Sabah Malaysian Borneo Travel Blog

Imago Shopping Mall Kota Kinabalu Tour (46 Photos)

2020-11-21T03:27:00.006+08:00

Imago main entrance

Imago Shopping Kota Kinabalu Sabah Malaysian Borneo - If somebody ask you what is the best shopping mall in Kota Kinabalu? The answer is either Imago shopping mall or 1Borneo Hypermall in Sulaman Road, Sepanggar. But, for us the answer for "what is the best shopping mall in Kota Kinabalu?" question is Imago, indeed. Read on to know more..

Imago shopping mall popularly called as "Imago" among locals and travelers because of it's short word and easy pronouncing. Imago shopping mall has been opened to public visitor since 28 March 2015 - the opening ceremony was officially done by Yang Berhormat Datuk Raymond Tan Shu Kiah, Deputy Chief Minister of Sabah Malaysian Borneo during that time.

Imago shopping mall from road view

Imago was built and developed by Asian Pac Holdings Berhad which is also the same developer of the KK Times Square Signature Offices and the Loft apartments attached directly to Imago shopping mall building. Since around 2008-2011 a land besides KK Times Square building has been vacant - being ready as the base for Imago.

We saw the construction works started on 2011 where they built a bridge connecting Wawasan Plaza roundabout with KK Times Square area which cut off by Sembulan river. There's never been a bridge built there before. During that time around 2010-2011 Wawasan Plaza area has been used as public bus terminal.

design plan of Imago - from developer website

Imago is the first ever design of modern mall in Kota Kinabalu where no other shopping mall attached to apartments in Kota Kinabalu city center area The closest example of such design is 1Borneo Hypermall with Tower A, Tower B attached directly to 1Borneo shopping mall building.

But, the difference is 1Borneo Hypermall mall located outside city center, about 15-20 minutes outside of Kota Kinabalu city center compared to Imago which is right in city center area.

Imago Shopping Mall Address

If you want to know Imago shopping mall adress, the exact location address is at KK Times Square Phase 2, Off Coastal Highway, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysian Borneo.

You can refer to this Google Maps to find out more about where Imago shopping mall address is. This is an embeded online maps. Tap on the map to get full view in Googe Maps mobile app in your phone.

If you dont have Google Maps installed in your device it will open a link in your device's mobile web browser to access full sized online map.

Imago shopping mall address is next to KK Times Square building blocks while KK Times Square itself is also next to Gleneagles Hospital. If you can find these two buildings then after that you can find Imago shopping mall easily.

Here's the route map to Imago location address. Click on the image to see larger view.

Imago shopping mall is the first Single Owner Non-strata retail Mall in Kota Kinabalu. That means the management company that owned Imago actually owns all the outlet inside Imago shopping area. Means if anything broken or need to be fixed, Imago shopping mall management will take care of it.

This is what the developer of Imago said about this shopping mall:

"The Mall forms part of a strategically-located mixed development project known as KK TIMES SQUARE which comprises Shop Offices, known as KK Times Square 1 whilst the Exterior Shops, Serviced Residences and the Mall are known as KK Times Square 2.

The 4-level Imago Mall which encompasses a range of retail, entertainment and dining outlets, has a net let-able area of 800,000 sf as well as ample car parking facilities with approximately 2,300 bays. Imago Mall is a 1–Stop premium shopping destination for local residents and tourists alike."

Imago main entrance

Public jogging track near Imago

View of Imago from the bridge

A boat cruising near Imago

View outside Imago

Car park exit

Iconic logo of Imago

6 Reasons Why Imago Is The Best Shopping Mall In Kota Kinabalu In Year 2020

• Reason #1 - Strategic Location. Imago is in the middle of booming new economical infastructure in Kota Kinabalu. To be exact, Imago location is in KK Times Square phase II, right beside Sembulan River, facing Sutera Harbour Resort, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, about 2 minutes walk from Anjung Senja, Kota Kinabalu Waterfront and next to KK TImes Square commercial complex.

Most AirBnB outlets in Kota KInabalu city center are located in Imago - all because Imago also attached to apartment units classied by different blocks - Loft A, Loft B, Loft C and Loft D. These apartments are designed as moden urbanic apartment for city folks who prefer simplicity and strategic location for their modern way of living, where all what they need (school, clinic, shops, workplace) are available just nearby.

• Reason #2 - International world class brands opened their store in Imago (not available in anywhere else in Kota Kinabalu) - which delivers the exclusive luxurious shopping experience to local people. The opening of Imago shopping mall brings new class of shopping style to Kota Kinabalu people. Imago presenting world class brands in it's outlets.

Brands such as Burtons, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Swarovski, Topman / Topshop, Tumi, Victoria's Secret, Valiram Group's Bath & Body Works, Charles & Keith, Flow, Saturday, Pedro, Swiss Watch Gallery, Wear & When besides other local brands like Bonia, Parkson, Dorothy Perkins, Miss Selfridge, Carlo Rino and Sembonia are being featured in Imago.

Imago was designed to be world-class shopping destination for many years to come.

According to Trip Advisor report, Kota Kinabalu is the 6th top travel destination in the world, making it the international hub for other holiday destinations in Sabah Malaysian Borneo such as Gaya island, Mantanani island, Kinabalu Park and Semporna in far east coast of the state.

