Location: Penampang
Top Things to do in Penampang
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What to do and see in Penampang, Malaysia: The Best Places and Tips
Penampang (Malay: Pekan Penampang) is the capital of the Penampang District in the West Coast Division of Sabah, Malaysia. Its population was estimated to be around 93,616 in 2010, with ethnic Kadazan as the majority. The town has virtually become a suburb of Kota Kinabalu and considered as part of Greater Kota Kinabalu area.
Restaurants in Penampang
1. Lok Kawi Wildlife Park
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 676 reviews
Reviewed By Rani-in-the-Sky - Auckland Central, New Zealand
I chose to visit the Wildlife park because I didn't have enough time to go to a proper animal sanctuary in Borneo. I regretted it! Yes it had all the animals it claimed to have, yes, some seemed fine but most were alone in small cages, some had no food or water at all, some didn't even have trees or shelter from the sun apart from small wooden platform. I left the place feeling very sad for the animals. With all the rehabilitation centers in the country, I am surprised to find a place like this...
2. Absolute Borneo Tours - Day Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By VaidaKL - Kuala Lumpur
Me and my friend chose to climb Mount Kinabalu (2 days/1 night) with Absolute Borneo. And from the first call I made to Mr Chierong we new we were in safe hands. The communication, selection of package, transfer of money etc. went very smoothly. On the day of our arrival we were picked up at our hotel on the hour, by a very polite driver Mr Ben, and rode a private car to the Park Head Quarters. There our tour guide Mr Rowdy was awaiting us. Mr Ben did all the check in and further transfer, all we needed to do was to enjoy the sunny views of the mountain we were to climb. We could not ask for a better mountain guide! Mr Rowdy was a polite, quiet but witty guide, with extensive knowledge of the trails and the climb. My friend and I felt very secure and safe in the hands of Mr Rowdy. After the most challenging but awesome experience climbing Mount Kinabalu, Mr Ben met us at the Tempohon gate and before our pleasant return journey to Kota Kinabalu we were handed the certificates as proof of out effort. But being too exhausted we managed to leave it behind in the driver's car... Mr Cheirong personally tracked down the certificates and mailed it to us on his own expense!
I highly recommend Absolute Borneo for your Mount Kinabalu climb. Thank you Mr Chierong, Mr Ben and Mr Rowdy for giving us an unforgettable experience!
3. Lupa Masa Borneo - Day Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Mansau is the local Dusun word for getting out and about. Our aim is to provide alternative trips for travelers to (REALLY) get off the beaten track. Jungle Trekking,Cycling, Caving, Rafting, Kayaking, Tubing. Mansau means to get out and about, so lets get out there!! At Mansau we aim to provide trips in and around the Ranau area, trips that you cannot find elsewhere. Independent travel being difficult in Sabah we wanted to provide adventure trips where you can get a real sense of being away from the main tourist trail, working with local communities and guides to find true hidden gems you wont find in the guide books.
Reviewed By GregOnTheButterfly - Totnes, United Kingdom
I spent a couple of days at Lupa Masa in Feb '15, and thought the place was amazing. I loved being so immersed in the forest (I hung my hammock right by the river, so woke to the sound of the rapids), and the food was excellent (I'm veggie anyway) with a varied, interesting menu. We did the 2-day jungle training package, which taught me a lot about how to life comfortably in the forest, and Elce was great - really patient, and obviously lots of experience. We met some really interesting people there, and our first night was Rob's birthday, so had a memorable jungle party, and the drinks were reasonably priced (considering everything has to be carried in!) - since all meals are included, so this is the only additional expense. Great location, and saw a cool snake curled up on the ferns right by the main hut. Amazing! Can't wait to go back...
4. Kipandi Butterfly Farm
Overall Ratings
4 based on 22 reviews
Reviewed By paulsa60 - Adelaide, Australia
We went to Kipandi butteryfly farm on other Trip Advisor's recommendations and so glad we did. It is not on too many tour itineraries but perhaps with demand it might get there because it is worth it. We negotiated a fare with one of the local taxis for 3 hours which was not expensive and went there. The knowledge of the young guide was very good and the photos we took while there (approx. 90 minutes) were amazing. They also had an orchid garden and the wild orchids were beautiful. By going to the farm in a taxi we were able to enjoy the countryside and the driver was keen to stop and show us a few local attractions on the way including a return trip via signal point to get an overview of KK.
