.

The mountain resort is nestled in 6.8 acres of land, and comprises one 5-storey block with 124 hotel rooms and three 5-storey blocks with 280 units of hotel suites, which are available for private ownership. The selling price of the property is RM900 per sq ft. The project is expected to be completed in 2013.

A Japanese group based in Indonesia has booked one block or 110 units.

Its latest project is the development of Royal Kinabalu Mountain Resort and Hotel Suites in Kundasang, Ranau.

The key attraction of Royal Kinabalu lies in the asset of Mount Kinabalu; its beauty and ecological uniqueness with more than 1,000 species of orchids and hundreds of birds endemic only to the Kinabalu National Park.

There was no more land available near Malaysia's first World Heritage Site to build such a luxury complex.

No local developer has taken the initiative to build 5-star hotels as the development costs are very substantial, easily at least RM200 million in capital The last one was Rasa Ria since 1990.

5-star hotels in Sabah are

1) Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa,

2) Sutera Harbour and

3) Nexus Karumbunai,

4) Rasa Ria

5) Royal Kinabalu is the fifth to join the ranks.

According to the Sabah Tourism website, the occupancy rate of 5-star hotels is no less than 70 per cent.

Royal Kinabalu is also positioned to capture the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibition (MICE) market. Its facilities meet the criteria as a world-class convention centre.

Other than Royal Kinabalu, the developer has identified several properties to be developed into tourism products. Among them are the construction of Sabandar beach villas and the Royal City in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, next to Star City, launched by March 2010.

Other projects include the Mansiang Farm Resort, Royal Sabandar Beach Resort, Royal Tombol Beach and Lakeside villas, Royal Kelambu Beach villas, Royal Loro Beach and Cliff villas, Royal Tip of Borneo, Royal Sodomon Paddy Villas in Penampang and Royal Sugud Rainforest Hotel.

Api Api and Marina Court

The only apartment and condominium within city and surrounded by matured shopping mall and commercial centre is Api-Api Apartment and Marina Court. Api-Api Apartment (AAA) is mostly cater for medium and lower end working class people while Marina Court (MC) is catering mostly on tourist and some of the rich holiday homes. Both properties have been appreciated and receiving good rental years all the while. I have been acquiring AAA’s since 2006 & 2007 with the purchase price of less than RM200K per unit and now the value has been appreciated above RM280K with double digit rental yield. MC’s also has been enjoying healthy appreciation with reasonable rental yield despite threat of losing their sea view 3 years from now.

RM2500-RM3000 per sf for Centre Point & Wisma Merdeka.

Indah Court

Indah Court flooded with good tenant group and rental yield. Indah Court has been appreciated a lot lately especially when all the new developments of condominium and apartment selling for RM280-RM350 per sf while Indah court only fetch around RM 170- RM210 per sq foot.

Indah Court will be “evergreen” portfolio simply because 70% of the government and private school in KK’s located here with less than 2KM radar or walking distance. With the threat of potential rising petrol cost in the future, a lot of people will continue to purchase nearby city centre property as their dream home to save time and cost over the long term. Further more this is where all potential good tenant like teachers, doctors, government staff and the most important double income family group which assure further the rental repayment capability.

Beverly Hills Apartment
 

This property is located about 8KM from KK City Centre with huge numbers of units. Even though the numbers of unit is huge but bear in mind, they are surrounded by matured commercial and industrial activities mainly from Bundusan, Damai, Luyang and Lintas. With the completion of the highway last month, I believe the demand and price will continue to be steady and sustainable.

The Manikar at Signal Hill

Designed by a Sabah own local architect firm with "simplicity is the ultimate sophistication" as its tag line, it claimed to be different from other residential projects in town by the developer - Wong Chik Lim Holdings Sdn.Bhd.

Located  at Signal Hill, one of the premier location in Kota Kinabalu city area and it's a gated residential sanctuary with all the major destinations are located just nearby.

Signal Hill which is famous of perfect location with fronting south china view and back by Mount Kinabalu view. The property is sitting above the only hill facing KK city centre. The property prices start to appreciate 5 years ago after foreigner and local professional investment.

