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The PERFECT 3-Day Itinerary For Kota Kinabalu (If You’re Not Into Mountain Climbing) – 2023 Update

September 12, 2023 by Bino 5 Comments

Kota Kinabalu has become synonymous to its namesake mountain, one of the tallest in Southeast Asia. While Mt. Kinabalu often overshadows the city, this cosmopolitan hub stands as an increasingly popular gateway to the exotic island of Borneo, the world’s 4th largest. It’s quite apparent that this destination offers plenty for those with a knack for outdoor pursuits but few realize that KK works just as well even for those not planning to climb a single step up the well-trodden peak. Every time I tell my friends that I’m going to the state capital of Sabah, they ask me if I’m climbing – leaving them with a perplexed expression when I tell them I’m not. Believe me, there are a lot of things to see and do in Kota Kinabalu whether or not you choose to spend a few days to scale Mt. Kinabalu. I have been to the city twice and still feel that there’s much more to do. Here is my suggested itinerary for a short trip to Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, East Malaysia.

Day 1 – Explore the City

Kota Kinabalu, previously known as Jesselton, is one of Malaysia’s most pleasant cities. Sitting on a narrow strip of land between the sea and the mountains, the city has in recent years expanded around the coast leaving plenty of majestic sea views to go around. This relatively small-sized city is walkable although the sweltering heat may deter some. In any case, most rides within the city won’t cost more than MYR 5 or less than US$2 so there’s really no excuse to stay in one place. Obtain your bearings at the city center and visit the local handicraft market which is known as the Filipino Market (daily 9AM to 10PM) due to the foreign origin of most sellers there. In this covered bazaar, you’ll find sarongs, woodwork, jewelry as well as plenty of souvenirs to bring back. The most interesting items in my opinion are the tools and instruments being used by the local headhunting tribes such as the Murut or blowpipe. If you are feeling adventurous, take your pick among the seafood stalls next door and have your fresh crabs, prawns and fish cooked just as you like.

signal hill observation deck

signal hill observation deck

Late morning is just the right time to climb up to Signal Hill for a bird’s eye view of the city. Admission here is free and you can spend some time with a cup of coffee – there is a cafe up there – while admiring the view. Make your way back to the city via the stairs adjacent to the observatory tower and you’ll find yourself at Lorong Dewan – Kota Kinabalu’s burgeoning hipster area. Here, you’ll find plenty of cafes, interesting eats and backpackers’ hostels housed in heritage buildings. Visit Nook Cafe (daily 8AM to 7PM; til 9PM on weekends) for their specialty coffee or Biru Biru (daily 12pm to midnight) for their poke bowls. At the end of the street, you’ll see the Atkinson Clock Tower . Built in 1905, it’s the oldest standing structure in the city. It will be around noon by this time so stop by one of the eateries here for lunch.

Tip: If you are in Kota Kinabalu on a Sunday, don’t miss out visiting the Gaya Street Sunday Market. This market is a bit more interesting than the typical Malaysian bazaars. This particular market starts early at 5AM and lasts until around 2pm. Here, you’ll find plenty of antiques, local handicrafts, coffee beans and even pets. Remember to bargain.

Stop by the Sabah State Museum (daily 9AM to 5PM) to understand the city and the region better. The 3-storey museum contains exhibits related to science, art and even has a heritage village within. From here, the Sabah State Mosque is just next door. Its bulbous dome which is decked in real gold may immediately catch one’s fancy. Do note that the mosque is generally open from 8AM to 12nn and then from 2PM to 5pm daily except for Fridays when it is only open during the afternoon from 2PM to 5PM.

kk trip

sunset view from the yacht

After a tiring first day exploring the city, you can spend the late afternoon catching the sunset either at the Tanjung Aru Beach or if you’re feeling luxurious you can also charter a yacht which is a popular activity in Kota Kinabalu. North Borneo Yacht Charter offers different types of itineraries including a sunset cruise in the late afternoon with visits to Manukan and Gaya islands. Alternatively, you can also visit the relatively secluded Dinawan Island which offers clear waters for snorkeling, kayaking and even diving.

d'place kinabalu

d’place kinabalu

Try some local Sabah food for dinner at My Native Sabah (Plaza 333 in Lorong 333, daily except Sunday, 11:30AM to 8:30PM). When I say local, I don’t just mean the usual Malaysian food. They serve some pretty exotic meals that come from the indigenous  Kadazan Dusun tribe. These are served in a set so you can try different dishes without necessarily having to overload yourself. Alternatively, you can join a tour that takes you to an actual Dusun tribal village and you can participate in a cooking class there.

Day 2 – Cultural Village & Island Hopping

kota kinabalu city mosque

kota kinabalu city mosque

Start the day early with a visit to the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque . The place of worship which sits next to a pond is best visited in the early morning or late afternoon when the purplish sky is reflected through the still waters. Highly recommended for architecture buffs.

mari mari cultural village

mari mari cultural village

From here, proceed to Mari Mari Cultural Village (MYR 175 per adult) for a quick run through of Sabah’s indigenous people. The place can feel a bit touristy but it’s undeniably fun. There are also few other places in Malaysia that give visitors the same ease to witness local life. Choose one of the two available daily sessions for your visit – 10AM or 2PM. The tours are highly interactive and allow visitors the opportunity to taste local snacks and sample certain elements of local culture.

Mari Mari Cultural Village can be done as a half-day trip which leaves your afternoon free assuming you do it in the morning. The afternoon can be spent on an excursion to Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park . Comprising 5 islands, the park is popular for snorkeling, diving, para-sailing or simply lounging by the beach. 

As mentioned previously, the park comprises of 5 islands. Namely, these are Gaya, Manukan, Sapi, Mamutik and Sulug. Gaya is the largest one and is situated closest to Kota Kinabalu. Depending on where you dock, you can reach Gaya Island in as little as 10 minutes from Kota Kinabalu. 

manukan island

manukan island by amrufm

The most popular among the 5 islands is arguably Manukan Island . The eastern part of the island offers some pristine beaches while the coral reefs offshore are ideal for snorkeling. 

Another well-visited island within the marine park is Sapi . It is considered to have some of the nicest beaches among the 5 islands and it also possesses better facilities for daytrippers. 

You can visit Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park by hiring your boat and crew for the day or if you are traveling as a small group/solo, you can sign-up for a join-in tour here .

If you are not climbing Mt. Kinabalu but have a desire to at least see it or breathe the fresh mountain air, head over to the mountain town of  Kundasang and spend the night there in one of the chalets. Alternatively, you can choose to rest in your Kota Kinabalu hotel and do Kundasang as a day trip in Day 3.

Day 3 – Kundasang

kk trip

Wake up early when the chances of clear weather are at its highest. You’ll see Mt. Kinabalu directly in front of you as you enjoy the cool weather at 2,000 meters above sea level.

There are many ways to get to Kundasang but a car hire is definitely the most convenient. A popular day tour involves a morning departure from Kota Kinabalu where you will be taken to Desa Cattle Farm for a glimpse of the alpine life. After lunch and some other activities such as a canopy walk and a soak in the hot springs, you return to Kota Kinabalu just before dinner time. You can book such tours here .

Afterwards, head back to Kota Kinabalu and spend your last few hours wandering around town before catching your flight back.

Other Tips for Kota Kinabalu

  • Travel insurance: It may be advisable to get travel insurance, especially in this age of uncertainty. If you come from Singapore, I can recommend checking out Starr TraveLead for its cheap single- trip travel insurance with S$10 cash rebate to help offset the insurance cost here . The coverage amounts for these plans meet the minimum required by the Malaysian authorities. If you are based elsewhere, check out Worldnomads as they have quite an extensive coverage, even including personal accidents into their list of benefits. 
  • Weather: The wettest time of the year is usually in the later months like November and December. That being said, you won’t find it raining all day but plans for outdoor activities may be dampened by strong winds, flash floods and other inconveniences.
  • Practicalities: Kota Kinabalu is not a particularly dense city with few tall buildings. As such, if you walk outdoors during the day; you’ll most likely be baked under the sun. It’s wise to put sunblock even if you’re just staying within the city.
  • Farther afield: Kota Kinabalu serves as a hub for Northern Borneo so if there’s an interest in exploring more, you can fly or take the ferry to Brunei and Labuan . Sandakan and Tawau  are also reachable by air.

Where to Stay in Kota Kinabalu

hyatt centric kota kinabalu

hyatt centric kota kinabalu (source: the hotel)

Tourism has boomed in recent years in Kota Kinabalu with a plethora of new hotels to cater to every budget. One of the most established hotels in the city is the Hilton Kota Kinabalu which is just next to the Star City Mall. Rooms come well-appointed and are among the most tech-forward in the city. If you prefer a hotel with panoramic sea views, you can’t go wrong with the Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu . Among cheaper options, the Hotel Sixty3 in Gaya Street is situated close to the Sunday market and comes with a family room category.

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Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below. Alternatively, you can also email me at b i n o (at) iwandered.net. You can follow I Wander on Facebook , Telegram , or Instagram . Also, if you liked this article, please feel free to SHARE or RETWEET

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June 11, 2018 at 10:29 am

Sounds like the perfect itinerary!

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August 26, 2018 at 1:39 pm

Great posts and beautiful photos you got there! Kota Kinabalu is a great place to visit. We got everything in here. You can go scuba diving after 15 minutes after arrive at the international airport. Then, you can go climb the highest mountain peak in south east asia at Mount Kinabalu.

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September 30, 2018 at 8:30 am

Sounds like you had a great time! I really wish I had more time in KK! It feels like I missed out on a lot of stuff to do!

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June 11, 2019 at 9:59 pm

I’m going to KK on next month for 3 days. I think I will skip Kundasang and do water activities. Still looking for ideas..

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January 18, 2020 at 3:27 pm

There are more explore in Kota Kinabalu beside climbing Mt. Kinabalu, such as going for a rivercruise, water rafting (class 1, 2,3,4,) Island hoping are highly recomended here..

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Dive Into Malaysia

Dive Into Malaysia

Perfect Kota Kinabalu Itinerary For 2 – 5 Days [2024]

Heading to Sabah and looking for the best Kota Kinabalu travel itinerary? Perfect! We can help in this Kota Kinabalu itinerary blog.

The gateway to Sabah (the ultimate destination for nature lovers), Kota Kinabalu, or KK as it’s affectionately known, is well worth hanging around for more than a few nights.  It’s a surprisingly charming city with seaside views, friendly locals and colourful markets.

Brimming with culture and history, the city is overlooked by Mount Kinabalu on one side and surrounded by the azure South China Sea coastline on the other. 

Relax at modern shopping malls, hotels, resorts and restaurants then enjoy epic excursions with island hopping adventures, scenic train journeys, bubbling hot springs, rainforest jungle treks, mangrove and swamp cruises and unique wildlife encounters… All of this is possible on day trips from the city!

Sunset in Kota Kinabalu

Whether you wish to explore the city centre or further afield, there is plenty to keep you and your family occupied, whatever your budget

Below, you will find the ultimate itinerary: Kota Kinabalu! We walk you through options whether you have just 2 days in Kota Kinabalu or are looking for Kota Kinabalu 5d4n itinerary blog information.

You can simply stop following our Kota Kinabalu trip itinerary if your trip finishes in less than 5 days when you hit the number of days you have. You can also pick the days that sound best from the Kota Kinabalu itinerary 5d4n below.

We also have a complete list of the top things to do in Kota Kinabalu so you can decide if the stops in our Kota Kinabalu itinerary 5 days are perfect for you. You will find all the options for what to do in Kota Kinabalu.

Finally, we also recommend some top places to stay in Kota Kinabalu depending on your budget and some tips for visiting Kota Kinabalu with kids.

Travelling to Borneo?  Click here to download your FREE Detailed Borneo Itinerary .  We’ll help you plan your trip quickly and easily.

Have any questions?  Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now!  It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired.

Kota Kinabalu Itinerary 2024

Remember, this is a full 5 day itinerary for Kota Kinabalu. If you have less days, simply pick the days that most appeal.

You can find more details for any of the activities mentioned in this itinerary in the section below.

If you’d like to do a Kota Kinabalu tour, find our best options here.

Day 1: Explore The Things To Do In Kota Kinabalu City Centre

Comfortable walking shoes, hat and sunglasses at the ready, let’s explore all the best things to do in the coastal town of Kota Kinabalu.  Enjoy the sights and sounds of the leafy streets, appreciate the architectural heritage, and be ready for a great view point across the city and outlying islands.

  • Discover the region with a couple of hours at the Sabah State Museum
  • Taxi to the Central Market (Pasar Besar), explore and snack on cheap local street-food
  • Check-out the Handicraft (Filipino) Market in search of souvenirs
  • Taxi to the Po Toh Si Temple to marvel at the reclining Buddha
  • Walk 20 minutes to the stunning Floating Mosque, taking a pedal boat around the lake
  • Drop by the 1902 Atkinson Clock Tower before heading up the hill behind it to the Signal Observatory Hill for panoramic sunset views
  • Return to the seafront for a freshly cooked seafood dinner at the eclectic Night Market

Day 2: Experience The Best Kota Kinabalu Attractions By Sea

kk trip

If you’re looking for sun, sand, snorkelling and fun in Kota Kinabalu, this will be your favourite day!  Ensure to pack swimwear, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and towels. It’s advisable to carry some snacks and water.

  • Arrive early morning at the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal
  • Buy your tickets and pay the Sabah Parks Conservation Fee. You can find boat schedules and prices here
  • Catch a boat to Gaya. Check out the hiking trails and local wildlife then take a swim at Police Beach. You can cross at low tide at the sandbar to Sapi or get a boat to take you across
  • From Sapi, take a boat to Manukan for a BBQ lunch. Relaxing at any one of the splendid beaches or try some water sports
  • Take the last boat back to Jesselton, around 4pm
  • Enjoy sunset cocktails at Rooftop @ Le Méridien

Day 3: Explore Mt Kinabalu Attractions

kk trip

A possible highlight of your Kota Kinabalu 3 day itinerary is this day exploring the splendid UNESCO World Heritage Mt. Kinabalu National Park. Wear your walking shoes and have your warmer clothes at the ready. You’ll see astounding flora and fauna, natural hot springs, cows, memorials and more…

  • After an early start, travel 1.5 hours to Nabalu Market and stock up with snacks, fruits and drinks
  • Enter the UNESCO World Heritage National Park, paying a fee that includes Poring Hot Springs
  • Experience some amazing scenery in the foothills of Mt. Kinabalu
  • Take a jungle trek – selecting from any of the well marked trails
  • Admire the exotic flora and fauna along the Botanical Garden Walk
  • Look out for Rafflesia flowers in bloom – you’ll smell them first!
  • Pay respects at the Kundasang War Memorial
  • Catch the afternoon cattle feed at Desa Dairy Farm
  • Feed the fish and enjoy a foot-fish-spa in Ranau
  • End your day at Poring Hot Springs for soothing sulphur-pools and an epic canopy-walk

A tour is by far the easiest way to do today’s itinerary. Find one here or click here for our best Mt Kota Kinabalu tours.

Day 4: View Borneo’s Famous Flora And Fauna

kk trip

Borneo, the world’s third largest island, holds 6% of the world’s species of plants and animals.  Our Kota Kinabalu 4 days itinerary takes you on a wonderful day discovering the local flora and fauna including some endangered and endemic species.

  • Travel 25 kilometres to Lok Kawi Wildlife Park which is open from 9.30 am
  • Explore the zoological side of the park with Borneo pygmy elephants and Sumatran rhinoceros, proboscis monkeys and the famous orangutans
  • Walk the 1.4 kilometre botanical jungle trail admiring the exotic plants
  • Check-out the aviary with hornbills, pigeons and eagles
  • Head back towards the city, stopping for a late lunch at the Monkey Cafe & Bar
  • Travel to the Kota Kinabalu Wetland Park for an afternoon mangrove discovery and excellent birding opportunities, with beautiful sunset views

Day 5: Relax And Enjoy Kota Kinabalu

Today, watch the local people at play in the State Park, admire local and international art, drop by another stunning mosque and end your day at the beach ready to catch a glimpse of a world-class sunset!

  • Drop by the Sabah Art Gallery
  • Head over to Padang Merdeka, the State Park, for a lazy picnic lunch
  • admire the Sabah State Mosque
  • Head to Tanjung Aru. Enjoy the beaches, the park and wait for the epic sunset
  • Dine on freshly grilled seafood at First Beach, enjoying the buzzy evening atmosphere

Complete List Of Best Things To Do In Kota Kinabalu

If the above 5 day itinerary doesn’t sound like you, below we have listed everything there is to do in Kota Kinabalu so you can plan out your own itinerary.

Signal Hill Observatory Platform

kk trip

Looking for an awesome view of Kota Kinabalu?  Head to Signal Hill, the highest point in the city. Here, you’ll find an impressive observation platform. 

Open daily from 8am to midnight, admire the sweeping unobstructed city views which, on clear days, extend out to the beaches of Tanjung Aru and Likas Bay, and even to the outlying islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.

Widely considered a “must do” on any tourist list of Kota Kinabalu things to do, travel by taxi just 2 minutes from Padang Merdeka. Or walk from the Atkinson Clock Tower 30 minutes uphill via a winding road and 250 steep steps.

The best time to visit is late afternoon. Grab a coffee at the on-site cafe and sit back to watch an epic sunset across the city and distant islands.

Address: 78, Jalan Asrama, Signal Hills, Kota Kinabalu

Central Market

Central Market Kota Kinabalu

Exploring markets is a delightful way to discover native handicrafts, food culture and interact with local people.  Kota Kinabalu’s Central Market, found on the busy waterfront a few steps from the Handicraft Market, is a riot of colour and smells.

Here you’ll find the juicy but prickly rambutan, the awfully smelly “King of the Fruits” durian and many varieties of bananas, alongside rice, grains and locally made hot sauces. Follow your nose to the adjacent Wet Market which sells all manner of ocean creatures – mostly still swimming!

Handicraft Market, Kota Kinabalu

Add on a visit to the Handicraft Market (formerly known as the Filipino Market). Here, you’ll find tailors working on old pedal-powered sewing machines. There’s a treasure trove of clothing, local crafts and jewellery.

The Central Market is open 6am – 6pm daily.

Address: Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, Pusat Bandar, Kota Kinabalu 

Night Market

Night Market, Kota Kinabalu

If you visit in the evening, be sure to go hungry!  The Waterfront Seafood Night Market (Pasar Malam Makanan Laut), a paradise for seafood enthusiasts, operates at the parking lot in front of the Central Market daily from around 4.30 pm.

Our top pick of things to do in Kota Kinabalu at night, immerse yourself in the local community as you select seafood from the Wet Market, haggle over the price, and decide on the cooking method… Freshly grilled, steamed or boiled!  Enjoy fresh, delicious seafood such as squid skewers, grilled snapper or latok (sea grapes).

There’s also a wide range of Southeast Asian foods available – Malaysian, Filipino and Indonesian dishes – along with local Bornean cuisine.  Order Ikan Bakar, a popular dish of fish or stingray, seasoned with a mixture of turmeric, lemongrass and chilli, wrapped in a banana leaf and grilled over the charcoal.  Or try Udgan Butter, battered fried prawns with a crunchy fried egg!

Wash it all down with bright pink bandung – an iced beverage of condensed milk sweetened with rose cordial – and soak up the buzzing market’s atmosphere.  This is really a must-do in Kota Kinabalu!

Address: 4 01, Jalan Tun Fuad Stephen, Pusat Bandar, Kota Kinabalu

Sabah State Museum

Sabah State Museum Kota Kinabalu

A time machine to Borneo history, the Sabah State Museum is one of the most interesting places in Kota Kinabalu.  Learn about Sabah’s people, their rich diverse culture and traditions, alongside the history from colonial times through to modern Malaysia.  And, of course, discover some of the unique wildlife that Borneo is renowned for.

You’ll find the largest whale skeleton exhibit in Malaysia with a huge 18.6 metre specimen.

Galleries include ceramics – with colourful tall jars passed down through generations – and Headhunting. Here, you’ll learn tales of the fearsome headhunters that roamed the land of Borneo armed with swords and blowpipes!

The Natural History gallery is a favourite with its overview of Borneo’s unique ecology.  Specimens of flora and fauna from marine, rainforest, cave and swamp ecosystems make for interesting viewing.

Discover the 32 indigenous groups of Sabah, which have around 100 spoken languages, at the Ethnology Gallery.  Admire examples of handicrafts, musical instruments and costumes.

Next to the main building is the Locomotive Gallery. Here, you’ll find several displays of old trains and memorabilia of the railway system of Kota Kinabalu and Northern Borneo.  The adjoining Heritage Village has traditional tribal dwellings. This includes Kadazan bamboo houses and a Chinese farmhouse, beautifully set on a lily-pad lake.

Located 2 kilometres from Kota Kinabalu city centre at the Bukit Istana Lama (Old Palace Hill), the Museum opens daily 9am-5pm.  Plan about two hours for your visit. If you really love stories of Borneo, you could easily spend half a day here, making this one of the standout cheap things to do in Kota Kinabalu. 

Find more information here .

Address: Sabah Museum Complex, Jalan Muzium

Sabah Art Gallery

Sabah Art Gallery Kota Kinabalu

A feast for art lovers, the Sabah Art Gallery is located at the 1.7 hectare Sabah Art Gallery Conservation Centre.  A great place to visit in Kota Kinabalu on a rainy day, the museum collects local as well as international works of art.

The building itself is an objet-d’art!  Designed as an octagonal “basket-shaped” building, the museum exhibits the decorative cultural motif panels of the indigenous people of Sabah.  Using renewable energy and rainwater for automatic lighting and air conditioning, it was the first green building in Borneo.

Two gallery spaces showcase over 3000 paintings, carvings, sculptures, installations and so on. They host special monthly and yearly exhibitions.  Check here for the latest programmes .

Located in the Layang district, it’s a short 15 minute taxi/Grab ride from Kota Kinabalu city centre.  Open daily 9am-5pm, except for public holidays.

Address: 14, Jalan Shantung, Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu City Mosque

kk trip

By far the largest mosque in Kota Kinabalu, the white and blue City Mosque is possibly Malaysia’s most beautiful.  Located at Likas Bay, the Mosque is partially surrounded by a man-made lagoon giving it a dramatic, serene look, especially under moonlight.

Nicknamed “The Floating Mosque”, it presents a classic example of contemporary Islamic architecture wonderfully reflected in the surrounding lake and complemented by the sky-blue backdrop.

Accommodating up to 12,000 worshippers at a time, the majestic mosque has a prayer hall housing three madrasahs.  Take a paddleboat ride in the lagoon for some fabulous photos of the Mosque or visit late afternoon for iconic sunset photos.

This is a popular attraction and one of the unique places to visit in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.  It’s open to the public at various times throughout the day outside of prayer time except for Fridays. Visitors must dress appropriately (special clothing is provided).

Address: Jalan Pasir, Jalan Teluk Likas, Kampung Likas, Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre

Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre

Formerly known as the Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary, this 24 hectares of mangrove forest makes for a pleasant hour’s stroll and is one of my favourite attractions in Kota Kinabalu centre.

Upon arrival, register at the main building and pick up a mangrove forest map, fact sheet, flora and fauna checklist, rent binoculars and grab a drink before setting out!

Walk along the 1.5 kilometre boardwalk that guides you around a one hour walk deep into the mangrove.  Enjoy fresh air and tranquillity at this unique ecosystem where land meets the sea. It is home to many interesting birds, plants and wildlife. 

Spot them from the boardwalk or from resting huts dotted along the route. There is also an observation tower towards the end of the walk.

Almost 80 species of birds (best viewed in the early morning) have been identified including purple heron and many types of egrets.  Other mangrove wildlife includes monitor lizards, fiddler crabs, mud lobsters and turtles.

Enjoy guided or self-discovery walks, environmental education programmes and bird sessions at the on-site bird-hide.  The centre is open Tuesday-Sunday, 8am-6pm. It’s closed on Mondays. 

Address: Off, Jalan Bukit Bendera Upper, Kampung Likas, Kota Kinabalu

Sabah Islamic Civilisation Museum

Part of the Sabah State Museum, this 2-storey building is the best place in Kota Kinabalu to learn about Muslim culture, its history and heritage.

In the Islamic World Gallery, you can see an 18th-century Persian Quran stand, Indonesian wooden caskets engraved with Quranic verses, old Qurans and miniature mosques.  Ancient artefacts from Middle East countries showcase the history of the spread of the Islamic religion throughout Southeast Asia including the roots of its arrival into Sabah and Malaysia.

The Borneo Gallery features Islamic antiques from Sabah, neighbouring Sarawak and Brunei, with some noteworthy curved Sulu swords and weapons.

You receive free entry with a valid Sabah State Museum ticket. The museum is open 9am-5pm, Saturday to Thursday.

Address: Jalan Menteri, Karamunsing, Kota Kinabalu

Puh Toh Tze Buddhist Temple

kk trip

With its traditional Chinese roofing and design, the Puh Toh Tze Buddhist Temple stands out, making this one of the more stunning Kota Kinabalu attraction places to visit.

Ten large statues of deities adorn the temple with the Goddess of Mercy, Kwan Yin, standing tall at the main entrance and a Chinese-style reclining Buddha inside.

The Temple is set on a small hill, approximately 9 kilometres from Kota Kinabalu city centre. It’s easily reachable by taxi or Grab.

Address: 88450 Kota Kinabalu

Rooftop @ Le Méridien

Sunset drinks at Rooftop Bar at Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu

Whether you keep to this Kota Kinabalu itinerary or not, make sure one evening you go to Rooftop @ Le Méridien.

