Kota Kinabalu

Sightseeing in Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu (Capital City)
Kota Kinabalu was formerly known as Jesselton, named after Sir Charles Jessel, one of the Directors of the British North Borneo Chartered Company, or BNBCC. During WWII, Kota Kinabalu and other towns throughout Sabah suffered heavy allied bombing which all but leveled them. Emerging from the War, the BNBCC discovered it was too costly to rebuild, so in 1946, Sabah became a British Crown Colony - until 1963, when Sabah was granted Independence within the Federation of Malaysia.

On 30th September 1967, Jesselton was renamed Kota Kinabalu. 23 years later, on 2 February, 2000 she was proclaimed a city. As the capital of the State of Sabah, KK is also the gateway to other major towns and districts and has a population of around 300,000 .

In the vicinity of the city, there are various places of interest. Many can be explored on foot while others may be reached by bus or taxi.

  Tunku Abdul Rahman Park
Kota Kinabalu (Capital City)

The marine park is a cluster of islands comprising Pulau Gaya, Pulau Sapi, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Mamutik and Pulau Sulug, all only 10 - 20 minute speedboat ride from the city of Kota Kinabalu. The five islands of the Marine Park are characterized by shallow waters, sumptuous coral gardens and all boast splendid white sandy beaches.

The reefs lie in shallow waters with little current making it an ideal location for novice divers, however, the diverse and sometimes rare marine creatures also make it an interesting dive location for experienced divers and underwater photographers.

To dive in the marine park you must contact one of the local dive centers based in Kota Kinabalu who also offer a full variety of PADI courses ranging from Discover Scuba to Instructor.

 Lok Kawi Wildlife Park
Kota Kinabalu (Capital City)
The Lok Kawi Wildlife Park was officially open to the public on the 17th February 2007. It is located along the Penampang-Papar old road and is fully developed by the Sabah Wildlife Department. The park consists of two components: zoological and botanical. The main objective of the park is to become a family-oriented park and the emphasis is put on the Children’s Zoo. Among the inhabitants of the zoo (zoological component) are the Borneo Pygmy elephants, Sumatran rhinoceros, Orang Utan, Proboscis monkey, Malayan tiger, as well as some different species of deer.The botanical component, on the other hand; offers visitors the opportunity to go jungle trekking along the botanical trail. The paved trail is about 1.4 kilometers long. However, for leisurely strolls, visitors are only advised to walk halfway along the trail.

 Tanjung Aru Beach
Kota Kinabalu (Capital City)
Located at the end of Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman and about 6 kilometres from KK City, this place is closest to the hearts of the locals, and just one visit to the beach will tell you why. Taking its name from the casuarinas or aru trees that fringe the fine sands, this is where one might get a ringside seat to the greatest sunset on earth every evening when the crimson sun dips slowly into the horizon, leaving the vast skies a brilliant red.. Foodstalls serving local food and drinks are open till late at night. Enjoy coconut and sugarcane juice, chicken or beef satay and steamed peanuts and corn, or indulge in a full-course dinner at the seafood restaurant located there.The Tanjung Aru beach is also home to Shangri-la's Tanjung Aru Resort, the Kinabalu Golf Club and the Kinabalu Yacht Club. Getting There:From KK City Centre, take the No 16 bus towards Tanjung Aru from the bus stations in front of City Hall or Wawasan Plaza and let the driver know of your destination. Bus fare is RM1.50. You can also go by taxi, at RM15 per taxi (up to four persons).

 Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village
Kota Kinabalu (Capital City)
Built in 1985, the Museum complex is sited where then British North Borneo Governor's Istana was once located. The Museum consists of the Main Building, Science and Education Centre, Heritage Village, Sabah Art Gallery and Museum of Islamic Civilization.

Inside are various Galleries housing Natural History, Ceramics, Ethnography and Archaeology exhibits, among others ... Ceramics, traditional weapons and costumes reflect the diversity of the State's culture and traces Sabah's early trade links with the neighbouring countries of Southeast Asia and China. The museum also houses musical instruments, tools and ritual paraphernalia. There is a Heritage Village on the Museum grounds where you can enter and experience different types of traditional houses of the various indigenous groups of Sabah. Cultural activities are held here from time to time. The Sabah State Museum is located on Jalan Bukit Istana Lama, Kota Kinabalu, 4 km or about 15 minutes from the KK City Centre.

Getting There
By bus, take the No.13 (towards Penampang) from either bus stations in front of City Hall or Wawasan Plaza in KK and indicate your stop to the driver. You will have to walk up to the main building. Bus fare is RM1.00.
By taxi, the fare is approximately RM12 to 15.00 for up to 4 persons.