Manikar project overall has a strong streamline modern architectural concept (horizontality & verticality).

The houses are basically consist of 4 types -

1) grand residences,

2) superior semi detached villas,

3) semi detached villas and

4) link villas with their own distinctive styles.

In addition to the typical construction specifications, there are some of the extras being provided like the rainwater harvesting storage tank to be used for all W.C. only and Solar Thermal Hot Water System at all bathrooms are all elements of sustainable design.

Save up water and electricity consumption in the long run. Such modern and yet green approach is taken by the architect and developer alike in introducing such design here in Sabah.

Kinarut town is  20 kilometres south of Kota Kinabalu, it is one of the stops for the North Borneo Railway.

SABAH TEA GARDEN

Mimpian Jadi Resort

Jesselton Point :  located downtown at Jalan Haji Saman (near Customs Department), whereby there are daily boot transfers to the islands between 7.30 am to 5 pm and a return trip to any one island costs around MYR24 per person.

Apart from Jesselton Point, visitors can depart from the jetties located at Shangrl-La's Tanjung Aru Resort and Sutera Harbour Resort (prices vary among different tour operators).

This formally City Ferry Terminal  was once an eyesore to the tourists. Today this location set to be a tourist attraction that will be the envy of many.

The new look cost a RM5 million and with a new name : Jesselton Point.

The new Jesselton Point has museum, retail outlets, restaurants and recreational facilities such as an indoor futsal centre. Passenger services are also being upgraded.

Jesselton Point is only the 1st phase of the proposed Jesselton Waterfront project by its management company, Suria Capital Holdings, which  took over the management of all port operations in Sabah through its subsidiary, Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd.

More about Jesselton Waterfront project...

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (University of Malaysia, Sabah)

UMS in Kota Kinabalu was established on November 24, 1994 and is considered as the most beautiful university in Southeast Asia.

The only university in Kota Kinabalu. UMS is a public tertiary educational institution established in 1994. It is the 9th university in Malaysia and stands in a 999-acre plot of land at Sepanggar Bay. The university is divided into the schools of social sciences, psychology and social work, science and technology, engineering and information technology, food science and nutrition, international tropical forestry, business and economics, education and social development, art studies, medicine, and sustainable agriculture. UMS encourages the application of international students in the university by providing various support services. These include assistance in the university and student-visa applications, administrative advices, and a full orientation of the university and its facilities. Communication will often not pose as a problem as English is used as a second language in Malaysia.

Kota Kinabalu also has private colleges, of which includes the INTI College Sabah at Putatan Point, Kinabalu Commercial College at Wisma Sabah, Informatics College along Jalan Datuk Salleh Sulong, AMC School Of Business at the 2nd floor of the Karamunsing Complex, Kinabalu College at the 2nd floor of the Bornion Center, and TAR College along Jalan Tuaran.

More information on List of Universities in Kota Kinabalu...

Hotels in Kota Kinabalu  

Tuaran Crocodile Farm
(Taman Buaya Tuaran)

This largest crocodile farm in Sabah accommodates 1,000 over crocodiles. Open daily from 8.30am to 5.30pm, it is one of the place that for a  family adventure. Crocodile show time is  twice a day from Monday to Saturday (at 11.00am and 3.00pm) and additional show at 1.00pm on Sundays.

Malaysia is a fascinating nation and a tropical paradise situated 7 degrees north of the Equator in the heart of South-East Asia. It covers a total area of 329,758 sq. km with Peninsular Malaysia on the tip of mainland South-East Asia, and Sabah and Sarawak on the island of Borneo. The climate is warm and humid throughout the year. Temperatures are around 30°C during the day and 22°C at night. Light, cotton, cool and casual clothing is recommended all year round.

Multi Cultural Society
Malaysia is a multi-racial country with a population of approximately 24 million which consists of Malay, Chinese and Indian as well as other races, all coexisting in harmony. The population is less than 500,000 and half of them  under the lower-income group. There are also people of other nationalities studying, working and doing business in Malaysia. Bahasa Melayu is the national language but English, Mandarin and Tamil are widely used too. Islam is the official religion but Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and other major religions are freely practised.

