Kota Kinabalu: Gateway to Borneo's Natural Wonders

• HelloHalo
  [ha-loh]
• GoodbyeSelamat tinggal
  [se-la-mat ting-gal]
• YesYa
  [ya]
• NoTidak
  [ti-dak]
• Please/You're welcomeSila
  [si-la]
• Thank youTerima kasih
  [te-ri-ma ka-sih]
• Excuse me/SorryMaaf
  [ma-af]
• How are you?Apa khabar?
  [a-pa kha-bar]
• Fine. And you?Baik. Dan awak?
  [ba-ik. dan a-wak]
• Do you speak English?Boleh cakap Bahasa Inggeris?
  [bo-leh cha-kap ba-ha-sa ing-ge-ris]
• I don't understandSaya tidak faham
  [sa-ya ti-dak fa-ham]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSaya hendak lihat menu, sila
  [sa-ya hen-dak li-hat me-nu, si-la]
• I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging
  [sa-ya ti-dak ma-kan da-ging]
• Cheers!Yam seng!
  [yam seng]
• I would like to pay, pleaseSaya hendak bayar, sila
  [sa-ya hen-dak ba-yar, si-la]

• Help!Tolong!
  [to-long]
• Go away!Pergi jauh!
  [per-gi jauh]
• Call the Police!Panggil polis!
  [pang-gil po-lis]
• Call a doctor!Panggil doktor!
  [pang-gil dok-tor]
• I'm lostSaya sesat
  [sa-ya se-sat]
• I'm illSaya sakit
  [sa-ya sa-kit]

• I'd like to buy...Saya hendak beli...
  [sa-ya hen-dak be-li]
• I'm just lookingSaya hanya tengok-tengok
  [sa-ya han-ya ten-gok-ten-gok]
• How much is it?Berapa harganya?
  [be-ra-pa har-ga-nya]
• That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal
  [i-tu ter-la-lu ma-hal]
• Can you lower the price?Boleh kurangkan harga?
  [bo-leh ku-rang-kan har-ga]

• What time is it?Pukul berapa sekarang?
  [pu-kul be-ra-pa se-ka-rang]
• It's one o'clockPukul satu
  [pu-kul sa-tu]
• Half past (10)Setengah (sepuluh)
  [se-ten-gah (se-pu-luh)]
• MorningPagi
  [pa-gi]
• AfternoonPetang
  [pe-tang]
• EveningMalam
  [ma-lam]
• YesterdaySemalam
  [se-ma-lam]
• TodayHari ini
  [ha-ri i-ni]
• TomorrowEsok
  [e-sok]
• 1Satu
  [sa-tu]
• 2Dua
  [du-a]
• 3Tiga
  [ti-ga]
• 4Empat
  [em-pat]
• 5Lima
  [li-ma]
• 6Enam
  [e-nam]
• 7Tujuh
  [tu-juh]
• 8Lapan
  [la-pan]
• 9Sembilan
  [sem-bi-lan]
• 10Sepuluh
  [se-pu-luh]

• Where's a/the...?Di mana ada...
  [di ma-na a-da]
• What's the address?Alamatnya di mana?
  [a-lam-at-nya di ma-na]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Boleh tunjukkan saya (di peta)?
  [bo-leh tun-juk-kan sa-ya (di pe-ta)]
• When's the next (bus)?Bila bas seterusnya?
  [bi-la bas se-te-rus-nya]
• A ticket (to ....)Satu tiket (ke ....)
  [sa-tu ti-ket (ke)]

The history of Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah state in Malaysia, is deeply rooted in its early beginnings and indigenous heritage. The area was originally inhabited by the indigenous Dusun and Bajau peoples, who have lived here for centuries. These communities thrived on fishing, agriculture, and trade, and their rich cultural traditions continue to influence the region today.

In the late 19th century, the British North Borneo Company established a presence in the region, leading to the founding of a small settlement named Jesselton in honor of Sir Charles Jessel. Jesselton quickly became an important trading post and administrative center for British North Borneo, fostering economic growth through rubber and timber industries.

During World War II, Kota Kinabalu, then known as Jesselton, fell under Japanese occupation from 1942 to 1945. The occupation was a period of hardship and upheaval for the local population, with significant destruction and loss of life. The city was heavily bombed by Allied forces in the closing stages of the war, leaving much of it in ruins.

After World War II, the British returned to rebuild the war-torn city. In 1963, North Borneo joined the Federation of Malaysia, becoming the state of Sabah. In 1967, the city was officially renamed Kota Kinabalu, in honor of the nearby Mount Kinabalu, a prominent and revered landmark. This period marked the beginning of modern development and urbanization.

Over the decades, Kota Kinabalu has transformed into a bustling urban center and a gateway to the natural wonders of Sabah. The city has experienced significant economic growth, driven by tourism, trade, and industry. Modern infrastructure, such as the Kota Kinabalu International Airport, has further boosted its status as a major destination for both domestic and international travelers.

Kota Kinabalu is a melting pot of cultures, reflecting the diverse ethnic groups that call it home. The city's cultural landscape is enriched by the traditions of the Kadazan-Dusun, Bajau, Chinese, and Malay communities. Festivals such as the Harvest Festival (Kaamatan) and Chinese New Year are celebrated with great enthusiasm, showcasing the vibrant cultural tapestry of the region.

Kota Kinabalu is renowned for its proximity to stunning natural attractions, including the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Mount Kinabalu, and Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city's commitment to ecotourism is evident in its efforts to preserve these natural treasures, offering visitors opportunities for snorkeling, diving, hiking, and wildlife observation.

Kota Kinabalu is served by Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI), which is well-connected with major cities in Malaysia and several international destinations. From the airport, you can take a taxi, airport shuttle, or rent a car to reach the city center, which is approximately 8 kilometers away. Direct flights are available from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Hong Kong, and other regional hubs.

Getting around Kota Kinabalu is convenient with various transportation options. Taxis are widely available, and ride-hailing services like Grab are popular. Public buses serve many areas of the city and are an economical option. For short distances, consider walking or renting a bicycle. Car rentals are also available for exploring the surrounding regions. The Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal offers boat services to nearby islands.

The official currency in Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but cash is preferred in smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are plentiful in Kota Kinabalu, and money changers offer competitive exchange rates. It is advisable to carry some cash for convenience.

Kota Kinabalu is generally safe for tourists, but it's wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas and keep an eye on your belongings. The neighborhoods of Sinsuran and Kampung Air have higher crime rates, particularly for pickpocketing and petty theft targeting tourists. Always use reputable transportation services and stay vigilant.

In case of emergency, dial 999 for police, fire, or medical assistance. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital is the main public hospital in Kota Kinabalu, providing emergency services. Private clinics and pharmacies are also available. It’s recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Keep a list of important contacts and the address of your accommodation handy.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting mosques, dress conservatively and remove your shoes. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile or a slight nod. A handshake is common in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't use your left hand to eat or pass food, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Kota Kinabalu like a local, visit the Sunday Gaya Street Market for a variety of local goods and street food. Enjoy a sunset at Tanjung Aru Beach, a favorite spot among residents. Engage with locals at coffee shops known as 'kopitiams' and try the famous Sabah coffee. For a unique experience, explore the nearby islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park by taking a short boat ride from Jesselton Point.