Kota Kinabalu (sometimes called as KK) is the capital of the state of Sabah in Malaysia. Located on the northwest coast of Borneo facing the South China Sea, Kota Kinabalu also serves as the capital for the West Coast Division of Sabah. The city is the largest urban center in the state and the sixth largest city in Malaysia. Known as a major tourist destination for people who visit Sabah or Borneo, Kota Kinabalu is also a major industrial and commercial center for East Malaysia. Apart from the beaches, coral reefs, rain forests, the famous Mount Kinabalu is just around an hours drive from the city.

All over the state of Sabah there are several Masaajid; the most important being the Sabah State Mosque and the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque.

Halal food is easily available; however, it is good to check the authenticity before eating. You can find an excellent range of cuisine from the multitude of ethnic groups living in the state of Sabah.

There are a number of places to see around Sabah and especially in Kota Kinabalu. Tourists are attracted to the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park that situated on one side of the Mount Kinabalu. The Sabah Museum is also one of the main museums in the state and is located in Kota Kinabalu. Surrounding the museum are several attractions like the Science and Technology Centre, the Ethno Botanic Garden and the Sabah Art Gallery.  The Atkinson Clock Tower and the Padang Merdeka or Town Padang are a few historical sites in the city that are a must visit.

There are miles of coastline, where visitors can have a great time enjoying water sports and eating at some nice restaurants. Seafood is available in abundance, which makes it easy for the Muslim traveler to enjoy food. There are also a number of natural resorts like the Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary, Sabah Zoological and Botanical Park and the Rafflesia Forest Reserve (30 Km from Kota Kinabalu).

Children would love to visit the UMS Aquarium and Marine Museum in Sabah. It is about 3 kilometers from Kota Kinabalu. Other great attractions for the entire family are the Kota Kinabalu Wetland Center, the Kipandi Butterfly Park and Lok Kawi Wildlife Park. All these parks are located close to the city.

Some main shopping malls of the city include Centre Point, Kompleks Karamunsing, Warisan Square and Kompleks Asia City. Apart from these markets there are several weekly markets and smaller streets filled with shops selling traditional Malaysian goods.

There is a lot to see and do around Kota Kinabalu and is a great place for a family holiday.