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Kota Kinabalu is a vibrant city amidst lap of nature

By Carlton Leisure - 30/08/2014

chinese-temple-in-kota-kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah is ideally situated between a tropical rainforest and the South China Sea. With such a strategic location, the city also acts as a jumping off point for visit to surrounding jungle and marine life. Apart from regular visitors, the city also invites adventurous souls who come to the city from the different corners of the world. Set amidst the beautiful surrounding, Kota Kinabalu looks stunning with its magnificent buildings, colourful markets. In addition to that this Malaysian city is home to colourful markets, excellent seafood restaurants and diverse hospitality options that inspire vacationers to take flights to Kota Kinabalu. Here we give a lowdown on major tourist attractions in the capital of Sabah.

Atkinson Clock Tower

This early 20th century structure was built in the memory of Francis George Atkinson, the first district officer of Jesselton, the former name of Kota Kinabalu. He departed for heavenly abode when he was only 28.the tower is situated on a hill on the outskirts of the city.

Double Six Monument

Double Six Monument was built in 1976 on the site of a plane crash that killed the then state chief minister Tun Fuad Stephens and his state cabinet colleagues. After seeing the memorial the guests can visit the adjoining food court that offers Sabah, Malaysian, Indian, Chinese, Korean and Thai cuisines.

City Park

Situated opposite to the court, the small yet beautiful park is the place where tourists and locals go as an escape from the hustle bustle of the city life. The park also houses the British North Borneo Memorial which is built in memory of the soldiers who fought and laid their lives to protect the British Empire.

Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre

Spread over an area of 24-hectare Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre was previously as Kota Kinabalu Bird Sanctuary. The wetland is crisscrossed by wooden paths that take you through fiddler crabs, mangrove crabs, mud lobsters, mudskippers, skinks, turtles and water monitors.

Museum

The city of Kota Kinabalu is home to several museums that offers an understanding of the local history and culture. The three storied Sabah State Museum is one such museum that offers an understanding of history and culture of Kota Kinabalu and Sabah. The museum also encompasses the Science and Technology Museum and Sabah Art Gallery. Islamic Civilization Museum and Sabah Art Gallery are other attractions in the city. The guests can also visit Borneo Art Gallery that showcases artworks from local and regional artists.

Religious Places

The city houses religious places of people belonging to different faiths. Sabah State Mosque with its beautiful dome and minaret is decorated with real gold. Sacred Heart Cathedral belonging to Roman Catholic faith, Puh Toh Tze Chinese Temple, Sri Pasupathinath Alayam Hindu Temple, Sri Subramaniar Hindu Temple and Che Sui Khor Pagoda are other places of religious interest.