5. Tagal Tinopikon Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By GTti_72 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
A great way to spend the day in nature and also learn about the local culture. Upon arrival, you are immediately immersed into the environment with a short path to travail until a suspension bridge greets you. The bridge is sturdily built so no worries but the "bouncy" experience could be scary for some.
The "native" experience is not a 100% pure as there are some modern amenities and some areas are cemented but it is good enough. Local music on native instruments greet you upon arrival and you're immediately served with drinks. The "rangers" as they're called will then brief you on the itinerary and you then commence. Ask a lot of questions and you'll be rewarded with a wealth of information. The important thing to note is that the reward is in the journey and not the destination, so even along the short trek there is plenty to see and do. What looks like just another tree is instead a special fruit tree which blooms only once every 4 years!
I don't want to spoil the experience by revealing all the details here but suffice to say, this is a great experience especially if you wish to know more about the local culture and also like getting back to nature.
6. North Borneo Railway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 607 reviews
The North Borneo Railway runs two weekly return departures (Wednesday, Saturday) from Kota Kinabalu to Papar, year round. Lasting approximately 4 hours, passengers experience the lush landscape of the coastal and rural regions of Sabah. A typical 'tiffin' colonial lunch will be served on the return trip.
Reviewed By ThePaul068 - Scunthorpe, United Kingdom
A terrific journey on an old, but exotic, steam railway. The carriages are something from the past but they are kept immaculate with their historic charm. My wife I travelled in relative comfort, each having our own 'two-seater' comfortable bench seat either side of our dining table, while our friends had the same on the opposite side of the carriage. The late breakfast was different, but enjoyable, as was the hot meal on the return leg.
The train made a few short stops en route and a longer one at the end of the outward journey. Due to the hot weather all the carriage windows were open which allowed some of the engine smoke to enter the compartments on the odd occasion. However, this only added to the charm of this lovely experience. Oh! There was a short tunnel towards the end of the outbound journey (and return of course) which allowed a good deal of smoke to enter the carriage, but this soon dispersed as we emerged. The staff were extremely helpful, knowledgeable, friendly and, of course, professional.
This trip is a must, even for those who are not train enthusiasts, because there is so much to see that cannot be seen by road journeys.
7. My Office Cafe
Overall Ratings
3 based on 3 reviews
Reviewed By yusufyaran - Istanbul, Turkey
Spent few hours on a Friday night and was happy with the buzz. Staff is friendly and entertaining. Demographic is 95% locals and youngsters. 95% of the customers were drinking beer. Price is okay for KK, somehow too high for a place in that Caliber with that clientele.
8. Imago Shopping Mall
Overall Ratings
4 based on 283 reviews
Reviewed By Dorothy C - Hong Kong
I was told this mall was opened in late 2016 and I believe it is the best shopping mall in KK. It has some brand name shops such as Coach, H&M, Michael Kors, L’Occitane, Kiehl’s and so on. Other big names such as Gucci, LV, Hermes, Fendi, Polo, Hugo Boss etc are not available. Well, in all fairness, KK is a tourist place and does not need high street up-market brand name shops, right? It’s a nice shopping mall with all the things one needs from Parkson Department Store, eateries, personal care, apparels, electronic stuffs, supermarket etc. There’s also a cinema and an indoor archery place which is fun for kids. It’s easy to to this mall as all taxi drivers and Uber drivers in KK would know this top shopping mall.
9. Tanjung Aru Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 282 reviews
Reviewed By Ibrahim D
My first walk on this beach helped me totally appreciate not being in the big cities and concrete jungles that I grew up in... and the sunsets take your breath away like none I have ever seen... beyond awesome everyday and you owe it to yourself to visit and spend some time on the beach
10. Kota Kinabalu City Mosque
Overall Ratings
4 based on 909 reviews
Reviewed By Krishna1306 - Bengaluru, India
I love Mosques and their architecture. Simple and elegant. Irrespective of your faith, its a nice place to visit on any day. Avoid Fridays if possible, as the mosque tend to be crowded, and the lack of appropriate parking poses a serious traffic issue around it.
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