• Reason #3 - Spacious inner area and spacious car park area. In our opinion, Imago is more spacious than 1Borneo Hypermall. We've been visiting 1Borneo Hypermall mostly every month since 2010. We really feel the difference.

• Reason #4 - The toilets and washrooms are totally FREE and very clean. You dont have to pay. Toilets in Imago are so clean compared to toilets and washroom in other shopping malls located in Kota Kinabalu city center - where you have to pay about 30 cents to enter. They are not just clean but also spacious and classy. We invite you to visit Center Point Sabah, Suria Sabah, Karamunsing Complex, KK Plaza and Plaza Wawasan then visit Imago all in one same day - you will see the difference. We've been there.

• Reason #5 - Imago is the most muslim friendly shopping mall in Kota Kinabalu. Malaysia is a muslim country and Islam is the formal religion of Malaysia - other religoins are free to practice their faith without any obligation whatsoever.

Prayer room for muslim visitors in Imago is the largest and the best compared to other shopping malls in Kota Kinabalu city center. Prayer room is available in level 1 and level 2 inside Imago. Not outside of Imago.

We've visited other shopping malls frequently such as Suria Sabah, 1Borneo Hypermall or Center Point Sabah. We found out there is only 1 prayer room available in each big shopping mall.

Most of them located outside at parking spaces. For example - Suria Sabah's mall prayer room is at 5th floor (very small) parking space, Center Point Sabah prayer room is at 3rd floor parking area (also very small), 1Borneo Hypermall's prayer room is at 3rd floor, while Karamunsing Complex prayer room is at 10th floor. For muslim visitors having a comfortable room for their prayer time is a priviledge.

• Reason #6 - Largest number of restaurants compare to other shopping malls. Imago mall is the only shopping mall that has the largest number of restaurants and food outlets in a shopping mall in Kota Kinabalu city center. Most visitors come to Imago for 2 main reasons - shopping and food.

What Things To Do In Imago Shopping Mall Kota Kinabalu

• Shopping - either simple shopping or simply just doing window shopping. All depends on your budget on the day you go out shopping, what item or items you wanna buy also how much you willingly want to spend for the item you want to buy.

• Find Something To Eat - for local people and city folks living around Kota Kinabalu, going to Imago shopping mall to find something to eat is very common, especially during lunch hours on normal working days from Monday to half day Saturday in Malaysia.

Imago is the first shopping mall that introduced many food stalls inside a shopping mall during the year of it's offical launch (2015). Most people in Kota Kinabalu visited Imago for it's street food stalls and braded food outlets such as BBQ Chicken, Subway, Old Town, Chatime, TeaLive and other popular food brands. Other shopping malls such as Suria Sabah copied this style. Finally now if you walk in Suria Sabah you can see food stalls opened there at basement floor and at 3rd floor near Popular Book Store.

• Taking Selfies - Imago is a selfie friendly shopping mall. No other visitor will bother you when you are busy doing selfie or TikTok video. Both activities are very common among city folks. South Koreans are type of outside tourists that love to take selfie in every store they enter in Imago during previous years - 2016 to January 2020.

• See The Festive Decoration - since 2016 Imago is famous for its festive season decoration such as Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Christmas. Imago will set up new decoration in every festive season in every year. The design of their decoration is different in every year.

• Watching latest events - during previous years the central area, called "The Oval" frequently used as place for many events in Imago such as the haunted house, dance competition, tourism show, career show and other tourism-related events.

Imago Shopping Mall Photos

Here's recent photo of Imago shopping mall Kota Kinabalu during our day trip tour there on middle of November 2020. These photos are taken using our Vivo smartphone and shown in random order.

Click on any photo to see it's larger size.

We will publish more blog posts about Imago shopping in near future.

Stay tuned for more updates from Sabah Malaysian Borneo Travel Blog.

If you have any other questions about Imago, type in comment section below and we will reply to answer your question.

Center Point Sabah Shopping Mall Tour November 2020 (49 Photos)

2020-11-18T20:00:00.004+08:00

This is Center Point Sabah shopping mall

Center Point Sabah Malaysia Borneo Day Trip - We spent a day doing our own walking tour to Center Point Sabah or "C.P." for short - the most visited lifestyle shopping mall in Kota Kinabalu city center. Read on to know more about what we've found.

View of Center Point Sabah at night time

We lived in Kota Kinabalu city center since 2003 and we also work here - indeed our work place is only about 15 minutes walk from our home. Center Point Sabah shopping mall building is just 2 minutes walk from the apartment unit where we live.

Center Point Sabah

Center Point Sabah is the iconic building in the everyday life of most Sabahans who live in Kota Kinabalu city center - also who live in other district but has been in Center Point Sabah for a visit. If people talk about Kota Kinabalu the first thing that come to their mind is Center Point Sabah.

Center Point Sabah History

Recently Center Point Sabah shopping mall has celebrating their 30th year birthday on month of July in year 2020 - means Center Point Sabah has been officially open for public since July 1990Wow!

Time flies so fast. We are getting older and older every year.

old photo of Center Point Sabah during early days of construction

Old photo you see above is a viral photo of Center Point Sabah during early days of it's construction process - believed to be somewhere around 1980's - however exact date of this photo not mentioned.

This photo was being taken from now Asia City area. The place where that car in the picture being parked (left side of the image) is now became Api-Api Center.