This bar on the 15th floor of the Le Méridien Hotel is open to everyone and serves great drinks and some snacks in the perfect surrounds for the perfect sunset.

It’s a great way to end a day of exploring in Kota Kinabalu and is across the road from the Night Market if you want something to eat after.

Le Méridien is also a great hotel to stay. Click here to read my full review.

Tanjung Aru

kk trip

As much a part of the local lore as Bondi Beach is to Sydney or Copacabana is to Rio de Janeiro, Tanjung Aru is 1.3 kilometres of silky golden beach that is world famous for its epic sunsets!

The most popular of all places to visit near Kota Kinabalu airport, Tanjung Aru is Malay for “Casuarina Beach”, taking its name from the casuarinas or aru trees that surround the sandy beach. Split into three sections, the beach is simply named – First Beach, Second Beach and Third Beach.

First Beach, and the most popular, is home to adrenaline-pumping water sports activities, such as parasailing, paragliding and windsurfing.  At the end, you’ll find the busy picnic spot of Tanjung Aru Beach Park, home to beautiful birds such as oriental pied hornbills and blue naped parrots.

Following on from the Park are Second and Third Beach which extend down to the airport.  Not so popular with tourists, the beaches are less crowded except for the odd fisherman.

Locals adore First Beach at Tanjung Aru, settling in mid-afternoon to view the iconic sunset which is said to be in the world’s top ten. Get ready to pose for innumerable sunset-selfies! 

Tranquil and relaxing, Tanjung Aru is nature at its best which is why it’s one of the top things to do Kota Kinabalu.

Hawker stalls and seafood restaurants sell lip-smacking Malaysian food late into the night. You can find simple meals such as coconut and sugarcane juice with chicken or beef satays. Or have a full-course dinner of freshly-caught lobster, fish, stingray and a variety of shellfish.

Fancy a splurge?  Dine at any one of the luxury resorts dotted around the area including the stunning Shangri-La Tanjung Aru and The Magellan Sutera Resort. You’ll find alfresco sunset-facing restaurant, with international fine-dining.

Tanjung Aru is approximately six kilometres from Kota Kinabalu city. Hire a taxi or take the bus direct from Kota Kinabalu City Hall marked “Tanjung Aru Beach”.

Best Places To Visit In Kota Kinabalu Surrounds

The following things to do around Kota Kinabalu are easy to visit on a half or full day trip.

Mari Mari Cultural Village

Mari Mari Cultural Village Kota Kinabalu

Experience Sabah as it once was.  From rice-wine making to blow-pipe shooting to fire-starting… Soak up the culture and sharpen your survival skills at the Mari Mari Cultural Village, a major Kota Kinabalu tourist attraction.

Glimpse how the tribes of Sabah lived in long-houses and learn their pagan rituals. Gain an insight into the mystical belief systems of each group. 

The Mari Mari Cultural Village is located in a remote forest setting in Kionsom, Inanam, about 25 minutes from Kota Kinabalu city. The village operates as a museum that preserves Borneo ethnic culture.  It’s definitely a little “touristy”, but it is also super fun, especially for families.

You’ll meet Sabah’s five major ethnic communities – the Bajau (sea gypsies), Lundayeh (hunters and fishermen), Murut (headhunters), Rungus (longhouse residents) and Dusun (rice farmers).  Traditional huts sprout along the village, with each tribe house offering a unique display of culture, folklore and lifestyle practices through interactive demonstrations for the whole family to participate in.

You can sample traditional treats, learn how to cut tree bark and make traditional warrior vests. Or jump for a prize on a built-in ‘Lansaran’ (traditional trampoline-like floor).  End your visit with a live ethnic dance performance, the ancient ‘Magunatip’ bamboo-dance by the Murut Tribe. You can then have a buffet spread of exotic cuisines that are synonymous with Sabah’s cultural identity.

Before returning to the city, take a cool swim at the nearby Kiansom Waterfall, only 400 metres from the Village.

Address: Jalan Kionsom, Inanam, Kota Kinabalu

You can buy discounted tickets for this attraction by clicking here .

Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park – Manukan, Mamutik, Gaya, Sulug and Sapi Islands

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Searching for some exciting Kota Kinabalu activities?  Spend a day discovering the beautiful islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Marine Park with its diverse ecosystems and abundant marine life.  Relax in the sun over a lazy beach picnic or enjoy an action-packed day boating between islands, snorkelling, diving, zip-lining and trekking island trails.

Made up of five small Bornean islands, the national park is a 25 minute boat ride from Kota Kinabalu. It is a firm favourite with both tourists and locals.  In fact, this is certainly the best place to visit in Kota Kinabalu for a full day excursion.

On the islands, you’ll find untouched tropical forests and a surprising amount of wildlife including some particularly large (but harmless!) monitor lizards. The largest island, Gaya, has 3,700 acres of forests and around 20 kilometres of trails with rare wildlife such as the proboscis monkeys, bearded pigs and hornbills.  Also, check out Gaya’s popular scenic white sandy Police Beach at Police Bay. It’s surrounded by crystal clear water.

Manukan is the second largest island. It has spectacular beaches and is the most developed in terms of facilities with various chalets, restaurants and watersport outlets as part of the resort. It’s said to have what is the best beach amongst all the islands. Manukan also has swimming pools, dive centres, a Club House, volleyball courts and a football field! 

Read about a trip to Manukan here .

Mamutik Island is the smallest in the marine park with some good diving spots and, again, excellent beaches but some can be a little rocky. Watch out for sea urchins here.

Sapi Island – known as Cow Island – is probably the most popular island with its beautiful beaches, stunning snorkelling and diving spots.  Linked to Gaya at low tide by a lovely sand bar, it’s covered in thick forests.

Sulug is the most remote – thus the least untouched of them all –  with tranquil beaches loved by tourists looking for a back-to-nature experience.  It’s a small rocky island which is surrounded by excellent reefs. It’s fabulous for snorkelling.

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You’ll be blown away by the variety of fish species in the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. At the last count, it’s over 360 species!  Look out for favourites such as the blue-ringed octopus or search out blacktip sharks amongst the colourful corals. Turtles, morays, nudibranchs, sponges, scorpionfish, parrotfish, batfish, lionfish and giant clams can all be easily spotted.

From March to October, water visibility is awesome at 10-15 metres.  Snorkellers can rent equipment and swim directly from most island’s beaches – with Manukan and Sapi perhaps the best. Or you can register with scuba operators at each island to join boat trips.  Each island has a handful of key dive sites that will keep scuba-fanatics happy for well over a week!

Water sports, include kayaking and sailing, beach sports, picnic and bbq facilities can be found on many islands.

The Coral Flyer is a thrilling zipline that spans between Gaya and Sapi Island, letting you fly across the blue ocean!  Smaller children can ride tandem with parents and there’s a dual line so you can ride alongside your friends. This is currently closed at the time of updating this article, but click here to see if it’s back .

Some of the best accommodation places in Kota Kinabalu can be found on the islands, including the luxury Manukan Island Resort and both the Gayana Eco Resort and Bunga Raya Island Resort on Gaya.  Budget accommodation, chalets and campsites are available on most of the islands.

With diverse forests and wildlife as well as unique coral and marinelife, a day’s island hopping at the marine park should come high on your list of things to do in Sabah, Kota Kinabalu.  Visit during the week to avoid the overly crowded weekends.

It’s best to book a day trip to visit the islands – click here for a range of options ., otherwise you can read our full guide on island hopping in Kota Kinabalu here .

You can buy boat transfers and find schedules here .

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park

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High on lists of Kota Kinabalu places to visit, spend half day at the exotic Lok Kawi Wildlife Park.  This family-oriented park covers 280 acres of land and is split into zoological and botanical sections.

The zoological side features exotic and endangered species, such as Sumatran rhinoceros, proboscis monkeys, Malayan tigers, orangutans, Borneo pygmy elephants and colourful hornbill birds. For younger children, check out the ponies and goats at the Kids Zoo area.

At the botanical site, trek a 1.4 kilometre trail to the Herbal and Ginger Garden while you spot plants such as the carnivorous pitcher-plants and other rare specimens. The nearby noisy aviary will definitely catch your attentio, with a myriad of sounds from mynahs and parrots.

This is the Kota Kinabalu best place for a quick fix of wildlife viewing. Visit here if you’re on limited time while in Borneo and unable to make it out to the National Parks.

It’s located 25 kilometres outside of Kota Kinabalu. The Park is open 7 days a week, 9.30am-5.30pm.  The venue hosts a twice daily Wild Borneo Animal Show and Animal Feeding Sessions (except on Friday and public holidays).

Address: Lok kawi Putata, Kota Kinabalu

Kinabalu Park And Poring Hot Springs

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Spend a day witnessing the wonders of Mt. Kinabalu Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – followed by a dip in warm sulphur springs and a thrilling canopy walk!

Journey approximately two hours into one of the world’s oldest rainforests with green fields, mountain ranges left and right, and quaint little villages.  Stop off at Nabalu Market near the Crocker Range, known as the Backbone of Borneo.  Make sure you enjoy refreshing drinks and fresh fruits, and check out the handicrafts sold by the local Dusun tribe that lives at the foothills of the sacred mountain.

As you drive on through the National Park, cool and refreshing mountain air is a welcome relief.  Soak in the amazing views across the rainforest to the majestic +4000ft Mt. Kinabalu. It’s an iconic image of things to see in Kota Kinabalu.

With an estimated 6000 vascular plant species, including 1500 species of orchids, Kinabalu Park is a mecca for nature lovers.   Join a park naturalist for a guided walk at the Botanical Gardens along marked nature trails that buzz with birds and butterflies.  Marvel at the cornucopia of flowers and plants, while learning about this biological treasure trove.

Visit the Agro Flower Nursery or the Mountain Garden where you’ll discover pitcher plants, more orchids and ferns.  You’ll also find a Butterfly Farm and Orchid Conservation Centre.

For those who are more adventurous at this Kota Kinabalu famous place, you’ll find many Mt. Kinabalu mountain activities, such as Alpine Rock Climbing, Paragliding and mountain expeditions.

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Travel on to Poring Hot Springs, named after the tall bamboo plant found in abundance around this natural hot spring.

Therapeutic and healing, the springs are said to work their magic on your body and soul. There are outdoor and open-air hot tubs or private indoor sulphur tubs for two. It’s a popular stop for climbers on their return from summiting Mt. Kinabalu.

Alternatively, walk twenty minutes uphill through the Borneo tropical rainforest to a 41 metres high tree-top Canopy Walkway.  You’re immersed in chirping birds and humming insects.  Cross the approximately 100 metres of the forest canopy on this well-maintained rope bridge. It provides breathtaking views.

Possibly less strenuous, explore waterfalls within hiking distance of the hot spring entrance.  Kipungit Waterfall is only 15 minutes walk and drops from 10 metres.  Slightly more challenging is the two hour hike to Langanan Waterfall. It drops a spectacular 120 metres. There’s a dramatic bat cave along the route.

For more serious trekking, there are plenty of marked jungle trails within the National Park. This includes the 2-3 hour Liwagu Trail that covers 5,620 meters and crosses small streams, narrow ridges and enters the lush canopy of trees making for an excellent adventure!

Address: 89300 Ranau, Sabah

The best way to visit the attractions in Kinabalu Park is on a day tour. Find a great option here.

Desa Cattle Dairy Farm

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Another of the unique places of interest Kota Kinabalu offers up is the Desa Cattle Dairy Farm. It has some of the most amazing scenery you can imagine!

At the foothills of Mt. Kinabalu, almost 200 hectares of beautiful green pastures are dotted with roaming Holstein Friesian cows. This gives rise to the region’s nickname, the Little New Zealand of Sabah.

Check out the Friesians, the highest milk producers of all cattle breeds which produces almost a million litres annually.  Assist with bottle-feeding calves, hand-feed goats and watch the milking process. Discover how milk is processed ready for sale.

Pick up some souvenirs – popular dairy products such as Desa Cattle’s milk-in-a-box – or enjoy freshly made frozen yoghurt and delicious ice-cream.

Educational and fun, this is a popular Kota Kinabalu attraction place, especially for families looking for things to do at Kota Kinabalu.

Located at Kundasang, Ranau, a visit here can easily be tagged onto your day at Mt. Kinabalu National Park or with a visit to Poring Hot Springs.  Open daily 8 am-5 pm, it’s best to bring a sweater!

Address: 89308 Kundasang, Sabah

The easiest way to visit here is on a day tour combined with Kinabalu Park. Find a great option here.

Kota Kinabalu Attraction Map

Find all the things to do in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah on the map below.

Best Things To Do In Kota Kinabalu map

Best Places To Stay In Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu is flourishing and in recent years we’ve seen every level of accommodation up their game.  Many new backpacker-hostels and five-star resorts have popped up, with older more established hotels undergoing renovations.

Luxury resorts are mainly a little out of town or over on the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.  Budget hotels can be found in the Bandaran Berjaya area close to most of the attractions.  Gaya Street and Australia Place remain the chief backpacker haunts.

No matter what your budget, your holiday style or who you are travelling with, you’ll easily find a great place to stay.  Rates are reasonable and customer service usually defies star rating! Kota Kinabalu is definitely one of the best value destinations of anywhere in the world.

Below we’ve listed a few different places to consider, including a budget, mid-range and a more expensive option.

BEST – Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa Review

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Possibly the most luxurious resort in Kota Kinabalu thanks to its private beach, massive swimming pool, splendid spa and excellent Kid’s Club, the Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa also has a front row seat for one of the world’s best sunsets!

Built on its own little peninsula, the resort feels secluded but remains handy for the city – with the airport and centre only 10 minutes away.  Following Shangri-La’s famed artistic design of white marble, heavy wooden furniture and contemporary art, the hotel has a sumptuous and fresh feel.

490 rooms are divided into two sections – the Kinabalu Wing with sea or mountain views, and the Tanjung Wing with slightly larger, more expensive options. They are all sea-facing.  Shangri-La luxuries such as balconies, king-size beds and ensuite bathrooms come as standard.

A complimentary Kids Club has daily activities including treasure hunts and water play areas with slides galore.  Activities for older guests include sunrise yoga, coconut bowling and kayak lessons, and the concierge desk will help arrange tours to the best places to go in Kota Kinabalu or help you experience unique wildlife activities in Kota Kinabalu.

Tennis courts, ping pong table, petanque pitch and the wonderful CHI Spa (on its own tiny island!) will also keep you occupied.

The resort’s breakfast buffet is enormous and all freshly prepared.  At 6pm, the Sunset Bar is without a doubt the city’s hottest watering hole.  Pre-booking is essential!  And for dinner, four restaurants to tempt you with Chinese or Italian cuisine, lively cooking stations or formal alfresco dining.  You won’t go hungry here!

Click here for the latest prices .

If you want a hotel in the middle of the city, read our review of Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu here . It’s a fantastic option in a prime location.

MID-RANGE –  Hotel Sixty3 Review

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Location, location, location!  In the city centre, Hotel Sixty3 is superb for all the things to see in Kota Kinabalu. It’s just a 15 minute stroll from Jesselton Point, 5 minutes from Gaya Street Sunday Market and the Suria Shopping Mall, and only 2 minutes from the Signal Hill Observatory Tower.

Rooms range from standard, superior, family or executive deluxe to suite and super-standard, all with king or twin bedding.  TV with digital channels feature in all 100 of the rooms, along with free bottled water, coffee/tea makers, and guests can enjoy free WiFi in the public areas.  Ensuite bathrooms come with a shower and complimentary toiletries, while the larger rooms have separate dining and seating areas.

Other services include a 24-hour front desk, dry cleaning/laundry and a helpful Concierge Desk for arranging city and wildlife tours.  Alternatively, you’ll find the State’s Tourism Information Office directly opposite the hotel.

There is no restaurant on site, but there are numerous food outlets in the nearby vicinity – restaurants, cafes and street-hawkers, selling both local and international cuisine.

Clean, quiet and with great family-deluxe rooms, this is a super midrange Kota Kinabalu accommodation option.

Click here for the latest prices

BUDGET – Mandarin Hotel Kota Kinabalu Review

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A cozy, welcoming option, the Mandarin Hotel Kota Kinabalu is in a central spot on Gaya Street so you are in a prime location for the Gaya Street Sunday Market.  It’s surrounded by a diverse selection of restaurants and shops and walking distance to many of the city’s attractions.

Friendly Reception staff, available 24-hours, welcome you to this 2-star hotel.  There are 81 rooms which include double, junior suite and family rooms.  Rooms are air-conditioned, with flat screen TV, sofa and ensuite bathrooms with either a bath or walk-in rain shower.

Guests have complimentary WiFi and housekeeping, while a chargeable laundry service is offered. Parking and airport shuttle service available.

Click here to see all our recommendations for exactly where to stay in Kota Kinabalu.

Visiting Kota Kinabalu With Kids

It’s surprising to some parents just how many things there are to do in Kota Kinabalu with kids, and we feel it should be on all family holiday-to-do-lists as there are so many reasons to visit.

Extraordinary wildlife, tropical climate, on the doorstep of an incredible biodiverse part of the world, friendly Malaysians who adore children… And a myriad of activities that will keep all ages entertained!

Things to do in Kota Kinabalu with family include snorkelling off the coast at the world-class Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park.  A quick 25 minute speedboat ride from the mainland, you’ll enjoy lazy beach picnics, discover the Park’s five islands and marvel at the colourful tropical fish and stunning corals.

Children love learning about orangutans and other Borneo wildlife at the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park, spotting proboscis monkeys from Kawa Kawa river cruises ( click here for more information ) or spending a day at Kinabalu National Park, Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site.  Here, botanical gardens, a butterfly farm and jungle nature treks keep all age groups happy.

Kota Kinabalu jetty area

A visit to the nearby Poring Hot Springs National Park is both relaxing and thrilling with their sulphur pools and the highest canopy walk in Sabah.

For older kids, they’ll thrill at the zip line between islands (yes!) – the Coral Flyer Zipline – at Gaya Island, and the plethora of water sports on offer including parasailing, banana boat rides, wakeboarding and waterskiing.  And for your true adrenaline junkies, dare them to ride the rapids with white water rafting at the scenic Kiulu River ( click here for more information ).

Of course, don’t forget to stop at the best of all family-favourite Kota Kinabalu tourist attractions, the Mari Mari Cultural Village, where younger children explore traditional houses and learn about the tribes, while older children make rice wine and help start fires using bamboo.  A terrific family fun Sabah Kota Kinabalu attraction!

Finally, head to the beach at Tanjung Aru where all the family can capture awesome selfies for those essential social media updates. Don’t forget to end the day with the magic of a Borneo sunset!

Luxury hotels cater to all ages, many offering swimming pools, private beaches, baby-sitting services, kids clubs and activities.  You’ll need another holiday to recover!

How To Get To Kota Kinabalu

It’s easy to get to Kota Kinabalu by flight, bus, taxi or car – assuming you are already in Sabah or Brunei for the overland options.  We have a range of detailed guides for reaching Kota Kinabalu from places such as Labuan , Brunei , Sandakan , KL and Kuching .

To see all the latest flights and prices, click here .

If you need to take a bus, click here for the latest timetables and bus prices .

You can also hire a car to get you there by clicking here .

Final Words

Kota Kinabalu is a treasure trove of adventure, wildlife and culture, and we hope that our ideas and rundown of Kota Kinabalu famous places have piqued your interest enough to visit!  You will surely never run out of things to do in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.

Discover more information on Sabah in our full Sabah travel guide here .  You can also find our full travel guide to Kota Kinabalu here .

Planning a trip to Malaysia? Have any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!

Related posts:

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By Sharon Gourlay

Sharon is a certified Malaysia travel expert and can't get enough of travelling and talking about Malaysia since she first visited 21 years ago. She travels around Malaysia multiple times a year both alone and with her kids. She used to call Penang home and especially loves this food paradise. Sharon also has a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies, a Certificate III in International Travel Sales and has been certified by Tourism Malaysia as a Malaysia Travel Expert. Through this site, she'll help you have the perfect trip to this amazing destination.

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Kota Kinabalu Itinerary: What to Do in the Coolest City in Borneo

I had no idea Kota Kinabalu even existed until I began planning my Borneo itinerary.

I know that’s embarrassing for someone who has spent a pretty large chunk of her life traveling solo in Southeast Asia, but hey!

Despite not knowing much about it, I quickly figured out it would be the ideal place to start my adventures in the Sabah region of Borneo.

With so much to do on the island itself, I planned a one-day Kota Kinabalu itinerary to get a feel of the city before moving on west.

What I wasn’t expecting, though, was to love Kota Kinabalu so much.

A day turned into a week, and before I knew it, I was actually considering basing myself there for a few months. Being here is definitely one of the best things to do in Borneo !

Kota Kinabalu is a really cool city!

Not only did I feel incredibly safe, but there is also so much to do here and so many fun day trips that if it weren’t for the fact that Borneo has a ton more to offer and my time was limited, but I could also have easily stayed in Kota Kinabalu for a few more weeks.

Things You Must Do on Your Kota Kinabalu Itinerary:

Depending on how much time you have in the city, you could easily cram in all these activities and things to do into a 5 or 6 days Kota Kinabalu itinerary, including all the day, trips to Mount Kinabalu + river cruises.

If your time is shorter, though, I’d recommend sticking with island-hopping around the marine park, exploring the main sights listed below, and picking a day trip or river cruise (hint: Kawa Kawa River is unmissable!)

1. Go Island-Hopping Around Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

If you’d made me choose my favorite part of my Kota Kinabalu itinerary, it would easily be the day I spent island-hopping through Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.

Set just a 20-minute boat ride away from Kota Kinabalu’s jetty station, this is a must on any Borneo itinerary!

The marine park is made up of five islands, all of which you can visit in a day and have a charm of their own.

The biggest one, Gaya Island, tends to receive more visitors and has more facilities whereas the smaller ones like Sulung remain more untouched.

This is a super easy day trip to take from Kota Kinabalu which can easily be done independently and cheaply, but if you prefer a tour, you can book one here .

Pick two to three islands, you can easily tackle them all in around five hours.

Ideally, if your time in Kota Kinabalu is short, I’d suggest heading here early in the morning so you can be back in town in the afternoon and still have the rest of the day to explore more of the city.

  • I wrote an entire guide on visiting Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park , including information about every island as well as how to get there.

2. Explore the main sights of Kota Kinabalu

Even though Kota Kinabalu might not seem super exciting at first, visitors are often surprised by how much there is to see in the capital of Sabah.

I originally expected Kota Kinabalu to be a bit dull, but there’s a reason I winded up staying a week more here than I’d originally planned.

Some of the can’t miss sights and attractions to include in your Kota Kinabalu itinerary are:

  • Masjid Bandaraya Mosque: Often dubbed the floating mosque, this mosque (pictured above) is the second biggest in Kota Kinabalu. Visit during the sunset for the most incredible vistas of the mosque!
  • UMS Mosque: Best known as The Pink Mosque, this stunning structure is perched up on a hill and part of a university’s grounds.
  •  Puh Toh Tze Temple: The largest Buddhist temple in Kota Kinabalu built using traditional Chinese roofing, you’ll find large structures of deities inside it!
  • Upside Down House: If you’re into quirky stuff, you can’t miss Kota Kinabalu’s upside-down house. As the name suggests, everything inside the house is… upside down! It’s a trippy experience and definitely a must on your Kota Kinabalu itinerary if you want to try something new!
  • Signal Hill Observatory:  Sitting on a hill, this observatory is one of the best spots in Kota Kinabalu to get an incredible view of the city – it’s the highest spot in Kota Kinabalu! One a clear day, you can get a birds-eye view of the islands in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.

You can visit all of these attractions in Kota Kinabalu on your own, but if you prefer to take a tour and have a stress-free time, you can book one here .

4. Eat everything

Kota Kinabalu’s foodie scene is incredible, so don’t forget to make a visit to the many markets in town a huge part of your Kota Kinabalu itinerary.

The Sabah region, in general, is a melting pot of cultures and backgrounds, and its gastronomy is no different.

Make it a mission to explore the city through your stomach!

Don’t miss out on these dishes: Seng Hing Kopitiam, Laksa, and Roti Cobra.

5. Check out Kota Kinabalu’s Famous Stilt Villages

Kota Kinabalu is known for its surrounding stilt villages which are home to various ethnic groups, most famously – the Bajaus (often called “sea gypsies”).

While in Kota Kinabalu, you can book a tour to explore a few of these villages and get a local experience.

For this one, I really do suggest taking an organized tour, as many of these villages are considered unsafe to visit nowadays.

If your Kota Kinabalu itinerary is short, but you’d still like to have this experience, you can ask your boat driver at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park if he can make a quick stop at one of the villages – there’s one on the way back to Kota Kinabalu’s jetty station!

6. Catch the sunset at Tanjung Aru Beach

A favorite for visitors and locals alike, Tanjung Aru beach is one of Kota Kinabalu’s most popular beaches and one of the best spots in town to catch amazing sunsets.

The beach is lined by bars, restaurants, and street food stalls, so it’s the perfect place to grab dinner with killer views of the ocean.

Make this the last thing you do on your Kota Kinabalu itinerary, as it’s the perfect way to say goodbye to the city!

Don’t forget to get travel insurance for your trip! As always, I recommend Safety Wing for great prices and coverage abroad. It starts at only $45 USD per month and will have you covered with everything you may need during your trip! Check them out here .

Must-do day trips from Kota Kinabalu:

7. climb mount kinabalu.

