Kota Kinabalu’s museum scene appeals to history buffs, science enthusiasts and more. Some of the city’s leading landmarks include a heritage village that unearths the natural history of the region, as well as a museum dedicated to the Islamic teachings widespread in Asia and the Middle East. A marine museum and aquarium offer visitors a window into one of the most fascinating underwater ecosystems in the world, just off the shores of Kota Kinabalu.
Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village
Built in 1985, the Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village exists where once stood the British North Borneo Governor’s Istana. Now a multipurpose building, it houses the museum as well as a Science and Education Centre and a Heritage Village. Visitors to the museum will find a jumble of artefacts touching on natural history, ceramics, ethnography and archaeology. While the Heritage Village looks at the history and traditions of Sabah’s many indigenous ethnicities.
Address: Sabah Museum Complex, Jalan Muzium, 88300, Kota Kinabalu
Phone: +6088 – 225 033
Operating Hours:
– Daily: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Admission Cost:
Locals
– RM2
– Students in uniform, Senior citizens, Special needs, Taxi drivers: Free
Foreigners
– RM15
Website
Sabah Islamic Civilisation Museum
This museum unravels the past and present teachings and study of Islam. Inside a two-story building that resembles a mosque, its five domes represent the five pillars of Islam. Visitors will learn about artefacts connected to the Middle East, such as Turkey, Iran, Egypt and Morocco. Original objects as well as replicas, including Saidina Uthman bin Affan III’s sword, are available for viewing at the museum. Most prized, the Betel Nut containers were once marriage essentials, often used as a dowry. One floor up, the ‘Sabah Gallery’ inspects artefacts native to Borneo, found in Sabah, Brunei and Sarawak.
Address: Jalan Menteri, Karamunsing, 88100, Kota Kinabalu
Phone: +6088 – 238 501
Operating Hours:
– Daily: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Admission Cost:
Locals
– RM2
– Students in uniform, Senior citizens, Special needs, Taxi drivers: Free
Foreigners
– RM15
Website
Aquarium & Marine Museum at University Malaysia Sabah
Over 11 kilometers from Kota Kinabalu, the aquarium showcases the marine live of Sabah whose regional species include more than 600 types of coral and 2,000 species of fish. Managed by the Borneo Marine Research Institute, the venue includes both a Marine Museum and an aquarium where exhibits educate visitors on the ancient ecosystem surrounding Borneo, such as the skeleton of the deep diving Cuvier’s Beaked Whale, more than 4 meters long. Eight newly discovered coral species are also museum residents. Next door at the aquarium, glass walls divide visitors from darting fish, sleepy coral and curious marine mammals, each with their own story.
Address: Jalan UMS, 88400, Kota Kinabalu
Phone: +6088 – 320 000
Operating Hours:
– Tuesday – Sunday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Admission Cost:
Locals
– 4 – 17yrs old: RM5
– 18 – 59yrs old: RM10
– 60yrs old & above: RM5
Foreigners
– 4 – 17yrs old: RM10
– 18 – 59yrs old: RM20
– 60yrs old & above: RM10
Website