To be exact - Center Point Sabah shopping mall started to open their door to public visitors from 24th July 1990 until today.

Center Point Sabah 30th Anniversary Logo

A little bit about the history of Center Point Sabah - this shoppping mall was built around middle of 1980's in Api-Api area, next to Sinsuran commercial complex. Api-Api is commercial area during British North Borneo Company administration era until state of Sabah Borneo became part of Malaysia, as the 12th state in Federation Of Malaysia.

Our first time visiting Center Point Sabah was back on year 1992 - during that time as we still remember Yaohan was the only departmental superstore in Center Point Sabah selling many type of producs from daily necessities in basement floor (supermarket section) to ladies wear section (at ground floor), gentlemen section and sport section (at first floor) finally kids and household section at the 3rd floor.

Now the original selling floors that was occupied by Yaohan has been taken over by Pacific Ngiu Kee then taken over by Servay Premier Departmental Store starting from early year of 2019.

Before the opening of other lifestyle shopping malls in Kota Kinabalu city center such as Imago or 1Borneo Hypermall, Center Point Sabah has been the center of shopping activity and family entertainment among city folks in Kota Kinabalu during since early 90's.

Other than Center Point Sabah, most people who live in Kota Kinabalu also went on shopping in other 2 iconic shopping malls - the Wisma Merdeka and Karamunsing Shopping mall. Both developed in same years with Center Point Sabah, which is around 1990's.

Nowadays Wisma Merdeka has been converted into tourism-centric shopping mall where you can find a lot of money changer shops and a lot of souvenir shops at the ground floor of Wisma Merdeka.

Karamunsing Complex building

While Karamunsing Complex shopping mall becomes ICT center (short for information and telecommunication technology) as most shops there selling latest smartphones, latest laptops, desktop pc, compuetr gaming accessories, computer parts while some other shops offering computer repair service, computer bargain and selling used computers to new users.

What We Found Out During Our Day Trip Tour To Center Point Sabah

We went to Center Point Sabah for a walking day trip tour ( a jalan-jalan trip in Malaysian slang) for about 2 hours on Sunday, November 13 2020 around afternoon time, somewhere between 11:45 AM - 12:15 PM.

Center Point Sabah main entrance

We went to Center Point Sabah to look for some food and to buy our daily supply for our house kitchen. Eventhough it is Sunday, Center Point Sabah is almost empty. Not so many visitors.

Car park exit

During this day Kota Kinabalu and other distric in Sabah Malaysian Borneo still under Malaysian Conditional Controlled Movement Order - means we cant go to other district for travel also for day trip tour to other places outside Kota Kinabalu. But, we are allowed to go out to buy necessities, go out for a walk or dine in until 10:00 PM every day in city center area.

iconic centeral atrium area of Center Point Sabah

On middle of November 2020, Center Point Sabah open for business starting from 10:00 AM until 9:30 PM every day during normal working days and public holidays. At the time we visited Center Point Sabah we are saw that most shops on every level are open for business except that not so many people visiting this shopping mall.

Central atrium area

vertical flag of Sabah Borneo (left) and Malaysia (right)

View in Center Point Sabah

We did not saw any kids or any children in Center Point Sabah.

We also did not saw any old people and seniors during our tour in there - children and seniors are two type of people that are easily infected by Covid-19 virus.

We asked Security Personnels. They said children and seniors are not allowed to enter. This is good. Means that Center Point Sabah is really following Standary Operation Procedure imposed by government.

City Parade entrance to Center Point Sabah

View outside Center Point Sabah

View of City Parade entrance

Only 4 entrance are open for public visitors - the first one are at main entrance (facing McDonald's Api-Api Center), second entrance is near Jolibee Kota Kinabalu (facing Deleeton Hotel Asia City), third entrance is at City Parade section facing Sinsuran Commercial Complex while the fourth entrance is at backside of Center Point Sabah facing Warisan Square shopping mall.

Entrance near Jolibee

View outside Center Point Sabah

Jolibee entrace - photo taken from Asia City area

However the back entrance is restricted only for receving deliveries by vendors and suppliers, strictly for receiving of merchandises and for entrance for people who worked in outlets in Center Point Sabah. Public visitors will be advised to use other entrance.

Center Point Sabah backside entrance

View of backside entrance and carpark entrance

Car park entrance into Center Point Sabah

Number of visitors who enter Center Point Sabah are not being controlled - however each visitor to Center Point Sabah must wear face mask, must scan their body temperature then must write down their name and phone number in designated record book. They can also sign in using MySejahtera mobile app to record their visit to Center Point Sabah.

The only cinema in Center Point Sabah is Growball Cinemax at 5th floor (for ticketing counter and snack bar next to ticket counter) to 8th floor. Growball Cinemax is closed during Malaysian Condititional Movement Order right now and will be opened for public visitor once Malaysian Condititional Movement Order has been lifted.

Most of food and beverage outlets in Center Point Sabah are open and operating as usual. Anybody can sit for a dine in but limited to 2 person a table.

Every visitors must keep their distance and must scan their body temperature before sitting down in any food and beverage outlet in Center Point Sabah.

