UMS Aquarium & Marine Museum in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

We are excited to take you along with us to the UMS Aquarium & Marine Museum, home to the biggest aquarium in Sabah. Surprisingly, not many locals are aware of this hidden gem as it is not heavily promoted by the city. This is partly due to the limited space within the building which can only accommodate a limited number of marine exhibits.

As you drive thru the entrance of UMS, you will be asked to stop by at the guard house to register. They will ask you leave behind your identity card and provide you the temporary pass to enter.

While it may not boast the same scale as other top aquariums in other countries, it still offers a unique and interesting experience for those who love sea animals. The best part? You can complete the entire visit in less than 30 minutes. That's how compact it is!

UMS compound is very large. You will need to use google map to find the Aquarium building. There are ample parking space at side of the buildings which requires a short walk. 

The fee to enter is listed on the front of the pay counter. To locals it may look a little pricey but think of this way. That extra money is going to help with the conservation of the sea animals so pay more is ok.

Right beside the pay window is some fish food which you can purchase and feed the fish.

The aquarium is divided into three main sections. The best section is undoubtedly the fish exhibit which houses some of the most magnificent sea creatures including the bull shark, the sea turtle and the big high breed groupers. You won't want to miss out on these amazing creatures!

Next up, the museum section offers a fascinating collection of sea animal bones. This is a must-visit for any marine enthusiasts who are fascinated by these creatures beyond their physical appearance.

Lastly, there is the outdoor section which is currently under repair and may not be worth your time to visit at the moment.

As we explored the aquarium, we couldn't help but notice the lack of small fish. This is because the larger fish in the exhibit are known to gobble up any smaller fish that might be present. However, we did come across some charming clownfish that added a whimsical touch to the exhibit as they floated around in the clear crystal waters.

As you exit the hall, you will pass by a kiosk that sells souvenirs for you to bring home as a memory of your visit. Finally, just outside the building, there is a cafe where you can grab a simple meal and relax after your visit.

We hope this gives you a better understanding of what to expect at the UMS Aquarium & Marine Museum. Don't forget to pay a visit to this lesser-known gem the next time you're in Sabah!