Opening hours
Daily from 9.00am till 5.00pm

Admission fees
My-Kad - RM2.00
Others - RM15.00

Perhentian Island

After less than an hour on a boat from the east coast of Malaysia, the laid-back atmosphere and the natural beauty of the Perhentian islands immediately transport you to a different world. The white sand is dotted with sun-worshipping holiday makers, some retreating to the shade for a glass of freshly squeezed juice. A group of scuba divers are boarding a boat to venture out into the turquoise waters and submerge themselves in the underwater wonderland. Later, as the sun sets, a quiet buzz of music and chatter fills the air, together with the thin wisp of smoke from the barbeque fire.

The Perhentian Islands are two islands named Pulau Perhentian Kecil (Small Perhentian Island) and Pulau Perhentian Besar (Large Perhentian Island). The Malay name Perhentian is translated as “place to stop” and this is exactly what these two islands were for traders travelling between Malaysia and Bangkok in years gone by. These islands are still a gorgeous place to stop and rest today, albeit for tourists disconnecting from the stress and routine of everyday life and not for weary seafaring traders.

The islands remain relatively untouched and the only permanent inhabitants live in a small fishing village on Perhentian Kecil. Apart from footpaths that cut through the jungle, there are no roads on the islands. The only way to get around is by walking through the jungle or taking a sea taxi. If you tread carefully, you may even encounter some of the islands’ shy wildlife on the way, such as monitor lizards, fruit bats, squirrels or even the elusive mouse deer. Simple chalets and some moderately luxurious resorts line the picturesque beaches along with restaurants, dive centres and boat operators advertising their services with hand-painted signs.

Perhaps it is the stretches of white beach or the crystal clear water and the superior scuba diving. Perhaps it is the untouched forests or the relaxed atmosphere and unspoiled charm. We like to think that is a little bit of all of this that makes the Perhentian Islands the perfect place to stop and take some time out.

Redang Island

Redang Island, locally known as Pulau Redang or just "Redang" is one of the largest islands off the east coast of Malaysia. It is one of nine islands, which form a marine park, and which offer snorkeling and diving opportunities. Access is from Merang or Kuala Terengganu on boats operated by the resorts. Redang Airport is a small airport with services operated by Berjaya Air from Singapore (Changi Airport) and Kuala Lumpur (Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport).

The island is also an important conservation site for sea turtles. Previously, the indiscriminate economic exploitation of turtle eggs had caused fewer turtles returning to nest on the island. This has led the Terengganu state government to set up the Koperasi Setiajaya Pulau Redang in 1989, a cooperative aiming to develop and manage socio-economic programmes that could improve the livelihood of Pulau Redang locals without endangering its natural resources.

The Pulau Redang archipelago comprises Pulau Redang, Pulau Lima, Pulau Paku Besar, Pulau Paku Kecil, Pulau Kerengga Kecil, Pulau Kerengga Besar, Pulau Ekor Tebu, Pulau Ling and Pulau Pinang. Pulau Redang is the biggest of all the islands in the Marine Park, measuring about 7 km long and 6 km wide. Its highest peak is Bukit Besar at 359 metres above sea level. The boundary of the Pulau Redang Marine Park is established by a line linking all points 2 nautical miles (3.7 km) from the shores of Pulau Redang, Pulau Lima, Pulau Ekor Tebu and Pulau Pinang. The other nearby islands of Pulau Perhentian Besar, Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Pulau Lang Tengah, Pulau Kapas and Pulau Susu Dara are also gazetted and protected as Marine Parks. Today, only the bigger islands like Redang, Lang Tengah, Perhentian and Kapas have resort facilities for visitors. The management of Marine Parks primarily involves protection of the sensitive marine and terrestrial ecosystems by controlling the impact from human activities. These include waste & pollution management and conservation of coral reefs and terrestrial habitats.

The 2000 film, Summer Holiday was filmed on the Laguna Redang resort, and a replica of the tea house now serves as the resort's gift shop.

we having a very enjoy and happy trip at Redang island. We encourage people go there because really very nice place........really near with the environment and enjoy the environment with happiness.

Cameron Highland

Cameron Highlands in Pahang is one of Malaysia's most popular tourist destinations, a collection of peaceful townships perched 1500 meters high on a nest of serene mountains. Cooling resorts, tea plantations and strawberry farms sprawl lazily across lush valleys and meandering hillslopes, the perfect setting for a relaxing holiday. The sea of tranquility, pleasant landscapes and cold climate impart a special experience upon the multitudes of visitors each year. Meanwhile, a different world lies hidden away among the natural surroundings - a rainforest ecosystem rich with the wonders of nature, long held with fascination by researchers and naturalists across the world.

