Kota Kinabalu is not a conventional senior travel destination. However, it does have a few attractions, activities and travel ideas for elderly visitors who wish to enjoy the natural beauty and bargain shopping haunts of the destination. Here are some ideas for senior travelers to make the most of this Malaysian town.

City Monuments

One of the best ways to savor the historical and cultural essence of Kota Kinabalu is to hire a cab and go on a city sightseeing spree. Start with the Atkinson Clock Tower (located on a tiny hill adjacent to the Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman) that was built in 1902 as a tribute to Francis George Atkinson, the foremost district officer of the region. The other monument worth visiting in the vicinity is the Sabah State Mosque-a nice place to catch glimpses of Islamic architecture and spiritualism. The State Museum located in the heart of the town is a storehouse of some interesting objects, chronicles and snippets related to the land’s culture, history and civilization. The Islamic scriptures written in decorative calligraphy Urdu script are a must see.

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park

Hail a cab back and forth by paying approximately RM80-100 for a two-way return fare and visit the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park that is a sprawling natural reserve housing several wild animals and birds of prey. There are tigers, elephants, rhinoceros, Proboscis Monkeys along with a few deadly reptiles at the newly opened reptile center. Visitors have a better opportunity to view the wildlife from closer quarters as opposed to a tiring visit through several natural reserves spread all over the region. The climate inside the park is cool and pleasant and there are several shady spots to relax. Make sure to carry plenty of water and food items. The park is open daily from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. Entrance fee is RM 20 for adults.

Retail Therapy

If nothing else works, try some retail therapy in Kota Kinabalu. The city is filled with high-end malls and local flea markets that offer discounts and bargains on almost any item that you lay your hands on. There are popular malls like Karamsing Complex, Wasawan Plaza, Likas Square, KK Plaza and Wisma Merdeka that sell internationally acclaimed brands at discounted prices.

A Cultural Discovery

Senior travelers will enjoy a visit to the Monsopiad Cultural Village, which is a tiny park showcasing the traditional lifestyle of the Kadazan tribe. The local exhibits and skulls displayed in the ‘Hall of Skulls’ is worth seeing for its unusual and idiosyncratic appeal. The best way to reach here is by hiring a cab from Kota Kinabalu.

Kota Kinabalu is a slightly off-beat tourist destination for senior travel, though it does have some nice national parks, cultural centers, monuments and shopping hotspots.