Sabah Museum (Sabah State Museum)

The basics

Highlights of the museum include the tribal dwellings of the Heritage Village—featuring Kadazan bamboo houses and Chinese farmhouses set on a lily pad–covered lake—and a whale skeleton.

Explore the museum as part of a Kota Kinabalu sightseeing tour, which typically lasts half a day and covers top city sights such as the Signal Hill Observatory Platform, Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, and Sabah State Mosque. For a more personalized experience, opt for a small-group or private excursion.

Things to know before you go

• The museum is a must-visit for history buffs and travelers interested in the culture of Sabah.

• Photography is only permitted outside of the buildings.

• The museum is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

How to get there

The Sabah Museum is located off Jalan Penampang, opposite the Secretariat Building and about 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) from Kota Kinabalu’s city center. It can easily be reached by taxi or by taking the number 13 bus from the city center.

When to get there

The museum is open daily. Most visitors find that around 1 hour is plenty of time to enjoy all of the museum's exhibits.

Museums in Kota Kinabalu

Though best-known for its natural attractions, Kota Kinabalu still boasts a great selection of cultural sights. Top picks include the Museum of Islamic Civilization, which is dedicated to Muslim culture throughout the ages and features several ancient Korans and maps, and the Aquarium and Marine Museum, which exhibits the diverse marine life of Borneo.