Kota Kinabalu: City Tour 7 Must-See Highlights Led by Guide

Day 1: Uncover the city's history and past with 7 highlights led by guide

• Tun Mustapha Tower

Just a hop, skip, and a jump away is the legendary Sabah Foundation Tower (Menara Tun Mustapha), where you can marvel at its height led by guide! Although the tower is just an office building and not exactly a tourist hotspot, its quirky 72-sided circular shape hanging by high-tensile steel rods is like something out of a sci-fi movie—an architectural wonder that might just make you question if it’s about to take off into space! You can snap some truly amazing pictures of the outside.

• Kinabalu Tower

Kinabalu tower, a bizarre architecture featuring a 72-sided polygon shape that looks like it was designed by a geometry-loving octopus, and a revolving floor that might just make you feel like you're on a merry-go-round. Dive into its history as one of the world's four "hanging structures" . The building, once known as the Sabah Foundation Building, stands tall as a remarkable feat of engineering and a must-see landmark in Kota Kinabalu.

• Puh Toh Tze Temple

this gorgeous Buddhist temple snuggled up on a hillside in the Signal Hill area, home to buddhist culture. The Puh Toh Tze Temple is like a zen garden on steroids, boasting architecture so intricate it could give statues that look like they just stepped off a vibrant paint palette, and gardens so well-kept. Take a deep breath and soak in the serene vibes while feasting your eyes on the city and the South China Sea.

• Kota Kinabalu City Mosque

Visit the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque for its stunning "floating" appearance (not available on Friday due to praying day) It's the biggest mosque in Sabah, boasting a lagoon, prayer hall, and a design that appears to be doing a graceful water ballet, particularly when the tide is high! It's like a treasure chest of Islamic architecture, and a photographer's playground all rolled into one! Get ready to snap some envy-inducing pics! Feel free to take a leisurely stroll and soak in the stunning architecture from the outside, while also enjoying the peaceful reflection in the water. Robes are available at the entrance if you need a little help with that fashion choice! Feel free to take a leisurely stroll and marvel at the stunning architecture while enjoying the peaceful water's reflection.

• Anjung Kinabalu

This handicraft market is like a treasure chest for authentic Sabahan souvenir. Wander around the stalls where pearls are practically begging for attention (no buy-in needed), traditional beadwork (like the hinava) is flaunting its charm, wood carvings are trying to outdo each other, and local snacks are just waiting to be devoured. It's an experience for the eyes and the stomach.

• Padang Merdeka

This legendary patch of soil is where Sabah decided to throw a big independence party and officially join the Malaysia association! a peaceful little nook in the morning, giving you a sneak peek into the city's past and a front-row seat to the Atkinson Clock Tower's best tick-tock performance. It's a speedy little pit stop for a photo that’ll make your tour feel like it’s got a fancy backstory.

• Gaya Street & Australia Lane

If this were a Sunday morning, this would be a legendary Gaya Street Sunday Market. On other days, the street is bustling with shops and cafes, like a party that just won't quit! Take a stroll down Gaya Street, where you'll find a delightful blend of traditional Chinese medicine halls, coffee shops that might just brew magic, and modern boutiques that are as trendy as a cat in sunglasses. Make sure you don’t overlook the wonderfully wacky Australia Lane, a pint-sized alley hiding behind Gaya Street, where the walls are practically begging for a selfie with their colorful murals showcasing the local life and culture. It's a picture-perfect paradise just waiting for your best.