Since 2004, Kota kinabalu has been going through a frantic pace of development in terms of infrastracture.Buildings are sprouting like mushrooms, roads being widen and flyovers marked the skyline of Kota kinabalu.All these projects being done because of the impending Visit Malaysia 2007.The projects are still ongoing but some were completed in record time notably the Kota Kinabalu Rm260 million Low cost airport terminal 2 in 6 months and the Warisan Square shopping mall which was completed in a year. I believe the Government of Malaysia and Sabah have a long term view of these various development projects besides the Visit Malaysia 2007.My guess they preparing for bigger influx of the new rich middle class from China and petro dollars from the Middle east in the near future. A first class international airport terminal 1 also being built right now in Kota Kinabalu to welcome the big spenders.To make them part with a small fraction of their fortune in one's country is another story. I believe the government of Sabah has decide to level their game with other shoppers paradises in Asia like Singapore, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur. The name of the game is brand named products and services which can be found in the newly built Warisan Square shopping mall and the yet to be completed 1Borneo megamall project.
Warisan Square
Kota Kinabalu has many shopping malls. My favourite is still Centre Point.The mall stands on a 4.0 acre ground and houses everything in one block. I sometimes go there to enjoy the air-conditioning or window shopping or just people watching. This place is guaranteed to be pack by visitors and locals alike because of the wide range of products; from the very cheap to the very sky high,from low-end to high end. I believe this place caters to every one; young or old, wealthy or just making ends meet.This place has been my hangout or others in KK since it was built in 1990 till late year when Warisan Square was built next to it.
Warisan Square is similar in size to Centre point but built on a different concept. This is place for people who have exquisite taste for brand names and ones who have extra money to burn. Unlike Centre Point the Warisan Square shops are divided by street-like open air corridors making it look like one is a small town rather than a shopping mall. Apart from the brand named products, Warisan Square has 2 five-star hotels adjoined to it namely Radius International and Mercure waterfront hotels.I believe this new trend of living in style will profit both locals and foreigners alike because of the returns arising from them.
1Borneo Megamall
I remember one Singaporean visitor coming to Kota Kinabalu commented in the 90s that Centre Point is not half as big as the megamalls in Singapore. I believe this KK mall is the biggest in Borneo but with the completion of 1Borneo Megamall at the end of the year, it will go shoulder to shoulder to the Singapore Megamalls and say 'eat your heart out Singapore'. Situated in Inanam on the outskirts of Kota Kinabalu is a 15 minute taxi ride away. Sitting on a 1.94 million sq feet of land,the 1Borneo megamall would boast of a wide array of 5 Star goods and services both local and imported.Jointly developed by the Warisan Square developers and others,the megamall would offer in multiplication what it's sister company Warisan square has.Apart from Hotel accomdations, the megamall will offer cozy condo living overlooking the South China sea and hovercraft rides that will not only connect to Warisan square but to the Kota kinabalu terminal 2 airport in future. A brief outlook of the near future of this place will be doing your shopping,enjoying fine cuisine,have a taste of scientific tecnology and enjoy the local fine arts. If you need to know more click on the header or visit the 1Borneo site.
24 February 2007
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