Busiest level in Center Point Sabah is the basement level - this is where Servay Premier grocery store is located which also the old food court of Center Point Sabah. City folks come here to buy food supplies and other daily usage products.

how it looks like in food court

Car Parks section in Center Point Sabah is also open as usual as we found out during our visit. There is no restriction of how many cars are allowed. However car park will be closed at 10:00 PM every day and will be open starting from 6:00 AM everyday.

Right now international entrance to Sabah Malaysian Borneo for tourists and travelers from other countries are highly restricted except for other matters such as work commitment.

Travel, leisure and holiday is not possible now because Malaysian authorities still impose Conditional Controlled Movement Order until December 9 2020 to protect Malaysian citizen from Covid-19 pandemic and to prevent the virus to infect more people. Malaysia's international border still closed until 31 December 2020 - maybe until further notice from Malaysian government.

We still dont know and still not sure if this Conditional Controlled Movement Order will be extended and continued - or not. Number of daily Covid-19 infection cases in Malaysia right now is still high, which is around 400-1000 cases in average, every day.

Active On Social Media

From our observation Center Point Sabah is highly active in social media updates especially in their official Facebook Page. If you have Facebook account you can follow Center Point Sabah latest updates in this web link: https://web.facebook.com/centrepointsabah .

Press or tap on that link and a new windows will open. If you are reading this from your smartphone it open up Facebook app to view that link.

Right now Center Point Sabah has 102,335 followers on their Facebook Page. Other than that 331,060 Facebook users have checked in here at Center Point Sabah shopping mall .

Center Point Sabah's Instagram profile is at https://www.instagram.com/centrepointsabah

More photos are posted here for your viewing pleasure.

view in Center Point Sabah

view outside Center Point Sabah

Entrance near Jolibee

view inside Center Point Sabah 5th Floor

view inside Center Point Sabah from 5th Floor

Growball Cinemax ticketing counter

Public stage at 4th floor Palm Square

for safety purpose

view inside Center Point Sabah at ground floor

We hope this blog post can help you understand more about Kota Kinabalu ciy center so you plan your travel better for next trip in near future.

If you have any other questions about Kota Kinabalu, type it in comment section below and we will reply to answer your question.

Suria Sabah Shopping Mall Trip November 2020 (39 Photos)

2020-11-14T04:10:00.014+08:00

Suria Sabah Shopping Mall Trip On November 2020 - In this post we will talk about visiting Suria Sabah shopping mall. We've spent several hours doing walking tours trip to Suria Sabah shopping mall on middle of November 2020 to see how this popular shopping mall has been doing during past weeks. Here's what we found out so far.

Suria Sabah has been closed during early November due to Covid-19 pandemic and because one of sales promoter working there has beed detected positive for Covid-19 virus.

McDonald's restaurant in Suria Sabah shopping mall open for business as usual. Except that McDonald's Suria Sabah only open until 10:00 PM only every day. This popular food outlet used to be a 24-hours fast food restaurant.

It is quite popular among tourists and travelers staying in Gaya Center Hotel, in Grandis Hotel and Hyatt Regency Kinabalu during their holiday in Kota Kinabalu city center. But not since there is no tourists and travelers around Kota Kinabalu city center, this food outlet only serving it's daily menu to city crowds who come for work.

At the time we walk into McDonald's Suria Sabah, the counter is empty and there is only 1 table with dine-in customer. Previously only take away food is available but not they also serve dine-in customers but in limited numbers of people, according to Standary Operation Procedure by Malaysian Health Ministry.

Entrace to Suria Sabah shopping mall is allowed but you have to follow safety procedure - you must wear face mask and you must allow the scanner to scan temperature of your body.

Only after that the security officer will allow you to enter Suria Sabah shopping mall via McDonald's entrance. If you want to go to Upperstar Suria Sabah restaurant for a dine-in, you will need to follow same procedure.

After we got in, most shops in Suria Sabah shopping mall's ground floor are open for business. Here at the ground floor you will find luxurious brands such as Coach and Kate Spade New York, also Habib Jewels and other famous brands from outside Malaysia.

From what we saw, there are not so many visitor in Suria Sabah on middle of November 2020. We went there on public holiday, on 13th November 2020 which is public holiday in Malaysia, celebrating Deepavali holiday. Eventhough it is holiday and Friday, there is not so many people visiting Suria Sabah shopping mall.

After visiting ground floor in Suria Sabah shopping mall, we also went to Daiso shop in basement floor and walk in basement area for several minutes.

All shops and lifetsyle outlet in basement floor are open for business until 10:00 AM everyday, for now, during Malaysian Conditional Movement Control Order. Several small food counters has been closed. Maybe because lack of incoming customers.

After that we went up to 1st floor, then 2nd floor, then 3rd floor to Suria Sabah food court. Surprisingly all food counters in 3rd floor are open for business. Except that not so many people around as usual.

Dine in guests in Suria Sabah food court is allowed with condition they must fill in their name, scanning body temperature then writing down phone number. We took a seat near sea view table to enjoy our evening coffee.

We were quite surprised after we saw there is an active construction work near Suria Sabah handled by Chinese construction company.

Looks like there will be more new buildings next to Suria Sabah in the space between Suria Sabah shopping mall and Jesselton Residence apartments, which is the most luxurious (and most expensive) sea view apartment in Kota Kinabalu city center.

We dont know what they are building there. Looks like they are bringing in heavy equipments and big steel ship. Just wait and see what's coming soon. Here's some pictures of Suria Sabah food court which has beatuful sea view dine-in area..

