Likas: The Heartbeat of Kota Kinabalu's Natural and Cultural Richness

• HelloSelamat pagi
  [suh-lah-maht pah-gee]
• GoodbyeSelamat tinggal
  [suh-lah-maht ting-gahl]
• YesYa
  [yah]
• NoTidak
  [tee-dahk]
• Please/You're welcomeSila
  [see-lah]
• Thank youTerima kasih
  [teh-ree-mah kah-see]
• Excuse me/SorryMaaf
  [mah-ahf]
• How are you?Apa khabar?
  [ah-pah kah-bahr]
• Fine. And you?Baik. Dan awak?
  [bah-eek dahn ah-wahk]
• Do you speak English?Boleh cakap Bahasa Inggeris?
  [boh-leh chah-kahp bah-hah-sah eeng-geh-rees]
• I don't understandSaya tak faham
  [sah-yah tahk fah-hahm]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseSaya nak lihat menu, boleh?
  [sah-yah nahk lee-haht meh-noo, boh-leh]
• I don't eat meatSaya tidak makan daging
  [sah-yah tee-dahk mah-kahn dah-yihng]
• Cheers!Sihat!
  [see-haht]
• I would like to pay, pleaseSaya nak bayar, boleh?
  [sah-yah nahk bah-yahr, boh-leh]

• Help!Tolong!
  [toh-lohng]
• Go away!Pergi jauh!
  [pehr-gee jah-oo]
• Call the Police!Panggil polis!
  [pahng-geel poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Panggil doktor!
  [pahng-geel dohk-tohr]
• I'm lostSaya sesat
  [sah-yah suh-saht]
• I'm illSaya sakit
  [sah-yah sah-keet]

• I'd like to buy...Saya nak beli...
  [sah-yah nahk beh-lee]
• I'm just lookingSaya hanya tengok-tengok
  [sah-yah hahn-yah tehn-gohk-tehn-gohk]
• How much is it?Berapakah harganya?
  [beh-rah-pah-kah hahr-gahn-yah]
• That's too expensiveItu terlalu mahal
  [ee-too teh-rah-lah mah-hahl]
• Can you lower the price?Boleh kurangkan harga?
  [boh-leh koor-ahn-gahn hahr-gah]

• What time is it?Pukul berapakah sekarang?
  [poo-kool beh-rah-pah-kah suh-kah-rahn]
• It's one o'clockPukul satu
  [poo-kool sah-too]
• Half past (10)Pukul setengah (sepuluh)
  [poo-kool suh-teng-gah (suh-poo-loo)]
• MorningPagi
  [pah-gee]
• AfternoonPetang
  [peh-tahng]
• EveningMalam
  [mah-lahm]
• YesterdaySemalam
  [suh-mah-lahm]
• TodayHari ini
  [hah-ree ee-nee]
• TomorrowEsok
  [eh-sohk]
• 1Satu
  [sah-too]
• 2Dua
  [doo-ah]
• 3Tiga
  [tee-gah]
• 4Empat
  [em-paht]
• 5Lima
  [lee-mah]
• 6Enam
  [eh-nahm]
• 7Tujuh
  [too-joo]
• 8Lapan
  [lah-pahn]
• 9Sembilan
  [suhm-bee-lahn]
• 10Sepuluh
  [suh-poo-loo]

• Where's a/the...?Di mana...
  [dee mah-nah]
• What's the address?Alamatnya di mana?
  [ah-lah-maht-nyah dee mah-nah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Boleh tunjukkan kepada saya (di peta)?
  [boh-leh toon-jook-kahn keh-pah sah-yah (dee peh-tah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Bila bas seterusnya?
  [bee-lah bahs suh-teh-roos-nyah]
• A ticket (to ....)Satu tiket (ke ....)
  [sah-too tee-keht (keh ....)]

Likas, located on the eastern outskirts of Kota Kinabalu, is part of the territory traditionally inhabited by the Kadazan-Dusun people, one of the largest indigenous groups in Sabah. The Kadazan-Dusun have a rich cultural heritage that includes traditional farming, rituals, and festivals, such as the Kaamatan harvest festival, which celebrates the rice harvest and is integral to the community's identity.

During the late 19th century, the British North Borneo Company established control over the region, leading to significant changes in Likas. The establishment of the company introduced new agricultural practices and commercial enterprises, impacting the traditional way of life of the indigenous people. This colonial period also saw the influx of Chinese migrants who contributed to the local economy through trade and agriculture.

Likas, like much of Kota Kinabalu, was affected during World War II when Japanese forces occupied Borneo. The war brought devastation to the local population, with many suffering from famine and violence. Post-war reconstruction efforts saw the rebuilding of the area and a renewed focus on the development of infrastructure that would shape modern Kota Kinabalu.

In the late 20th century, Likas underwent significant urban development, transforming from a rural area into a suburban neighborhood of Kota Kinabalu. The construction of the Likas Bay development project in the 1990s included residential areas, commercial spaces, and the Likas Sports Complex, reflecting the growing urban population and the shift towards a more modern lifestyle.

Today, Likas is a vibrant neighborhood that showcases the cultural diversity of Kota Kinabalu. The area is home to various communities, including indigenous peoples, Malays, Chinese, and other ethnic groups, each contributing to the rich tapestry of local culture. Festivals, culinary traditions, and community events reflect this blend, making Likas a microcosm of Sabah's multicultural identity.

Likas is easily accessible from other neighborhoods in Kota Kinabalu. From the city center, you can take a local bus (such as the W1 or W2) that travels directly to Likas. Taxis are also available, and the fare is reasonable. If you prefer a more scenic route, consider renting a bicycle to enjoy the coastal views along the Likas Bay.

Likas is a relatively small neighborhood, making it easy to explore on foot. For longer distances, local buses are available, with services connecting to nearby areas. Ride-sharing apps like Grab are popular and provide a convenient alternative to traditional taxis. Bicycles can also be rented from various shops, allowing for a more leisurely exploration of the area.

Likas is generally considered a safe area for tourists, but standard precautions should still be observed. Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas, and be cautious with your belongings in crowded places. While there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it's advisable to stay alert and avoid displaying valuables openly.

In case of an emergency, dial 999 for police assistance or 112 for medical emergencies. Local hospitals and clinics are available in Kota Kinabalu, and having travel insurance is recommended. For minor health issues, pharmacies are scattered throughout the area. Always keep a list of emergency contacts handy.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly casual attire. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, particularly in places of worship. Public Transport: Do give up your seat to the elderly and disabled. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly smile and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and beverages, and don’t refuse food offered by locals, as it is seen as a sign of respect.

To experience Likas like a local, visit the Likas Night Market for a taste of authentic street food and local crafts. Engage with vendors and try local delicacies such as 'soto' and 'nasi lemak'. Enjoy early morning strolls along Likas Bay to witness the sunrise and the local fishing activities. Exploring the nearby Likas Wetland Park is also highly recommended for birdwatching and appreciating the natural beauty of the area.