Kota Kinabalu has plenty of theaters, each with their own spin on performing arts. While some speak to an international audience, such as the Sabah International Convention Center, others keep the focus on Borneo, including the JKKN Sabah Complex and Sabah Cultural Centre Penampang. Yet despite their differences, all venues honor the Sabah tribes’ cultural traditions in synergy with the rainforest, river, ocean and more. With regular performances on offer for tourists and locals alike.
Tun Mustapha Performance Arts Hall (Sabah International Convention Center)
The performing arts hall, hidden inside the Sabah International Convention Center, is a modern theater fitted with the latest audio-visual equipment, tiered seating and high, vaulted ceilings. Though hidden within the larger convention center, the arts hall claims an outdoor plaza in its territory. Covering a total floor area of 3,484 square meters, the theater can welcome up to 1,250 guests at a time. Not only the stage for theatrical performances, plays, concerts and more, it hosts local, regional and international performers and artists too.
Address: Sabah International Convention Centre, Tanjung Lipat, Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, 88400, Kota Kinabalu
Phone: +6088 – 206 000
Operating Hours:
– Based on show timings
Admission Cost:
– Based on show
Website
Jabatan Kebudayaan dan Kesenian Negara (JKKN) Sabah Complex
Opened in 2012 by the Department of Culture and Arts, the JKKN Sabah Complex, so-called by locals , keeps sight of Eastern Borneo’s distinct heritage. Starting with architecture, the building’s design is in tribute to styles used by various Sabah houses. While motifs, developed by the Kadazan ethnic group, adorn the buildings. Shaped by culture and art, programs aim to draw foreign tourists with a thirst for the art and history of ethnic groups from across the Sabah region.
Address: Jalan Tasik, Off KM4 Jalan Penampang, 88200, Kota Kinabalu
Phone: +6088 – 205 070
Operating Hours:
– Based on show timings
Admission Cost:
– Based on show timings
Website
Sabah Cultural Centre Penampang
Located 15 kilometers from the Kota Kinabalu city center, the Sabah Cultural Centre Penampang only opened in 1999, replenished with new facilities in 2013. The building’s architectural design is based on a combination of cultural styles, including its canary-yellow a roof top, in honor of a traditional head piece: a sun shield worn by women from the rice-picking tribe, Kadazan. The hall is a popular location for workshops, weddings, conferences, and cultural events, to name a few. And with room for up to 2,000 people, it is home to the annual International Youth Dance Festival.
Address: Wisma Budaya Building, Tunku Abdul Rahman Road, Locked Bag 132, 88740, Kota Kinabalu
Phone: +6088 – 268 863
Operating Hours:
– Based on show timings
Admission Cost:
– Based on show
Website
