When visiting Kota, you should consider several things to do. For instance, you can visit Sapi Island, Pantai Cahaya Negeri, and Teluk Kemang beach, which are popular with tourists. For those who love nature, you can go on a trek to Gaipernath, a waterfall where waterfalls run through full force. You can also take a refreshing bath in the freshwater waterfalls available here.
Sapi Island
Sapi Island is part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, one of the most popular places to visit in Kota. This marine park includes five islands and covers 50 square kilometres. It’s home to exotic marine life, including dolphins, stingrays, and turtles. While there, don’t miss the chance to snorkel in its crystal-clear waters.
Sapi Island has a few basic facilities, including benches, a cafe, and a grocery store. However, visitors should not expect to stay overnight on the island; camping is allowed, but the Park Warden will need to approve it beforehand. Be sure to bring plenty of water, energy drinks, and light snacks. It’s not uncommon to see monkeys and wild boars as well.
The island’s zip line, Coral Flyer, is a thrilling activity that will get your heart racing. The line runs between the islands of Gaya and Sapi. During low tide, visitors can even wade between the islands. Besides the zip line, Sapi Island also offers excellent snorkelling and water sports.
Sapi Island is also home to some of the most beautiful coral in Kota. The island’s southern side is the best place to view it. You can also see beautiful corals and fish while snorkelling. The water is crystal clear, and the sand is soft.
Sapi Island is a good place to visit in Kota if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway. This island is located 20 minutes from Kota Kinabalu and is perfect for a day trip. It has several beaches and is surrounded by coral reefs.
Another island you should visit is Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, which has five islands. It’s home to pristine coral reefs and thousands of schooling fish. You’ll also see cool creatures like frogfish, octopuses, and Sea horses. The park also has a zipline, the Coral Flyer, which is 235 meters long.
One thing to keep in mind is that the food prices on the islands are higher than in the city. So bring a waterproof bag for your belongings. If you’re looking for a more affordable option, Klook offers island-hopping packages with meals.
Sapi Island is a quick ferry ride from the city of Kota Kinabalu. The ferry service is available from 8 am to 4 pm, seven days a week. It departs from the Marina Sutera Jetty. It would help if you also took plenty of water and sunblock. You’ll need both to enjoy the island. It is a beautiful destination.
The marine park is also a popular attraction. You can dive and watch dolphins and sea turtles. If you’re a snorkeler, you should check out Sapi Island. The island has a dive station. You can also take a walk along the shoreline. There’s a 1.5-km walking trail along the beach.
Teluk Kemang beach
Teluk Kemang beach is an 18 km crescent-shaped stretch of soft sand and clear waters. It has scores of casuarina trees and is one of the best places to get a feel of authentic Maly coastal culture.
Teluk Kemang is home to the Teluk Kemang Fish Center, a marine conservation centre run by the Malaysian Department of Fisheries. This place is also home to a renowned restaurant called Pesta Nukenan, which serves local cuisine.
Another good spot is the Lake Gardens, a nicely landscaped park in the middle of town with gazebos and mature trees. It is perfect for running and cycling and features a stunning orchid garden. Nearby, the Pasir Panjang Recreational Forest offers a walking track, playground, toilets, and parking facilities.
The beaches at Teluk Kemang are popular with families and concert-goers. The white sand and clear water are ideal for swimming and watching the sunset. It also features a chic waterfront promenade with vendors selling lip-smacking BBQs.
Teluk Kemang is located in the northeastern part of Kota. The beach stretches for 25 km and is lined with tall casuarina trees, making it the perfect place for photo ops. It is also a favourite of locals looking for a peaceful and relaxing day. The car park, barbecue pits, and washrooms make it a convenient spot for family outings.
While staying in Kota, you can take a boat ride to the Perhentian Islands, an area of Malaysia. This area has clear water and beautiful coral reefs, making it a wonderful place for snorkelling and diving. There are a variety of diving schools here that offer training and open sea licenses. They charge about RM 100 for each dive.
Another place to visit is the Wan Loong Chinese temple, which can be found in Kampung Teluk Kemang. This temple is home to Kuan Yi, the goddess of mercy. The temple is not big so you can visit it in a short amount of time. Inside, you can also see many turtles, considered good luck. In addition, you can donate a young turtle to the temple.
Another tropical place to visit in Kota is Tanjung Aru Beach. This beach is located on the west coast of Kota Kinabalu and is great for families, couples, and those who want to relax. It is also one of the best places to watch the sunset.
Pantai Cahaya Negeri
There are many options if you’re looking for tropical places to visit in Kota. The town has several beaches, such as Teluk Kemang, located right in town. It also offers amenities such as gazebo rentals and water sports. Another popular beach is Pantai Cahaya Negeri. This crescent-shaped island is connected by a wooden bridge to the town and is popular for water sports.
While in Kota, you’ll also want to visit the Gelanggang Seni, a cultural centre with a rich history. Here, you can learn about the region’s history and the art of the Kelantan people. There’s even an opportunity to see the wayang kulit, a shadow play for children that involves colourful, intricately designed puppets and an experienced puppet master.
If you love history, you’ll also want to take the time to visit the State Museum Complex. This is a striking building that was inspired by Minangkabau architecture. It displays various historical items such as weapons, hornbills, and royal artefacts. This is a must-see destination for history buffs and travellers who wish to explore the city’s history.
Besides the resorts, you’ll also want to visit Black Sand Beach. The pristine black sand, turquoise waters, and clear waters make this a popular beach on weekends. There are also plenty of activities for families, including horse riding. You’ll also find idyllic islands in the waters near the island, such as Rawa Island. This island is off the east coast of Malaysia and has been developed by the Sultanate of Johor. The island is known for its crystal-clear waters and is ideal for swimming, windsurfing, and snorkelling.
Another popular attraction is Gunung Stong State Park, located in the west. With more than 54,000 acres of tropical rainforest, this park is ideal for hiking and spelunking enthusiasts. The park is home to several native species, including panthers. This park is also home to a unique plant called Rafflesia. Early visitors should expect fog.
If you’re interested in shopping for local produce, you should try the Siti Khadijah Market in Kota Bharu. This traditional market sells a range of fresh fruits and vegetables. You’ll also find herbs and spices here.
You can also visit the Istana Batu, an ancient palace with a bright yellow façade. This is an excellent place to see the history of the Kelantanese Sultanate. In addition to historical exhibits, this museum also has a gallery of family photos, personal items, and genealogy.
If you’re a Buddhist, you might want to visit the Wat Phothivihan Temple, which is only 30 minutes drive away. It’s home to the largest reclining Buddha statue in Southeast Asia.