If you’re feeling brave, go on an adventure from Kota Kinabalu to conquer Southeast Asia’s highest peak. Standing at 4,000 meters above sea level, the trek isn’t easy, but it can be achieved in a day if your Borneo Itinerary is tight.

If you’re not in the mood to take on a trek this hard, the area around the mountain is a treat as well and a perfect day trip on your Kota Kinabalu itinerary.

You’ll get to do some easier hikes through the forest, swim in hot springs, and if you’re lucky, you might get to spot one of the weirdest-looking (and biggest) flowers in the world, The Rafflesia .

You can book a day trip to Mount Kinabalu here.

8. See thousands of fireflies in Kawa Kawa River

Borneo is all about the wildlife – from cheeky orangutans swinging away or long-nosed monkeys hiding behind the trees, but there’s a much smaller gem on the island that you won’t want to miss out on spotting: fireflies. Like, thousands of them!

A cruise through Kawa Kawa River is one of the best ways to get to have this experience.

It’s not exactly close to Kota Kinabalu, and the entire ordeal will take a whole day from your Kota Kinabalu itinerary, but it’s totally worth it!

Typically, cruises start during the day so visitors can get to spot animals like Proboscis monkeys, macaques, and more before the sun goes down and the firefly craze begins.

The best way to arrange this trip is to book a tour online, you can do so here . It’s a full day thing.

You’ll start at midday to explore the river and look for wildlife, and return to Kota Kinabalu at night after another boat ride to spot fireflies.

9. Take a River Cruise through Klias Wetlands

If you’ve done Kawa Kawa and you don’t want the boat fun to end, then a cruise through Klias Wetlands is another must in your Kota Kinabalu itinerary.

A cruise through this area will give you the chance to see Proboscis monkeys, silver leaf monkeys, and many more incredible animals!

This boat trip is doable as a day trip and you can book it here .

Essential Information About Kota Kinabalu

  • The Malay word for “fort” or “city” is Kota. The city is named after Mount Kinabalu, but the exact meaning of the word Kinabalu is pretty unclear. A theory suggests that it means “Chinese widow”, as Kina means Chinese person in Kadazandusun langue and balu means widow in Malay. This is just a theory, though!
  • The former name of Kota Kinabalu was Jesselton.
  • You’ll find yourself calling Kota Kinabalu “KK” (kay-kay) after a few days in Borneo. Malaysians love shortening up their city names, and Kota Kinabalu is no different. I got so used to this that I often had to go back through a few sentences because I kept writing KK instead of the actual name.

Where to stay in Kota Kinabalu

Budget: I stayed at Lavie@Sabah Hostel . It’s a lovely place to stay and I never thought I’d say this, but this is actually quite a luxurious hostel! It’s set inside an apartment complex, super clean, and has an infinity pool that guests can use. The owners were so lovely and the breakfast delicious, I highly recommend this place!

Mid-range: If you’re looking for something more private and mid-range, then C’haya Hotel is the right place to stay in Kota Kinabalu.

Luxury: If you’re looking for a luxury stay, there’s a Shangri-La right in the center of Kota Kinabalu.

I didn’t stay there, but it gets great reviews and probably offers the best views in the city thanks to its waterfront location.

How To Get To Kota Kinabalu

The easiest (and often cheapest) way to get to Kota Kinabalu is to fly there.

Air Asia offers super cheap flights from every airport in Malaysian Borneo (seriously, a flight from Sandakan turned out to be cheaper for me than the 8-hour bus).

If you’re not in Borneo yet, you can find daily flights from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

To get to the city center from the airport, the easiest way is to get a Grab ride (it’s like Uber).

The price varies depending on traffic, etc, but you can expect to pay anywhere from 10-15 RM. There are also public shuttles every hour for 5RM.

Kota Kinabalu Map

How to get around kota kinabalu.

Getting around Kota Kinabalu is cheap and easy.

While there is public transport available and it’s pretty inexpensive, the easiest way is to just use Grab to get around.

Grab is like Uber in Malaysia and it’s incredibly cheap, reliable, and easy to use.

Another option is walking – the city is relatively small and you can cover a large chunk of it on foot if your Kota Kinabalu itinerary isn’t too tight.

Travel Insurance For Kota Kinabalu and Borneo

Borneo is one of those destinations that you’ll definitely want to have travel insurance for.

With so many adventurous activities to offer, having reliable insurance to back you up is a must.

Even if your trip to Borneo is incident-free, it will definitely give you peace of mind, and that’s priceless!

If you’re still on the lookout for travel insurance for your trip, I highly recommend Safety Wing .

Kota Kinabalu Itinerary: Conclusion

And that’s the list of the best things to do in and around Kota Kinabalu for a perfect itinerary!

While the city might not seem super eye-catching at first, there is so much to do here and so many incredible day trips you can take that make it a perfect place to base yourself while visiting Sabah.

For me, Kota Kinabalu is one of the best cities in Southeast Asia as it combines the comforts of a city with unparalleled nature activities just a stone’s throw away.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that, if you make a purchase or booking through my links, I might earn a commission. This helps me keep this blog running, so thank you! 🙂

OBSESSED with your photos…. now I have to follow you everywhere so I can keep drooling over them. Kinabalu looks incredible, thank you for sharing!

I loved the way you wrote about a place you didn’t know existed before you fall in love with it completely. Kota Kinabalu sounds amazing and would love to visit it someday. Thanks for sharing this gem of a place with us.

I traveled all over Southeast Asia last year and nothing enticed me to go to Borneo. However, your post makes me want to go asap! The mosque is beautiful! Also, that sunset is gorgeous!

Your pictures are really beautiful and you’ve shared some amazing things to do. I really enjoyed this post. Glad I discovered your blog

I totally feel you about not knowing somewhere exists until you start trip planning. I swear that happens to be like all the time haha. Your photography in this post is truly stunning. I can’t get over how many unique experiences there are here. I would love to take a River Cruise Through Klias Wetlands or See the fireflies dance in Kawa Kawa River. Great post.

I’ve never even heard of this area of Borneo before your post! I don’t know what I love more – the sites (especially Masjid Bandaraya Mosque!) or all the food options. This is such a great overview and makes me wants to go 🙂

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The Pinay Solo Backpacker Itinerary Blog

KOTA KINABALU ITINERARY

by thepinay solobackpacker | Mar 3, 2018 | Itinerary , Kota Kinabalu , Malaysia , Travel Guide | 10 comments

At first sight, it’s hard to imagine Kota Kinabalu (formerly Jesselton) as an eco-tourism destination because you’ll be welcomed by a sprawling, lively city.  But once you get to know KK, as it is affectionately called by most people, you’ll be blown away by the richness of its heritage and the paradisaical islands offshore. I blogged a 4 day 3 night Kota Kinabalu itinerary here with budget. This sample itinerary is kinda jam-packed because I wanted to show you what Kota Kinabalu can offer as a tourist destination. And honestly, if ever I get a chance to return in the future, I will follow this itinerary and do all the activities I listed below.

kota kinabalu things to do 15

Here’s a sample Kota Kinabalu Itinerary for 4 days 3 nights.  Feel free to adjust this depending on your budget and schedule.  I’ve also listed below the sample Kota Kinabalu trip budget.

TRAVEL BLOG CONTENTS

KOTA KINABALU ITINERARY FOR 4 D 3N WITH BUDGET/COST

*If you want to see the Orangutan in Sandakan, you can join group tours and it’ll cost around MYR 160/PHP 1,950 (USD 38/EURO 33/SGD 52) from Sandakan. But you have to allot at least 2 days for this tour since you have to travel to Sandakan from Kota Kinabalu, travel time is about 6 hours one way.

KOTA KINABALU TRIP BUDGET

Here’s a sample Kota Kinabalu trip budget (breakdown of expenses) if you follow the Kota Kinabalu itinerary above.  This sample trip budget is supposing you will do all the activities mentioned in the itinerary.  However, if you have limited time and budget, you can just pick the activities that you want to try.

The sample total Kota Kinabalu trip budget for MYR 819/ PHP 9,439/USD 195.16/EURO 170/SGD 265.44 for 4 days 3 nights itinerary may sound expensive, but like I said, you can bring this down if you will not do all the above mentioned tours or activities. Just pick the ones you like.

WHERE TO BOOK KOTA KINABALU TOURS

Kinabalu park & poring hot spring tour.

kota kinabalu mountain

  • Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kinabalu Park and see the exotic flora and fauna
  • Take a dip into a hot Sulphur bath in Poring Hot Spring and gaze up at giant bamboo trees
  • You can also visit the Desa Cattle Dairy Farm, Kundasang Vegetable Market and more.

Tour is Inclusive of: Entrance fees (excluding Butterfly Farm), English speaking guide, canopy walkway

Pick-up and drop-off at hotel, conservation fees.

RESERVE KOTA KINABALU + PORING HOT SPRING TOUR HERE

Sapi and Manukan Islands Tour

kota kinabalu 16

  • Explore 2 of Malaysia’s most beautiful islands Manukan and Sapi
  • Take a dip in the transparent waters of Manukan Island with its sandy beaches and great recreational facilities
  • Use your free time well: go kayaking, parasailing, jet skiing, try Sea Walking and more
  • Enjoy a delicious barbecue lunch by the beach

RESERVE SAPI AND MANUKAN ISLAND HOPPING TOUR HERE

MARI MARI CULTURAL VILLAGE TOUR

kota kinabalu things to do 2

Address: Kampung Kuai Kandazon, Peti Surat 740 Malaysia, Penampang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Open Hours: 9:00 AM -5:00 PM

Enjoy a truly authentic experience by observing the lives of 5 indigenous Malaysian tribes by booking a hassle-free tour.

  RESERVE MARI MARI CULTURAL VILLAGE TOUR HERE

Sepilok orangutan centre half day tour.

kota kinabalu things to do

  • Travel to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre on a 3 hour tour
  • See orangutans (only found in Malaysia) in their natural habitat
  • See baby orangutans nurtured back to health, watch them play in dipterocarp forest and even participate in feedings

Tour is inclusive of: English speaking guide and driver, round trip transfer from city center hotels in Sandakan and entrance fees.

RESERVE ORANGUTAN CENTRE TOUR HERE

  klias river fireflies safari cruise.

kota kinabalu things to do 1

  • Explore stunning mangrove forests while on cruise and catch a glimpse of the Proboscis Monkeys (Nasalis larvatus)
  • Sample local cuisine on board the river cruise while watching the sun sink into the river
  • Watch fireflies dance in the night sky during the fireflies cruise

Tour is inclusive of: English speaking guide, entrance fees, Buffet dinner and return boat and hotel transfers.

RESERVE FIREFLIES + PROBOSCIS MONKEY TOUR HERE

kota kinabalu 15

KOTA KINABALU BUDGET HOTELS

Where to stay in Kota Kinabalu? Here’s a list of some budget hotels sprinkled around the city.

agoda bkk

Lot No.21, Lorong Dewan, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia, Central Business District, Kota Kinabalu

CHECK RATES

Asiana Hotel

agoda asiana

No. 01, Grace Square, Lorong Grace Square, Jalan Pantai Sembulan, Central Business District

De Galleria Hotel

AGODA DE GALleria

KOTA KINABALU TOP THINGS TO DO

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10 comments.

Jill

Any contact details for the tours please?

Jhie

Can you also suggest for a budget for a family trip? I mean what is the cheapest international travel we can have if i got 3kids but limited money?hope you can help!!!thanks

Cath

Hi, may I know what budget hotel did you stay at? Thank you.

Mags Mendoza

May I know please the contact details of the agency who arranged your tours?

Justin Roi Candum

Please can I have the contact details of the travel agency or persons who managed your tours? Me with my friend will go to KK Malaysia this coming month and we’re struggling doing our iti. In addition, what the name of the hotel you’ve stayed. Thank you so much!

Can I know the contact details of the agency or persons who managed your tour? Me with my friend will go to malaysia this coming month and we’re struggling doing our iti. Hope you can help us and pls can we also know the hotel you stayed? Thank you so much

thepinay solobackpacker

Hi Justin, I don’t have it. You can book online instead.

Jasmine Tamok

Great post! I really wish I got to spend more time in the Kota Kinabalu region!

for Life and Law

hi, May i know which travel agency did you book for this package? our Package Cost: PHP 1,999/MYR 164 (USD 39/EURO 33/SGD 53. I am inquiring with Klook but there’s is more than 2,000pesos. I need your help please. thanks

Rates may change without prior notice. That was their rate before.

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Planning The Perfect Kota Kinabalu Travel Itinerary

Kota Kinabalu isn’t most travellers’ final destination – but it totally should be. Here’s how to plan the perfect Kota Kinabalu travel itinerary, however long you have.

The capital of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu – or KK, as the locals call it – is one of the main entry points for visitors to Borneo.

If you find yourself in Kota Kinabalu, there’s a good chance that – just like Kuala Lumpur – it’s a stopping point. But, just like the Malaysian capital, it’s well worth spending at least 48 hours in Kota Kinabalu.

Whether you’re heading out to the Borneo jungle or tagging your Kota Kinabalu trip on to a longer tour of Malaysia , don’t just treat it as a necessary connection. 

Yes, there are lots of exciting things to do in Sabah. With orangutans, jungles and famously tasty food, Kota Kinabalu might not be high on your agenda.

But whatever your reason for visiting, it’s like you’ll leave feeling like you didn’t have enough time in KK.

Kota Kinabalu is one of those cities that grows on you more the longer you stay. The city is much bigger than it first seems, and it would take months to explore every corner.

Whether you have 24 hours, 3 days or longer in Kota Kinabalu, here’s how to enjoy the city and plan your KK itinerary.

kk trip

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Using this Kota Kinabalu travel itinerary

I’ve broken the KK itinerary below down day by day.

I’ve ordered it to make it as simple to follow as possible, no matter how much time you have in Kota Kinabalu. 

If you only have one day, the day one itinerary is what I recommend.

If you have two days in KK, day one and day two are what I recommend.

And if you have three days or more, feel free to take your pick from the other activities I’ve mentioned! 

Gaya Street in Kota Kinabalu

If you only have one day in KK… 

If you only have one day in Kota Kinabalu (eek!) it can be tempting to cram in as much as possible.

The city’s chilled out vibe is one of its biggest charms, though. This is one city I’d recommend taking at a slower pace.

7:30AM – Start with breakfast at Toojou.

Whether you decide to stay there or not, pop into the social café space for a breakfast that will keep you full.

The Tamaha Café is open to both guests and the public and serves up a tasty mix of local dishes and fusion options.

They also make really good coffee and fresh juices, all for very reasonable prices. 

Nasi Lemak breakfast at Toojou in Kota Kinabalu

9:00AM – Take a walking tour. 

The Sabah tourism boards runs a free Kota Kinabalu city tour every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The city tour covers all the famous spots, as well as plenty of local favourites.

You’ll learn all about KK’s eventful past , as well as the ongoing projects you don’t normally see as a tourist. 

Tip: The website says the KK walking tour takes around two hours, but expect it to take at least three. You won’t get bored – but you will want to budget extra time if you’re planning any afternoon activities!

If your trip to Kota Kinabalu doesn’t coincide with one of the tour days, it’s well worth booking a paid tour such as this one or this half day tour , both of which combine culture, history and local knowledge. 

Kota Kinabalu memorial

1PM – Lunch at Yee Fung.

Gaya Street is one of the hubs of activity in Kota Kinabalu. On this street, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, hotels, cafés, shops and everything else you could possibly want.

Nestled among the many outlets is Yee Fung . 

This casual spot in the heart of KK is known for what it does best: laksa.

It’s popular with both locals and visitors, which means you may have to wait for seat – but it will totally be worth it.

Location: 127 Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu

The house laksa with shrimp and chicken at Fee Yung

2PM – Head to the beach!

Kota Kinabalu is a coastal city, which means it’s surrounded by beaches. And since those beaches are in Borneo, you can be sure they’re beautiful!

The most famous beach in Kota Kinabalu is Tanjung Aru , and no KK trip would be complete without a visit.

It’s famous for its postcard-worthy sunset, so stick around until the early evening to see it.

And if you have any space left after lunch, try some local street food from the stalls just off the main beach area.

7:30PM – Dinner at Welcome Seafood.

Welcome Seafood is one of the most famous restaurants in Kota Kinabalu – and for good reason!

This sprawling dining spot started as a one-room shop but now takes up an entire street. Even the street lamps that line the street have neon seafood signs on them now!

Welcome Restaurant has anything you could want and the prices are incredibly reasonable to. If you love lobster or crab, now is the time to treat yourself.

Location : Lot G18, Komplek Jalan Asia City Phase 2A.

Fresh crab at Welcome seafood restaurant in Kota Kinabalu

If you have 2 days in Kota Kinabalu…

Now you’ve seen some of the city, it’s time to get out of it! 

Just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu lie the kind of paradisaical islands you thought only existed on postcards.

They’re pretty much on par with Philippines islands like Siargao and Palawan: dreamy, idyllic and a must-visit if you’re in the area. 

Even if you’re not usually a beach or water sports person, you won’t want to miss a day trip to one (or more) of KK’s islands. 

The easiest way to see the islands is on an organised day trip from Kota Kinabalu. In fact, most of them are only accessible with a tour operator – so sit back and enjoy it, even if it’s not your usual style of travel! 

Mantani Island is one of the best islands to visit if you want to spend as much time on the white sand beaches as possible. This full day tour includes hotel pick-up, a beach lunch and the chance to snorkel in Sabah’s beautiful waters.

If you don’t mind travelling a little further afield, it’s hard to beat Dinawan Island . Dinawan is a privately owned island, meaning you get the added bonus of being someone completely remote.

The jetty is about an hour’s drive from downtown Kota Kinabalu and hotel pick-up is available.

If you want to see as much as possible (or just don’t like chilling on the beach!), book an island hopping tour that covers several islands. This one will take you to Manukan, Mamutik, Sapi and Gaya.

kk trip

If you have 3 days in Kota Kinabalu (or more!)

If you have three or more days in Kota Kinabalu, you definitely won’t be bored!

Here are some of the best things to do in KK if you have the time to spare:

Shop at the markets

Every Sunday, hoards of locals descend on Gaya Street for the weekly market.

If you happen to find yourself in KK on a Sunday, it’s something you definitely won’t want to miss!

You can find pretty much everything at the Gaya Street Sunday market . And when I say everything, I mean  everything .

From handmade sarongs and locally grown coffee beans, to Sabahan instruments and everyday household items, you won’t believe how much there is. 

If you’re not in Kota Kinabalu on a Sunday, the local handicraft markets are a great place to shop for fruit, jewellery and souvenirs.

Allow plenty of time to browse the stalls near the coast on Jalan Sinsuran.

Fruit for sale at a Kota Kinabalu market

Take a trip out to Mari Mari cultural village.

“Mari Mari” means “come here” or “let’s go” in Malay and it’s a phrase you’ll hear lots if you visit the village.

Mari Mari cultural village showcases and celebrates the cultures of Sabah five main ethnic groups.

You’ll spend a couple of hours learning about the groups, exploring the types of houses they live in a getting to experience the quirks they’re known for.

Expect a truly immersive travel experience where you can try plenty of food (and rice wine!) along the way, as well as taking part in traditional rituals.

After the tour, you’ll be treated to traditional dances and a high tea buffet. Because your meal is included and served at a set time, you will need to book your trip to Mari Mari in advance.

Rice wine at Mari Mari Cultural Village near Kota Kinabalu

Kinabalu National Park

If you have more than 3 days in Kota Kinabalu, spend a day at Kota Kinabalu National Park. Climbing Mount Kinabalu takes 2-3 full days but you don’t need to make the full hike to enjoy it.

If you do, it’s possible to book a 3D2N camping under the stars trip for a truly unique experience.

If you only have one day, there’s still plenty to see in Kinabalu National Park. The botanical are worth a wander and there are plenty of day hikes and shorter trails to enjoy too.

If you want to make the most your time and see the main attractions nearby, you can book a Kinabalu day trip for a very reasonable price.

Kinabalu National Park

Where to stay in Kota Kinabalu

Whatever your Kota Kinabalu has in store, Toojou is the perfect central resting point.

A combination of hostel, coworking space and social café space, Toojou feels more like a boutique hotel you want to hang out in than a hostel. 

It’s newly opened, great for all ages and incredible value for money. 

If you enjoy a little more independence, Robusta Suites is a newly opened serviced apartment just out of the centre.

With in-room swings (yes, really!) and coffee scrubs available, it’s the perfect retreat after a busy day exploring the city.

Heading to Kuala Lumpur, too? Here’s where to stay in Kuala Lumpur.

The one thing you should never travel without

Even though you hope you’ll never need to use it, travelling with insurance will make sure you’re covered if anything goes wrong.

I use Heymondo because it’s the most comprehensive cover I’ve found – they even cover the more adventurous activities that other insurers won’t.

As a partner of Alajode, they’re offering an exclusive 5% discount for my readers. Click here to find out more, get an instant quote and save even more!

Enjoyed this post? Why not pin it for later or share it with a travel buddy:

Kota Kinabalu Malaysia travel itinerary

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jodie has been travelling the world full time since 2017, sharing the most unique places in the world along with tips for living as a digital nomad. She is a passionate wildlife photographer and has worked with a number of prominent travel brands, including airlines, tourism boards, hotels and tour operators.

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1 thought on “Planning The Perfect Kota Kinabalu Travel Itinerary”

Being a member of Mari Mari cultural village for a moment feels great from the bottom of my heart. I would rate the village as one of a genuinely enjoyable place of Sabah.

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Home » Travel Guides » Malaysia » 25 Best Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia)

25 Best Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia)

Kota Kinabalu is the charming capital city of Sabah which is part of East Malaysia. Distinct from Peninsular Malaysia which houses the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, East Malaysia has a completely different feel to it, and many people come here to take in a more rural side of the country, with lush jungles and towering peaks aplenty.

The main jewel in Sabah’s crown is Mount Kinabalu which stands just outside the capital city, and this is one of the main themes of a trip to Kota Kinabalu, as many of its main attractions lie out in the countryside, but are also possible to visit as part of a day trip. As a result, if you venture out of the city you can expect scenic train journeys, bubbling hot springs, and winding river cruises through mangrove swamps, or you can check out some of the best diving in the region just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu.

If you are just in town as part of a flying visit however, then you definitely won’t be disappointed in Kota Kinabalu, as there is a huge amount to do in the city itself. Some of the highlights here include the craft markets and delicious seafood restaurants, as well as pretty lookout spots and museums. In short, whether you want to stay in the city center or explore further afield, there is plenty to keep you occupied whatever your itinerary.

Here are the best things to do in Kota Kinabalu :

1. Visit the Atkinson Clock Tower

Atkinson Clock Tower

The Atkinson Clock Tower is one of the main landmarks of Kota Kinabalu and dates from 1902. The tower was built in honor of Francis George Atkinson who was the former District Officer in Jesselton, which was the name given to Kota Kinabalu during the colonial period.

Atkinson died in 1902 following a bout of malaria and a heart attack when he was 28 years old, but the tower still stands in memory of his contribution to the founding of Kota Kinabalu.

To get to the tower you need to walk up a scenic hill which is located off Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman and which affords you views over the rest of the city.

If you walk up the hill a little further from the tower then you will also get to the Signal Hill Observatory.

2. Take a wetland river cruise

Klias Wetland Mangrove Forest Reserve

The Klias River lies around an hour and a half outside Kota Kinabalu and bisects the larger Klias Wetland Mangrove Forest Reserve.

If you come to the reserve, then one of the best things to do is take a trip on a cruise down the Klias River.

From the vantage point of the water you will be able to take in a range of animals that come to the river to bathe and drink and some of these include elegant proboscis monkeys as well as darting fireflies that hover in the afternoon light.

If you are not able to make it to the Klias River in Kuala Penyu then there are also river safari cruises available in neighboring Weston or Garama.

3. Climb Mount Kinabalu

Mount Kinabalu

Probably the most famous attraction in Sabah is Mount Kinabalu which is a sacred mountain located on the outskirts of the Kota Kinabalu.

This mountain is part of the famous Crocker Mountain Range and stands at some 13,000 feet above sea level.

The mountain has a diverse eco-system and this is the place to come if you want to see some of the gorgeous flora and fauna in Malaysia first hand.

The mountain lies in the middle of the wider Kinabalu National Park which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the big draw here is the trek to the summit which will give you some amazing views over the rest of Sabah.

There are several routes and treks you can take but you will need to sleep overnight on the mountain which means that you can catch the sunrise at dawn at the summit.

4. Admire the fish at the Green Connection Aquarium

Green Connection Aquarium

The Green Connection Aquarium is a must-visit for any nature lovers who want to see a collection of some of the most colorful aquatic life in Sabah.

It is also a great place to come for anyone who is traveling with a family and there are a variety of interactive exhibits such as touch tanks where you can get up close with all manner of creatures like snakes or sharks.

If you won’t have time to get out on the water proper in Sabah or do any diving or snorkeling then this is a good chance to see at least some of the marine life for which this region is famous.

5. Shop at Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market

Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market

Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market sits along the waterfront in Kota Kinabalu and used to be called Pasar Filipino, or the Filipino Market.

As such, you may still hear it referred to by this name, but whatever the moniker, this is a great place to come for anyone who wants to pick up some local souvenirs.

Just some of the items that you are likely to find here include pearls, local arts and crafts, wood carvings, and textiles.

There are also typical souvenir items like t-shirts and accessories and bargaining is standard practice if you want to avoid over-paying.

