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Planning your itinerary and understanding the significance of each destination is the key to making the most of your 24 hours in Kota Kinabalu, creating unforgettable memories.
Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah (Malaysia), is located on the island of Borneo, surrounded by the countries of Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia. To reach this island paradise, you'll take a two-and-a-half-hour flight from the capital, Kuala Lumpur.
Explore the magnificent State Mosque
Kota Kinabalu is renowned for its numerous mosques featuring the distinctive Malaysian onion dome architecture, adorned with vibrant yellow accents that catch your eye from afar. Among these mosques, the State Mosque stands out for its opulence and the solemnity of its structure.
If you're not a follower of Islam, before entering the mosque, you'll be guided on how to respectfully drape a long robe down to your ankles and cover your head with a scarf. The mosques strictly enforce rules for visitors, allowing them to walk only on the carpets and prohibiting photography inside.
Surrounding the State Mosque are towering door frames, extending from the floor to the ceiling, intricately carved with exquisite patterns. Inside the mosque, there are long, airy corridors and spacious halls. The prayer hall features a high vaulted ceiling, simple decorations, and the floor is adorned with beautiful carpet-like paintings. The prayer area is divided into separate and distinct sections for men and women. The women's prayer room even has curtains covering all four sides.
Explore the untouched island paradise
A leisurely stroll along the main street in Kota Kinabalu for about 10 minutes will lead you to Jesselton Point Jetty – a hub for numerous tour companies offering island exploration. Depending on your stay duration in Kota Kinabalu, you can choose tours tailored to your preferences. If you're on a resort getaway for 2 days or more, opt for an island-hopping tour covering Sapi, Sulug, Manukan, Mamutik, Gaya, and more. These islands are situated offshore, about a 30-minute boat ride from the jetty.
With only 24 hours on hand, there's another equally enticing option to discover the islands. Along the jetty area, there are around 10 ticket counters for boat rides to various islands. Gather fellow adventurers from different countries into a group of at least 10 people to embark on a shared boat journey to the paradise island of Sapi.
The boat leaps over each wave, bouncing amidst the vast ocean. The salty sea waves crash against the boat, splashing the passengers. This sensation is truly exhilarating for everyone on board, though occasionally mixed with a hint of fear.
After half an hour of thrilling sea adventure, the boat docks onto a long bridge connecting the jetty to the mainland. Sapi Island is a beauty with its fine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters enticing tourists to snorkel and swim with schools of fish. If you want to savor the sea breeze of Sapi, take a leisurely walk under the tree canopies, stepping on the rocks along the shoreline, finding secluded spots to unwind. This is also where the gentle breeze sweeps away the heat of the equatorial region.
Encounter the Komodo Dragons up close
On Sapi Island, you'll be surprised to witness the Komodo Dragons – the only living dragons on Earth. Though not as regal as the dragons in Vietnam's ancient royal courts, they still evoke caution and maintain a safe distance due to their hidden dangers.
The saliva of the Komodo dragon contains extremely toxic bacteria. When they attack, the prey doesn't die immediately; instead, the wound becomes infected, leading to gradual exhaustion. Despite their dangerous nature, Komodo dragons are strictly protected worldwide. Any action that affects their lives is heavily penalized.
Explore the bustling night market in Kota Kinabalu
A distinctive feature of downtown Kota Kinabalu is the vibrant marketplaces that thrive day and night, offering diverse items such as clothing, handbags, and jewelry from Filipino migrants. Just a 5-minute stroll takes you to a market with countless souvenir items and traditional handmade crafts. Here, you'll find many unique and affordable souvenirs.
Additionally, some large shopping centers like Kota Kinabalu Plaza, Warisan Square, Centre Point... are not too far for a leisurely walk. When fatigue sets in, the optimal choice is to dive into a seafood stall filled with smoky aroma, savoring some flavorful grilled prawns and squids. Kota Kinabalu will leave you with sweet and unforgettable memories.
According to VnExpress
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Reference: Travel guide Mytour
MytourFebruary 15, 2015
