When the city was founded, it was called Jesselton (it is still called this in Chinese on the AirAsia website). During World War II, it was razed to the ground by the Japanese army more than once. Although today's KK is not noble, it is very charming. It is a charming seaside town for eating, drinking and having fun.

Originally known as "Kota Kinabalu", Europeans used to refer to the whole city as the port name "Jeselton". . A connection point for railways, roads and sea transport, an economic center. Industries include flour, wood processing, soap making, furniture, plastic and other factories. In 1974, oil extraction began on the northern South China Sea continental shelf. Export rubber and wood. The port faces Gaya Bay, is shielded by small islands, and can accommodate medium-sized ships. During World War II, the city was completely destroyed and rebuilt after the war. The city is backed by mountains and faces the sea. It is a long and narrow strip and was expanded by reclaiming land from the sea. The city appearance is clean and tidy. There are mosques and the Sabah Museum (which displays handicrafts of the Bajau people and various ethnic groups in Borneo). Tanjung Aru Beach, 4 kilometers southwest of it, is a tourist attraction. There is an international airport.

The city is located on a narrow coastal plain running from north to south, backed by hills; the port is shielded by a small island and can accommodate medium-sized ships. It was repeatedly destroyed throughout history and rebuilt after World War II. After the 1960s, it rapidly developed into the most modern city in the state due to timber harvesting and oil exploration on the South China Sea continental shelf. Likas Bay in the north of the city is where the planned modern urban center is located, called Sisurang District. Rubber is produced along the coast and rubber and wood are exported. Vegetables, fruits and poultry from the inland mountainous areas are collected and distributed here. There are factories for flour, wood processing, furniture, soap and plastic supplies. There is an international airport in Tanjung Aru, 6 kilometers southwest of the city. It is the center of Borneo road network. It houses the History Museum, Gaya College and Kent Teachers College. The satellite town of Kampong Tanjong Batu is a seaside tourist resort.

1. From the northern pier not far from the city, take a boat to the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park for swimming or diving.

2. Go to the Philippine Market or Central Market to buy specialties or eat food stalls in the evening, or go shopping at SUNDAYMARKET early on Sunday morning

3. Sit at an outdoor coffee near the waterfront Esplanade in the evening Drink coffee in the hotel to watch the sunset, and then go to BED bar to dance and drink in the evening

4. In order to go to KK Sacred Mountain, go to supermarkets in the city to buy various food reserves.