6. Go white water rafting

White Water Rafting, Kiulu, Kota Kinabalu

Some people may be surprised to hear that white water rafting is a popular pastime around Kota Kinabalu and there are a number of places to get out on the water if you want to get your adrenalin pumping.

One of these is the picturesque Kiulu River in Tamparuli which is about an hour away from the city center, or you can choose the mighty Padas River outside Tenom which is a two hour drive away.

The reason to come to Padas River and not the Kiulu River is for the Grade 3 and 4 rapids found here which guarantee a wilder ride if you don’t mind the slightly longer journey time.

7. Visit Kota Kinabalu City Mosque

Kota Kinabalu City Mosque

Kota Kinabalu City Mosque is the largest mosque in the city and is also said to be the most beautiful.

The building is located on stilts above a shimmering lagoon which makes it look as if it is floating on the water and its size means that it can accommodate some 12,000 worshippers at one time.

If possible, try to get a look at the mosque at night when it is illuminated and reflected in the inky waters that surround it.

Should you visit in the daytime, you can enjoy the ornate blue and gold dome as well as the classic minarets and you can explore the inside of the mosque outside of prayer times as long as you dress respectfully.

8. Go for a walk around Chinatown

Chinatown, Kota Kinabalu

Chinatown is also popularly known as Gaya Street in the center of Kota Kinabalu and is one of the main arteries of the city.

Many of the hostels and backpacker venues are located here and you will find a wide selection of Chinese coffee shops and restaurants.

There is also a market held here every Sunday which is worth visiting if you are in town at the right time and sells as a range of good like clothes and souvenirs.

9. Take a ride on the Borneo Railway

Borneo Railway, Kota Kinabalu

The Borneo Railway only opened in 2011 having been closed for five years as it underwent an extensive upgrade.

Nowadays however it is one of the top attractions in Kota Kinabalu and whatever you do make sure not to miss a trip on this famous railway.

The original lines here would have been laid in 1896 when the railway was used to move tobacco all over Sabah and one of the best things about the train is that you can take it from Tanjung Aru to Tenom which transports you through leafy jungles and along the beautiful coastline of Sabah.

Another good pick is to take the train to neighboring Beaufort which is a pretty market town that is well worth exploring in its own right.

10. Sunbathe on Tanjung Aru Beach

Tanjung Aru Beach, Kota Kinabalu

Tanjung Aru Beach is one of the best loved beaches in Kota Kinabalu and is especially popular at the weekends.

You will find a long stretch of sand here that backs onto the water, although this is more of a place to come and relax rather than go swimming, as the visibility and cleanliness of the water is much better at the neighboring islands.

Instead, come to Tanjung Aru Beach for a leisurely walk along the sand at sunset, or to get a drink at one of the bars that line the coast.

You will also find a number of street food stalls here and this is a great place to try some local snacks.

11. Take in the views at Signal Hill Observatory Platform

Signal Hill Observatory Platform

Nestled on a hillside close to Padang Merdeka in Kota Kinabalu is the Signal Hills Observatory Platform which is one of the most scenic spots in the city.

The observatory also has the claim to fame of being the highest location in Kota Kinabalu and the main reason to make the trip here is to take in the gorgeous unbroken vistas across the region.

On a clear day, you can look across to Tanjung Aru Beach as well as spot some of the islands that make up Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park.

12. Visit the State Mosque

State Mosque, Kota Kinabalu

The State Mosque is not to be confused with Kota Kinabalu City Mosque which is a completely separate building.

The mosque sits in the suburbs of Kota Kinabalu and is topped with an amazing minaret that soars to a height of 215 feet.

Visitors flock here to enjoy the Islamic architecture and design features and the mosque is modeled on the main mosques in Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia.

Non-Muslims can visit the mosque outside of main prayer times as long as they dress respectfully.

13. Explore Lok Kawi Wildlife Park

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park

Just outside Kota Kinabalu is the town of Lok Kawi which is also the home of the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park.

The park is a great place to come if you are only in town for a short time and can’t travel to the larger reserves further afield, and you will find animals such as tigers, deer, monkeys, gibbons, and orang utans here.

There is also a reptile section and as this is one of the smaller wildlife parks you are likely to see many of the animals up close even on a brief visit.

14. Island hop at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is undoubtedly the jewel in the crown of Sabah and a visit to the islands is the reason that many people choose to travel here.

The park is a selection of five islands which are just off the coast from Kota Kinabalu and include Sulug, Gaya, Manukan, Sapi, and Mamutik.

As such, you will find something for everyone here, and if you are looking for an island with a nightlife scene then head to Gaya.

If you want an almost untouched paradise, then Sulug is a good spot, or you can take a boat and just island hop around, stopping at whichever island takes your fancy.

As you would expect, popular activities here include swimming, diving, sunbathing, and hiking along the pretty island trails.

15. Visit the Sabah State Museum

Sabah State Museum, Kota Kinabalu

If you want to learn a little more about the history of Kota Kinabalu and Sabah generally, then make your way to the Sabah State Museum where you will find three floors of memorabilia.

The name is actually something of a misnomer as this is actually a museum complex and you will find the Science and Technology Museum here as well as the Sabah Art Gallery and a small heritage village with models of local houses.

As such, this is a good place to come on a rainy day, especially if you are traveling with children and are looking for an engaging collection of exhibits all in one place.

16. Go deep sea fishing

Fishing Boat, Kota Kinabalu

One of the great highlights of Kota Kinabalu is that you can easily try some deep sea fishing here.

Just off the coast from the main city are a range of spots that let you try your luck at reeling in a whopper and popular locations just a boat ride away include the Mangalum and Mantanani Islands.

You can charter a range of small boats to take you fishing, and another popular spot is a shipwreck off the coast of Gaya Island which is known for a plethora of aquatic life.

Most boat trips last a full day and also come with meals provided.

17. Walk around the City Park

City Park, Kota Kinabalu

If you are spending time in the city center of Kota Kinabalu then one of the top spots to visit is the City Park.

The park has the claim to fame of being the only green space in the center of the city, so if you are looking for a place to relax and unwind then this makes a great pick.

One of the main features to look out for in the park is the British North Borneo Memorial which is dedicated to the soldiers who died here at the time of the British Empire during the First World War.

The memorial dates from 1923 and is a little piece of important history in the center of Kota Kinabalu.

18. Visit Monsopiad Cultural Village

Monsopiad Cultural Village

Monsopiad Cultural Village is around 30 minutes outside of Kota Kinabalu and offers a glimpse of life in a traditional Kadazan village, one of the indigenous groups in Sabah.

The village is dedicated to Monsopiad who was a famous Kadazan warrior who would have been alive some 300 years ago and legend has it that he killed some 42 attackers who were trying to invade the village.

To that end, you can even view 42 skulls here which are located in a rather gruesomely named Hall of Skulls.

19. Have a drink on the waterfront

KK Waterfront, Kota Kinabalu

One of the great highlights of Kota Kinabalu is the lost strip of waterfront which is often just called the KK Waterfront.

This is the place to come if you are looking for something of a nightlife scene in the city and the waterfront is dotted with bars and restaurants, many of which feature live music in the evenings.

There are a few other parts of town such as Chinatown that also have a good bar scene, but one of the highlights of the waterfront is the chance to take in the sunset views over the water as you sip on a cocktail or a cold beer.

20. Take a tour of the stilt villages

Stilt Village, Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu is famous for its original stilt villages which are located off the coast and are the homes of ethnic groups such as Ubian, Suluk, Iranun, and Bajau.

Some of these groups are said to have come to Sabah in the 15th century although many of these areas have now become known as a haven for illegal immigrants.

Some of the villages include Kampung Tanjung, Kampung Pondo, and Kapung Sembulan, although not all of them are considered safe to visit.

If you want to see these amazing structures, then it is best to go as part of an organized boat tour.

21. Explore the Klias Wetlands

Klias Wetlands

The wetlands located in the Klias Peninsula are one of the top spots in Sabah and you will find acres of mangrove swamps which are a haven for amazing wildlife.

Some of the highlights here include proboscis monkeys as well as macaques, exotic birds, and lizards.

You can also look out for tree snakes as well as water buffalo lazily grazing in the fields here and if you want to learn more about the flora and fauna of Sabah then this is not to be missed off the itinerary.

The wetlands are around two hours away from Kota Kinabalu but are well worth the journey if you want to explore a more rural part of the region.

22. Have a cup of tea at the Sabah Tea Garden

Sabah Tea Garden, Kota Kinabalu

Located some two hours outside of Kota Kinabalu is the Sabah Tea Garden which is where you will find the delicious tea for which this region is famous.

The tea garden encompasses a tea forest where you can learn how the amazing tea is made and you can also try some of the local blends and relax at the end of a tour with a soothing cup of the local brew.

There is even a Sabah Tea Longhouse here and you can also take in the views of the mighty Mount Kinabalu in the distance.

23. Sample the seafood

Seafood, Kota Kinabalu

As Kota Kinabalu is next to the sea it stands to reason that seafood is one of the main attractions on menus all over the city.

One of the best places to come to try some seafood is the waterfront which is covered in seafood restaurants and you can choose from large tanks that are filled with the latest catch and then decide how you would like it to be cooked.

The seafood is usually sold by weight and you can enjoy your meal while also looking out over the water.

24. Try sea kayaking

Sea Kayaking, Kota Kinabalu

If you want to try out some water sports in Kota Kinabalu then one of the options is sea kayaking.

Most of the sea kayaking operators are located at Tanjung Aru Beach and you can kayak out into the open sea to some of the idyllic islands just off the coast.

Most tours then offer you the chance to swim and snorkel off the islands before kayaking back to the beach and if you are looking for a bit of an adventure then this is a great choice.

25. Soak in the waters at Poring Hot Springs

Poring Hot Springs

If you want a day trip outside of Kota Kinabalu then consider a trip to Poring Hot Springs.

The springs are actually a selection of pools which date from the time of the Japanese occupation of Sabah during the Second World War, and the reason for their existence is due to the naturally hot water found in the region.

The waters here contain a high sulfur content which is said to have medicinal properties and if you are suffering from aching muscles having spent your time trekking around Kota Kinabalu then this is a must-visit stop to relax and have a soak.

25 Best Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia):

  • Visit the Atkinson Clock Tower
  • Take a wetland river cruise
  • Climb Mount Kinabalu
  • Admire the fish at the Green Connection Aquarium
  • Shop at Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market
  • Go white water rafting
  • Visit Kota Kinabalu City Mosque
  • Go for a walk around Chinatown
  • Take a ride on the Borneo Railway
  • Sunbathe on Tanjung Aru Beach
  • Take in the views at Signal Hill Observatory Platform
  • Visit the State Mosque
  • Explore Lok Kawi Wildlife Park
  • Island hop at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
  • Visit the Sabah State Museum
  • Go deep sea fishing
  • Walk around the City Park
  • Visit Monsopiad Cultural Village
  • Have a drink on the waterfront
  • Take a tour of the stilt villages
  • Explore the Klias Wetlands
  • Have a cup of tea at the Sabah Tea Garden
  • Sample the seafood
  • Try sea kayaking
  • Soak in the waters at Poring Hot Springs

20 Best Things to Do in KOTA KINABALU, Sabah

20 Best Things to Do in KOTA KINABALU, Sabah

By continuing to read this article, you agree to double check with the authorities or other concerned entities for the latest updates.

My heart was heavy when I told my friends that I couldn’t come with them. It was our long-awaited barkada trip to Kota Kinabalu, but I needed some adulting to take care. That was 2016. Fast forward to 2022: my heart skipped a beat when I realized my Sabah adventure was finally going to happen. As the saying goes, “There’s a time for everything.” Time I promised myself I would make the most of.

And how Kota Kinabalu surprised me! In a good way, of course. KK, as it is fondly called, offers a variety of sustainable tours — natour, cultour, adventour! Conquer its national parks — both terrestrial and marine. Immerse in the Sabahan culture while you roam around the cultural villages and museums. Get swept away (not literally) by the rapids of its wild rivers. Dive into the colorful underwater world.

Kota Kinabalu might not be on your bucket list, but give it a chance to take your breath away. If you’re wondering what’s in store for you in this part of Borneo, here’s a list of the things to do and places to visit in and near Kota Kinabalu.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

Mt. Kinabalu

Sticking out imposingly from the forested grounds at an elevation of 4,095 meters (or 13,435 feet), Mt. Kinabalu is the tallest peak in Borneo and one of the tallest in Southeast Asia. The most famous tourist attraction in Sabah, it magnets local and international hikers to its lush surroundings and jagged mountainscape. As for me, and many others like me who missed the chance of climbing it the first visit, it’s one of the main reasons to come back.

Mount Kinabalu Low's Peak

Cradled within the dense expanse of Kinabalu Park, a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ranau District, it nurtures hundreds of species of flora and fauna spread across different zones. Low’s Peak (the highest point) and the textured rocky area leading to it are a geological wonder.

Is reaching Mt. Kinabalu’s Low’s Peak one of your bucket list items? You need to take note of the following:

  • Mount Kinabalu is managed by Sabah Parks , under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Environment. Yes, they have just one unified body overseeing all the projects regarding environment, culture, and tourism
  • Sabah Parks climb permits must be secured in advance through licensed and accredited climb operators. Here’s the list provided by the Sabah Tourism Board: Accredited Tour Operators
  • Only 150 hikers are allowed per day, so you need to secure a slot in advance.
  • All hikers must book accommodations at Panalaban Base Camp in advance (2D1N), too. Here are the current accommodation options: Laban Rata Resthouse, Pendant Hut, Lemaing Hut, Mokodou and Kinotoki. Heated dormitories and rooms are offered by Laban Rata Resthouse.
  • Note that One-Day Mount Kinabalu Climb permits are currently NOT available.
  • Climbers must be fully vaccinated and must present proof of vaccination via MySejahtera App (Digital Covid-19 Vaccination Certificate)
  • Hikers must be accompanied by accredited mountain guides. The number of guides will depend on the size of the group and the age of the climbers. Children below 12 years old must be accompanied by fully vaccinated parents/guardians.
  • The jump-off point for all hikers is the Timpohon Gate at Kinabalu National Park.
  • Currently, there are two open summit trails, both starting from Panalaban: the Ranau Summit Trail and the Kota Belud Summit Trail.
  • Choose your package type: Non-Ferrata or Via Ferrata. Via Ferrata (Iron Road) is recommended only for seasoned mountaineers and rock climbers.
  • All hikers must follow the Covid-19 safety protocols and guidelines. Check if you still need to submit a negative result (self-test RTK Antigen) a day before your arrival.

For more info about booking Mount Kinabalu hike to the summit, visit the this website .

Location: Kinabalu National Park, Ranau, West Coast Division, Sabah Kinabalu Park Conservation Fee: RM 15 (Adult); RM 10 (Child) Climb Permit: RM 200 (Adult); RM 80 (Child) Mountain Guide Fee: RM 230 (16 y/o and above, 1 per 5 pax); RM 230 (below 16 y/o, 1 per 2 pax) Porter Rate: RM 65 – RM 80 (10kg, one-way, depending on the route). Routes: Timpohon – Panalaban / Panalaban – Timpohon / Timpohon – Sayat-Sayat / Sayat-Sayat – Timpohon / Timpohon – Summit / Summit – Timpohon Sabah Parks Contact Details: +60 88 523 500 / [email protected] / [email protected]

Kinabalu Park

Covering a total land area of 75,370 hectares, the sprawling Kinabalu Park is a hotspot for terrestrial biodiversity, sheltering over 100 species of mammals, more than 350 species of birds, about 100 species of reptiles, around 80 species of amphibians, more or less 1,000 species of insects (others are yet to be specified), and more.

Kinabalu Park Viewpoint

All these fauna thriving in various green habitats encompassing 5,000-6,000 species of vascular plants in different climactic zones — lowland forest, lower mountain forest, upper mountain forest, ultrabasic rock forest, granitic boulder vegetation, and sub alpine forest.

The most prominent feature is the magnificent Mount Kinabalu, a major tourist and hiking destination in Southeast Asia. Officially declared a national park in January 1964, Kinabalu Park is the first in Sabah. It covers three districts: Ranau, Kota Belud, and Kota Marudu. The national park was established to protect, preserve, and conserve the natural habitat and feature, the water catchment area, and its cultural and historical heritage.

Aside from Mount Kinabalu, other features are the following:

  • Mount Tambayukon
  • Mount Kinabal Botanical Garden
  • Poring Butterfly Farm
  • Poring Orchid Conservation Center
  • Rafflesia Conservation Center
  • Poring Bamboo Garden
  • Poring Ethnobotanical Garden
  • bird watching activity
  • paragliding
  • Canopy Walkway
  • Natural Hot Sulfur Spring Water

Into forest bathing? Here are eight nature trail options:

Kinabalu Park Botanical Garden

  • Kiau View Trail
  • Bundu Tuhan View Trail
  • Liwagu River Trail
  • Silau Silau Trail
  • Bukit Burung Trail
  • Mempening Trail
  • Pandamus Trail
  • Bukit Ular Trail

Each trail has its own pros and cons, so choose the one that suits your preference and interest. Or take all the trails if you want and you have time to spare.

The park is managed by Sabah Parks , which is under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Environment. All details regarding the various species of animals and plants were provided by the Sabah Parks management. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 2000 and was included in the ASEAN Heritage Parks list in December 2003.

Location: Kinabalu National Park, Ranau, West Coast Division, Sabah Conservation Fee: RM 15 (Adult); RM 10 (Child) Other Fees: Kinabalu Natural History Gallery RM 3; Botanical Garden RM 5 (Adult), RM 2.5 (Child), FREE (6 y/o and below); Guided Walk RM 3 (Adult), RM 1.5 (Child), FREE (6 y/o and below); Audio Visual Display RM 2; Botanical-Guided Walk-Audio Visual RM 8 (Adult), RM 4 (Child) Sabah Parks Contact Details: +60 88 523 500 / [email protected] / [email protected]
Getting There: If you are not climbing Mount Kinabalu and just want to do easy walks along its shorter trails, you can check the shared shuttle services or the private services from Kota Kinabalu city center to Kinabalu Park. The rate ranges from MYR 50 – MYR 90, one-way. But if you are on a budget and you are not in a hurry, you can take the minivan/minibus bound for Ranau at Merdeka Square or a bus bound for Ranau, Sandakan, or Tawau at North Bus Terminal in Inanam. These vehicles will pass by the entrance of Kinabalu Park. The fare is MYR 15-30, one way. The travel time is about two hours.

Tanjung Aru Beach

Located outside the city center, Tanjung Aru is a 2-km beach stretching from Shangri-La Resort & Spa on the northern end and the Kota Kinabalu Meteorological Office on the southern end. Because of its close proximity to the urban core, the beach developed into a popular beach hangout place. Facing the South China Sea, it showcases breathtaking sunsets, painting the sky with splashes of various hues and intensity each day, depending on the weather.

Food stalls offering local fare line the public beach, particularly between Prince Philip Park and the DBKK Carpark (beside Shangri-La Resort), so expect this strip to be crowded on weekends and holidays, especially in the morning and around sunset time.

Popular activities are strolling along the beach, people watching, food tripping, kite flying, having a picnic, and sunset watching, among others.

Aside from Shangri-La Resort, the beach is also home to Kinabalu Yacht Club and Kinabalu Golf Club. While in the area, you might also want to visit Perdana Park along Jalan Mat Salleh (Mat Salleh Street). Your landmark is the Prince Philip Park, located at the end of Jalan Mat Salleh.

Location: Jalan Tanjung Aru, Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Opening Hours: The beach is open 24/7, but the establishments along the beach usually operate from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Entrance Fee: FREE

Mari Mari Cultural Village

Take a peek into old school Borneo at Mari Mari Cultural Village !

Mari Mari Cultural Village in Kota Kinabalu

Launched in December 2008, this vast open-air museum showcases the roots and soul of Sabahans. It features different traditional houses of the five major ethnic groups in Sabah — the agricultural Dusun and Rungus, the hunters and fisherfolk Lundayeh, the herdsmen and sea gypsies Bajau, and the headhunters and warrior tribe of Murut.

Each traditional house exhibit also presents the costumes, traditional skills, customs, and daily activities in the olden days such as bamboo cooking at Dusun House, fire starting and traditional craft at Rungus House, tree bark craft at Lundayeh House, congkak and kuih jala at Bajau House, and lansaran at Murut House.

Mari Mari Cultural Village Food

Two sessions of guided tour are offered daily — morning and afternoon. Each tour lasts about three hours, with the morning session starting at 10:00 AM and the afternoon session at 2:00 PM. Visitors need to register 15 minutes before the official tour starts. Here’s the flow of the tour:

  • Registration and Briefing at the Reception Area
  • Start Tour: Crossing the Suspension Bridge
  • Visit Five Tribal Houses with Demonstrations/Food Tasting
  • Cultural Performance at the Performance Hall
  • Lunch (Morning Sesion) or High Tea (Afternoon Session)
  • End of Tour

The cultural village’s key landmarks also include the Main Dinner Hall, Souvenir Shop, Dining Hut “Leka-Leki”, and the Performance Hall, where a spectacular indigenous dance show is staged.

Restrooms are located at the reception area, the performance area, and the dining hall area. It is located 20-30 minutes northeast of the city center.

Location: Jalan Kionsom, Inanam, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Daily); 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Morning Session Tour); 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Afternoon Session Tour). The schedule might change, so check the official website and Facebook page before going. Guided Tour Package Rates: RM 100 (Adult); RM 90 (Child, 5-11 y/o). These rates include entrance fee, in-house guide, visit to 5 ethnic traditional houses, traditional demo & activities, cultural performance, and lunch/high tea. Check the official Facebook page for updates and promos. Booking/Reservation Contact: +60 13-881 4921 / Mari Mari Cultural Village Facebook Page (@marimariculturalvillageborneo)

By the way, it’s best to get connected to the internet to help you navigate the city more conveniently. The most budget-friendly option is purchasing a traveler-friendly local SIM card.

Check out Tune Talk ‘s Traveller SIM . During our trip, we used its Lite Plan covering 15 GB data plan with seven days validity upon activation. This allowed us to chat with our friends and families and update our social media accounts as we explored Sabah!

Tune Talk Traveller SIM Card

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

Spanning 4,929 hectares, the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park harbors five islands and their surrounding waters and reefs in Gaya Bay. It was declared a protected area in 1974, making it Sabah’s second national park after Kinabalu Park. Originally, the marine park only included Gaya Island and Sapi Island. Later on, Manukan Island, Mamutik island, and Sulug Island were added in 1979.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park Manukan Island

The park boasts pristine islands, white-sand beaches, snorkeling spots, and diving sites. Popular activities are swimming, island hopping, beach bumming, water sports, boating, diving, snorkeling, and the Coral Flyer zipline (linking Gaya Island and Sapi Island). Accommodations are also available on the islands, particularly in Gaya Island and Manukan Island.

Jesselton Point Jetty Terminal is the jump-off point to the marine park (and its islands), which is about three kilometers off the Kota Kinabalu mainland. You can book your island hopping tour from one of the many tour operators ticketing booths/counters at the Ticketing Hall located at the entrance of the jetty, right after the old wooden welcome arch. The rates depend on the inclusion and add-on activities. If you want to go scuba diving, it’s best to book in advance with accredited dive operator.

Also under the jurisdiction of Sabah Parks, its headquarters can be found on Manukan Island, but each island has its own satellite office. The park aims to protect and maintain the marine ecosystems, including the underwater flora and fauna.

Location: Gaya Bay, Sabah Conservation Fee: RM 20 (Adult); RM 15 (Child, below 18 y/o); RM 15 (Seniors, 60 y/o and above); RM 10 (below 6 y/o); FREE (PWDs) Island Transfer Rates: 1-Island RM 35 (Adult), RM 30 (Child); 2-Island RM 45 (Adult), RM 40 (Child); 3-Island RM 55 (Adult), RM 50 (Child); 4-Island RM 65 (Adult), RM 60 (Child). The rates are inclusive of island terminal fee — RM 7.20 for adults and RM 3.60 for children. The island transfer service for Tunku Abdul Rahman Park covers only four islands — Manukan, Mamutik, Sapi, and Gaya. Other Fees: Camping Fee RM 5 (Adult), RM 2 (Child); Diving Fee RM 50/head Jump-Off Point: Jesselton Point Jetty Terminal Sabah Parks Contact Details: +60 88 523 500 / [email protected] / [email protected]

JSK Borneo Reef – Pontoon

Touted as the largest reef activity pontoon in South East Asia, the JSK Borneo Reef , often simply called “pontoon” measures 12 meters high, 24.5 meters wide, and 37.5 meters long. This two-level fun center can accommodate up to 300 people, who can enjoy a plethora of activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, and sea walking (aka helmet diving), in which you could walk on the sea floor while wearing an underwater helmet.

Kota Kinabalu Pontoon

Because it is within the protected Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, the management conscientiously implements strict policy that will help maintain and preserve the surrounding marine environment. In an effort to help conserve and restore Sabah’s coral reefs, the company sets up its own coral farm where the sea walking activity takes place.

If sea walking is too adventurous for you (because it isn’t for everyone), you can still catch a glimpse of the underwater world by descending into their underwater tunnel.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park Pontoon Underwater Tunnel

If you prefer to stay above the water but still want your share of thrills, take on the inflatable island obstacle course!

The pontoon is stationed over a hundred meters off the southwest coast of Gaya Island, but you can also have a great view of nearby Sapi Island.