Suria Sabah shopping mall is the only shopping mall in Kota Kinabalu that has sea facing view dine-ine area for it's visitors. Other shopping malls in Kota Kinabalu such as Imago or 1Borneo Hypermall does not have an open air sea view dining area like this.

After that we went down to the ground floor and finally went out near Grandis Hotel to take a closer look at the active construction.

Our view blocked by the blue plastic wall to cover the construction area. We only manage to snap a photo of the construction entrance point.

This construction area used to be an old port for Royal Malaysian Police. Now it has been changed into something new. Hopefully we can see the outcome on next year, 2021.

After visiting Suria Sabah shopping mall for an evening walk and several cup of coffee at the sea view food court, we take a walk around the waterfront area next to Suria Sabah shopping mall building.

Kota Kinabalu city center is popular among South Korean tourists for it's beautiful sunset and beautiful sea view. We just wanna enjoy the sunset. Here's some photos we took around waterfront area near Suria Sabah shopping mall..

Wisma Sabah building you see in the photo above is not a shopping mall but an office building. Wisma Sabah houses many tour operators, dive centers and popular travel agents.

Wisma Sabah has been known as tourism hub in Kota Kinabalu city center because this building has so many travel agents and tour operators opening their office right there for tourists and travelers to get tour packages, scuba diving courses and to book next flight using Air Asia.

Now from what we saw Wisma Sabah building is closed for public until Malaysian Movement Control Order which will be ended up on 31st December 2020. But some tourism companies and local tour operators still open for business.

As you can see from these photos, not so many people walk around Suria Sabah shopping mall area. Everybody choose to stay at home for their own safety.

Kota Kinabalu city in Sabah Malaysian Borneo is facing 3rd wave of Corona virus pandemic and this is the strongest among previous Covid-19 waves since March 2020.

Now several restrictions has been lifted. Shops and oher outlets has been opened as usual until 10:00 PM but several other businesses such as night market and seafood stall market still not allowed to be opened for public.

Well, what do you think after reading this post? Share your thoughts and ideas in comment section below. We would like to hear from you..

Sepanggar Island Kota Kinabalu Day Trip (31 Photos)

2020-10-17T16:18:00.009+08:00

Sepanggar island Kota Kinabalu Malaysian Borneo is only 15 minutes from Kota Kinabalu city center and it is truly a unique island - because this beautiful island located outside Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (TARP) area and does not administered by Sabah Parks, which the local authority that manged all islands within Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.

What things to do in Sepanggar island during your day trip here? This is our recommendation. Read the list:

taking photos for your Instagram.
swimming near the beach.
snorkeling.
scuba diving, includes night dive trip.
stand up paddling.
sea walking.
family camping.
team building.
lazying around the beach.
spending a night in Sepanggar island resort.
stargazing.
jungle trekking.
hiking to the top peak of Sepanggar island.
enjoying jet ski experience.
riding banana boat.
parasailing for about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
doing nothing - just enjoying your 'me time' until sunset.

Sepanggar island Kota Kinabalu day trip is cheap in here, except if you want to go to other islands in Kota Kinabalu such as Gaya island (with some luxurious 5 Star world class resort), Sapi island, Manukan island, Mamutik island.

How about fishing? Since Sepanggar island area is outside Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park area, fishing activity is allowed around the island. There is a small village in Sepanggar island area - populated by local fishermen and their families.

Is Sepanggar island safe? Yes absolutely. Local marine police always patrolling around Sepanggar island especially during night. According to previous history, there is no kidnapping and no other crimes happened in previous years in this island, so it is 100% safe for visitors at night.

Local marine police enforcement office is located in Jesselton Point pier, which is 15 minutes from Sepanggar island if using normal boat. Just in case there is something happened, they can be easily alterted. Using their speed boat, police team can reach Sepanggar island within 7-10 minutes ride since they are only 8km from Sepanggar island.

There is no competition among tour operator for Sepanggar island packages. The only company that do day trip package to Sepanggar island is Mari-Mari Sepanggar, which open up their day trip tour every day from 8:00 AM to evening time around 5:00 PM, even after sunset hours at 6:30 PM.

Sepanggar island day trip package price is 150 MYR per person for adult and 120 MYR per person for children. If you want to go here just for a day trip, price for the day trip package will be around RM35 to RM50 per person, depending how large your group is. Price is getting cheaper when you group is bigger, such as 9 person group.

Sepanggar island day trip package includes:

Return boat transfer
Jetty fee
Lunch in Sepanggar island.
Snorkeling mask (Optional: Fins rental RM5/pair)
Shower room
Changing Rooms Facility
Prayer room for local muslim visitors

Sepanggar island is quite famous among South Korean tourists. During 2016 until February 2020 you can see many South Korean tourists coming to Sepanggar island for holiday with their family, with their friends and loved ones. Since Malaysia closed it's international border and no outside tourists allowed, Sepanggar island became empty.

This island used to cater large group of tourist. Dining hall and resort area has been empty for month since March 2020 until the time we wrote this posts on October 2020 (8 months already).

Sepanggar island has many beautiful selfie spots and beautiful sunset view near the beach. You cant see sunset view and the sun just like being in Tanjung Aru beach from Sepanggar island but, you can see Mount Kinabalu and Kota Kinabalu city building center from here during good weather.