 

No trip to Cameron Highlands is complete without a trip to the tea plantations. This is one of the main attraction that's got to be in your "must see" list. You can visit the factories to learn about the tea making process and you can also sit down and enjoy a cup of tea at the cafe. The view overlooking the plantations is beautiful and perfect for the picture album. The 3 most famous tea plantations are :
- Boh Tea Plantation
- Sungai Palas Tea Plantation
- Cameron Valley Tea Plantation

Strawberry farms can be found almost everywhere in Cameron Highlands. All offer locally grown strawberries and home made strawberry jams and a very cheap price. Some strawberry farms will let you pluck your own strawberries and charge you according to the weight. Here is a list of some of the popular strawberry farms in Cameron Highlands :
- Big Red Strawberry Farm
- Healthy Strawberry Farm
- Kasimani's Strawberry Farm

After visiting the fruits and vegetable farms, you might want to buy some. The market is a good place to look for everything under one roof. The main day market is located around Kea Farm but you can also find many of them all along the main road from Ringlet to Kg.Raja.

On Saturday nights, the weekly night market comes to life in Brinchang. This is where you can find all the produce of Cameron Highlands sold in one place. You can get everything cheap here if you know how to bargain. This is also a place to get some good "pasar malam" food.

 There are three honey bee farms in the highlands where visitors can get learn about bees and honey production You can also buy various honey products here.

The popular Bee Farms are :

-> Ee Feng Gu Honey Bee Farm (near the Kea Farm area)
-> Highland Honey Bee Farm (along the road to the Boh Tea Plantation)
-> Cameron Tringkap Bee Farm (Tringkap)

 Cameron Highlands is the leading producer of fresh flowers in Malaysia. Most of the flower nurseries are centered around Bertam Valley and all along the way from Brinchang to Kg.Raja. At the flower gardens and nurseries, be dazzled with the mix of colors and species being grown here. The common flowers grown here are roses, carnations,chrysanthemum, dalia, geranium, fuschia and gladioli. You can buy cheap flowers at these nurseries or any market around the highland.

Turkey (Turkish: Türkiye)

Turkey known officially as the Republic of Turkey  is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia (mostly in the Anatolian peninsula) and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe. Turkey is bordered by eight countries: Bulgaria to the northwest; Greece to the west; Georgia to the northeast; Armenia, Azerbaijan (the exclave of Nakhchivan) and Iran to the east; and Iraq and Syria to the southeast. The Mediterranean Sea and Cyprus are to the south; the Aegean Sea is to the west; and the Black Sea is to the north. The Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles (which together form the Turkish Straits) demarcate the boundary between East Thrace and Anatolia; they also separate Europe and Asia. Turkey is one of the six independent Turkic states. The vast majority of the population are Muslims. The country's official language is Turkish, whereas Kurdish and Zazaki languages are spoken by Kurds and Zazas, who constitute 18% of the population.

St. Sophia Museum

Haghia Sophia Museum, the great masterpiece of Byzantine art. It was built by Justinian in 6th century AD and is the 3rd church to occupy this site. At the time it was built, it was the largest church in existence. The church was sacked by the Latin’s during the 4th crusade in 1204 and many of its treasures taken to the west. Since 1936, by Ataturk's order it has been a museum. The interior is decorated with wonderful Byzantine mosaics from 6th to 13th century AD.

 Pamukkale

Pamukkale is one of the natural wonders of the world. It is a unique geological formation formed over 14.000 years. The spring water at Pamukkale has therapeutic qualities and since antiquity has been said to cure rheumatism, kidney and heart diseases. Hierapolis means sacred-city and its history goes back 6th C BC. At its peak the population reached about 100,000. The ruins at Hierapolis cover an extensive area. 

 Aspendus

Aspendus is located in the ancient region of Pamphylia. According to some experts the earliest settlers of the city were the Hittites. The name Aspendus is of Anatolian origin. The Greek colonies arrived here around 13th C BC and took over an existing settlement. Alexander the Great claimed the city from the Persians and during the Roman period it was an important port city. 

Gallipoli - Canakkale

The slim peninsula on the northern side of the Dardanelles has been designated a National Park. In 1915, Allied warships tried to force their way through the straits with the intention of opening a supply line to Russia via the Black Sea. Allied landings on the Gallipoli Peninsula were finally beaten off by the Turks following bitter warfare. Casualties were high on both sides and today several war memorials stand in the attractive landscape of pine forests, green hills and pretty beaches.

