Marine Aquarium and Museum
1 / 10

UMS Aquarium and Marine Museum

4.2
·1k reviews·Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful viewing

CrowdLow
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Marine Aquarium and Museum

UMS Aquarium and Marine Museum

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

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.

4.2
(1k reviews)

"A quick, clean stop to see marine life, best for a short educational visit rather than a main attraction."

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TIP

🎯 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.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Colorful Fish Tanks

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

Marine Life Education

Museum Section

Gain insights into marine ecosystems and local aquatic creatures through informative displays.

Mangrove Walk

Mangrove Walk

Outdoor Area

Experience a unique mangrove walk, offering a different perspective on coastal biodiversity.

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Planning Your Visit

Quick Visit, Manage Expectations

This is a compact attraction, best suited as a brief stop. While it offers a glimpse into marine life, it's not an all-day adventure. Consider it a short educational interlude rather than a primary destination, especially if traveling with children who might expect a larger experience. Reddit

Entry Fees & Campus Access

Be aware of the entrance fees, which differ for locals and foreigners. You'll also need to register at the UMS campus guard post before proceeding to the aquarium. Arriving early can help you avoid crowds, especially if school groups are visiting. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
School groups depart
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

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. Reddit

💰 Foreigner Fees Apply

Entrance fees are higher for non-locals. Check current pricing before you go. Reddit

🚗 Register at Guard Post

You need to register at the UMS campus guard post upon arrival. Reddit

🐠 Feed the Fish

Purchase fish pellets for a small fee to interact with the aquatic life. Reddit

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. Reddit

💰 Foreigner Fees Apply

Entrance fees are higher for non-locals. Check current pricing before you go. Reddit

🚗 Register at Guard Post

You need to register at the UMS campus guard post upon arrival. Reddit

🐠 Feed the Fish

Purchase fish pellets for a small fee to interact with the aquatic life. Reddit

💡 Educational Value

Great for kids to learn about marine life and local ecosystems. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(1k reviews)

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. Reddit+1

"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

Clean and tidy environment
Colorful fish displays
Affordable for locals

What People Dislike

Very small attraction
Short visit duration
Limited museum content

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

Advance booking is generally not required for the UMS Aquarium and Marine Museum. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance. Reddit

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. Reddit

Discounts may be available for local students and seniors. Inquire at the ticket counter for any applicable concession rates. Reddit

Yes, you can purchase fish food pellets for a small fee (around MYR 1 per packet) to feed the fish in designated areas. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. TikTok

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. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, avoid intrusive photography that might disturb the marine life or other visitors. Check for any posted signs regarding photography rules. Instagram

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. TikTok

Yes, you can typically take photos of the educational displays in the museum section to capture the information and visuals. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The UMS Aquarium and Marine Museum offers a brief but engaging experience for families. Children can enjoy observing the colorful fish and have the opportunity to feed them for a small fee, which is often a highlight. Reddit

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. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the UMS Aquarium and Marine Museum offers a very affordable experience, especially for locals. The entrance fees are quite low, making it an accessible option for a short outing. Reddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding the UMS Aquarium & Marine Museum Experience

The UMS Aquarium and Marine Museum is a compact attraction, best described as a small aquarium paired with a modest museum. Visitors often note its size, with many suggesting a visit lasts no more than 15-30 minutes. While the tanks showcase some beautiful and colorful fish, the overall collection might not be as extensive as larger aquariums. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Navigating Campus Access and Entry

Accessing the UMS Aquarium and Marine Museum requires a visit to the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) campus. Upon arrival at the campus, visitors must first register at the entrance guard post. This is a crucial step before proceeding to the aquarium. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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