Are you looking for a place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some breathtaking views of nature? If yes, then you should definitely visit Kokol Hill, one of the best-kept secrets of Kota Kinabalu. Kokol Hill is a scenic hilltop that offers panoramic views of the city, the sea, and the mountains. It is also a popular spot for hiking, paragliding, and relaxing at cozy resorts and cafes. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Kokol Hill, including how to reach, best time to visit, what to do and see, and how it compares to other attractions in Kota Kinabalu. Read on to discover why Kokol Hill is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and adventure.
How to Reach Kokol Hill
Kokol Hill is located about 20 km from Kota Kinabalu city center, and there are several ways to get there. The easiest and fastest way is to take a car or a taxi, which will take you about 40 minutes and cost around RM 50. You can also take a bus from the city to Menggatal town, and then hire a motorcycle or a taxi to Kokol Hill, which will take you about an hour and cost around RM 20. If you are feeling adventurous, you can also rent a bike and cycle to Kokol Hill, which will take you about 2 hours and cost around RM 10. However, be prepared for some steep and winding roads along the way. No matter which mode of transportation you choose, you will be rewarded with some stunning views of the countryside and the city skyline as you ascend to Kokol Hill.
Best Time to Visit Kokol Hill
Kokol Hill is open all year round, but the best time to visit is between May and September, when the weather is dry and sunny, and the visibility is high. You can enjoy clear views of the city, the sea, and the mountains, and witness some spectacular sunsets. The temperature on Kokol Hill is also cooler than the city, ranging from 18°C to 25°C, making it a pleasant place to relax and unwind. However, avoid visiting during the rainy season, which is between October and April, as the roads can be slippery and the views can be foggy. Also, avoid visiting during weekends and public holidays, as Kokol Hill can get crowded with locals and tourists.
What to Do and See on Kokol Hill
There are plenty of things to do and see on Kokol Hill, whether you are looking for some adventure, some relaxation, or some culture. Here are some of the main attractions and activities on Kokol Hill:
Hiking Trail:
If you love hiking, you can explore the 5 km hiking trail that starts from the Kokol Hill entrance and ends at the Kokol Haven Resort. The trail is moderately challenging, but suitable for beginners and families. Along the way, you can enjoy the lush greenery, the fresh air, and the scenic views of the city and the sea. The trail takes about 2 hours to complete, and you can either return the same way or take a taxi back to the entrance.
Resorts:
If you want to spend a night or two on Kokol Hill, you can choose from several resorts that offer comfortable and affordable accommodation. Some of the popular resorts are Kasih Sayang Hill Resort, Kokol Haven Resort, and SPOT ON Sutera Inn. These resorts have cozy rooms, friendly staff, and amazing facilities, such as swimming pools, spas, restaurants, and gardens. You can also enjoy the stunning views of the city and the sea from your balcony or window, and watch the stars at night.
Cafes:
If you are looking for a place to grab a bite or a drink on Kokol Hill, you can visit one of the many cafes that dot the hilltop. Some of the popular cafes are Kokol Hill Coffee House, Kokol Hill Sunset Cafe, and Kokol Hill Paragliding Cafe. These cafes serve delicious local and international cuisine, as well as coffee, tea, and juices. You can also enjoy the panoramic views of the city and the sea from the cafes, and catch the sunset if you are lucky.
Homestays:
If you want to experience the local culture and hospitality on Kokol Hill, you can stay at one of the homestays that are run by the villagers. Some of the popular homestays are Kokol Hill Homestay, Kokol Hill Farmstay, and Kokol Hill View Homestay. These homestays offer simple and clean rooms, as well as home-cooked meals and activities, such as farming, fishing, and cooking. You can also interact with the friendly hosts and learn more about their lifestyle and traditions.
Sunset:
One of the main attractions of Kokol Hill is the sunset, which is considered to be one of the best in Kota Kinabalu. You can witness the sky changing colors from orange to purple, and the city and the sea sparkling with lights. The best time to catch the sunset is between 6 pm and 7 pm, and the best places to watch it are the resorts, the cafes, or the hilltop. You can also take some amazing photos and videos of the sunset, and share them with your friends and family.