 Blue Mosque - Sultan Ahmet Camii

Blue Mosque, Sultan Ahmet Camii is one of the most beautiful mosques in the world. Its name is derived from the blue tiles decorating its interior. Completed in 1616 by Mehmet Aga, Imperial Architect and one of the students of the great architect Sinan. Its grace and beautiful proportions were intended to reflect the splendour of Islam. It was the supreme Imperial Mosque of the Ottoman Empire. The famous blue and green.

Saudi Arabia (Arabic: السعودية‎ as-Su‘ūdīyah)

Saudi Arabia commonly known as Saudi Arabia is the largest state in Western Asia by land area, constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula, and the second-largest in the Arab world, after Algeria. It is bordered by Jordan, and Iraq on the north and northeast, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates on the east, Oman on the southeast, and Yemen on the south. The Red Sea lies to its west, and the Persian Gulf lies to the northeast. Saudi Arabia has an area of approximately 2,250,000 km² (870,000 sq mi), and it has an estimated population of 27, of which 8.8 are registered foreign expatriates and an estimated 1.5 are illegal immigrants. Saudi nationals comprise an estimated 16 people

Al Masjid al Nabawi

One of the most important symbols of the Islamic Religion of Saudi Arabia, Al-Masjid al-Nabawi located in Madina is considered to be the world's second holiest mosque. Al-Masjid al-Nabawi at Saudi Arabia in Asia was built by the Prophet himself, and raised up to its present stature, by later Islamic rulers.

 Dumat al Jundal

A seat of the rich Culture of Saudi Arabia, this mysterious city is mentioned by the name "Adamatu" in the Assyrian records. The present name of the city means "Dumah of the Stone", after the name of Dumah, one of the twelve sons of Ishmael.

 Jabal al-Lawz

Jabal al-Lawz features among the most popular Saudi Arabia Tourist Attractions and the region is famous for its unique flora and fauna. A bird watchers paradise and a botanists Eden, the Jabal al-Lawz in Saudi Arabia is a treat for all. Put on your trekking gear and roll up your sleeves as you prepare for the enchanting expedition of your life.

Jamarat Bridge

The Jamarat Bridge at Saudi Arabia is a must see place not only for the Muslims but also for those belonging to other religion as it holds a very significant place in among the places of tourist interest in Saudi Arabia. Your Saudi Arabia Travel Guide cannot do without the name of Jamarat Bridge.

Rock Carving Site

Shuwaymus is yet another Rock Carving Site in Saudi Arabia that has been recently discovered. The rock arts at this place tell us a lot about the domestication of animals in the early times. This place had been home to the Neolithic people and this Saudi Arabia Rock Carving Site tells you that the country had not always been a desert and has undergone plenty of climatic alterations.

Jordan( /ˈdʒɔr.dən/ Arabic: اَلأُرْدُنّ, Al-'Urdunn)

Jordan officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan  Al-Mamlaka al-Urdunniyya al-Hashemiyya) is a kingdom on the East Bank of the River Jordan. The country borders Saudi Arabia to the east and south-east, Iraq to the north-east, Syria to the north and the West Bank and Israel to the west, sharing control of the Dead Sea with the latter. Jordan's only port is at its south-western tip, at the Gulf of Aqaba, which is shared with Israel, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia. Over half of Jordan is covered by the Arabian Desert. However, the western part of Jordan is arable land and forests. Jordan is part of the Fertile Crescent. The capital city is Amman.

 Acapulco is the original Mexican resort town which came into prominence by the 1950s as a getaway for Hollywood stars and millionaires. Still, Acapulco remains a popular tourist destination especially among Mexicans and as a spring break destination among US college students. No visit to Acapulco is complete without watching the cliff divers perform their impressive jumps into ocean. They have been doing it since the 1930s, although today the divers are professionals. To search all the best travel sites at once and find the cheapest price visit our Acapulco Hotel page.

 In the 2nd century BC a new civilization arose in the valley of Mexico. This civilization built the flourishing metropolis of Teotihuacán and it’s huge pyramids. The Pyramid of the Sun was built around 100 AD and is the largest pyramid in Teotihuacán and all of Mexico. The construction of the smaller Pyramid of the Moon started a century later and was finished in 450 AD. Seven centuries after the demise of the Teotihuacán empire the pyramids were honored and utilized by the Aztecs and became a place of pilgrimage. Mesoamerica’s greatest city is just 31 miles (50km) northeast of Mexico City and can be reached by bus or taxi.