Malaysia’s Economy
Malaysia is a leading exporter of manufactured products such as semiconductors, audio-visual products, electrical goods, rubber-dipped products and oleo-chemicals. Malaysia is also one of the world’s largest producers of palm oil, natural rubber, tropical timber, cocoa bean, pepper and petroleum. Malaysia is spearheading the Information Age by promoting information technology aggressively. It has embarked on telemarketing, on-line information services, electronic commerce and digital broadcasting through the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) vision. The nation also has embarked on the development of heavy industries and is now producing its own national cars, which has penetrated nearly 80% of the domestic market.
Today, Malaysia is the 17th largest trading nation in the world and based on the 2003 World Competitiveness Yearbook, Malaysia is ranked as the 4th most competitive nation among countries with a population of 24 million and above after United States, Australia and Canada respectively.

Food & Accommodation
Malaysia is a food paradise with a great variety of food ranging from Malay, Chinese, Indian to Western Cuisine. There are also international fast-food chains operating side by side with thousands of roadside stalls and food bazaars. Accommodation such as college hostels, apartments, residential houses and condominiums, is readly available at affordable rates and is within the vicinity of the institutions.

Places of Interest & Shopping
Malaysia is a fascinating country. Situated in Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, are the Petronas Twin Towers, currently the world’s tallest twin building, and the Kuala Lumpur Tower which is Asia’s tallest concrete tower with a height of 421m. Beyond the capital city, one can also experience traditional village life and enjoy pristine beaches and tropical jungles. Sports wear or equipment, casual clothes, stationeries, groceries and other items can be bought at great discounts from night markets, mini markets, shopping arcades and hypermarkets.
The latest feat accomplished by the nation is the Berjaya Times Square shopping complex, standing majestically as the largest architectural structure in both Asia and the world that was simultaneously built and completed within one phase.

Well Connected Services
Malaysia is well-connected in terms of transportation and communication within the country and the rest of the world. The Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) provides world class facilities and services. It also hosts airlines from and to every corner of the world.
An efficient internal public transport such as the light rail transport (LRT), public buses, and taxis are available for students. There are also medical, banking, telecommunication (fix and mobile telephone, internet cafes) and postal services easily available at towns and cities.
There is a widespread embracement of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in many service sectors in both urban as well as rural areas and therefore is capable of offering end-users various types of services in an effective and rapid manner.

IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS
Every international student should meet the requirements of immigration.
Conditions to qualify as a student:
• Have already been accepted for a full-time course of study (course inclusive of English programme) at a public or private higher educational institution
• Possess good health and character
• Intend to seek entry for study purposes only

Kota Kinabalu is the main gateway to Sabah. The newly completed Kota Kinabalu Airport Terminal 1 mean greater air accessibility to this charming city. Terminal 2 serving low cost carriers is already a boost to tourist arrivals.

Many of Sabah's natural attractions are world famous. The atoll of Sipadan is highly rated as a diver's paradise by international skin-diving magazines and Mt.Kinabalu attracts thousands of hikers every year.

In 2000, UNESCO has declared Mt.Kinabalu as a World Heritage Site. The Rafflesia, the State's official flower, is the largest in the world. Sabah's fauna and flora are mind-boggling in numbers. The State is home to more than 110 species of mammals, 500 over species of birds and more than 1,500 species of plants.
Complementing the nature beauty is the modern infrastructure and facilities of Kota Kinabalu.

The new face of the State capital is that of an upcoming shopping paradise. There are new shopping malls such as Warisan Square, Star City, 1 Borneo Hypermall, KK Times Square, Harbour City that put Sabah in Borneo's shopping map.

Find Kota Kinabalu hotels, places of attractions, maps, pictures, airport information, travel advice and more :

Kota Kinabalu, the state capital of Sabah, is the modem gateway to the rest of Sabah. Direct flights between Kota Kinabalu and the regional capitals of Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, Kaoshiung, Hong Kong, Taipei, Guangzhou, Xiamen and Shanghai in China, Sydney, Manila, Manado & Balikpapan Indonesia, Brunei, make Sabah easily accessible to travelers everywhere.


