Ok guys, this is probably one of the toughest to write about as different people have different views on the best place to shop, dine, and to party in Kota Kinabalu But here are some popular places in town. Lets start with malls ! (Guys, you can skip this section if you want )
Shopping Spree...
There are about six- 7 major shopping malls right in the city of Kota Kinabalu. These malls may not be "world class" impressive but you will be able to find all necessities & luxuries, from local brands to international branded items here. The current largest and most visited mall is Centre Point. It is located on a 4 acres site and has been operated since the early 90s. There are also Wisma Merdeka, Karamunsing Shopping Complex, Warisan Square, Wawasan Plaza, KK Plaza and etc. Although, most of the shops in these complexes carry fixed price items, the goods sold are all reasonably priced especially during mega sales months. Most malls open from 10 am and close at 10pm. The 1 Borneo Mall however is still under construction, and if ready, it will be the biggest mall in Borneo. The Gaya Street Fair, held every Sunday, is also a major tourist attraction as you will be able to find numerous handicrafts and other locally made souvenir items. Apart from that, there are also shops all over the city, and you will definitely find interesting items that you cant find anywhere else but in Borneo. Areas such as Segama, Sinsuran, Asia City, Gaya Street and Api-Api Centre are also shopping areas good for electronic products. The Filipino market is a place to buy handicrafts but if you are looking for authentically Sabahan-made products, then the Sri Pelancongan Sabah shop located at Sinsuran Complex is a good place to stop by.
Most shopping centres offer a variety of different retails outlets and depending on what the items you are looking for, each shopping centre has their own uniqueness.
Antiques- Merdeka complex has the most antique shops. You can find all sorts of items here including old grandfather clocks, watches, colonial hats, irons, potteries and many more.
Books & Magazines-The largest collection of books about Borneo are at numerous bookshops in Merdeka Complex. Books for sale includes culture, wildlife, nature, flowers and plants, many tropical design and gardening books as well.
Branded Fashion Wear-Most brands such as Calvin Klien, Dockers, Guess, British India, Timberland, U2 and etc are located at Centre Point Mall.
Cell Phones and Telecommunications-Many cell phone shops are available in abundance in all shopping malls. KK Plaza presently has the most number of hand phone shops under one roof. If you are here for a longer stay, and wish to use a cellphone, the best is to buy a prepaid cell phone card and you get immediate access. Presently, Celcom has the widest coverage. These phone cards can be purchased on most handphone outlets.
Computer & Accessories-The most complete variety of computer hardware and accessories are located at Karamunsing and boast some of the cheapest prices in the city.
Electronic Items-VCDs, DVDs, Hi Fis in Sabah are considered one of the cheapest in Malaysia. There are many electrical shops located at Karamunsing & Centrepoint
Factory Outlets- These stores are available at Centrepoint and is very popular among visitors and locals.
Sports Gear-Such as runners, hiking boots, and etc are also available at most of the malls. Centrepoint presently has the most varieties with Nike, Adidas, Fila, Reebok outlets. There are also some good fishing gear outlets in Centrepoint & Merdeka.
Watches & Jewelry- Watches are also offered at competitive prices and most of the famous brands are available at most of the malls. Centrepoint and Merdeka have the most variety of branded sport watches.
Food......
One can never go hungry in Kota Kinabalu, and that is not an overstatement! Between Malaysian, Indonesian, Filipino, Western, Chinese, Indian...etc.., there is ton of choices, especially known for seafood, the city has no dearth of restaurants and eateries that serve a wide array of gastronomic delights, from Western to Oriental, American to Continental, Contemporary to Traditional and Cheap to Very Expensive ! Believe me, dining out is an adventure itself!
Go local is the advice to heed for memorable sojourn. A walk through the city streets and alleys take you from one coffee shop to another. The provide a great way for the discerning visitors to savor Sabahan dishes, minus the exorbitant prices charged by major hotels, and experience everyday life amongst residents here. Restaurants, however, offer a wider variety as they are much bigger and cater to a different set of clientele altogether.
