Learn How to Pronounce Kota Kinabalu | YouPronounce.it
How to Pronounce Kota Kinabalu
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)
Meaning and Context
Kota Kinabalu, often abbreviated as KK, is the bustling capital city of the Malaysian state of Sabah on the island of Borneo. Founded as a trading post in the late 19th century and officially granted city status in 2000, it serves as the primary gateway for travelers exploring the region's unparalleled natural wonders. The city is globally renowned for its dramatic backdrop of Mount Kinabalu, Southeast Asia's highest peak, and its easy access to the pristine coral reefs and white-sand beaches of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. A hub for cultural and economic activity, Kota Kinabalu seamlessly blends modern development with traditional charm, evident in its vibrant waterfront markets like the Gaya Street Sunday Market, its bustling seafood restaurants, and its rich Kadazan-Dusun heritage. Tourism in Kota Kinabalu is a major driver, with the city functioning as the perfect base for adventures in Sabah, whether for climbing Mount Kinabalu, scuba diving in Sipadan, or witnessing wildlife in the Kinabatangan River region.
Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings
The standard and correct spelling is Kota Kinabalu. A frequent and accepted alternative is the initialism KK, widely used in casual conversation, travel writing, and even on local signage. Common misspellings and typos often arise from phonetic misinterpretations or keyboard errors. These include "Kota Kinabalu" (incorrectly combining the words), "Kota Kinabalu" (substituting 'b' for 'b'), and "Kota Kinabalo" (replacing the final 'u' with an 'o'). Another error is omitting the space, resulting in "KotaKinabalu," or incorrectly capitalizing it as "Kota kinabalu." Travelers searching for information may also mistakenly use "Kinabalu Kota" or simply "Kinabalu," the latter of which more accurately refers to the mountain rather than the city itself.
Example Sentences
After a long day of hiking, we returned to Kota Kinabalu for a well-deserved feast of fresh seafood at the waterfront.
Many international flights arrive at Kota Kinabalu International Airport, making it the most convenient starting point for a Borneo adventure.
To experience the local culture, be sure to visit the Gaya Street Sunday Market in the heart of Kota Kinabalu.
From the city's Jesselton Point ferry terminal, you can reach the idyllic islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park in under twenty minutes.
The Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, built on a lagoon, is a stunning architectural landmark often called the "Floating Mosque.
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