Kota Kinabalu was largely destroyed during the Second World War and has since developed into a thriving modern city. Places of interest in the city include the State Museum, the Gaya Street Fair held every Sunday morning and the "pasar malam" where you can polish up your bargaining skills. Nearby are the popular Tanjung Aru Beach, quaint water villages and idyllic off-shore islands.

KK surroundings are well served by world class holiday resorts and hotels for a relaxing private retreat or large business conference.

The Muruts reside mainly in the hinterland where many still live in traditional communal longhouses. Once feared for their head hunting, the Muruts are great hunters with spears, blowpipes and poisoned darts. It is a rare treat to join one of their weddings, famous throughout the land for their elaborate displays of bride wealth, dancing and feasting.

Probably the most popular festival in Sabah is the "Pesta Kaamatan". This is a Harvest Festival of the Kadazans/Dusuns celebrated in May, featuring traditional dances including one of the high priest in search of rice spirits in a trance. Other festivals include Hari Raya, celebrated by the Muslim community and Chinese New Year celebrated by the Chinese.

Other islands that have equally enchanted the diving fraternity are Mabul Island, known as home to the world's best "muck diving", a discovery that is gaining in popularity, and Langkayan Island, for its colorful world of macro marine life in over 20 dive sites that never cease to fascinate all visitors.

Around the square, eateries do a roaring business. They include The CofTee Dean, Secret Recipe and Little Italy Restaurant to mention hut a few. Want a change from the casual open-air pubs? There are plenty of night spots in the hotels and city areas to choose from.
Atrium Lounge in Hyatt Regency Kinabalu offers a quiet hideaway from the city bustle. There are cocktails and refreshments throughout the day and live music in the evening. Blue Note in Shangri-La's Tanjung Am Resort is a great venue to chill out to the sounds of live band and top DJ performances,
There is a wide selection of cocktails, mocktails and wines, Borneo Lounge & Bar located in the main lobby offers snacks and live music.
Darlin Darlin in Nexus Resort Karainbunai boasts a fanastic dance floor to set your feet on fire. Guests can also sing away in the karaoke lounge and sip cocktails, beers and spirits. JUGs in Sutera Harbour boasts of a clientele that is made of up flamboyant young adults. This music is energetic and DJs and live bands fire up the night.

For another great place to socialize, go to BED Best Entertainment Destination at the KK Waterfront. Il has the biggest chill out capacity with night performance by international live band, You can dance all night long here and there are wide selection of different types of local and foreign imported drinks, draft beers, cocktails.
 

Above : Map of Kota Kinabalu (KK) with main roads and buildings.

The biggest private park in Sabah

Alamesra project by Lintasan Mayang Development Sdn Bhd

Alamesra Desa Saujana an exclusive gated enclave of boutique bungalows surrounded by wondrous mangrove and lush landscaping. A concept to bring the natural greenery into the living environment.

Alamesra is 8 km from Kota Kinabalu city centre with Mount Kinabalu view in the backdrop.

This prestigious project positioned within the accelerating Development Corridor in Sabah, it is also close to University Malaysia Sabah and 1 Borneo Mall.

At the heart of Alamesra is this Millennium Park (image below), the biggest private park in Kota Kinabalu

THE TIP OF BORNEO - 215 kilometres (3 hours drive) from Kota Kinabalu

The Tip of Borneo in Kudat, North of Sabah, (Tanjung Simpang Mengayau), is a breath-taking view of wide open coastline. One of the most beautiful spots in Malaysia...

Summer Bay Resort

Borneo Paradise Beach Hotel is a beach resort ideal for a family get-away, for meetings, seminars and conferences. The hotel has a spacious beautifully landscaped garden, a refreshing swimming pool and plenty of rooms for activities...

AirAsia no doubt play an important part in bringing continuous stream of visitors from West Malaysia otherwise would have easily gone to Thailand and Singapore.