Sepanggar island is a tropical island located in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysian Borneo. There is no snow, no winter and no auntumn here. Only summer all year long. Sepanggar island only accept rain and sunny days all year round.

Sepanggar island resort managed by Mari Mari Sepanggar which is a tourism company under Traverse Tours, the same parent company for Riverbug, Mari Mari Cultural Village and Mari Mari Mantanani. "Mari" word is a Malay word means 'come here' in English.

Sepanggar Island Resort Accommodation

You can book a room with Mari Mari Sepanggar Lodge Hotel if you want to spend a night in Sepanggar island. Sepanggar island resort has modern basic necessities (shower room, charging port and clean water) complete with dinner and breakfast package for visitors.

If you are looking for secluded island for your holiday (wirh not so many people around) you can choose to spend day trip holiday in Sepanggar island. The price for Sepanggar island resort is not so high compared to Manukan island resort or Gaya island resort.

Pitas Bay View Sabah Malaysian Borneo (36 Photos)

2020-10-17T00:59:00.004+08:00

Pitas Bay View is tourists attraction located in Pitas district, about 4-6 hours drive from Kota Kinabalu city center. Pitas Bay View is a small public gathering place and tourist attraction facing the Sulu Sea.

To be exact Pitas Bay View located ay Jalan Sapi-Nangoh and it is 156 kilometers from Kota Kinabalu. Pitas Bay View gained attention in 2020 to be the latest attraction in Sabah Malaysian Borneo, with main attention to invite more people to come to Pitas to see this place.

Pitas Bay View location on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/8iRmukbSF4anEkbi6

Pitas Bay View is more like a sunset sightseeing spot, recreational spot and gathering spot. There are several homestays and accommodation you can find near Pitas Bay View, especially near Dataran Bengkoka, which is a local fishing spot among local people.

Click or tap on the photos to view larger image.

Apart from Pitas Bay View, you can also go to Pitas Mangrove, which is only about 10-20 minutes away from Pitas Bay View. Currentlt at the time we wrote this post, Pitas Mangrove is not available on Google Maps yet.

But, when you arrive in Pitas town you can simply ask town folks and they will gladly show you the way to Pitas Mangrove which is located at Rosob area.

Here's what you will see when you arrive in Pitas Mangrove @ Rosob

Basically Pitas Mangrove @ Rosob is a wetland area, which you can see so many birds singing, flying and moving around.

The main attraction of Pitas Mangrove is coloful wooden bridge that makes way for pedestrians and mangrove visitor, just like you can see in photos below.

Those wooden mangrove bridge is really a contract to dull view of mangrove forest, thus making you want to visit this place someday to see and to feel it's uniqueness with your own eyes.

Currently there is no official website or official blog about Pitas Mangrove, all we know is this place managed by Pitas District Council. Pitas Bay View has been officially launced on 21 August 2020.

What do you think about Pitas Bay View?

Share your thoughts in comment section below.

Mount Kinabalu Via Ferrata Experience (15 Photos)

2020-10-16T19:44:00.008+08:00

Mount Kinabalu Via Ferrata Experience - you may wonder, what is via ferrata anyway? It means walking in the highest mountain in South East Asia using only steel cable rods, in other words it means 'iron road’ in Italian, plural via ferrate.

Photos you see here are taken on August 2020 before local authoriy start CONDITIONAL MOVEMENT CONTROL ORDER (CMCO) for state of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo on October (2 months later, at the time we publish this post) to prevent Covid-19 pandemic from spreading among climbers.

All photos are taken by Ardy Rd.

You will walk above the clouds in Mount Kinabalu around protected mountain pathway consisting of a series of rungs, rails, cables and bridges embracing the rock face. It allows access to scenic sections of the mountains that are typically available only to rock climbers and mountaineers.

As there’s a necessity for some use of modest equipment, a good head for heights and basic technique, the Via Ferrata may be seen as a definite step up from normal mountain walking under the safest conditions lead by an experience trainer to guide you.

Designed for bold and daring, the excitement, scenic beauty, and personal conquest you will experience on a Via Ferrata adventure is guaranteed to give you an invigorating nostalgic experience for years to come.

There are more than 300 via ferrata routes around the world predominantly in Italy, Germany, France, Austria, Slovenia, Switzerland and Spain, and a few places in the United States and Canada.

Mount Kinabalu via ferrata trip experience is provided by Mountain Torq, a local Sabahan Malaysian Borneo tour company and the World’s highest via ferrata and Asia’s first via ferrata operator located at Mt Kinabalu’s Panalaban rock face, starting at 3,200 metres and ends at 3,776 metres above sea level at Mount Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysian Borneo.

Mountain Torq offers two Via Ferrata routes; Walk the Torq and Low’s Peak Circuit. Both routes allow beginner and intermediate climbers to fully enjoy the activity without prior professional mountaineering experience. Minimum age requirment is 10 years old while maximum age requirement is none, as long as you still healthy and able to hike up to 3,200m in 6 hours.

Where to ask about this Mount Kinabalu via ferrata experience trip? You can contact Mountain Torq directly by phone call at +60 88 268 126 or by visiting their website MountainTorq.com.

