Malaysia Info Guide
for Locals & Visitors

Kota Kinabalu, formerly known as Jesselton became Sabah's capital after WWII. The original town was razed during the Second World War and in 1967 a new carefully planned town was built with main roads lying parallel to the coast or leading to the waterfront.

The town is a sprawling, relaxed township of more than 13000 inhabitants. There is an interesting blend of European, Malay and Chinese culture with a collection of old Chinese shophouses, traditional market places set amongst several high-rise buildings and new shopping areas.

The town was once called "Singgah mata" (where the eye lingers) and it is still as appealing as it was to the mariners of old. Kota Kinabalu has some beautiful views of perpetual blue skies, a coral studded sea with lovely sunsets and misty mountains in the distance.