Recent years, many top international brand names that have been stationed in Kuala Lumpur have set up their bases in Kota Kinabalu because of the potential of Sabah. Sabah is located strategically within the centre of the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines East Asian Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) region.

Kota Kinabalu International Airport is now the second busiest airport after Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

Presently, KKIA caters to weekly and daily direct flights as following :

Japan's Narita-Kota Kinabalu and Osaka-Kota Kinabalu;
Taiwan's Taipei-Kota Kinabalu and Kaoshiong-Kota Kinabalu;
South Korea Seoul-Kota Kinabalu;
Hong Kong-Kota Kinabalu;
Philippines' Manila- Kota Kinabalu and Cebu-Kota Kinabalu;
Thailand Bangkok- Kota Kinabalu;
Singapore-Kota Kinabalu; and so on.

In comparative to its population, Kota Kinabalu is having too many Shopping Centers. This is possible only because of the prospering tourist industry in Sabah. Government aimed to promote Malaysia as a tourist destination in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2007. Kota Kinabalu has the most picturesque sea coastline. Under a talented city planner, Kota Kinabalu can turned into the Sydney of Malaysia...

Kota Kinabalu City

Warisan Square – the newest and trendiest shopping experience in Kota Kinabalu!

Orchid De Villa
Crocker Range
TUN HAJI MOHD. FUAD STEPHENS, BORNEO RESEARCH LIBRARY
Travelers Lodge in Kota KInabalu
 

Supermarkets in Kota Kinabalu

Tourism Information Centre in Kota Kinabalu

Sabah State Museum

The Sabah Museum is located at Old Palace Hill (Bukit Istana Lama) 5 minutes from Kota Kinabalu city centre.

The Museum is surrounded by 43.3 acres of lush green forest. This location houses the main Sabah Museum, and also an Ethno Botanic garden, a Zoological garden and a Heritage Village all in one place!

Sabah State Museum structure is based on the architecture of Murut and Rungus longhouses.

Here you find several galleries exhibiting, among others, a cluster of human skulls from Sabah’s headhunting past, totemic figures, old photographs, valuable ancient pottery from all over South East Asia and antique Korans.

In the Heritage Village beside the museum you find numerous life-size replicas of the traditional houses of the many ethnic entities in Sabah.

Putatan is a town and a suburb of Kota Kinabalu. The town is located within the district of Penampang on the coast of the West Coast Division.

It has an estimated population of 85,454 in 2007

Likas Bay Park

The Likas Bay Park is set to be the venue for the Borneo Orchid Show in September 2009. This new park is opened to the public in December 2008...
 

Emergency Telephone Contacts in Kota Kinabalu

JALAN PANTAI TAXI STATION : MR. WONG BOON SENG H/P 016-8466820 (TAXI PLAT NO: HS 208)

KK is a Small, quaint, relatively safe CITY.

Kota Kinabalu

Mega Pavilion, one of three cinemas in KK

KK has three great cinemas. GSC is a fairly large building and is easily recognized from the movie banners hanging from the walls. It has a decent screen and a decent price tag. An average cinema. Then there is Mega Pavilion, which is classier and as a result, more expensive. I've only ever been there once, but they set the air conditioning too cold and it's not worth the extra few Ringgit I paid for, which is why I still stick to Growball, the third and hardest cinema to find because it's located in the 8th floor of Centre Point, the shopping mall here.





KK's branch of GSC

Karamunsing is the equivalent of Lowyat Plaza and has more computer shops per capita than anywhere else in Sabah. Prices here can vary wildly so be prepared to do some proper surveying. KK Plaza is the one I least go to, because in a way it's like a smaller, lesser version of Centre Point. As you can see, the shopping here is not really all that good, but if you come one a week anyway, it's not that bad.


Karamunsing



Misc Talk:
If you are planning on grocery shopping, always head to Servay Hypermarket Likas, which is closest to UMS. It has everything you could possibly ever want, and then some more. If you can't find it in Servay, just a short drive to Likas Supermarket will probably fix that problem.


Likas Supermarket - This is a work in progress.