Timba Timba Island Semporna (45 Photos)

2020-10-14T16:51:00.013+08:00

Timba Timba island is a beautiful tropical island located in Semporna district, in east coast of Sabah, Malaysian North Borneo. You can enjoy summer all year long when you go to Ssabah Malaysian Borneo. This post has more than 20 photos. Tap or click on any photos to view larger size.

Timba Timba island island has long white sandy beach with super crystal clear turqoise sea water - suitable for snorkeling and scuba diving. You can see the bottom of the ocean about 10 meters deep from sea water surface when snorkeling. No joke.

Location on Google Maps : https://goo.gl/maps/yqcSC8t2w9wNCm4XA

No big waves and no big ship passing trough this island's area.

Kota Kinabalu Empty October 2020 (7 Photos)

2020-10-13T20:32:00.004+08:00

Photos here showing you what Kota Kinabalu city looks like around middle of October 2020 when state of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, is under 'semi-lockdown' under Conditional Movement Control Order until 26th October 2020.

Restaurants and cafes are empty, seafood stalls are empty, trip to islands not allowed, public parks closed and night market also closed. Most shops are closed for business starting from 6PM until 6AM on next morning.

No tourist from Peninsular Malaysia, from Sarawak and from other countries allowed in Kota Kinabalu. Tourists from other countries also not allowed as Malaysia still not open for any incoming tourists from other countries.

Tough times for local people. All photos by Mxl Grphy.

Kota Kinabalu used to be tourist city, now all stress are eampty.

Mengalum Island Sabah Borneo Day Trip (30 Photos)

2020-10-10T23:51:00.011+08:00

photo: @hjawhat

Mengalum Island Sabah Day Trip - You can spend vacation day laying lazily on white sandy beaches and snorkeling in crystal clear cyan blue water. This island place is 56 kilometers away from Kota Kinabalu city center, takes about 1-1.5 hours boat ride. The island has pretty beach and shallow waters. Good place to chill.

photo: @FibiAerial

After 2017 Chinese tourist boat mishap on 28 January 2017 where their boat sunk in the sea while on their way to visiting Mengalum island during a day trip, many local tour operators in Kota Kinabalu no longer interested in bringing tourists to Mengalum island for any day trip holiday packages.

Some of small tour operatoros do bring local tourists to Mengalum island for day trip but with strict enhanced safety precautions followed strict check up by enforcement officers at departure jetty before being allowed to go there.

Click or tap on any photos for larger view on your device screen.

photo: @vickydegrussa

photo: @travelwithjohanne

photo: @vickydegrussa

photo: @zoeyx_x

photo: @cindy27108

photo: @ariel_10_24

photo: @esentiya

photo: @legend0406

photo: @sensible_ps

photo: @FibiAerial

photo: @tantisuria

photo: @___waka_waka___

photo: @h_marb

photo: @catstagram_j

hong42072

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Sipadan Island Is So Amazing (19 Photos)

2020-10-10T04:10:00.016+08:00

photo: @shinkong0610

Sipadan - a world class diving site located in remote island in Semporna district, about 1 hour boat ride from Semporna's town center. After looking at photos you will realize why Sipadan is so amazing and so beautiful.

Visibility underwater is soooo good too! You can see anything around 30-70 meters below water surface depending on weather during your diving days.

Tap or click on any photo to view in large size on your device screen.

photo: @christian.loader

photo: @najahadivers

photo: @alina_tantuya

photo: @allylandesphotography

photo: @yolodiving

photo: @evonne1007

photo: @sasharumaisha

photo: @makoto_shigehara

photo: @elainedaly

photo:@ mohdnoorazmi

photo: @mohdnoorazmi

photo by @christan76

photo by @hachiko.58

photo by @marcusdelahayephotography

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Geng Mak Siti Holiday In Semporna

2020-10-10T03:26:00.004+08:00

'Geng Mak Siti' enjoying their holiday in Semporna guided by Luma' Selakan team. Semporna, a small town in east coast of North Borneo Malaysia is well known for the beauty of it's exotic tropical islands. Tap or click the photos for larger view.

All photos by @lumaselakan

Velvet Aduk Kinabalu Trip

2020-10-09T21:03:00.010+08:00

Velvet Aduk, the popular Kupi Kupi FM radio presenter, Akademi Fantasia 4 participant and Sabahan singer shared her hiking expedition stories to top peak of Mount Kinabalu on June 2020 in her Instagram posts. Here's what she wrote...

"Still can't believe I made it this far.

Mid June 2020-"Vet..mari bah naik gunung. Ish, tidak mau la. Tidak pernah masuk dalam bucket-list sia tu. You guys go ahead la. I'll wait and cheer for u guys from national park saja." 2 months ++ later, here I am..funnily enough! Even the slightest thought of climbing the mountain would already tire me off bah.

I can never see myself climbing one. I'm just built that way. Sia pun sendiri tekejut macamana sia buli sampai atas. Dapat sijil warna lagi tu, walaupun kuncit! hahaha"

Photos all shared from Velvet's Instagram profile @velvetaduk

Visit Kota Kinabalu Malaysia tourism blog next time for more recent photos.

Nusakuya Resort Semporna (10 Photos)

2020-10-09T19:28:00.013+08:00

photo by melissaliu.8

Nusakuya Resort is a beautiful resort near Bum Bum island, Semporna, Malaysia. This beautiful magical place is about 9 hours travel by bus from Kota Kinabalu and about 2 hours travel by airplane from Kota Kinabalu international airport.