From Jessselton Point Ferry Terminal, the speed boat will take visitors to the pontoon in 15-20 minutes. Check the official website and Facebook page for the complete list of package options and promos. You can find the JSK Borneo Reef kiosk at the Ticketing Hall.

Location: Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Sabah Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM (Daily); 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM (Registration); 8:45 AM (Boarding); 9:00 AM (Departure). The schedule might change, so check the official website and Facebook page before going. Ocean Escapade Package: Monday to Thursday RM 149 (Adult), RM 99 (Child); Friday to Sunday, Holidays RM 169 (Adult), RM 109 (Child); FREE (0-3 y/o). The package includes meal, boat transfers, all pontoon amenities ECXEPT sea walking (separate fee). Ocean Escapade + Sea Walking Package: Monday to Thursday RM 229 (Adult), RM 179 (Child); Friday to Sunday, Holidays RM 249 (Adult), RM 189 (Child); FREE (0-3 y/o). The package includes meal, boat transfers, all pontoon amenities. Jump-Off Point: Jesselton Point Fery Terminal

Manukan Island

The crescent-shaped Manukan Island is a 1.5-kilometer island paradise blessed with willowy Casuarina Pine trees (Agoho trees), fine white-sand beaches (especially on the southeastern coastline), and turquoise waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. It is the second largest and the most developed in the protected area, featuring 20 units of cabins, a few restaurants, shops, a diving center, a museum, a clubhouse, a swimming pool, and sports grounds — football, volleyball, and sepak takraw.

Manukan Island

Beach attractions and water-related activities are concentrated on the eastern side. The heavily forested Manukan has hiking trails for those who want to commune with nature and further explore the island.

The cabins are managed and operated by Sutera Sanctuary Lodges . If you are planning to stay here, you need to book in advance.

Location: Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Sabah Conservation Fee: RM 20 (Adult); RM 15 (Child, below 18 y/o); RM 15 (Seniors, 60 y/o and above); RM 10 (below 6 y/o); FREE (PWDs) Other Fees: Camping Fee RM 5 (Adult), RM 2 (Child); Diving Fee RM 50/head Jump-Off Point: Jesselton Point Jetty Terminal Boat Transfer: Refer to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park section. Again, the island transfer service for Tunku Abdul Rahman Park covers only four islands — Manukan, Mamutik, Sapi, and Gaya.

Gaya Island

With a total land area of almost 1,500 hectares, Gaya Island is the largest of the five islands. The name came from the Bajau word gayo , meaning “big”. It is also the closest to downtown Kota Kinabalu via Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal.

Its lush hilly landscape reaches an elevation of 300 meters, featuring ridges stretching across the island and a 20-kilometer hiking trail, which also includes a plank-walk through a mangrove forest.

Police Beach is the most popular beach, nestled on the northwestern coast, facing Bulijong Bay and fronting one of the three secluded five-star hotels on the island — the Bunga Raya Island Resort . The clear calm waters kissing the 400-meter sandy stretch of white sand is ideal for swimming. The other two upscale resorts are the Gaya Island Resort and the Gayana Marine Resort.

Gaya Island is bejeweled with colorful coral reefs, making it one of the best snorkeling and diving destinations in Sabah. The local settlement took over the eastern side of the island.

Location: Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Sabah Conservation Fee: RM 20 (Adult); RM 15 (Child, below 18 y/o); RM 15 (Seniors, 60 y/o and above); RM 10 (below 6 y/o); FREE (PWDs) Jump-Off Point: Jesselton Point Jetty Terminal Boat Transfer: Refer to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park section. Again, the island transfer service for Tunku Abdul Rahman Park covers only four islands — Manukan, Mamutik, Sapi, and Gaya.

Mamutik Island

Just a kilometer south of Manukan, the triangular Mamutik Island is the smallest of the five islands. Its western side is characterized by a rocky shore, while the rest of the island is fringed with sandy beaches. Not as crowded as the others, it offers an alternative beach experience for those who prefer a more rugged but quieter spot.

Swimming and snorkeling are the popular activities here, so be prepared to meet some of these marine wonders — clown fish, rainbow fish, anemones, surgeon fish, zebra fish, and stingray among others. The surrounding waters are mostly deep, so keep an eye on your kids and companions who are not good swimmers. It’s also best to wear beach footwear to protect your feet from broken shells and corals.

Amenities on the island include changing rooms, toilets, benches, picnic huts, a restaurant, and rental shop for snorkeling, diving, and camping.

Mamutik is only three kilometers off the mainland, so tourists can view the city from the sandy eastern side of the island on a clear day. The main jump-off point is at Jesselton Point, but other terminals, such as Sutera Harbour Marina Jetty and Tanjung Aru Beach, have access to Mamutik Island.

Sapi Island

Sapi Island

Sapi Island is like a remora fish swimming beneath its partner shark — the larger Gaya Island. Situated about two meters southwest of Gaya Island and covering an area of over 10 hectares, this densely forested island is definitely dwarfed but not really overshadowed by its bigger sister. Come low tide, the sisters link arms, creating sandbar in between.

The thick vegetation provides shades for visitors. Plenty of picnic huts and tables are scattered around the main beach area. Popular activities are swimming, snorkeling, and diving. The best spot to go diving is on the southeastern tip of the island. Some of the marine life found around the coral garden are stingrays, cuttlefish, zebra fish, clown fish, and moray eels.

Note that it can get crowded on weekends and holidays, particularly the main beach; however, you can explore further and find one of the few hidden beaches when you traverse the five-kilometer nature trail. Be sure to wear comfortable beach footwear when exploring the island. The trail will lead trekkers to the highest point of the island.

Sapi is also home to the wild macaques and two-meter long monitor lizards. Considering the wildlife thriving here, be extra careful. As much as possible, do not feed them, keep your distance, and just let them be. The macaques might grab some of your stuff to look for food. Always look where you are going to avoid stepping on a monitor lizard.

Kadamaian White Water Rafting

Mild or Wild? But it doesn’t really matter because the rapids will decide for you. This will delight thrill-seekers who are always on the lookout for extreme activities that will make their adrenaline pumping.

Kadamaian White Water Rafting

Enjoy the rough ride as the raging waters from Mount Kinabalu take you on a bumpy rafting experience along the Kadamaian River in Kota Belud, a town tucked about two hours north of Kota Kinabalu city center.

The whole rafting stretch is about 10 kilometers with rapid classification of Grade 1-2, so this is perfect for first timers. Our team had experienced white water rafting in Davao and Cagayan de Oro, both reaching the Grade 4 classification, which is the ceiling for leisure white water rapids.

Speaking from personal experience, both Yosh and I got tossed into the water here at Kadamaian, and I had a blast getting carried away for a moment before I was pulled back up onto the raft immediately. But that’s just me. Yosh got snatched by the rapids for three (long) minutes, and for better or worse, I’m sure it’s now one of his most unforgettable travel experiences.

The whole white water rafting activity lasted almost two hours. Once at the jump-off point, you will have safety briefing first. Depending on the package you book, it usually includes light snack or lunch buffet. Don’t forget to bring the following: extra clothes, dry bag, waterproof camera or GoPro, aqua shoes or sandals with straps, rash guard or comfortable rafting outfit, towel, and sunscreen.

Location: Kadamaian River, Kadamaian, Kota Belud, Sabah Getting There: The most convenient way is to book a package tour with roundtrip transfer between Kota Kinabalu and the jump-off point in Kadamaian.

Seafood Galore

When in Kota Kinabalu, don’t pass up any opportunity to stuff your face with scrumptious seafood!

Skewered Prawns

KK is surrounded by the richest waters on the planet, providing delicious bounty to city’s popular restaurants and food meccas like the Waterfront Seafood Night Market along Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens and Api-Api Night Food Market at Gaya Street. You can enjoy them grilled, deep-fried, steamed, or topping your favorite noodle dish.

Another popular culinary brand is Welcome Seafood Restaurant with three spacious branches: Asia City (KK City Center), Inanam (North KK), and Penampang (South of KK). We dined at Asia City branch and the place was really packed with diners, locals and tourists alike. Outdoor and indoor seating are available.

We had their bestselling kam hiong crab (kam heong crab), a popular Malaysian dish that combines Malay, Chinese and Indian influences. Kam heong literally means “golden fragrance”, referring to the sweet, aromatic scent that steams out from its sauce, which is cooked with chillies, curry, and other spices. Welcome takes pride in their special sauce, which is a great blend of salty and spicy.

Kam hiong crab

We also had their dry butter prawns, deep-fried squid (calamari), and fried fish in sweet-and-sour sauce.

Kota Kinabalu serves as a key gateway to the North Borneo regions, welcoming people from various cultures. This made Sabahan cuisine eclectic, but mostly mixing local with other Southeast Asian and Chinese flavors.

But the most intriguing delicacy is probably sinalau bakas , a native Kadazandusun treat. The name translates to “smoked wild boar”. Many roadside eateries and stalls can give you a taste of this meaty goodness, but most tour operators let guests try it at one of the stalls on the way to or from Kinabalu Park. Unfortunately, we didn’t get to try this ourselves as the stalls were closed when we dropped by.

Sin Kee Bah Kut Teh

Bak kut teh is a staple dish, more like a comfort food, that is usually served at dinnertime. But in the past, farmers usually consumed the steaming hot light broth early in the morning before they go to the fields. Literally means pork rib tea, the pork is cooked or added (when meat are already partially cooked) in a cloudy herbal broth. Some restaurants offer chicken, seafood, and beef aside from pork. Innards and dimsum balls can also be added.

Malaysian bak kut teh is served with you char kway (fried dough). Locals usually eat the meat by dipping them in a soy sauce with chili and minced garlic. Chinatown (or Gaya Street area) is dotted with restaurants serving bak kut teh, and one of them is Sin Kee , which we had the pleasure of trying when we visited.

Halo Halo Kota Kinabalu Tambayan at Kainan Pinoy

You’ll also find Filipino food spots throughout the city including Tambayan at Kainang Pilipino at Api-Api Center. Owned and run by a Pinay immigrant, this 24-hour-open restaurant has a menu that boasts a number of Pinoy favorites from sizzling plates of sisig to icy desserts like halo-halo.

Gaya Street

Immerse in the Sabahan culture and experience the lifestyle of the locals here!

This bustling strip of commercial establishments, both old and new, dates back to 1902. Originally named “Bond Street” during the British colonial period, the street evolved from an industrial trading railway track — transporting rubber between Tenom and the wharf in Jesselton Harbour, which was then the main gateway to North Borneo before commercial flights were made available — into a busy commercial street where many shops and dining places flourished.

Spanning from Lintasan Deasoka near the Kota Kinabalu City Hall and Mandarin Hotel all the way to the old Jesselton Post Office, Gaya Street is home to old family businesses passed from generation to generation, most of them are coffee shops and restaurants operated by Chinese families; hence, the area is also dubbed as the Chinatown of Sabah. The end of the street near the KK City Hall is marked by a Chinese arch gate erected in 2005.

On Sundays, it transforms into a pedestrian-only street where regular market fair is held, particularly in the morning. Local merchants, as well as foreign traders (Indonesians, Filipinos, etc.), sell various kinds of items and products: agricultural produce, local snacks and street food, arts and craft, flowers, souvenirs, footwear, clothes and textiles, and many others.

Location: Kota Kinabalu Central Business District, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Street Fair Hours: 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Sundays). The schedule might change, so check first with Sabah Tourism Board before going. Contact Detail: +60 88 212 121 (Sabah Tourism Board)

Plaza 333 is a commercial complex housing entertainment and food establishments, from homegrown restaurants to fast-food chains to bar and restaurants.

Plaza 333 Kota Kinabalu

Although located outside Kota Kinabalu, over six kilometers south of the city center, it still draws people, both young and old, to its various food establishments. It is also one of the favorite hangout spots for nightlife among locals.

Location: Kobusak Commercial Centre, Penampang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Opening Hours: The whole complex is open 24/7, but each establishment has its own operating schedule. Check the official Facebook page or website of the establishment you wish to visit. Getting There: It’s quite challenging to go here if you re taking the public transportation, so the best way is to take a Grab service from Kota Kinabalu. The travel time is about 20 minutes.

Handicraft Market

This place is THE souvenir haven! Also known as the Filipino Market , it is composed of shops managed mostly by residents originating from the Philippines.

With stalls flanking a portion of Tun Fuad Stephens Street , this waterfront market is a popular shopping destination for locals and tourists looking for specific items and even interesting pieces that they “suddenly need”. Wink wink. With seemingly endless array of options, it’s impossible to leave empty handed. Practice your bargaining skills and learn helpful phrases in their local language for better chances of getting discounts.

Some of the products sold here are local handicraft, musical instruments, clothes, fabrics, traditional clothes, jewelry, accessories, key chains, and more. Should you get hungry, food stalls and seafood pop here and there.

Location: Jalan Tun Fuad Stephen, Pusat Bandar, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Daily). The schedule might change, so check first with Sabah Tourism Board before going. Contact Detail: +60 88 212 121 (Sabah Tourism Board)

Kota Kinabalu City Mosque

“The Floating Mosque”

Kota Kinabalu City Mosque

Ensconced in a diamond-shaped manmade lagoon, Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu (aka Kota Kinabalu City Mosque) covers an area of about six hectares on Pasir Street along the shores of Likas Bay. The mosque is attached to the southeastern side of the lagoon where the entrance is also located.

Officially opened in February 2000 after Kota Kinabalu acquired its city status, the mosque attracts not only worshipers but also tourists with its blue and gold dome and four minarets. The modern Arabic architectural style was inspired by the second holiest site in the Islam religion, the Nabawi Mosque in Medina. It is also one of the popular photography subjects in Kota Kinabalu.

Non-muslims are welcome to visit the mosque outside prayer times and must wear proper attire — no sleeveless and shorts. Cover up clothing can be rented from the management. All visitors are also required to register at Kota Kinabalu City Mosque Tourism Management. Follow the rules and respect the place.

Note that this is not the city’s main mosque. That title belongs to Sabah State Mosque (Masjid Negeri Sabah) in Sembulan.

Location: Jalan Pasir, Kampung Likas, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Visiting Hours: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM, 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM (Saturday – Thursday); CLOSED (Fridays). The schedule might change, so check first with Kota Kinabalu City Mosque Tourism Management before going. Entrance Fee: RM 5/head Cover Up Rental: RM 5 – RM 10 Contact Details: +60 88 435 891 / [email protected]

Sabah Museum

From its humble beginnings at a shophouse along Gaya Street in 1965, the Sabah State Museum now sits on a 17-hectare land at Bukit Istana Lama, where the former palace of the British North Borneo Governor was situated.

From the collection of photographs and diaries of George Cathcart Woolley, the museum’s treasured possessions burgeoned into a massive assemblage of artifacts, installations, and exhibits housed in several galleries by category — history, arts, ceramics, brassware, natural history, archaeology, ethnography, and Islamic civilization among others.

From the devoted hands of Sabah Society, the administration duties of the museum was bequeathed to the State Ministry of Community Services in 1981 before it was handed over to the State Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. Finally, in April 1984, the museum transferred to its new home where it is presently located. The current museum complex dates back to 1985.

Aside from the museum’s main building, the complex also hosts a zoo, a botanic garden, and a heritage village with a few of Sabah’s indigenous groups’ traditional houses. The museum is located near Sabah State Mosque.

Location: Sabah Museum Complex, Bukit Istana Lama, Jalan Muzium, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Daily). The schedule might change, so check the official website before going. Entrance Fee: RM 15/head

Signal Hill Observatory

‼️ The Signal Hill Observatory Platform is under renovation until September 2023, but people can still trek to the top and still get good views from different spots around the hilltop.

As the highest point in Kota Kinabalu, Signal Hill is one of the best places to take in panoramic views of the city, Gaya Bay, and some of the islands of TAR Marine Park.

Benches are provided by the sidewalk should you get tired or you just want to spend more time admiring the breathtaking scenery.

Padang Merdeka and Gaya Street are the two entry points to the trailhead. Padang Merdeka mainly caters to visitors who opt to drive, while Gaya Street caters to those who want to go there on foot.

The trailhead from Gaya Street is on the side where the Sabah Tourism Board office is located. It is at the end of the street between the Old Town Coffee shop and Jesselton Hotel. You’ll spot the trail sign from the Kota Kinabalu Community Hall (Dewan Masyarakat DBKK). You’ll reach the top in more or less 10 minutes.

Location: 78, Jalan Asrama, Signal Hill, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Trail Head Jump-Off Point: Kota Kinabalu Community Hall near Gaya Street Opening Hours: 24/7 (Hilltop Area); CLOSED for Renovation (Observatory).

Monsopiad Heritage Village

Dedicated to Monsopiad , the legendary headhunter warrior of the Kadazandusun people, the largest ethnic group on this side of Borneo.

Privately owned and managed by the direct descendants of Monsopiad, the heritage village was built on the very site where the renowned warrior lived about 300 years ago. Aiming to highlight the life and time of Monsopiad and the rich ancient culture of the Kadazandusun, it was opened to the public in 1979, featuring cultural activities like the Sumazau dance, the Kadazan cuisines, and the traditional bamboo fire lighting.

The most popular attraction is the House of Skulls (Siou Do Mohoing), where 42 skulls hang on display as trophies and proof of Monsopiad’s strength and power as a warrior and defender of his village. Other features are the massive monolith, the suspension bridge, the traditional restaurant, the Grainery (Tangkob), and Monsopiad’s Main House (Kotos di Monsopiad) where some items including padi grinders, ceramic jars, bamboo tools, and costume, are showcased.

The heritage village is located in Penampang , just a few minutes’ drive south from Kota Kinabalu city center.

Location: Kampung Kuai Kandazon, Jalan Putatan Ramayah, Penampang, Sabah Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Monday, Wednesday – Sunday); CLOSED (Tuesdays). The schedule might change, so check the official website or Facebook page before going. Cultural Performance Schedule: 11:00 AM (Morning Session); 2:00 PM (Afternoon Session) Package Tour Rate: RM 55 (Adult); RM 50 (Senior Citizen, 60 y/o and above); RM 35 (Child, 4-12 y/o); RM 30 (PWD). These are international rates inclusive of guided tour, tour guide, cultural activities, cultural show, complimentary drinks, and complimentary gift. Contact Details: For booking and inquiries, contact +6011-14196484 / +6011-14196488 / [email protected]

Mantanani Island Snorkeling + Cruise

Nestled off the northwestern coast of Sabah, this group of three islands is a quick day trip from Kota Kinabalu, providing alternative beach destination option for tourists who want to soak up the sun and swim in an uncrowded tropical paradise. Aside from swimming and beach bumming, the common activities are diving, snorkeling, and birdwatching.

Mantanani Besar , the largest of the three and the most popular, houses a few scuba diving resorts. Nature trails also scribble across the island. The other two islands are Mantanani Kecil , housing a small dive lodge, and Lungisan , the smallest of the three. The waters surrounding the islands are home to coral reefs, dugongs, and other marine creatures.

Getting There: The jump-off point is Kota Belud, which is about an hour’s drive north of Kota Kinabalu. From Kota Belud mainland, particularly Kuala Abai Jetty, the travel time by speedboat to the islands is almost an hour. You can book a tour package inclusive of roundtrip transfers from Kota Kinabalu, boat transfers, lunch, snorkeling gear, jetty and entrance fees. Two options are available — Snorkeling Only or Snorkeling + River Cruise.

How to Get to Kota Kinabalu

As countries continue to ease their COVID-19-related travel restrictions, many airlines are also reopening routes for commercial flights. AirAsia Philippines has recently resumed its Manila-Kota Kinabalu service twice a week. Travel time is over two hours.

AirAsia Aircraft for Kota Kinabalu

Each booking is inclusive of a complimentary 7kg carry-on baggage allowance. For a hassle-free and more comfortable journey, you might want to check its Value Pack , which covers 20kg check-in baggage allowance, standard selection, a meal, and Tune Protect insurance (for baggage delay & 1 hour on-time guarantee protection). Meanwhile, their Premium Flex option allows you to change the date and time of your flight up to two times.

AirAsia Manila-Kota Kinabalu

For convenience, seamless booking of flights and hotels, and great deals, you may want to download and check the company’s fully-integrated platform, the airasia Super App , offering flight booking and other supplementary services and products such as online shopping, insurance, and ride-hailing and delivery services (when applicable/available).

AirAsia Kota Kinabalu Flight

Written by Asta Alvarez Photos and additional words by Yosh Dimen

Our recent trip to Kota Kinabalu was made possible by AirAsia Philippines.

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I’ve been to Kota Kinabalu  twice for short visits and maybe I didn’t give it a fair chance. Getting bitten by a bot fly is one of my issues and taking my life in hand just trying to get across the street seemed an issue. After your article maybe I need to try for a third visit?

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Amazing Things to Do for Tourists in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu is one of the top tourist destinations in Malaysia . This beautiful coastal capital of Sabah state attracts all kinds of tourists for Kota Kinabalu travel each year. Even the locals love to visit Kota Kinabalu for a great holiday. Just as Kuala Lumpur is nicknamed KL, Sabah’s capital city is often called KK. There are 3 major tourist attractions to visit on Kota Kinabalu travel. First is the coast, second are the islands and third is the dominating Mount Kota Kinabalu. Each of these Kota Kinabalu has its own charm. There are also several other places to visit in Kota Kinabalu city as well. You can go on island hopping as a part of Kota Kinabalu tour. You can even rent one of the smaller islands to be exclusive to you for a day or so. It will still coast you a lot to have one of the Kota Kinabalu tourist spot all by yourself. But it is cheaper than buying an island. Many people choose to conduct their wedding on an island, as it is the most interesting place in Kota Kinabalu to have a wedding. It would be truly special to be married on a private island. Well, private for a day only, but still. As for those not getting hitched nor interesting is riding a boat to the island, the best Kota Kinabalu tourist spot is arguably its coast. A variety of beaches and beach activities along with thrilling water sports are among things to do in Kota Kinabalu . The coastal region itself is adequate to thoroughly enjoy a Kota Kinabalu holiday.

There are a few places to go in Kota Kinabalu to engage with the region’s history and culture. The Sabah State Museum is the primary museum people visit on KK trip. A bonus for the Kota Kinabalu backpackers are the various cultural tourist attraction in the vicinity of the museum. Though there are not many traditionally historical tourist attractions in Kota Kinabalu , it has abundant cultural attractions. If you are an admirer of arts, sculptures and paintings you should head to the Sabah Art Gallery among places to visit in KK. You can further engage with the customs and traditions of the region during Kota Kinabalu sightseeing at one of cultural villages in the city. For someone interested in cultural artefact, tribal lifestyles, traditional performances and attires, the cultural villages are the best place to visit in Kota Kinabalu to immerse yourself in the region’s traditions. In terms of religious places of worship and religious monuments among places to go in Kota Kinabalu, you will find a great variety. This city has been a soup of various cultures and empires over the years. There are churches, mosques, and temples you can explore during Kota Kinabalu travel. Among temples as well there are Hindu temples and Chinese temples with vastly different architectures to see when you visit Kota Kinabalu.

Once you are done with the places to visit in Kota Kinabalu , you can head towards nature for some outdoor activities, adventures, and nature exploration. A few vendors in the city would help you arrange a Kota Kinabalu tour of nature. The best place to visit in Kota Kinabalu for some nature time is Mount Kinabalu. It is the preferred option of many hikers, cyclists, campers and so on. It is a wild, open and exciting Kota Kinabalu tourist spot. But at the same time, Mount Kinabalu is bristle with aid, facilities, and services to make it a convenient as well as interesting place to visit in Kota Kinabalu. Other places to go in Kota Kinabalu for adventure are the nearby forests located around the city. All the items listed below with the suffix Bukit are forests you can explore during a KK trip. Kota Kinabalu backpackers who prefer unexplored or less explored terrains would have to venture a little further away into the wilderness of Sabah. The places to visit in kk and near it would be busy with tourists. But because the region is so vast and varied, you are not likely to be run into other tourists during Kota Kinabalu sightseeing in the nearby forests either. Eco tourism is a popular choice for Kota Kinabalu holiday among couples as well as groups of friends. There are a few activities which can strengthen the bond between people like passing through wilderness. For that the mountains and the forests are the best place to visit in Kota Kinabalu.

Other popular places to go in KK are, as mentioned before, the beaches and the islands. Both of these places are popular spots on Kota Kinabalu tour for the same reason. People love to be around the ocean. The view is incredible. For many people, beaches and islands are the sole reason to visit Kota Kinabalu. You will be surprised at the sheer number and variety of beaches among Kota Kinabalu tourist attractions . Plus if you choose an island among places to visit in Kota Kinabalu, you get tot enjoy boat rides, beaches, and island fun all neatly tied in one package.

The beaches and islands are also popular places to go in KK for water sports and adventure activities. You can dive near the coast for snorkeling or enjoy sightseeing of the coral reefs near Kota Kinabalu. You can go deep diving in the ocean as well. There are also submarine tours to enjoy in Kota Kinabalu. Activities on the surface to enjoy during Kota Kinabalu tour include rafting, white water rafting, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, and so on. There are even a great variety of boat rides you can enjoy on a Kota Kinabalu holiday like speed boats, jet ski, traditional boat, river boats, sail boats and cruise boats. The prices for most of these things to do in Kota Kinabalu is quite reasonable. The backpackers in Kota Kinabalu on a tight budget would also get to enjoy the ocean side thoroughly.