Paragliding:
If you are feeling adventurous, you can try paragliding on Kokol Hill, which is one of the most thrilling and exhilarating activities you can do in Kota Kinabalu. You can soar in the sky like a bird, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the city, the sea, and the mountains. You can also feel the adrenaline rush and the wind in your hair, and have the time of your life. You can book a paragliding session with one of the certified operators on Kokol Hill, such as Kokol Hill Paragliding, Kokol Hill Adventure, or Kokol Hill Fly. The session costs around RM 250, and includes a safety briefing, a tandem flight with an instructor, and a landing at the Menggatal town. The session takes about 15 minutes, and is suitable for anyone above 18 years old.
Kokol Hill vs Other Attractions in Kota Kinabalu
Kokol Hill is not the only attraction in Kota Kinabalu, as the city has a lot to offer to its visitors. Some of the other popular attractions and destinations in Kota Kinabalu are:
Sabah State Museum:
A museum that showcases the history, culture, and art of Sabah and its people. You can learn about the heritage, wildlife, and ecology of Sabah, and see exhibits of pottery, textiles, weapons, and musical instruments. You can also visit the Heritage Village, which is a replica of a traditional village, and see the houses, crafts, and costumes of the different ethnic groups of Sabah.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Park:
A marine park that consists of five islands, namely Gaya, Manukan, Sapi, Mamutik, and Sulug. You can enjoy various activities on the islands, such as snorkeling, diving, kayaking, hiking, and picnicking. You can also see the diverse marine life and coral reefs of the park, and spot turtles, clownfish, and starfish. You can also visit the Marine Ecology Research Centre, which is a conservation and education facility that aims to protect the marine environment and its inhabitants.
Mari Mari Cultural Village:
A cultural village that showcases the lifestyle and traditions of the indigenous tribes of Sabah, such as the Bajau, the Dusun, the Rungus, the Lundayeh, and the Murut. You can see the authentic houses, costumes, and tools of the tribes, and watch their performances of dances, music, and games. You can also participate in their activities, such as blowpipe making, fire starting, tattooing, and honey harvesting. You can also taste their delicacies, such as hinava, bambangan, and lihing.
Atkinson Clock Tower:
A clock tower that is one of the oldest and most iconic landmarks of Kota Kinabalu. It was built in 1905 in memory of Francis George Atkinson, the first district officer of Jesselton, the former name of Kota Kinabalu. The clock tower is made of wood and stands at 15.7 meters tall. It is also one of the few structures that survived the World War II bombings. You can see the clock tower from various points of the city, and admire its colonial architecture and historical significance.
Mantanani Islands:
A group of three islands, namely Mantanani Besar, Mantanani Kecil, and Lungisan, that are located about 80 km from Kota Kinabalu. They are known for their pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, and rich marine life. You can enjoy various activities on the islands, such as snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and birdwatching. You can also see the rare dugongs, which are sea cows that are endangered and endemic to the islands. You can also visit the fishing village, which is home to the Bajau Laut, or the sea gypsies, who live on boats and stilt houses.
Kota Kinabalu Waterfront:
A waterfront that is the hub of entertainment, dining, and shopping in Kota Kinabalu. You can find a variety of restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops along the waterfront, and enjoy the views of the sea and the city. You can also watch the cultural performances, live music, and fireworks that take place on the waterfront. You can also visit the Oceanus Waterfront Mall, which is a modern shopping mall that offers a range of products and services, such as fashion, electronics, beauty, and wellness.
Kokol Hill is different from these other attractions in Kota Kinabalu, as it offers a more serene and secluded experience, away from the crowds and the noise. Kokol Hill is also more affordable and accessible, as it does not require a boat or a plane to reach. Kokol Hill is also more scenic and natural, as it has a higher elevation and a cooler climate. Kokol Hill is a perfect place for anyone who wants to enjoy some peace and quiet, and some stunning views of nature.