Shopping Spree...
There are about six- 7 major shopping malls right in the city of Kota Kinabalu. These malls may not be "world class" impressive but you will be able to find all necessities & luxuries, from local brands to international branded items here. The current largest and most visited mall is Centre Point. It is located on a 4 acres site and has been operated since the early 90s. There are also Wisma Merdeka, Karamunsing Shopping Complex, Warisan Square, Wawasan Plaza, KK Plaza and etc. Although, most of the shops in these complexes carry fixed price items, the goods sold are all reasonably priced especially during mega sales months. Most malls open from 10 am and close at 10pm. The 1 Borneo Mall however is still under construction, and if ready, it will be the biggest mall in Borneo. The Gaya Street Fair, held every Sunday, is also a major tourist attraction as you will be able to find numerous handicrafts and other locally made souvenir items. Apart from that, there are also shops all over the city, and you will definitely find interesting items that you cant find anywhere else but in Borneo. Areas such as Segama, Sinsuran, Asia City, Gaya Street and Api-Api Centre are also shopping areas good for electronic products. The Filipino market is a place to buy handicrafts but if you are looking for authentically Sabahan-made products, then the Sri Pelancongan Sabah shop located at Sinsuran Complex is a good place to stop by.
Most shopping centres offer a variety of different retails outlets and depending on what the items you are looking for, each shopping centre has their own uniqueness.
Antiques- Merdeka complex has the most antique shops. You can find all sorts of items here including old grandfather clocks, watches, colonial hats, irons, potteries and many more.
Books & Magazines-The largest collection of books about Borneo are at numerous bookshops in Merdeka Complex. Books for sale includes culture, wildlife, nature, flowers and plants, many tropical design and gardening books as well.
Branded Fashion Wear-Most brands such as Calvin Klien, Dockers, Guess, British India, Timberland, U2 and etc are located at Centre Point Mall.
Cell Phones and Telecommunications-Many cell phone shops are available in abundance in all shopping malls. KK Plaza presently has the most number of hand phone shops under one roof. If you are here for a longer stay, and wish to use a cellphone, the best is to buy a prepaid cell phone card and you get immediate access. Presently, Celcom has the widest coverage. These phone cards can be purchased on most handphone outlets.
Computer & Accessories-The most complete variety of computer hardware and accessories are located at Karamunsing and boast some of the cheapest prices in the city.
Electronic Items-VCDs, DVDs, Hi Fis in Sabah are considered one of the cheapest in Malaysia. There are many electrical shops located at Karamunsing & Centrepoint
Factory Outlets- These stores are available at Centrepoint and is very popular among visitors and locals.
Sports Gear-Such as runners, hiking boots, and etc are also available at most of the malls. Centrepoint presently has the most varieties with Nike, Adidas, Fila, Reebok outlets. There are also some good fishing gear outlets in Centrepoint & Merdeka.
Watches & Jewelry- Watches are also offered at competitive prices and most of the famous brands are available at most of the malls. Centrepoint and Merdeka have the most variety of branded sport watches.
Food......
One can never go hungry in Kota Kinabalu, and that is not an overstatement! Between Malaysian, Indonesian, Filipino, Western, Chinese, Indian...etc.., there is ton of choices, especially known for seafood, the city has no dearth of restaurants and eateries that serve a wide array of gastronomic delights, from Western to Oriental, American to Continental, Contemporary to Traditional and Cheap to Very Expensive ! Believe me, dining out is an adventure itself!
Go local is the advice to heed for memorable sojourn. A walk through the city streets and alleys take you from one coffee shop to another. The provide a great way for the discerning visitors to savor Sabahan dishes, minus the exorbitant prices charged by major hotels, and experience everyday life amongst residents here. Restaurants, however, offer a wider variety as they are much bigger and cater to a different set of clientele altogether.
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