Kota Kinabalu is the largest city in the Malaysian state of Sabah. Sitting on the west coast of the island of Borneo, the city boasts a location that is convenient to both the coast and the lush, tropical inland forests of the island. Kota Kinabalu is a great place to use as a base while exploring the state of Sabah and the surrounding areas. The city has become a sprawling urban area, but the wild and natural parts of Borneo are always nearby.

At over 4000 meters tall, Kinabalu is the tallest mountain in Malaysia. The mountain is located about 50 miles outside Kota Kinabalu, and can be reached via bus or car. Climbing to the peak requires a bit of planning, including hiring a guide and getting outfitted for the trek. Climbing is not a leisurely afternoon’s activity. It is strenuous and will take a couple of days to plan and complete. Still, the views on the way up are amazing, and successful climbers will have reached the highest peak in insular Southeast Asia.

Crocker Range National Park offers jungle treks in the famous thick tropical forests of Borneo. Again, hiring a guide is a good idea, especially if you plan to camp.

For a bit more leisure, Kota Kinabalu’s waterfront is the place to go. Pilipin market is the best place to find bargains, while some of the city’s numerous shopping centers (Centre point is the oldest and one of the best) offer a place to browse in air-conditioned comfort.

Tanjung Aru is a beach area about 4 miles outside of downtown Kota. This place functions like a kind of resort, only with more fun. Food stalls are easy to find, as are some of traditional restaurants. The beach is over a mile in length and even has several popular nightlife spots that are worth hitting after a day of sun and sand. Closer to the city, there are waterfront locations that serve up the nightlife, albeit without the sand and surf. Anjung Samudra, on downtown Kota Kinabalu’s waterfront, is the most popular spot in the city to enjoy a night on the town.

The one tourist site to visit is The Tuaran Crocodile Farm, about 45 minutes outside the city. This is the largest venue of its type in Malaysia and offers plenty of opportunities to snap pictures that will impress your friends back home.

Kota Kinabalu is a great place to use as a base for exploring the wilder areas of Borneo. After braving the jungles or mountains, you can head to the city’s waterfront to take advantage of the shopping and nightlife.