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Table of Contents

Top 18 Tourist Places to Visit in Kota Kinabalu

Being a coastal city, Kota Kinabalu is blessed with pristine beaches. Some of the most popular beaches in Kota Kinabalu include Tanjung Aru Beach, Gaya Island Beach, Abdul Rahman Park beaches, Manukan island beach and so on. It is also blessed by several large and small islands close to the coast. So you have plenty of beaches of all kinds and with a variety of activities and leisure facilities to explore during Kota Kinabalu travel.

I suggest you should try Island Hopping to visit multiple beaches with Free Snorkel equipements.

Kota Kinabalu Beach

2. Mount Kinabalu (Gunung Kinabalu)

This mountain is part of the Crocker Mountain Range and is one of the sacred mountains of Malaysia. The mountain is visited for fun outdoor things to do in Kota Kinabalu. It has amazing treks and hiking trails to follow. You will also come across view-points from where you can look upon the ocean or the Sabah region. You would need at least a day’s time for trekking and a couple of days to explore the mountain satisfactorily.

You should book your 2 days climbing tour of Mount Kinabalu in advance.

Mount Kinabalu

3. Klias Wildlife River Cruise

The river cruise takes you on a journey through the Sabah region. You get to cover villages and forests. It is especially popular for birdwatching. You will need about an hour for this experience when you visit Kota Kinabalu.

I suggest you should book your Klias River Cruise and Fireflies Tour in advance.

Klias Wildlife River Cruise

4. Mari Mari Cultural Village

This village recreates the lives and cultural traditions of different tribes of the Sabah region. It is one of the most interesting places in Kota Kinabalu. You will need an hour or two to experience this place.

I suggest you can book your Mari Mari Cultural Village Tour in advance.

Mari Mari Cultural Village

5. Gaya Street Sunday Market

This street market is a 100 year old tradition on the island of Gaya. You will come across a variety of products being sold at this market including handicraft items, street foods, local produce, textile, antiques and more. It is one of the most fascinating Kota Kinabalu tourist attractions. You can easily spend a couple of hours strolling this market.

Gaya Street Sunday Market

6. Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park (Taman Negara Tunku Abdul Rahman)

This marine park consists of 5 islands and the ocean space between them. You will come across an excellent variety of marine biodiversity in terms of flora, fauna and underwater environment. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kota Kinabalu. You would need about 2 to 3 hours to explore this park.

You can enjoy the snorkeling and explore the marine life at Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park .

Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park (Taman Negara Tunku Abdul Rahman)

7. Lok Kawi Wildlife Park

This park has several animals in wildlife recreation enclosures including elephants, tigers, deers, monkeys and reptiles. It is a popular Kota Kinabalu tourist spot for families. You will need an hour for this wildlife park.

You can book your tour of Lok Kawi Wildlife Park in advance.

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park

8. Handicraft Market

This market is a colorful and vibrant place to purchase interesting items like textile, local craft, jewelry, pearls, carvings and more. It is one of the best places to go in Kota Kinabalu to find souvenirs. You can easily spend a couple of hours at this market.

Handicraft Market

9. Kota Kinabalu City Mosque (Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu)

This mosque is one of the most beautiful places to visit in KK. The mosque sits beside a lagoon and its reflection in the water makes it appear to be floating. You will need 20 to 30 minutes to explore this mosque.

Kota Kinabalu City Mosque

10. North Borneo Railway Ride

This train takes you on an magical journey as you get to explore different landscapes of the region. It is a fun experience for backpackers in Kota Kinabalu as you get to see a lot in one ride. This train tour will take about 2 hours.

North Borneo Railway Ride

11. Sabah State Mosque (Masjid Negeri Sabah)

This magnificent mosque is modeled after major mosques of Mecca and Medina. It is a major highlight during Kota Kinabalu sightseeing. You would need about 30 to 45 minutes to explore this mosque.

Sabah State Mosque

12. Sabah State Museum (Muzium Sabah)

This museum focuses on the history of politics, empires, culture, wars, religions and traditions of the Sabah region. It is the best place to visit in Kota Kinabalu to learn about its history. You will need about an hour for this museum.

You can visit Kokol Hill along with your visit of Sabah State Museum .

Sabah State Museum

13. Adventure Sports

Sabah region is blessed with a variety of terrains including ocean, mountains, rivers and coast. You can enjoy sports like paragliding, river rafting, hiking, trekking, off-roading, kayaking, surfing, jet skiing, cycling and so on during KK trip.

As per your interest you can book below mentioned adventure sports in advance.

  • ATV Riding and Paragliding
  • Sunrise Hike St. Veronica Hill
  • Kawang Forest Reserve Trekking
  • Kiulu Water Rafting & Jungle Zip Line
  • Rock Climbing Experience
  • Camping Under the Stars

Adventure Sports in KK

14. Monsopiad Heritage Village

This place gives you a glimpse of a traditional Kadazan village and the lifestyle of the people. It is one of the most culturally interesting places tog go in KK. You will need 2 to 3 hours to tour this heritage village.

I suggest you should book your Monsopiad Culture Village Tour in advance.

Monsopiad Heritage Village

15. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

Kota Kinabalu has some of the most mesmerizing diving spots in the world. Owing its coast, islands and coral reef; scuba diving and snorkeling are some of the most fun things to do in Kota Kinabalu. You will need at least 2 hours for this experience.

I suggest you must try and experience the scuba diving .

Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

16. Sabah Tea Garden

This tea plantation is renowned for its taste. You can watch the preparation of a several local varieties of tea. This experience can be an interesting addition to Kota Kinabalu tour. You will need an hour for this tea plantation.

Sabah Tea Garden

17. Poring Hot Springs

These natural hot springs were built during Japanese occupation of Sabah. These pools are believed to have medicinal properties and are great for relaxation and leisure during Kota Kinabalu travel. You can easily spend a couple of hours here.

You can book your visit of Poring Hot Springs in advance. Along with your this trip you can also visit Kinabalu Park and go for Canopy Walk.

Poring Hot Springs

18. Island Tour

One of the best aspects of Kota Kinabalu holiday is exploring the islands and the ocean. The city has several large and small islands offering a variety of different experiences. The most popular islands to explore are Dinawan, Mamutik, Manukan, Sapi, Gaya, Sepanggar, Mengalum and Mantanani. You would need at least a day’s time for this experience.

Island Tour Kota Kinabalu

If you are looking for more Kota Kinabalu tourist attractions, check out the sections below. We have compiled an exhaustive list of places and activities in Kota Kinabalu for you to enjoy.

Things to do in kuala lampur, monuments, museums & historical places to visit in kota kinabalu.

  • Masjid Bandaraya
  • Sabah State Museum
  • Atkinson Clock Tower
  • Sabah State Mosque
  • Puh Toh Si Chinese Temple
  • Petagas War Memorial Park
  • Pu Tuo Si Temple
  • Sacred Heart Cathedral
  • Masjid Negeri Sabah
  • Medical Museum
  • St. Michael Church
  • Koisaan Cultural Village
  • Mari Mari Cultural Village
  • Monsopiad Cultural Village
  • Sri Pashupathinath Alayam
  • Sabah Islamic Civilization Museum
  • Water Village Museum

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Places to Visit in Kota Kinabalu

  • Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
  • Mount Kinabalu
  • Pulau Manukan / Manukan Island
  • Ile Mamutik
  • Taman Negara Gunung Kinabalu
  • Kota Kinabalu Wet Land Ramar
  • Sulug Island
  • Pulau Sapi / Sapi Island
  • Rasa Ria Reserve
  • Sepanggar Island
  • Tagal Tinopikon Park
  • Ulu Kionsom Waterfall
  • Bukit Padang Mountain Peak
  • Gaya Island
  • Kalimantan Island
  • Bukit Botak
  • Bukit Tirig
  • Bukit Kopungit
  • Nuluh Lipai Jungle
  • Gunung Alab Mountain Peak

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Places to visit in Kota Kinabalu

  • Lok Kawi Wildlife Park Zoo
  • Poring Hot Springs
  • Shangri La Rasa Ria Resort
  • House of Skulls
  • Sabah Art Gallery
  • Aquarium & Marine Museum
  • Shangri La Tanjung Aru Resort
  • Dalit Bay Golf & Country Club
  • Upside Down House
  • Zip Borneo Adventure Center
  • Tuaran Crocodile Farm
  • Chanteek Borneo Gallery
  • Eco Campus Visitor Center
  • De Borneo Water Park
  • Science & Technology Center
  • Ethno Botanical Gardens

Shopping in Kota Kinabalu

  • Satay Legend Lok Kawi
  • Filipino Market
  • Handicraft Market
  • Warisan Square
  • Gaya Street Sunday Market
  • Pasar Besar
  • Wisma Merdeka
  • One Borneo Mall
  • Center Point Mall
  • The Borneo Shop
  • Asia City Mall
  • Kampung Air Night Market
  • Suria Sabah Mall
  • Borneo Trading Post

Beaches in Kota Kinabalu

  • Tanjung Aru
  • Manukan Island Beaches
  • Tunku Abdul Rahman Park Beaches
  • Ile Mamutik Beaches
  • Sulug Island Beaches
  • Pulau Sapi Beaches
  • Sepanggar Island Beaches
  • Borneo Kellybays
  • Dalit Beach
  • Tavajun Bay Beach
  • Gaya Island Beaches
  • Teluk Likas Beach
  • Taman Awam Teluk Likas Park
  • Shadanbar Beach
  • Lagoon Park
  • UMS ODEC Beach

Offbeat Places, Tours & Adventurous Things to do in Kota Kinabalu

  • Nadzwa Ferry Travel
  • Kokol Hill Paragliding
  • Coral Flyer Zipline
  • Green Connection Diving
  • Forest Hiking
  • Sutera Harbour Marina Jetty

Sightseeing in Kota Kinabalu

  • Tun Mustapha Tower
  • Signal Hill Observatory Tower
  • Sabah Tourism Board
  • Tanjung Aru Perdana Park
  • Tampurali Suspension Bridge
  • Double Six Memorial Park
  • Le’ One Kool Elf Park
  • Marlin Statue
  • Padang Merdeka State Park
  • Pillars of Sabah
  • Meredeka Square
  • Tun Fuad Stephens Park

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Kota Kinabalu

  • Night Food Market
  • Kedai Makan
  • Lido Pan Mee
  • Sri Latha Curry House
  • Sabah Chilli Pan Mee
  • Restron Bilal Nasi Kandar
  • Bakuteh Sin Kee
  • Little Italy
  • Welcome Sea Food
  • Sakagura Japanese Restaurant
  • Brass Monkey
  • Chilli Vanilla
  • Laundroluxe
  • Kohinoor North Indian Restaurant
  • Mad Ben Cafe
  • Today Waterfront Street Food
  • A-Square Night Market Street Food
  • Mother India
  • Yuit Cheong
  • Mee Sup Pipin
  • Alu Alu Kitchen
  • Cocoa Kingdom
  • Yu Kee Bah Kut Teh
  • Grazie Ristorante
  • Kedai Kopi Fatt Kee
  • Sea Monster
  • Santan Asian Cuisine
  • One Street Durianz King
  • Buah Buahan Yong
  • Center Point Food Court

Where to Stay in Kota Kinabalu?

Here we have listed Top Rated Luxurious, Mid-Range and Budget Hotels in Kota Kinabalu. You can check below listed hotels for your perfect stay in Kota Kinabalu.

Luxurious Hotels

  • Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai
  • The Magellan Sutera Resort

Mid-Range Hotels

  • Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
  • Hotel Grandis
  • Hilton Kota Kinabalu
  • Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre
  • Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
  • Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Centre
  • Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabulu
  • Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel
  • The Jesselton Hotel
  • Avangio Hotel Kota Kinabalu
  • Sabah Beach Villas & Suites
  • Promenade Service Apartments – Marina Court Resort

Budget Hotels

  • Ibis Styles Kota Kinabalu Inanam
  • Hotel Sixty3
  • Stanton Hotel
  • Cititel Express Kota Kinabalu
  • Ming Garden Hotel & Residences
  • The Palace Hotel Kota Kinabalu
  • Sabah Oriental Hotel
  • Gaya Centre Hotel
  • Hotel Shangri-La Kota Kinabalu
  • Raia Hotel Kota Kinabalu
  • J Residence
  • Horizon Hotel

TripAdvisor

Custom Tours Package in Kota Kinabalu

How to reach kota kinabalu.

The best option for Kota Kinabalu travel by air sits right at the edge of the city. The Kota Kinabalu airport ranks second among busiest airport of Malaysia and rightfully so. Kota Kinabalu tourist attractions lures thousands of tourists each year. You can visit Kota Kinabalu via the city’s airport. The airport operates International as well as domestic flights for those on Kota Kinabalu tour. You can fly directly to Kota Kinabalu airport from China, South Korea, Philippines, Japan , Australia, and Singapore . There are a total of 16 cities which have direct flights for Kota Kinabalu travel. Moreover, there are  15 airports in Malaysia which have direct flights to visit Kota Kinabalu. As Kota Kinabalu is located on Borneo island, you do need a flight for KK trip. Once you land at the airport, you will find many places to visit in Kota Kinabalu at a walking distance.

The airport itself is not too shabby either. So if you forgot to shop for souvenirs on Kota Kinabalu tour, the airport has you covered. You will also get public transport options from the airport itself to either reach your hotel or to visit interesting places in Kota Kinabalu. There are buses and minibuses for Kota Kinabalu tour which you can catch from the airport. Compared to other means of transport, the buses are quite cheap. It is an idle option for backpackers in Kota Kinabalu. You can also get a private car or a cab to go for Kota Kinabalu sightseeing from the airport itself. If you are cleared to drive in Malaysia or if you have procured an international driving license, you can rent a car to drive around visiting places to go in Kota Kinabalu. You can also pre-book tours for Kota Kinabalu travel to begin from the airport. You will also find travel agents to arrange your Kota Kinabalu tour at the airport itself. There are several options open for you to enjoy the places to visit in Kota Kinabalu from the airport itself. Though, there are usually huge cost differences between what you are charged at the airport and what you are charged in the city for the same services. Everything is more expensive at the Kota Kinabalu airport.

Kota Kinabalu is the Rome of Sabah, in the sense that all roads in Sabah lead to Kota Kinabalu. Route A2 takes you for Kota Kinabalu travel from the south. If you are coming from south-west side you will need to use Route 500 to visit Kota Kinabalu. Similarly, use Route 22 if you are traveling to visit Kota Kinabalu tourist attractions from north-west. Finally, if you are traveling from north, use Route 3 to reach the places to visit in Kota Kinabalu. It is very well connected to all major cities, towns, and villages on the Borneo Island.

You also have the option of traveling by bus for Kota Kinabalu tour. There are two primary bus terminals in the city, one welcoming buses from the north (North Bus Terminal) and another one from the south (South Bus Terminal). Both are appropriately named. You can catch a bus to visit Kota Kinabalu from all major towns and villages of Sabah. Alternatively, you can also use these buses to reach villages which connect you to mountains, jungles, and other coasts of Borneo island. This is a popular choice among Kota Kinabalu backpackers.

There are trains available as well to visit Kota Kinabalu from Rayoh, Putatan, Membakut, Kinarut, Tenom, Beaufort, Papar, Saliwangan, Pangi Kimanis, Halogilat, and Bongawan. The trains are ai-conditioned and are a much quicker alternative of public transport for KK trip as compared to the buses. But there are several towns from where bus is your only option. The train is also a favorable choice for Kota Kinabalu backpackers as you get a cheap means of transport and it faster and more convenient. But your options for places to go from Kota Kinabalu become limited.

You can embark on Kota Kinabalu travel via the ocean from Labuan . The ferry service runs twice a day from Labuan to visit Kota Kinabalu. It is a 3 hour journey, but you get to enjoy a boat ride among things to do in Kota Kinabalu. You can also combine KK trip with a tour of Brunei as the ferry ride will take you to Bandar Seri Begawan as well. The first ferry ride for places to go in KK leaves at 8:30 in the morning and another one at 1 in the afternoon. This is also a great option for Kota Kinabalu sightseeing from the ocean. You get to see the beautiful islands and the port of Kota Kinabalu from a whole different perspective if you choose a ferry ride from Labuan for KK trip. Many of the locals from Malaysian mainland use these ferries from a weekend holiday at Kota Kinabalu. Many cruise tours also include Kota Kinabalu as a major stop. Even if the stop is for a few hours you can visit several interesting places in Kota Kinabalu which are close to the coast. Some of the cruise ships which dock to visit Kota Kinabalu include Princess Cruises, MV Arcadia, Star Cruises, P&O Cruises, Queen Mary 2, Cunard, Queen Victoria, Superstar Virgo, and Diamond Princess. You will get to enjoy multiple places while cruising the oceans on one of these ships including Kota Kinabalu tourist attractions.

Image Reference

  • Beaches – iHOON / PixaBay
  • Mount Kinabalu (Gunung Kinabalu) – Zhan Hui Teh / Flickr
  • Klias Wildlife River Cruise – RedCheese / Flickr
  • Mari Mari Cultural Village – Chris Smallwood / Flickr
  • Gaya Street Sunday Market – John Tewell / Flickr
  • Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park (Taman Negara Tunku Abdul Rahman) – amrufm / Flickr
  • Lok Kawi Wildlife Park – francis goh / PixaBay
  • Handicraft Market – C K Leung / Flickr
  • Kota Kinabalu City Mosque (Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu) – shankar s. / Flickr
  • North Borneo Railway Ride – Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas / Wikimedia Commons
  • Sabah State Mosque (Masjid Negeri Sabah) – Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas / Wikimedia Commons
  • Sabah State Museum (Muzium Sabah) – Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas / Wikimedia Commons
  • Adventure Sports – guccio@文房具社 / Flickr
  • Monsopiad Heritage Village – Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas / Wikimedia Commons
  • Scuba Diving and Snorkeling – Chris Smallwood / Flickr
  • Sabah Tea Garden – Maurus Loeffel / Flickr
  • Poring Hot Springs – Andrea Schieber / Flickr
  • Island Tour – Mohd Fazlin Mohd Effendy Ooi / Flickr
  • The Ajman National Museum
  • Best Things to Do and Tourist Attractions in Asahikawa

Mustafa Natalwala

Mustafa is a content writer and digital marketing expert at WideWorldTrips.com His mainly interests are into travelling, photography, film-making

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Island hopping in kota kinabalu- ultimate guide 2024.

Gaya island Kota Kinabalu things to do in Sabah the backpacking family

Table of Contents

How do you organize an independent budget island hopping trip in Kota Kinabalu in 2024? In this article we will tell you everything you need to know to plan an island hopping trip and give you some top tips so you don’t make mistakes or miss out.

Island hopping trips in Kota Kinabalu are surprisingly cheap and this is a very convenient way to experience the some beautiful islands in Sabah. In this article we will share prices, booking details, what to expect and the best places to stay in Kota Kinabalu. 

You may also be interested in our Kota Kinabalu Itinerary – all the BEST things to do in Kota Kinabalu and how to do them step by step

A quick and convenient way to book an island hopping trip in Kota Kinabalu is to use Klook. This tour includes hotel pick up and drop off, national park fees and a super tasty BBQ lunch…

Island hopping Kota Kinabalu MAP

What is an island hopping trip? 

Island hopping in Kota Kinabalu boat

An island hopping trip is usually a day trip where you take a boat to several different islands – usually pretty close together. On most island hopping trips you will have an hour or two at each island with an opportunity to swim, snorkel or sunbathe.

Island hopping in Kota Kinabalu beach

Island hopping trips tend to vary massively in terms of the price, quality and what is included. You can either arrange private island hopping trips, which tends to be more expensive or you can arrange group trips which will be cheaper. On a group trip you will be sharing the boat with other customers who have booked the same tour.

Is it worth taking island hopping in Kota Kinabalu?

Island hopping in Kota Kinabalu sapi island

Yes, it is worth taking an island hopping trip in Kota kinabalu. However, it is very important to keep your expectations in check. The Kota Kinabalu island hopping trip is definitely not the most inspiring island hopping trip we have been on. Here are the pros and cons of the Kota Kinabalu island hopping trip.

Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on the best places for Snorkelling in Malaysia

What is good about the Kota Kinabalu trip?

Black tip reef shark

Firstly, the water is pretty clear. The beaches are pretty clean and nice too. You can see some pretty cool stuff. We did see a small reef shark on Mamutik island and we saw a couple of sting rays on Sapi island. There are some sections of nice reef and a good number of fish in the water. 

Island hopping in Kota Kinabalu Mamutik island

What is not so good about the Kota Kinabalu trip?

The water is clear, however this is not the best option for snorkeling if you are hoping to see beautiful coral reef and sea life. Sadly much of the coral is bleached and dead. The water can be pretty shallow and there are not lots of choices about where to snorkel. We found the snorkeling quite controlled and restricted. There are netted areas to stay in. Some areas also have lots of sea urchins. There is also a risk of toxic stone fish on the seabed. Avoid touching sea life and do not walk on the coral.

Island hopping Kota Kinabalu boat trip

We don’t want to put you off – just help you picture what you can expect. Overall this trip is  great value for money.  Many island hopping trips in Southeast Asia will set you back at least $50 to $100. If you are hoping to take an island hopping trip in Sabah to experience beautiful coral reef and sea life, we recommend heading over to Semporna, Marbul or Sipadan (which is more expensive as it requires a permit) 

What is included on a Kota Kinabalu island hopping trip?

Island hopping in Kota Kinabalu Manukan island

The Kota Kinabalu island hopping trip includes boat transfers between the islands. They do not include snorkels, masks, food or anything else. They may even try to sell you a life jacket for an additional fee – BUT actually they have to give you one or they could get into trouble with the authorities. So just politely decline renting one and they should give you one on the boat. 

Gaya island Kota Kinabalu Sabah

There are 4 islands that you can visit. Once you are on a tour they will give you timings and provide a boat between the islands. Once you have booked your tickets you just kind of need to go with the flow. 

  • Gaya island – the biggest island 
  • Manukan island – busy and developed 
  • Mamutik island – nice small quiet island – nice snorkeling
  • Sapi island – small and lovely island just next to Gaya

kk trip

We recommend seeing 2-3 islands. If you try to visit all 4 islands you wont get long enough on each island to enjoy it properly. You also need to purchase a conservation permit for RM20 per person (you can buy this when you arrive at the first island – keep hold of your ticket for the next islands)

How do you book island hopping in Kota Kinabalu?

The SIMPLEST and most convenient way is to book a Kota Kinabalu island hopping trip on Klook . Alternatively you can book it yourself directly at the jetty. Here is the step by step guide…

Kota kinabalu jetty

It is pretty easy, convenient and straightforward to book an island hopping trip to Kota Kinabalu. Tickets can be arranged on the same day at the ferry jetty in Kota Kinabalu. At the jetty ticket office there are official counters selling tickets.

Island hopping in Kota Kinabalu tickets

All prices are standardized making it very easy – no bartering. Just arrive and buy your tickets. The lovely staff will direct you from there. You can also rent snorkels, masks and fins – just ask about this when you buy your tickets.

TOP TIP: We recommend arriving between 8am – 10am.

How much does it cost to go island hopping in Kota Kinabalu?

Island hopping in Kota Kinabalu beach bums

An island hopping trip will range in price from RM35 (roughly £7 or $10) to RM65 (roughly £13 or $15) depending how many islands you wish to visit. 

  • 1 island: Adult RM35 Child RM30
  • 2 islands: Adult RM45 Child RM40
  • 3 islands: Adult RM55 Child RM50
  • 4 islands: Adult RM65 Child RM60

Rental of snorkel and fins should cost around RM10 and can also be arranged at the jetty.

Island hopping in Kota Kinabalu permits

You also need to pay an island conservation fee (ONE fee per adult of RM20). Keep the ticket as this can be presented at each island. 

Can you buy food and drinks on the island hopping trip?

Island hopping in Kota Kinabalu food

The island hopping trip does not include any food or drinks in the cost of the trip. However, you can buy a limited range of food and drinks on some of the islands. The most developed Island is Manukan island and on this island you can buy local food for a reasonable price. We do recommend bringing a bottle of water and it is probably advisable to bring your own food as well.

If you prefer the peace of mind of having it book in advance then we recommend you book your trip on Klook…

Can you stay on the islands?

sutera Manukan

Yes, you can stay on some of the islands. If an island hopping day trip is not enough time, you can find resorts on some of the islands. Check out the very beautiful Sutera Sancturary Lodges located on Manukan island, beautifully situated on the main beach.

Sutera lodges kota kinabalu

This hotel is really impressive. Rooms are clean, spacious and comfortable. The hotel is surrounded by beautiful lush tropical foliage. They also have an outdoor swimming pool at this hotel.

What facilities and amenities can you find on the islands?

kk trip

The islands are reasonably developed and do have facilities such as toilets. Manukan island is the most developed Island and also has lockers, places to buy food and rent snorkeling equipment.

Looking for an even more amazing trip? Why not take an island hopping trip in Semporna

Where are the BEST places to stay in Kota Kinabalu?

Don’t MISS these AMAZING hotels in Kota Kinabalu – ONE of these hotels in the best hotel we have come across in Malaysia…

H2 Backpacker (budget dorm accommodation)

kk trip

H2 Backpacker offers the cheapest accommodation in Kota Kinabalu. Get a dorm bed (shared bathrooms) for around £5. Dorm rooms separated into male and female dorms. 

H2 Backpackers on Agoda OR H2 Backpackers on Booking.com

Escape Backpackers KK 

kk trip

Another great budget option in Kota Kinabalu. Again only dorms available and super cheap. One of the main differences is that Escape Backpackers have mixed dorms (where as H2 Backpackers are separated). Both properties enjoy a great location. 