 Chichen Itza is the largest of the Maya cities in the Yucatan Peninsula and one of Mexico’s most visited tourist destinations. The most famous landmark of Chichen Itza is the temple-pyramid of El Castillo. The design of the temple has special astronomical significance. Each face of the pyramid has a stairway with 91 steps, which together with the shared step at the top, add up to 365, the number of days in a year. Other highlights of Chichen Itza include the Great Ballcourt and El Caracol, a circular temple which served as an astronomical observatory.

 Tulum is situated on the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. It once served as the major port of the Mayan city of Coba. Tulum was built around 1200 AD when the Mayan civilization was already in decline and therefore lacks the elegance of some other famous sites. The tropical beach backdrop however makes this a stunning top attraction which should not be missed. Accommodation can range from simple cabanas to the 4 star hacienda-style resort of Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa.

The Copper Canyon is in fact a network of canyons which together are several times larger than the Grand Canyon. The most popular way to explore the Copper Canyon is on the “Chihuahua al Pacifico” Railway. The track passes over 37 bridges and through 86 tunnels, rising as high as 2,400 meter (7,900 feet) above sea level featuring spectacular views of the canyons below.

New Zealand (Māori: Aotearoa)

New Zealand is an island country located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The country geographically comprises two main landmasses ‒ that of the North and South Islands ‒ as well as numerous smaller islands. New Zealand is situated some 1,500 kilometres (900 mi) east of Australia across the Tasman Sea and roughly 1,000 kilometres (600 mi) south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga. Because of its remoteness, it was one of the last lands to be settled by humans.

Auckland Tourist Attractions

Auckland and the surrounding Islands offers many exciting and memorable tourist attractions for you to choose from. We recommend visiting the Auckland Sky Tower where you can enjoy spectacular views of the city from hundreds of metres up. Other popular city attractions include the Auckland Museum, Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World, Auckland Zoo and the Sky Tower Sky Jump. Other attractions we highly recommend include visiting the many Islands east of Auckland - particularly Rangitoto and Waiheke Island. The rugged, untouched Great Barrier Island is also well worth a visit. If a walk through native rainforest and along a scenic coastline interests you, then the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park is well worth visiting. Another great way to see and experience more of this diverse region is by joining a guided tour.

  Christchurch Tourist Attractions

If you are visiting the centre of the city, we recommend walking through the beautiful Botanical Gardens. Also well worth a visit is the fascinating Canterbury Museum, located adjacent to the gardens. If the day is warm, we also recommend taking a relaxing punting ride on the Avon river. The Antarctic Centre (near the Airport) offers a unique insight into the wonders of this fascinating frozen continent.
We also recommend visiting Lyttelton Harbour which offers beautiful views across the water to the rugged coastline & hills of Banks Peninsula. Half day trips on offer include a visit to picturesque Diamond Harbour on the Diamond Harbour Ferry plus tours of Quail Island. In the warmer months of the year, Sumner beach is also well worth a visit.

  Rotorua Attractions

Rotorua offers many exciting and memorable tourist attractions for you to choose from. With a multi-cultural population of approximately 70,000 people, Rotorua city (on the southern shore of Lake Rotorua) is renowned as the heartland of Maori culture.
The area is well known for it's extensive geo-thermal activity - with threads of steam poking up in all sorts of places (including busy streets & paths). A visit to one of the many geothermal attractions is an absolute must. The area is also well regarded for its great rainbow and brown trout fishing - thanks to the 16 lakes of all shapes and sizes that dot the landscape. The lakes, formed from the craters of extinct volcanoes are also popular with people enjoying water-based activities.

  Wanaka Attractions

Wanaka offers many exciting and memorable tourist attractions for you to choose from. One of the best ways to take in the beauty of Lake Wanaka and the Mountain Aspiring National Park is on the many walkways that are located beside the lake. An excellent short walk (1 hour return) is up Mt Iron. The terrain is easy to negotiate and the views are unforgettable. The Lake Outlet Walk which begins at the Lake Wanaka outlet and finishes at Albert Town, offers easy walking and great views of the Clutha River. It also provides wonderful fishing for keen anglers. Another more challenging walk (offering superb views), is up Mt Roy on the western side of the Lake. Other Wanaka attractions include mountain climbing, river kayaking, water skiing, snow skiing, skydiving, scenic flights, paragliding, world-class vineyards and much more.

  Golden Bay & Abel Tasman Tourist Attractions

This region offers many memorable visitor attractions to choose from. We highly recommend visiting the Abel Tasman National Park. The park is best explored on foot or by sea kayak. Kayaking one way and walking the other is a great way to enjoy the beauty of this picturesque piece of coastline. We also recommend visiting Farewell Spit at the northern end of Golden bay. Whilst a good deal more remote, experiencing this stunning bird sanctuary up close will make the long drive well worth it.