When you arrive in Nusakuya Resort, it feels like you are enjoying holiday in Maldives.. There is no big waves here. Tap of click on each photos for larger view.

photo by melissaliu.8

photo by @itskieynna

photo by @_cikhettyrah_

photo by @suri_shariff

photo by @nusakuyaresort

Soo beautiful, right?

Please share your thoughts about this place in comment section.

Sapi Island Beach From Above

2020-10-09T16:15:00.007+08:00

This is how Sapi island beach looks like from above. Sapi island is popular spot for snorkelng, scuba diving, family picnic and beach activities.

This island also popular among South Korean tourists and local tourists from Peninsular Malaysia who come to Kota Kinabalu for holiday.

Sapi island location on Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/ddhisWegGQEjzTUF6

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Imago Covid-19 Scanning

2020-10-09T15:17:00.009+08:00

Imago Shopping Mall security officers doing Covid-19 scanning for each and every incoming visitors during Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) for Kota Kinabalu district from 7th to 20th October 2020. Imago is the latest shopping mall in Kota Kinabalu and has been opened for public visitors from middle of 2015. Photos by imagoshoppingmall

Visit Kota Kinabalu Malaysia blog again to see more recent photos

Bukit Janggut Hiking

2020-10-09T15:08:00.003+08:00

Hiking to top peak of Bukit Janggut, Sepanggar, aboout 45 minutes drive from Kota Kinabalu city center, North Borneo Malaysia.

This place is popular hiking spot among city crowds during weekends and public holidays apart from other hiking spots such as Botak Hill and Nuluh Lapai Hill. All photos taken by pantanggustan.

Visit Kota Kinabalu Malaysia blog again next time for more recent photos.

Trip To Manukan

2020-10-08T18:09:00.005+08:00

A family of 4 enjoying their holiday trip to Manukan island, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.

All photos by niki_jy

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Holiday In Tanjung Aru Resort

2020-10-08T14:49:00.008+08:00

Beautiful, isnt it? This is a 5 star resort in Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu, called Shangri La Tanjung Aru Resort or STAR for short. You can see Mamutik island and Manukan island from this place.

Visit Kota Kinabalu Malaysia blog for more recent photos.

Freediving With Fish Tornado In Sipadan

2020-10-08T14:38:00.002+08:00

A women enjoying her freediving activiy in Sipadan island, Semporna, while being surrounded with huge school of jackfish shaping a 'tornado' as you can see in the picture above.

Sipadan is a world class scuba diving site and popular among avid scuba divers. This small island is controlled by Sabah Parks. You will need a special permit if you want to go here for scuba diving, snorkeling or day trip.

Visibility is sooo good in Sipadan. You can see abour 30 meters away when scuba diving underwater. You have to be an experienced scuba diver if you want to do scuba diving in Sipadan island.

All photos taken by khaichuin_sim

Holiday In Semporna

2020-10-08T04:20:00.002+08:00

A young couple enjoying their holiday in Semporna, a small town located in East Coast or Sabah, Malaysian North Borneo. They go to beautiful islands, enjoying snorkeling and blue sea waters with pure crystal clear view as you can see in photos in this post.

Semporna is about 8 hours drive from Kota Kinabalu and about 2 hours from Kota Kinabalu by using air flight. If you travel by plane you will land in Tawau airport, the nearest airport, then take 1.5 hour drive to Semporna.

Photos by pakejpulau.sem4na.

Pom Pom Island

2020-10-08T04:12:00.007+08:00

This is Pom Pom island, a small beautiful island about 45-60 minutes boat ride from Semporna town.

The view is so beautiful, sea water is very crystal clear and not so many people around because of it's remote location, which makes you feel like enjoying holiday in your own private island.

Photos by pakejpulau.sem4na

Tanjung Aru Beach

2020-10-08T04:06:00.006+08:00

Tanjung Aru beach during sunset hours. Photos by siringkaki5

Girls Doing White Water Rafting At Kiulu

2020-10-08T01:02:00.004+08:00

White Water Rafting is popular activity in Kiulu, which does not require special skill or some level of courage to do this activity. Before you jump into the river you will need to wear safety gear, as you can in see in the photo above.

Whiter water rafting in Kiulu is grade 1 and grade 2 level - which means it is not too hard to do it, not too dangerous, has minimum risks and you will only face simple and light challange along the river.

If you want to feel tough challange when doing white water rafting you should go to Padas River in Beaufort, located about 3 hours from Kota Kinabalu. Photos by @mem_umie.

Mengakabong River Sunset

2020-10-08T00:26:00.002+08:00

This is Mengkabong River, Tuaran, a beautiful place about 1 hour drive from Kota Kinabalu city. You can see beautiful sunset view from here. If you are lucky, you can also see the majestic Mount Kinabalu from here during sunrise in early morning. Photos by my360playbook

Visit Kota Kinabalu Malaysia again to see our latest photos.

Sunset At Kota Kinabalu Waterfront

2020-10-07T19:24:00.003+08:00

sunset view from Kota Kinabalu Waterfront next to Oceanus Waterfront Mall and Marriot Kota Kinabalu hotel, a 5 star international hotel in city center. All photos taken by Rina Kawakami @kawakami1112 during visit to the place for sunset dine in.