About 2km south of the city centre, this refurbished museum is the best place to go in KK for an introduction to Sabah's ethnicities and environments, with new signage and clear explanations. Expect tribal and historical artefacts including ceramics and a centrepiece whale skeleton, and replica limestone cave. The Heritage Village has traditional tribal dwellings, including Kadazan bamboo houses and a Chinese farmhouse, all nicely set on a lily-pad lake.
The adjoining Science & Education Centre has an informative exhibition on the petroleum industry, from drilling to refining and processing. The Sabah Art Gallery features regular shows and exhibitions by local artists. Hold on to your ticket: it also includes entry to the Museum of Islamic Civilisation, and Agnes Keith House in Sandakan.
