Situated on the coast of Borneo bordered by the South China Sea, Kota Kinabalu is your gateway to Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its exceptional array of functioning ecosystems. You will see over 1,200 species of orchids, and more than half of Borneo's plants, birds, mammals and amphibians live here. In Kota Kinabalu itself you will get an idea of the numerous indigenous ethnic groups of Borneo at the Mari Mari Cultural Village, including the local culture that lives in stilt villages along the coast.