BOOK Escape Backpackers on Agoda OR BOOK Escape Backpackers on Booking.com

Signel Hostel

kk trip

The Signel Hostel is a clean and nice hostel offering dorm accommodation. More expensive and trendy than the H2 and Escape backpackers. Dorm beds cost around £10 – £20 per night at the Signel hostel. This hostel is in a very good location in Kota Kinabalu. 

Reserve Signel on Agoda OR Reserve Signel on Booking.com

The Palace Hotel Kota Kinabalu

kk trip

This mid-range hotel offers high quality and great value for money. This lovely hotel is surrounded by trees giving the area a nice natural ambiance. Rooms are clean, spacious and comfortable. The Palace also has an outdoor swimming pool and on-site restaurant. All this for around £20 – £50 per night. 

Book The Palace on Agoda OR The Palace on Booking.com

Horizon Hotel

kk trip

If you are looking for a great mid range hotel check out the Horizon Hotel. They have a rooftop pool, fitness center and onsite restaurant. The Superior Double Room with a city view is great value for money – clean, comfortable, luxurious and you can get this room for under £50 per night. 

Reserve the Horizon on Agoda OR Reserve the Horizon on Booking.com

Deco Home Imago

kk trip

Deco Home offers clean, boutique, luxurious apartments with an outdoor swimming pool and sea views. This is a great option for families as the apartments offer lots of space and the capacity to sleep up to 10 people. 

Book the Deco on Agoda OR Book the Deco on Booking.com

Hilton Kota Kinabalu

kk trip

The Hilton Kota Kinabalu offers luxurious and decadent 5 star accommodation in Kota Kinabalu. Loads of facilities and amenities including outdoor swimming pool, fitness suite and a wide range of rooms including a spacious family room. 

Reserve the Hilton KK on Agoda OR Reserve the Hilton KK on Booking.com

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

kk trip

One of the most luxurious hotels in Kota Kinabalu. Lagre, spacious rooms, stylish and artistic interiors and plenty of natural light and sea views. This is a great option if you are looking to splash out in Kota Kinabalu. Not all rooms come with Club Lounge access so check when your booking if this is important to you. 

Reserve Le Meridien on Agoda OR Reserve Le Meridien on Booking.com

Looking for more inspiration and ideas?

Don’t miss our ultimate 10 day itinerary for Sabah – you wont believe how much you can do in 10 short days!

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Life loving, adventure chasing, Mum of 3 who loves travel. Over 10 years of travel writing experience. Emma now loves to give the best tips to help other travel loving parents plan adventures with their kids. Whether you need to find the best accommodation or just need to know how to pack your bag Emma is that travelling mum who love to help you.

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Kota Kinabalu Itinerary: The Ultimate 5 Day Adventure Guide

Last Updated on December 29, 2023 by Kirsten Raccuia

Kota Kinabalu is as exotic as it sounds. If the name conjures up visions of headhunters, indigenous tribes, and people living in the jungles hunting food with blowpipes, you are spot on. That’s how it used to be. And deep in the jungle that still exits.

But that is not the KK of today.

KK is the gateway to incredible wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and its namesake Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia’s highest peak. This Kota Kinabalu itinerary is packed with adventure. There is enough to do there to spend a month or more, but that would be a lot to write about. So I figured I’d start with a Kota Kinabalu 5d4n itinerary blog instead.

Without further ado, let’s get crackin’.

Kota Kinabalu Info

fishing boats in Kota Kinabalu

KK, as the locals call it, is the capital of the Malaysian state of Sabah, on the island of Borneo.

It’s the third-largest island in the world and is divided amongst three countries; Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei.

Kota Kinabalu city isn’t anything super special, but it’s the perfect place to start your adventures. The coastal town has a population of more than 450,000, with another 175,000 in the outlying areas.

Day 1: Island Hop & Sunset at The Waterfront

clear water with boat Gaya Island Kota Kinabalu Itinerary

Spend your first-day island hopping in the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park (TAR).

This is a DIY island hopping tour. There are loads of tour companies that will take you to a couple of islands and provide lunch, but it’s not worth the premium you’ll pay. You can take a quick and cheap ferry ride from Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal (see the details below) and spend the day lounging on white-sand beaches.

The islands rarely get over-crowded, and the beaches are clean. From the minute you step off the boat, schools of fish are visible right off the pier. The water is the kind of translucent blue where you can see your toenail polish. Just standing there, I could see massive schools of little fish darting around my waist.

My Kota Kinabalu island hopping tour has five islands to choose from, each one is a little different, so it is worth checking a few out.

The Islands:

drone view of Sapi Island: Kota Kinabalu Itinerary

  • Sulug Island is the most untouched of the group. It’s also the furthest from KK. Reefs surround the island, so bring a snorkel.
  • Sapi Island is the closest and has a few small stands selling food. However, they were pretty much out of everything, including ice, which put a damper on the cocktails we brought. Thankfully we brought a little picnic to tide us over. At low tide, a sandbank links to Gaya so you can visit both. You can try sea walking, where you put on an astronaut’s helmet connected to oxygen and walk along the ocean floor.
  • Mamutik Island is the smallest of the bunch, just a little bigger than a football field. There are a few basic facilities, but I also heard there are sand flies, which kept me away.
  • Manukan Island is the second-largest island in the Abdul Rahman marine park. The best beach is on the eastern tip and has good snorkeling. It has a few hotels and chalets as well as restaurants. This island has the most facilities if you don’t feel like bringing more than sunscreen and water. There are water sports available here if that is your thing.
  • Gaya Island  is the largest island and is covered with dense tropical forest. The most popular beach is Police Beach. There are marked trails for easy hiking if you are like Mark and get antsy just lazing on a beach.

There is an island for everyone, you could easily spend a full day a day at each, but half the fun is popping over to the next island.

How to Get to the Islands:

ferry boats to islands: Kota Kinabalu Itinerary

Take a Grab over to the Jesselton ferry port in Kota Kinabalu city, pick a boat operator from the dozen or so selling tickets, and choose how many islands you want to visit. Depending on how much time you have, you can select up to three islands in one day or spend the day lounging on one. The islands are within 3-8 kilometers from Kota Kinabalu, so the longest ride is only about 30 minutes.

If you don’t have snorkel gear, you can rent that from the boat operator for a whopping RM10/$2.35.

It really couldn’t be simpler. If you decide to go to a couple of islands, ask the times when you book the tickets. They are continually shuttling in between the islands, so you’ll never have too long of a wait. Just make sure you get on your boat operator’s boat.

The first ferry starts at 8:30am. The last boat back to Kota Kinabalu from any island is around 4:30.

Ticket prices:

  • One island is RM25/$5.85
  • Two is RM35/$8.20
  • Three is RM45/$10.54

There is a ferry terminal fee of RM7.63/$1.80, which is sometimes included in the ticket and a conservation fee of RM20/$4.85 for the park.

Sunsets at The Waterfront

brilliant orange sunset Kota Kinabalu

Head to The Waterfront to have a cocktail and watch the orange globe fade into the sea. It is actually called The Waterfront, so if you take a Grab, just type that in. Make sure you stop for a foot massage right at the entrance. What’s better than relaxing with a cocktail in hand, staring out to the horizon, and getting a foot rub? I’d bet to say, not much.

Not sure why but the sunsets in KK produce some of the most vividly colorful skies I’ve ever seen – make it a priority.

Day 2: Breakfast at the Wet Market & Proboscis Monkeys & Fireflies Tour

Am: morning wet market.

fresh fish at the market in Kota Kinabalu

The sign on the massive waterfront building says “Pasar Besar” which translates to “large market,” and the name doesn’t mislead. The bottom floor has all the local produce, chicken, pork, beef, eggs, and spices separated into different areas. But the seafood area is around back, in a stand-alone building, right by the water’s edge.

Head there as early as possible, and watch the trawlers unload their nets and carry it over to the market to be sold.

I had just seen parrotfish with their bright blue lipstick swimming around my toes, and now they are at the seafood market – I feared for Nemo. There were blowfish, vast piles of silver tuna with yellow spikes on their backs, small, leathery sharks, large crates of clams sorted by size, and heaps of other fish unknown to me.

But then I spied the sweetest sight ever, the prawn aisle – there were mounds and mounds of them; little white ones, thick gray striped ones, light peachy pink ones, and even golden ones with blue tips. Each variety had a different price, but they started at RM17-29/$4-7 a kilo.

Piles of colorful shrimp

I lamented that I had nowhere to cook those gorgeous beauties, and the fish-man said, “No problem lah, you buy here, go upstairs, they cook for you.” This is the first market I’ve been to in Asia where they cook the food you buy!

We took his advice, and it was the best seafood breakfast I’ve ever had.

On to Monkey Business

Ever since studying primates during my anthropology years, it had been a long dream of mine to see proboscis monkeys in the wild.

Proboscis are endemic to Borneo and endangered, so this was my chance.

The males have big pot bellies and very phallic long noses that hang down and can grow up to 17 centimeters. Sometimes they have to push their noses out of the way to eat. The longer and bigger it is, the more attractive they are to the females (I guess humans aren’t the only ones). The females have the daintiest little turned-up button nose, which is absolutely adorable.

Proboscis-monkey male: Kota Kinabalu Itinerary

Part 1: Reunited and it Feels So Good

It had been blue skies for the past two days.

An hour before we were getting picked up, it started to pour, not just a little drizzle, a complete black-out deluge. I couldn’t believe it; I had been waiting years to see these crazy looking monkeys, and here I was, a few hours away, and the chances were slim to none that I’d see anything in this rain.

me in a rain coat

As we drove two hours through the downpour, the guide told us not to get our hopes up. Seeing my long lost ancestors in the rain was a longshot. As I donned my stiff plastic raincoat and boarded what could only be described as a small barge, I wasn’t hopeful.

As we ambled on board, the guide started rushing us and took off sputtering across the river. There they were, a whole troop of them; the huge floppy nosed males with their turned-up pointy-nosed companions. I couldn’t believe it, not more than 10 seconds on the river and there they were, swinging in the trees!

Femaple proboscis

If it were up to me, I would have stayed for hours. However, it wasn’t. So my mission was complete, and I was elated.

We continued down the river, spying several birds, playful macaques romping in the water’s edge, and languid monitor lizards watching us watch them. But truthfully, I could have cared less about those creatures. I was in long nosed-potbellied glee.

Yes, seeing monkeys in the wild makes me giddy, I realize I’m a total weirdo. And I’m totally cool with it.

Part 2: Dinner and a Light Show

After we stopped off for an incredible buffet filled with delectable Bornean specialties, we hopped back onto the boat in the dark of a moonless night. Our tour was far from over. When we were planning it, I hadn’t paid attention to anything other than the monkey stuff. All I cared about was seeing the proboscis.

Nature’s Pyrotechnics

fireflies

Our guide had a flashlight, but it wasn’t to light the way. It was to lure tens of thousands of male fireflies to our boat. They thought the torch was the firefly queen and were about to get their lucky date. As soon as the males saw it, they were hypnotized and started swarming.

Within seconds we were surrounded by the tiniest fireflies; they were in our hair, on our faces.

The lonesome males were just hoping to have some wacka-wacka time with the queen. But as soon as they realized they’d been duped, they flew back to the comfort of the mangroves. It was as if someone decorated the mangroves with millions of fairy lights.

And not being the brightest of insects, they all come flying back as soon as the guide turns the light back on. If I hadn’t seen it with my own two eyes, I wouldn’t have believed it.

I didn’t think the day could have gotten any better, but the cherry on the wildlife cake was the firefly cruise in the mangroves.

The details:

Even if you aren’t a monkey weirdo, this should be on your Kota Kinabalu itinerary.

The day was spectacular and only cost RM195/$45 per person with Down Below Adventures . They picked us up from our hotel around 2:00 and drove two hours north to Kota Belud. After a big dinner, we hopped in a van to the Nanamun River for the fireflies. We arrived back at the hotel around 10 pm.

Tip : Bring a zoom lens in case the potbellied wonders are a bit far from your boat.

Day 3: Scuba or Snorkel

colorful lionfish

No Kota Kinabalu travel guide would be complete without a day underwater.

The TAR marine park is an aquatic paradise for divers and snorkelers. The marine park has been protected since 1974, and the underwater world is teeming with colorful fish and coral.

There are 49 dives sites to choose from within a 10-minute boat ride of each other, so you don’t spend the whole day on the ship, just minutes. If you’re not a diver, there are a bunch of snorkeling options.

We chose a 1-day dive using Down Below Adventures again. They are a 5 star PADI operator and were top notch. There are a gazillion dive and snorkel packages to choose from: half-day, full-day, multiple days, various islands, you get the point.

Mark and I did different dives. It had been a long time since my last dive, and I needed a refresher. Oh, and I’m a freak underwater. I need a divemaster to hold my hand and remind me to stop panicking, which never really works.

Even though it had been raining the few days before our dive, the visibility was still excellent, and we saw loads of curious creatures… bright purple sea slugs 7cm long, colorful coral teeming with tiny fish darting in and out of their crevices, and massive parrot fish with their blue pout.

Turns out, as much as I want to be a mermaid, scuba diving scares the sh!t out of me. I love the idea of it but get me dressed up and ready to go below sea level, and I lose it.

One day/three dive packages start at RM380/$88. It also includes hotel pick up/drop off, all jetty and national park fees, and lunch.

Day 4/5: Climb The Beast

Mark on top of Mt. Kinabalu: Kota Kinabalu Itinerary

Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in Malaysia and the 20th in the world. The locals have a spiritual bond with the mountain and consider it sacred. It is often why people come to KK, to climb the beast. It’s a two-day event where if you are lucky, you’ll get to see the sunrise at the peak.

The climb isn’t for the faint of heart. At 4095 meters, it’s a two-day climb with views that amaze. And before you think I’ve gone and lost my mind, I didn’t go. What? Do you think I’m crazy?

While I like adventure, I’m more of a beach girl, not a two day, high-altitude, hiking in the dark to see the sunrise kind of adventurer. I left that escapade to my husband, Mark, while I worked on my beach bum abilities on a nearby island.

In case you’re wondering, I have mad beach bumming skills.

Anyway, if you are like Mark and conquering the summit isn’t enough adrenaline for you, take on the world’s highest Via Ferrata. It’s a series of cables, rungs, rails, and suspension bridges built into the rock face for unfettered access to breathtaking views and restricted areas. Think of it as a ropes course while hanging off the side of a mountain.

Mark on Via Ferrata: Kota Kinabalu Itinerary

Mark said it was one of the coolest things he’s ever done. At all times, he was connected to secure lines and felt completely safe. Personally, I love the idea of doing the Via Ferrata but hate the idea of hiking to get to it!

Mt Kota Kinabalu Itinerary

I would recommend planning this at least four months in advance to avoid conflicts, only 135 people are allowed to climb daily. You will need a permit and a guide to climb which is all handled by the tour company you choose. Mark went with Amazing Borneo who have an excellent reputation and are extremely professional.

6-7 am: Hotel pickup 9 am: Paperwork and details 10-11 am: Hike to basecamp, which will take 4-5 hours. Once you arrive, you’ll relax, eat dinner, and settle in for a few hours of sleep. 2 am: Wake for a snack and start hiking to Low’s peak. 7 am: See the sunrise and begin the descent back to base camp for a late breakfast and check out. Trek down the rest of the way to the Kinabalu Park headquarters, where a buffet lunch is waiting for you. 3-5 pm: Transfer back to the hotel. Depending on how fast you trek, you will be home by late afternoon/early evening.

This package starts at RM 1180/$274, but it depends on the time of year you go.

If you want to add on the Via Ferrata course to your Kinabalu tour package, you start that after sunrise at the peak. At RM 2030/$472 it doubles the price, but Mark said it was well worth it, and his favorite part of the entire experience.

Another Hiking Option

If you don’t want to climb the beast, you can hike around Kinabalu National Park instead. Amazing Borneo also has day trips. The park is at the base of Mount Kinabalu. It has 5000+ plant species, including 1000 orchid species and two rare Rafflesia species. There are over 326 bird species and 850 butterfly species to spot as well.

On the way back, you will head to the therapeutic Poring Hot Springs to reward your tired muscles. After you’ve relaxed, you can go on a Canopy Treetop Walk, which is a 105-meter length walkway suspended 30 meters above the lush jungle.

You can go with an organized tour or use the public buses to get there. However, it will take about two hours to get there from KK, so be sure you know the return bus schedule.

What to do in Kota Kinabalu if You Don’t Hike

So here is the scoop. Climbing the mountain takes up two days of your Kota Kinabalu itinerary. If you want more wildlife, or just want to check out KK city, check out these two alternative Kota Kinabalu Itinerary 4d3n.

Keep the first three days of the above KK itinerary, but instead of hiking, take a day trip.

Go Visit the Orangutans & Sun Bears

Orangutan eating banana: Kota Kinabalu Itinerary

The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is only a 40-minute flight from KK. This is your chance to get up close to the critically endangered copper-haired apes.

They are free to roam as they please and are usually in the wild until the feeding times at 10 am and 3 pm. They are fed a monotonous diet of bananas and milk to encourage them to forage for their food. But let’s be real, a banana handed out on a platform is easier than the one they must ferret about for, so they still come down for a feed.

There are no cages or walls, but you must respect their space and let them eat their bananas in peace. Even if they get close to you, don’t touch them. They aren’t used to human germs, and it could be very detrimental to their health. The feeding area gets pretty hectic, so avoid going on the weekends if possible. If you are around a noisy group of people, try to find a serene spot until the loudmouths move on.

Stick around for a while after the feeding, sometimes stragglers come a little late to the party, and you might just have the little furry guy all to yourselves. Just sit back quietly and wait, they are more prone to come out when it’s peaceful. There is also a nursery to watch the little ones romp. The grounds are lovely and worth a wander.

I suggest planning your flights to stay for both orangutan feedings, just in case they don’t come out for the first one.

Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Sun Bear: Kota Kinabalu Itinerary

It’s right next door so you can walk between the two centers.

In between the feedings, you can head next door to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC). There are 43 sun bears in sizeable outdoor enclosures. The owner and staff are very passionate about the conservation of these little bears and are happy to share with you.

In the rain, the orangutans tend to hide, but that is when the sun bears come out to play, so use the weather as a guide and go between the two centers.

The Logistics:

Sepilok is open for 8-5. The BSBBC is open from 9-3:30.

There are roundtrip flights from KK to Sandakan on Air Asia and Malaysia Air. It is only a 40-minute flight and costs around RM120/$28. They fly as early as 7 am and return as late as 8 pm.

The 17 km Grab ride from the airport should cost around RM50/$12.

The entrance fee to each is RM30/$11. There is a RM10/$3 fee for bringing your camera in, ridiculous but true. But hey, it all goes to good causes, and $3 means nothing to us.

At Sepilok, they make you put all your belongings in a locker before you enter so the apes can’t accidentally get into something they aren’t supposed to.

Over Wildlife? Take in some Kota Kinabalu Culture

There are plenty of sights around the city itself:

1. Mari Mari Cultural Village is about 30 minutes outside of KK in the countryside. The village is a living museum to preserve Bornean ethnic culture. There are five different tribes represented, all who are there showing you their traditions from carving knives to using blowpipes, to playing traditional instruments. Each tribe has its own home that you walk through to see how they live.

locals from Sabah

2. Sabah State Museum and Heritage Village is more than just a museum. It has multiple buildings onsite: Scient and Education Centre, Ethno Botanical Garden, Art Gallery, and a Heritage Village. There is a whale skeleton, exhibits on head hunters, and one of the largest collections of ceramic in Southeast Asia. 3. Gaya Street Sunday morning market . If you are there on a Sunday, you won’t want to miss this market. There are antiques, batiks, sarongs, traditional jewelry, food, and more. It’s not a tourist market, it’s where the locals go for their everyday needs. 4. The Sabah State Mosque is uniquely beautiful with its modern silver and gold domes. 5. The Kinabalu City Mosque is visually stunning perched over the water, so at high tide, it looks like its floating.

mosque on water with reflection: Kota Kinabalu Itinerary

Where to Eat:

bowl of shrimp soup

At The Waterfront , you’ll have plenty of options; Italian, Thai, Malaysian, even an Irish Pub. One of the best Italian restaurants in town, Gusto’s, makes a killer thin crust pizza. It’s helmed by an Italian chef, is very authentic and comes with views to die for.

The Night Market is a block away from The Waterfront and has hordes of food stalls selling local food. Wander about and take in all the options. Find a busy stall and sit down at a nearby table and order up. The vendor will help you if you are unsure of what to order.

Welcome Seafood was recommended by a few locals, so we had to check it out. It wasn’t the quaintest of restaurants, but it’s one of the best. It’s one of those places where you get to walk up to the tanks and pick out your dinner. If that freaks you out, they will do it for you.

It’s a massive chaotic place where you might have to share a table with strangers, who will inevitably tell you what to eat, and you should listen. Malaysians know food, it’s their business.

We got succulent butter prawns and hotter-than-hades chili scallops, a vibrant plate of local greens, and a heaping plate of fried rice for RM124/$29. It was enough for 4 people

How to get to Kota Kinabalu

The descent in the airplane was awe-inspiring. Just imagine a handful of lush green islands dotting the shore. And dozens of massive fishing vessels bobbing up and down in the stained glass blue water.

Direct flights to Kota Kinabalu Airport

From Penang: Just under 3 hours starting around RM280/$67

From Kuala Lumpur: Just under 3 hours RM240/$56

If Kota Kinabalu is your first stop in Malaysia, there are direct flights from 8 other international countries, including Singapore and the Philippines.

The airport is only a few kilometers from town, so taking a Grab will only cost you a few bucks.

Getting around KK

Grab, which is Southeast Asia’s version of Uber, is everywhere and the cheapest way (other than buses) to get around. You’ll never spend more than a few dollars to go anywhere in the city. It is a walkable city if you don’t mind the heat.

All of the tours I’ve recommended include pick up and drop off from your hotel.

Where to Stay in Kota Kinabalu

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

kk trip

ibis Styles Kota Kinabalu Inanam Hotel 

kk trip

The Jesselton Hotel

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Best Time to Visit Kota Kinabalu

KK, like the rest of Malaysia, is equatorial, which means it’s always hot and humid. Year-round average temp is 27c/ 80f degrees, with humidity hovering at 75% and higher depending on the month.

You can visit all year long, but I would suggest avoiding the rainier months if you want to climb Mt. Kinabalu.

January to April are the best months because it’s a bit cooler and drier than normal.

Temps rise after April, and October is the rainiest month.

The Wrap Up

sunset on Kota Kinabalu

Malaysian Borneo is one of the most beautiful natural islands in the world. So much of it remains untouched, and KK is just the tip of the iceberg. Check out my friend Marco’s Perfect 2 Week Borneo Itinerary – he leaves no stone unturned!

However, this completes my adventurous things to do in Kota Kinabalu itinerary.

If you are the kind of person who wants an entire Kota Kinabalu travel package, you can pick one outfitter to do it all. Some of the tour operators offer a Kota Kinabalu 3 day itinerary or 4 day itinerary.

I hope this has helped you plan your holiday to Kota Kinabalu. If you have more time there, I am happy to help you plan–just shoot me an email.

Does KK sound like a place you’d like to visit? Tell me in the comments below.

And don’t forget to Pin this post for a later date.

10 thoughts on “Kota Kinabalu Itinerary: The Ultimate 5 Day Adventure Guide”

kk trip

Just reading this great article today for the first time… plenty of time in lockdown to catch up. It really will be somewhere unique to go when we can. Not game enough for that high adventure though! We have been fortunate to have been to Sarawak and seen the orangutans but KK is something different again with all the islands. We love exploring the cultural side too.

kk trip

Hi Heather, I absolutely adore KK. There is so much to offer in terms of wildlife, nature and lifestyle. It’s so different than Penang.

kk trip

I absolutely love this post and you’ve made me want to go there and visit it properly (not just on a cruise!). Those monkeys look adorable, I’m a bit obsessed with monkeys too! I also freak underwater! I did a dive when I was about 19 in the Great Barrier Reef and loved it…tried it again a couple of years later and had a full on panic attack, the only one of my life! I’ve never had the guts to try it again…although I love the idea of sea walking…maybe one day! You talk about traditional Bornean food at the buffet, what does that consist of? Is it similar to the food we have in Penang?

kk trip

Hi Wendy! I think sea walking would def be something easier and less scary! Let’s do it!

As for the food, there are a lot of similarities to Penang food but even more seafood. One of my fave foods was called latok, also known as sea grapes. It’s actually kind of seaweed that looks like tiny green grapes on a stalk that pop in your mouth when you eat them. They taste salty and fresh, just like the ocean.

You have to try them someday!

kk trip

Absolutely loved being a part of this trip with you! Great thoughts, and finds!!

Hi Amyyyyyy!

Best trip EVER!

Miss you like crazy!

kk trip

I never had a dream to visit Malaysia but every time you write a blog about this beautiful country, I become more interested that this should be on the bucket list

I love that my blogs have added Malaysia to your bucket list. It’s such a unique country! I can totally help you plan whenever you are ready to come visit!

kk trip

Sounds like an amazing adventure. And this pictures are fabulous. Thank you for sharing.

Thank you for reading Stephanie!! That makes me so happy! It was a great adventure for sure!

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Home » Southeast Asia » Malaysia » 17 Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu | Activities, Extras + More in 2024

17 Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu | Activities, Extras + More in 2024

Malaysia usually evokes images of Kuala Lumpur, the Batu Caves, or even the Langkawi Ski Bridge. But did you know that this delightful country is also home to a gem known as Kota Kinabalu?

