
UMS Aquarium and Marine Museum
A compact aquarium and marine museum on the UMS campus, offering a brief educational encounter with colorful aquatic life and local ecosystems.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful viewing

UMS Aquarium and Marine Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful viewing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A compact aquarium and marine museum on the UMS campus, offering a brief educational encounter with colorful aquatic life and local ecosystems.
"A quick, clean stop to see marine life, best for a short educational visit rather than a main attraction."

🎯 Quick Stop, Not a Full Day
It's a small attraction, perfect for a short educational visit. Don't expect hours of entertainment.
💰 Foreigner Fees Apply
Entrance fees are higher for non-locals. Check current pricing before you go.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Colorful Fish Tanks
Aquarium Section
Admire a variety of vibrant and beautiful fish in well-maintained tanks, offering a visual treat for all ages.

Marine Life Education
Museum Section
Gain insights into marine ecosystems and local aquatic creatures through informative displays.

Mangrove Walk
Outdoor Area
Experience a unique mangrove walk, offering a different perspective on coastal biodiversity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Quick Visit, Manage Expectations
Entry Fees & Campus Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
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Kota Kinabalu Itinerary Suggestions
🎯 Quick Stop, Not a Full Day
It's a small attraction, perfect for a short educational visit. Don't expect hours of entertainment.
💰 Foreigner Fees Apply
Entrance fees are higher for non-locals. Check current pricing before you go.
🚗 Register at Guard Post
You need to register at the UMS campus guard post upon arrival.
🐠 Feed the Fish
Purchase fish pellets for a small fee to interact with the aquatic life.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Quick Stop, Not a Full Day
It's a small attraction, perfect for a short educational visit. Don't expect hours of entertainment.
💰 Foreigner Fees Apply
Entrance fees are higher for non-locals. Check current pricing before you go.
🚗 Register at Guard Post
You need to register at the UMS campus guard post upon arrival.
🐠 Feed the Fish
Purchase fish pellets for a small fee to interact with the aquatic life.
💡 Educational Value
Great for kids to learn about marine life and local ecosystems.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the UMS Aquarium and Marine Museum to be a clean and tidy, albeit small, attraction offering a quick educational glimpse into marine life. While the colorful fish are a draw, the brevity of the visit and the limited scope of the museum leave some wanting more, particularly families with children. It's considered a good value for locals and a brief stop for others.
"The Aquarium & Marine Museum in Kota Kinabalu is a very small attraction — more of a tiny aquarium paired with a micro museum. While the tanks do showcase some beautiful and colorful fish, the entire visit takes barely 15 minutes, which left our kids feeling quite frustrated and wanting more.
The museum section offers some interesting information about marine life and the local ecosystem, but overall, it’s not substantial enough to make the trip truly worthwhile.
It’s a quick stop if you happen to be in the area, but not something we would recommend as a main activity in Kota Kinabalu, especially if you’re visiting with children who expect a bigger and more engaging experience."
Purple Koala
"This aquarium and marine museum is a good place for you to take a look at the aquatic creatures. The place is clean and tidy. Even though it is not spacious, you still can enjoy seeing the living marine life here and gain some knowledge about them."
Ahmad Fairuz Othman Mohd Jais
"Entrance fee MYR 10 for local (adult) & myr 5 for children (local). Double for foreigners. Pellet fish feed at MYR 1/packet.
Quite small for the MYR 10 fee collected.
Need upgrading especially at Level 2.
Should also try to include a scheduled guided tour to the fish & prawn hatchery area."
Wong TF
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The UMS Aquarium and Marine Museum is located within the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) campus. You'll need to register at the campus guard post upon arrival. Taxis or ride-sharing services are common ways to reach the campus from Kota Kinabalu city center.
Parking is generally available within the UMS campus. However, it's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends or during school holidays, to secure a convenient spot.
While direct public bus routes to the UMS campus might be limited, you can take a bus towards the university area and then potentially a short taxi or Grab ride to the aquarium itself. It's best to check local bus schedules.
Once you've registered at the guard post, follow the signs for the Aquarium and Marine Museum. The campus is well-signed, but asking for directions at the guard post or information center is also an option.
The UMS campus itself has other points of interest, and it's relatively close to other Kota Kinabalu attractions. However, the aquarium is a short visit, so consider combining it with other activities in the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entrance fees vary for locals and foreigners. Locals typically pay around MYR 10 for adults and MYR 5 for children, while foreigners pay double. It's always a good idea to confirm the latest prices upon arrival.
Advance booking is generally not required for the UMS Aquarium and Marine Museum. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance.
Opening hours can vary, but it's typically open during daytime hours. It's recommended to check their official website or call ahead for the most up-to-date information on operating times.
Discounts may be available for local students and seniors. Inquire at the ticket counter for any applicable concession rates.
Yes, you can purchase fish food pellets for a small fee (around MYR 1 per packet) to feed the fish in designated areas.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors find that the entire visit takes about 15 to 30 minutes, as it's a relatively small attraction. It's a quick stop rather than a full-day activity.
You can see a variety of aquatic creatures, including colorful fish, crustaceans, and other marine life in different tanks. Some visitors have noted that the quantity and quality could be improved, but it's still an eye-opening experience.
Yes, it's a good place for children to learn about marine life. However, some reviewers mention that younger children might find it too brief and desire a more extensive experience.
While not explicitly mentioned as a regular offering, some visitors suggest that scheduled guided tours, especially to the fish and prawn hatchery, would enhance the experience. It's worth inquiring about any available tours.
The mangrove walk is an outdoor feature that allows visitors to experience a different aspect of the local coastal ecosystem. It provides a unique perspective on the environment.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the aquarium and museum. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography directly at the animals.
The main reef exhibition tank and tanks with particularly colorful fish are great for photos. If a diver is present during your visit, that can also make for an interesting shot.
While not explicitly stated, avoid intrusive photography that might disturb the marine life or other visitors. Check for any posted signs regarding photography rules.
Low light conditions are common, so a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod can be helpful. Experiment with aperture settings to get clear shots of the fish.
Yes, you can typically take photos of the educational displays in the museum section to capture the information and visuals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, it's important to manage expectations regarding the size of the attraction. While educational, the visit is short, so it might be best suited for younger children or as a supplementary activity rather than a main event. Consider it a quick learning opportunity to spark curiosity about marine life.
💰 Budget Travelers
While it's a small attraction, the low cost means you get a decent educational experience for your money. It's a good way to spend an hour without a significant dent in your travel budget, perfect for filling a small gap in your itinerary.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the UMS Aquarium & Marine Museum Experience
The museum section provides educational insights into marine life and the local ecosystem. However, reviewers suggest it could benefit from further development and more substantial content. Despite its size, the clean and tidy environment, coupled with friendly staff, makes it a pleasant, albeit brief, stop.
For those visiting, managing expectations is key. It's an ideal spot for a quick educational interlude, especially for families with young children who can enjoy feeding the fish. However, it's not typically recommended as a primary tourist activity in Kota Kinabalu.
Navigating Campus Access and Entry
Entrance fees are structured differently for locals and foreigners, with non-locals generally paying double the rate. For instance, locals might pay around MYR 10 for adults and MYR 5 for children, while foreigners' fees are higher. It's advisable to confirm the current pricing upon arrival.
While advance booking isn't usually necessary, arriving early, particularly on weekdays, can help avoid potential crowds, such as school groups that often visit for educational outings. This ensures a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.
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