Kota Kinabalu Trips (flight + hotel)

Things to do in and around Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu offers a delightful array of activities perfect for families, business travellers, and city enthusiasts alike. Visitors can explore vibrant shopping centres and malls, as well as enjoy the amenities of private country clubs. With an abundance of city attractions and shopping options, Kota Kinabalu promises a memorable experience filled with local culture and leisure activities for everyone.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience in Kota Kinabalu, visit Imago Shopping Mall, a vibrant hub with entertainment options. The Handicraft Market offers local treasures, while Inanam Mall is perfect for family shopping. If you're up for a drive, explore additional shopping centres beyond the city limits.

Recreation

Likas Stadium offers a vibrant atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, perfect for an energising workout or a leisurely stroll. Likas Sports Complex provides ample facilities for various sports activities amidst a lively community vibe. For a more serene experience, Nexus Golf Resort Karambunai combines golfing with stunning outdoor landscapes, ideal for relaxation.

Adventure

The Sabah Indoor Climbing Centre offers thrilling climbing experiences with a vibrant sports atmosphere right in Kota Kinabalu. For breathtaking views, hike the scenic trails at Bukit Padang. For an exhilarating rush, try the Zip Borneo zipline ropes course located 25.7km from the city.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at the Waterfront Esplanade, where you can enjoy live music and savour local delicacies. For a lively atmosphere, visit the Shamrock Irish Bar, known for its friendly vibe and refreshing drinks, perfect for mingling with both locals and fellow travellers.

Find the best attractions in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu is an ideal destination for family, city, and business-themed vacations, offering a variety of attractions including mosques, urban parks, and harbours. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture and enjoy outdoor activities, alongside the stunning night views of the city. Don't miss the chance to explore the majestic Mount Kinabalu, a highlight for those seeking a unique and memorable experience in the heart of Kota Kinabalu.

• Kota Kinabalu Esplanade: Enjoy a leisurely stroll along this vibrant waterfront promenade, perfect for families. With its picturesque views of the sea and nearby islands, it's an ideal spot for picnics, evening walks, and local street performances.
• University of Malaysia Sabah: This modern university boasts impressive architecture and lush surroundings. Explore its educational environment and enjoy the city vibes that blend academic life with cultural experiences, making it a unique stop.
• Sabah International Convention Centre: A hub for business events, this venue features contemporary design and state-of-the-art facilities. It's an excellent example of Kota Kinabalu's growing reputation as a business destination, offering insights into the region's economic landscape.

Best time to go to Kota Kinabalu

The best time to visit Kota Kinabalu can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Kota Kinabalu falls in May, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Kota Kinabalu falls in February, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	80.1°F (26.7°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
February	79.9°F (26.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
March	80.4°F (26.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
April	81.7°F (27.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	82.6°F (28.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
June	82.2°F (27.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
July	81.5°F (27.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	81.9°F (27.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	81.5°F (27.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	81.3°F (27.4°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	81.3°F (27.4°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
December	81.0°F (27.2°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Kota Kinabalu

To save money during your visit to Kota Kinabalu, take advantage of free attractions like Sutera Harbour and Mari Mari Cultural Village. For transport, opt for the bus or use Grab for affordable rides. Plan your trip in March, May, or November for lower accommodation prices, and book about a month in advance for the best deals. Saturday is typically the cheapest day to stay. Use Expedia's tools to compare rates and consider package deals for flights and hotels to maximise savings while ensuring a seamless booking experience.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Kota Kinabalu are March, May and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to January and July to August, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel in Kota Kinabalu about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Kota Kinabalu is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay in Kota Kinabalu is Monday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy savings by combining your hotel reservation in Kota Kinabalu with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.