Nestled on sun-soaked Borneo, Kota Kinabalu is a lively capital city with spectacular sunsets, an amazing culinary scene, and islands galore. In addition to its many hiking opportunities, Kota Kinabalu even features a sprawling marine park that offers an endless array of nautical activities for all fitness levels.

The best thing about Kota Kinabalu is that it easily caters to all budgets and tastes. Budget travelers will find more than their fair share of affordable hostels. Families will be also spoilt for choice when it comes to kid-friendly activities. Foodies will relish in the sheer abundance of fresh seafood available all over the city while couples will no doubt enjoy the many romantic spots and elegant hotels speckled throughout.

Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the assortment of things to do in Kota Kinabalu? Don’t worry, I’ve got your back! Here are 17 of the best activities you wish to add to your itinerary.

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The Top Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu

Whether you’re planning a quick stay in the city or backpacking Malaysia , below are the places that you really can’t afford to miss!

Snorkeling Day Trip Kota Kinabalu

Go Snorkeling

Kota Kinabalu is surrounded by some of the clearest and most bountiful waters in the world. Head over to the Abdul Rahman Marine Park where you’ll find plenty of excellent snorkeling spots in a safe and controlled environment.

Cruise Across the Klias Wetlands Kota Kinabalu

Enjoy a Cruise Down the Klias Wetlands

Perfect for couples or families, this Klias River cruising expedition includes a day cruise across the Klias Wetlands as well as an evening cruise illuminated by the glow of fireflies.

Explore the Mari Mari Cultural Village Kota Kinabalu

Visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village

Learn about Borneo’s ethnic cultures as you wander the Mari Mari Cultural Village. As you tour this open-air museum, you’ll even be able to interact with traditional groups before enjoying a classic Sabahan lunch.

Visit the Sabah Tea Plantation Kota Kinabalu

See How Tea is Harvested

Tea is practically an institution in Kota Kinabalu. With a tour of the Sabah Tea Garden, you’ll be able to learn more about the tea-making process and shop for different types of brews to bring back home.

Signal Hill Kota Kinabalu

Hike Up Signal Hill

Hit the 10-minute hiking trail that’ll take you to the top of Signal Hill. Over there, you’ll find an Observatory which offers glorious views of Kota Kinabalu from various angles.

1. Snorkel in the Crystalline Waters

Snorkeling Day Trip Kota Kinabalu

Snorkeling is often said to be among the unmissable things to do in Kota Kinabalu- and wait until you find out why!

This activity takes you to the famous Abdul Rahman Marine Park where you’ll find no less than three snorkeling spots in a controlled environment. If you’ve never snorkeled before, rest assured that you’ll be under the guidance of an experienced PADI professional guide. Group sizes are limited to six for individual attention.

Masks, fins, and snorkels are provided, so you won’t need to lug your luggage all the way to the marine park either.

After feasting your eyes on colorful fish and corals, you’ll even be treated to a complimentary lunch on one of the islands!

  • Entrance fee: $59
  • Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Address: Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, Jln Haji Saman, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

2. Browse through Gaya Street Sunday Market

Gaya Street Sunday Market

If you ask me, there’s no better place to mingle with the locals than at the Sunday Market on Gaya Street!

One of the liveliest places in Kota Kinabalu, the Gaya Street Sunday Market is only open one day a week- so brace yourself for the crowds. I would recommend that you head there as early as possible to avoid having to navigate your way through large gaggles of people.

In addition to classic market offerings, you’ll also find more unusual stands with crystals, moonstones, and even semi-precious stones. Seashell jewelry, textiles, and other souvenirs are also available.

After shopping, I would highly suggest that you wander over to the food section where you can sample various Malaysian specialties right from the roadside stalls.

  • Entrance fee: Free
  • Hours: 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Sundays only)
  • Address: 1st – 4th Floor, 120, Jalan Gaya, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

3. Wake Up to Gorgeous Water Views

Mango House3

If you’d like to be close to the top things to do in Kota Kinabalu, I can totally vouch for this absolute gem of a place!

Boasting gorgeous water views, this Airbnb lies close to popular points of interest like the Mari Mari Cultural Village, the Wetland Ramsar Site, and Merdeka Square.

With two bedrooms to accommodate up to six guests, the Airbnb is found in a complex that features laundromats, convenience stores, and gym facilities. There’s even a modern, well-equipped kitchen where you can rustle up a quick meal on those nights when you don’t feel like going out.

Best of all, this place accommodates pets – perfect if you’re traveling with your pooch!

  • Entrance fee: $60/night
  • Hours: Check-in after 3 p.m., Check-out before 12 p.m.
  • Address: Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

4. Marvel at the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque

Kota Kinabalu City Mosque

A striking building like no other, the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque absolutely deserves a visit in my opinion!

The mosque is perched on slits right above the artificial lagoon, making it appear as though it’s floating right on the water. This mosque is also known for its striking blue and gold dome replicated after the Al Masjid and Nabawi.

I would recommend that you visit at night to see the whole place decked out in lights. During the day, it’s even possible to take a paddle boat ride on the lagoon.

While the mosque is open to tourists, they do have to register themselves with the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque Tourism Management ahead of time. Tourists are required to dress respectfully.

  • Hours: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Address: Jalan Pasir, Jalan Teluk Likas, Kampung Likas, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

5. Cruise Across the Klias Wetlands

Cruise Across the Klias Wetlands Kota Kinabalu

Parents looking for fun things to do in Kota Kinabalu with kids will no doubt be thrilled by this river and fireflies tour!

Not only will you get to explore the famous Klias Wetlands, but you might just be lucky enough to spot some local wildlife while cruising down the Klias River. Keep your eyes peeled for the rare Silver Langur, Long-Tailed Macaques, and Proboscis monkeys.

The activity also includes an evening cruise through a mangrove swamp so you can experience the wonder of being surrounded by the flickering lights of the many fireflies.

Oh, and did I mention that you’ll be treated to a complimentary Malaysian buffet dinner ?

  • Entrance fee: $50
  • Hours: 12.30 p.m. to 9.30 p.m.
  • Address: Various pickup points from Kota Kinabalu

6. Relax at Poring Hot Springs

Poring Hot Springs

I don’t think there’s a better place than Poring Hot Springs to unwind and rejuvenate after all that sightseeing!

Combining relaxation and nature, the hot springs are found in Kinabalu National Park, one of a few Malaysian National Parks . Both the baths and the natural springs are infused with Sulphur, known for its restorative and curative properties.

While you’re there, you can also wander through the National Park which offers unique features, including a Treetop Canopy Walk that takes you 30 meters above the ancient rainforest.

This place is especially popular among climbers who want to soothe their muscles after an arduous climb. If you’re an experienced climber, you may wish to try summitting Mount Kinabalu which dominates the park’s landscape. Be sure to set aside two to three days for the climb.

  • Entrance fee: $3.35 (adult), $0.67 (child)
  • Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Address: 89300 Ranau, Sabah, Malaysia

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7. Explore the Mari Mari Cultural Village

Explore the Mari Mari Cultural Village Kota Kinabalu

Whether you’re looking for things to do in Kota Kinabalu alone or with friends, you really can’t miss a visit to the Mari Mari Cultural Village!

Learn about Borneo’s ethnic cultures as you wander the open-air museum, filled with treasures from the past. You’ll also be able to visit the village’s traditional longhouses and interact with traditional groups like the Murut, Bajau, Lundayeh, Rungus, and Dusun people.

As lunchtime rolls in, you’ll be treated to scrumptious Sabahan specialties. This activity also features cultural demonstrations like fire starting, blowpipe making, and Sabahan tattooing patterns. Your guide will be glad to answer any questions and explain the symbolism behind various local practices.

  • Entrance fee: $75
  • Hours: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

8. Hop Over to Sapi Island

Sapi Island Kota Kinabalu

One of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park’s most popular islands, Sapi Island is a definite crowd-pleaser with its clean, silky shores and cerulean lagoon!

First things first though: as glorious as it is, this island gets exceptionally crowded in the summer, so you may wish to visit off-season instead. I would also advise you to hang around until low tide to take advantage of the natural sandbar that connects Sapi Island to Gaya Island.

Plenty of picnic tables and huts are speckled over the island, so don’t hesitate to bring a few snacks along. To increase your chances of spotting marine wildlife head over to Sapi’s Southeastern tip where you’ll find moray eels and different types of fish in the coral garden.

  • Entrance fee: $6.71
  • Hours: 8.30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Address: Kota Kinabalu 88000, Malaysia

9. Feast on Seafood

Seafood Market Kota Kinabalu

Wondering what to do in Kota Kinabalu on a lazy afternoon? How about checking a trip to the Waterfront Seafood Night Market?

Because it’s surrounded by some of the most bountiful waters on earth, Kota Kinabalu offers plenty of delectable seafood. At the Waterfront Seafood Night Market, you’ll be able to shop for just about every type of seafood, including giant prawns and lobster.

It’s not just raw ingredients either: the market has many eateries where you can take a seat and watch as they fry or grill any seafood of your choice right in front of you.

Here’s a little tip for you: try the grilled fish topped with grated mango, served alongside white rice and mixed veggies. You’ll thank me later!

  • Hours: 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Fridays only)
  • Address: 70 Macquarie Street, Hobart, Tasmania, 7000

10. Go White Water River Rafting

White Water River Rafting Kota Kinabalu

For something adrenaline-inducing, you may wish to consider rafting down the rapidly-flowing Kiulu River.

Kick off your day with some complimentary refreshments before making your way over to Sukang or Pukak. Once at the river, your guide will provide you with various rafting equipment, including rafts, paddles, PFT, and helmets. A safety briefing is also provided.

If you’re feeling particularly daring, you can even try to walk on the Tamparuli Suspension Bridge which is said to be the most famous bridge in Sabah.

Once you’ve been briefed, you can hit those tumultuous waters and raft the 8 km down to Kiulu Town where you can fuel up with a riverside lunch.

11. Soak Up the Views from Signal Hill

Signal Hill Kota Kinabalu

Looking for the best free things to do in Kota Kinabalu? Then, you may wish to head to the top of Signal Hill, the highest point in the city!

You do need to trek a bit to reach the summit though, so be sure to grab your best hiking boots. The Signal Hill trailhead has two entry points: Gaya Street and Padang Merdeka.

It’s a fairly easy trek to the top – perfect for inexperienced hikers and families! Perched on the summit is the Signal Hill Observatory which provides several viewing platforms. While the Observatory is under renovation until September 2023, but you’ll still be able to climb to the top of the hill and enjoy panoramic views of Kota Kinabalu from different angles!

  • Hours: 24/7
  • Address: 78, Jalan Asrama, Signal Hill, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

12. Visit the Sabah Tea Plantation

Visit the Sabah Tea Plantation Kota Kinabalu

Do you want to go Yamcha ? That’s the local slang for ‘Do you want to go get some tea?’- and a phrase that you may hear more than once in Kota Kinabalu!

Tea is practically an institution in the city and if you’d like to tour a tea plantation, I can recommend this tour of the Sabah Tea Garden. Not only will you see the workers pruning or harvesting the tea leaves, but you can also shop for various types of teas to bring back home.

In addition, the tour includes a stop by the Kundasang War Memorial which features a Contemplation Garden and Pool, a Borneo Garden, an English Garden, and an Australian Garden. Perfect for nature lovers, don’t you think?

  • Entrance fee: $250
  • Address: Various pickup points in Kota Kinabalu

13. Mosey Around Manukan Island

Manukan Island Kota Kinabalu

Another island, I know. But hey, since Kota Kinabalu is positively surrounded by them, it would be a shame not to go island-hopping, don’t you think?

Travelers in search of the best day trips from Kota Kinabalu will no doubt rejoice in a visit to the crescent-shaped Manukan Island. In addition to usual island activities like swimming and snorkeling, Manukan is especially known for its network of hiking trails.

The second-biggest island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman protected area, this island also boasts a clubhouse, a museum, and various sports facilities such as Sepak Takraw (Kick Football).

If you ask me, a day isn’t quite enough to take everything in, so you can always set up camp for the night!

  • Entrance fee: $4.50 (adult), $3.35 (child)
  • Hours: Boat transfers from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily
  • Address: Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Sabah, Malaysia

14. Climb Mount Trusmadi

Mount Trusmadi Kota Kinabalu

Mt. Kinabalu may be the most popular mountain in Sabah but it can get pretty packed in summer.

If you’d like to avoid the crowds, you may wish to consider climbing Mount Trusmadi instead. Ideal for more experienced climbers, this all-inclusive activity takes 3 days, so make sure that you’ve got enough time to spare!

I do need to point out that this is a highly strenuous activity that’s only suitable for experienced climbers. You also need to be in great physical condition.

Now, if you’re up for the challenge, you’ll be glad to learn that the mountain is home to rare local fauna, so keep your eyes open for those while hiking through the gorgeous Alpine wilderness.

  • Entrance fee: $621.16
  • Hours: 3 Days

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15. Take in Some Culture at the Sabah State Museum

Sabah State Museum Kota Kinabalu

If you’re in the mood for some culture, be sure to check out the Sabah State Museum which offers three levels of local memorabilia.

An excellent venue for kids and adults alike, the museum is actually a complex where you will find the Sabah Art Gallery as well as the Science and Technology Museum.

My personal favorite feature is no doubt the Museum’s Heritage Village where you can stroll through the replica of a Sabah village, complete with traditional houses. There’s even a Chinese farmhouse, a Murut Longhouse, and a Bajau House. Depending on when you’re visiting, you can even catch a live cultural performance.

In addition, the museum also offers an Ethnobotanical Garden with ornamental, medicinal, and commercial plants.

  • Entrance fee: $3.35
  • Address: Jalan Muzium, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

16. Spend a Day at the Tabin Wildlife Reserve

Kota Kinabalu Borneo

Traveling with the little ones and looking for things to do in Kota Kinabalu with kids? Well, I can recommend the Tabin Wildlife Reserve which just so happens to be the largest reserve in Malaysia!

Covering an expanse of 300,00 acres, this wildlife reserve was originally created to protect Malaysia’s endangered wild animals, including the Banteng, the Sumatran Rhinoceros, and the Borneo Pygmy Wild Elephant.

Bird watchers will be glad to know that the park also has over 300 different bird species, including various types of hornbill.

Visitors can either hit one of the trekking trails or book a 4WD Safari to venture deeper into the park. For something unique, be sure to check out the park’s Mud Volcanoes as well.

  • Entrance fee: $127.45
  • Address: Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia

17. Check Out the Atkinson Clock Tower

Atkinson Clock Tower Kota Kinabalu

For awesome photo opportunities, head over to the Atkinson Clock Tower, one of the city’s most prominent landmarks.

Now, if you’re wondering why a clock (of all the things!) made this list, wait until you see it for yourself! Towering at 50 feet, the Atkinson Clock Tower is believed to be Kota Kinabalu’s oldest structure. Locals will tell you that it even survived the Second World War.

But that’s not all: what makes this clock even more special is that it was entirely crafted from wood, without the use of a single nail. Talk about an architectural marvel, right?

Be sure to check it out at night too when the white-hued timepiece is all lit up by colorful lights.

  • Hours: Open 24 hours
  • Address: Kota Kinabalu, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

Where to Stay in Kota Kinabalu

Nothing beats that delicious feeling of retreating to air-conditioned comfort after an exciting day of sightseeing! Well, lucky for you, there’s plenty to offer in terms of accommodation in Kota Kinabalu .

From hostels to fancier hostels, the city easily caters to various budgets, so let’s check out the best ones!

Best Hostel in Kota Kinabalu – Faloe Hostel

Faloe Hostel

Travelers who want to be close to all the exciting things to do in Kota Kinabalu city center may wish to drop anchor at the Faloe Hostel.

With a stay in this hostel, you’ll be close to popular attractions like the Signal Hill Observatory Tower, the Waterfront Night Market, and Jesselton Point.

Boasting a spacious shared lounge and dining areas, Faloe Hostel offers a choice of mixed or female-only dorm rooms.

Best Airbnb in Kota Kinabalu – Two Bedroom Space for Five

Two Bedroom Space for Five

Commanding an excellent location near some of the top attractions in the city, this Airbnb features two comfortable bedrooms for five.

Owing to its central location, this apartment places you just a quick wall from lively Gaya Street, the Jetty, and Atkinson Tower.

Some of Kota Kinabalu’s best eateries are practically on your doorstep, but if you don’t feel like going out, you can always whip up a meal in the well-equipped kitchen.

Best Hotel in Kota Kinabalu – The Aru Hotel at Aru Suites

The Aru Hotel at Aru Suites

Hands down, this is my absolute favorite place to stay in Kota Kinabalu!

The Aru Hotel offers Deluxe Rooms, Studios, Two-Bedroom Suites, or Family Suites for two to six guests. All rooms feature a fridge and a microwave- perfect for those late-night snacks!

Boasting free breakfast, the hotel also lies close to attractions like the Signal Hill Observatory and the Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre.

Some Additional Tips for Visiting Kota Kinabalu

Eager to hit all those great attractions in Kota Kinabalu yet? I bet so! Before you do, be sure to check out my handy travel tips below.

  • Brace Yourself for the Heat . Kota Kinabalu is a super humid destination with high temperatures throughout the year, so wear light clothing and pack plenty of sunscreen! Short bursts of rain aren’t uncommon so you may wish to carry an umbrella too.
  • Visit Between January and April . In my opinion, this is the best time to visit this lovely Malay City if you want to avoid both the crowds and the rain.
  • Know the Duty-Free Rules . Malaysia takes duty-free concessions very seriously so it’s important to know the rules. For example, you cannot bring more than 200 cigarettes into the country. Malt liquor, wine, and spirits are limited to 1 liter per person.
  • Cover-Up in the Mosques . Men and women are required to cover their shoulders, arms, and knees when visiting mosques. Some mosques offer the possibility of renting a coverall before entering.

Don’t forget your travel insurance for Kota Kinabalu

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

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SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu

One of Malaysia’s best-kept secrets , Kota Kinabalu is positively bursting with an assortment of activities to suit various types of travelers.

With endless snorkeling and swimming opportunities, the city offers so much more than the usual touristy activities. There are tea plantations, replicas of traditional villages, museums, ancient monuments, and so much more to explore!

Regardless of the activities you add to your itinerary, of one thing you can be sure of: this is one city that’s bound to deliver a heck of a good time, regardless of your budget and preferences!

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And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Janey Mae

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COMMENTS

  1. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu

    Top Attractions in Kota Kinabalu. These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time. 1. Manukan Island. Very clean beaches, snorkeling limited, jelly fish in abundance. 2. Kota Kinabalu City Mosque.

  2. The PERFECT 3-Day Itinerary For Kota Kinabalu (If You're Not Into

    Here is my suggested itinerary for a short trip to Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, East Malaysia. Day 1 - Explore the City. Kota Kinabalu, previously known as Jesselton, is one of Malaysia's most pleasant cities. Sitting on a narrow strip of land between the sea and the mountains, the city has in recent years expanded around the coast leaving ...

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  4. Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia 2024: All You Need to Know Before You Go

    Plan Your Trip to Kota Kinabalu: Best of Kota Kinabalu Tourism. About Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu on the island of Borneo is the bustling gateway to acclaimed Kinabalu National Park. The park's high point is 13,400-foot Mount Kinabula, Malaysia's tallest peak, a mecca for climbers. Ninety miles away, thrilling jungle trekking and camping await ...

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  6. THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu

    Flea & Street Markets. By lianbrown. Local market always fun to visit, on Friday and Saturday night at Gaya street have night market for food/drinks and... 5. Imago Shopping Mall. 415. Shopping Malls. Luxuriate in the fresh essence of whole new shopping experience. Imago Shopping Mall is certainly the place to actualize your most intrinsic desires.

  7. Kota Kinabalu Itinerary: What to Do in the Coolest City in Borneo

    If you're feeling brave, go on an adventure from Kota Kinabalu to conquer Southeast Asia's highest peak. Standing at 4,000 meters above sea level, the trek isn't easy, but it can be achieved in a day if your Borneo Itinerary is tight.. If you're not in the mood to take on a trek this hard, the area around the mountain is a treat as well and a perfect day trip on your Kota Kinabalu ...

  8. KOTA KINABALU ITINERARY

    MYR 15 /PHP 181 (USD 4/EURO 3/SGD 5). The sample total Kota Kinabalu trip budget for MYR 819/ PHP 9,439/USD 195.16/EURO 170/SGD 265.44 for 4 days 3 nights itinerary may sound expensive, but like I said, you can bring this down if you will not do all the above mentioned tours or activities. Just pick the ones you like.

  9. Places Of Interest In Kota Kinabalu: Attractions & Itinerary

    Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Malaysia's Sabah state in the northern part of the island of Borneo. Often referred to as KK , it's a coastal city partly surrounded by rainforest. If you're planning to drive/ride around the whole Sabah, have a look at my other post about a road trip in Sabah .

  10. An Adaptable Kota Kinabalu Itinerary

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  11. 25 Best Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia)

    6. Go white water rafting. Source: Augustine Bin Jumat / shutterstock. White Water Rafting, Kiulu, Kota Kinabalu. Some people may be surprised to hear that white water rafting is a popular pastime around Kota Kinabalu and there are a number of places to get out on the water if you want to get your adrenalin pumping.

  12. THE TOP 10 Kota Kinabalu Day Trips (w/Prices)

    Art Institute of Chicago Tours and Tickets. Aquarium of the Pacific Tours and Tickets. Blue Lagoon Tours and Tickets. Burj Khalifa Tours and Tickets. Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) Tours and Tickets. Check out Viator's top rated Kota Kinabalu Day Trips with reviews, photos & free cancellation.

  13. Best Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia (2023)

    1. Island hop in Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. Named after Malaysia's first prime minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park or Marine Park is comprised of 5 islands and a trip to this area will only take you 15 to 30 minutes by speedboat from Kota Kinabalu. The islands are namely….

  14. 20 Best Things to Do in KOTA KINABALU, Sabah

    Your landmark is the Prince Philip Park, located at the end of Jalan Mat Salleh. Location: Jalan Tanjung Aru, Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Opening Hours: The beach is open 24/7, but the establishments along the beach usually operate from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Entrance Fee: FREE.

  15. 4 Day Kota Kinabalu Itinerary

    Summary - Kota Kinabalu itinerary. Day 1 Mari Mari Cultural Village, the Sabah State Museum and a seafood market. Day 2 Take an island hopping trip (Tunku Abdul Rahman Park) Day 3 Visit an adventure park, the Kundasang Dairy farm and a market. Day 4 Visit the Poring hot springs, butterfly gardens, canopy walkway and Rafflesia.

  16. 100+ Top Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu

    It is a 3 hour journey, but you get to enjoy a boat ride among things to do in Kota Kinabalu. You can also combine KK trip with a tour of Brunei as the ferry ride will take you to Bandar Seri Begawan as well. The first ferry ride for places to go in KK leaves at 8:30 in the morning and another one at 1 in the afternoon.

  17. 3-Day Kota Kinabalu Itinerary (2024 Guide)

    Kota Kinabalu Itinerary Day 3: Village Life. 1.Crocker Range National Park, 2.Monsopiad Heritage Village, 3.Dinner at the Waterfront, 4.Filipino Handicraft Night Market. To ring in your time in the wondrous city of Kota Kinabalu, day three is going to give you a taste of rural life outside the city limits.

  18. THE TOP 10 Kota Kinabalu Tours & Excursions (UPDATED 2024)

    The best tours in Kota Kinabalu according to Viator travelers are: Guided Snorkeling Day Trip, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. Borneo (Klias) River Cruise & Fireflies Tour. Kinabalu Park & Poring Hot Spring & Canopy Walk. Mari Mari Cultural Village Tour from Kota Kinabalu.

  19. Island Hopping in Kota Kinabalu- Ultimate Guide 2024

    How much does it cost to go island hopping in Kota Kinabalu? An island hopping trip will range in price from RM35 (roughly £7 or $10) to RM65 (roughly £13 or $15) depending how many islands you wish to visit. 1 island: Adult RM35 Child RM30. 2 islands: Adult RM45 Child RM40.

  20. Kota Kinabalu Itinerary: The Ultimate 5 Day Adventure Guide

    Keep the first three days of the above KK itinerary, but instead of hiking, take a day trip. Go Visit the Orangutans & Sun Bears The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is only a 40-minute flight from KK.

  21. 17 Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu

    Hours: 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Sundays only) Address: 1st - 4th Floor, 120, Jalan Gaya, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. 3. Wake Up to Gorgeous Water Views. If you'd like to be close to the top things to do in Kota Kinabalu, I can totally vouch for this absolute gem of a place!

  22. 8 Fun & Scenic Day Trips From Kota Kinabalu: Sweet Getaways ...

    The city centre of KK is definitely charming, but there's lots more to see and do beyond the town's borders. Besides exploring Kota Kinabalu, add some of these day trip destinations to your schedule to catch a glimpse of a different side of KK From breathtaking islands to refreshing mountains and charming towns, you'll find something up your alley on this list.

  23. Day trip from KK to Sepilok

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  24. ADORA TRAVEL & TOUR on Instagram: "Welcome To Kota Kinabalu Ms. Rozita

    Enjoy trip starting 16 - 19 Feb 2024 (4D3N) at Kund..." ADORA TRAVEL & TOUR on Instagram: "Welcome To Kota Kinabalu Ms. Rozita & Family. Enjoy trip starting 16 - 19 Feb 2024 (4D3N) at Kundasang - KK 💖 . .