Kota Kinabalu is the capital of the state of Sabah on Borneo. With an estimated population of 532,129 in the city and 700,000 in the urban area, it is the largest urban centre in Sabah and the sixth largest in Malaysia. It is located close to Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in South-East Asia.

Pulau Kapas is a small island located only about 6km off Marang in the east coast state of Terengganu (about 1h north of Kuala Terengganu). It has quite and relaxed atmosphere because it is bypassed by the majority of the backpacker circuit looking for a more remote place like the Perhentian Islands. Pulau Kapas only get fairly busy on the weekends when locals come to island. There are a few good snorkeling spots around the island. All accommodations and beach are on the west coast facing the mainland. The west coast is the weather side has no sand beach, only rocks - it can be reached after a short walk through the jungle. Pulau Kapas shuts down during the monsoon season between November and February.

Historical Quarters

part of the city center with lots of museums, the Grand Palace, the Muhammadi Mosque and the tourist office

the following places are are all within a few walking minutes:

The Grand Palace
Istana Balai Besar was built in 1844 from cengal timber.

Handicraft Museum

Muhammadi Mosque
The mosque was built in 1867 from premium wood and was transformed to the present concrete building in 1922 with extentions made in 1959, 1968, 1976 and 1987. It can accommodate 240 devotees.

Islamic Museum
The first floor of the building is used as an Islamic library while the ground floor is used as an exhibition hall and an Islamic museum.

War Museum
entry: RM2 (locals RM1), opened Sat-Thur 8.30am - 4.45pm
Tel: 609-7482266
about the events of the 2nd World War. It was near Kota Bahru when the japanese troops first landed on the soil of Malaya to start the occupation in 1941

Royal Customs & Ceremonies Museum
Tel: 609-7482266
entry: RM3 (locals RM1.50), Sat-Thur 8.30 - 4.45pm