Kota Kinabalu

Travel Guide

Kota Kinabalu which includes landscape views and boating
Photo provided by Tourism Malaysia
Kota Kinabalu
Photo provided by Tourism Malaysia
Kota Kinabalu

Sabah’s capital is a laid-back, oceanfront city not far from towering Mount Kinabalu, traditional villages and a spectacular marine park.

Kota Kinabalu, or “KK” as it is affectionately known throughout Asia, is the dynamic gateway to Borneo. The city offers a wealth of cultural sights, from museums and art galleries, to mosques and botanical gardens. The year-round tropical weather is ideal for exploring the nearby beaches, rain forest trails and tropical islands. KK is also a foodie’s paradise, offering a huge range of regional Asian cuisines, including some of the largest barbecued banana prawns you will ever hope to see!It’s easy to get around KK’s downtown sights on foot or by bus. Spend a day exploring local culture at the Sabah Museum and the nearby Ethnobotanical Gardens, where you’ll find pitcher plants, medicinal flora, rice and herbs. At the Sabah Art Gallery, within the Sabah Museum complex, enjoy work by local artists both established and upcoming. Visit the Monsopiad Cultural Village for insight into the Kadazandusun indigenous tribes of Sabah. These tribes share their craftwork, architectural practices, cooking and dance with visitors.Just beyond Kota Kinabalu’s downtown attractions, a world of wilderness and island possibilities await. Pack your snorkeling and fishing gear and island hop around the five islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. Discover Borneo's incredible fauna at the Kota Kinabalu Wetland Center, the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park, Green Connection, an aquarium, and the Tuaran Crocodile Farm. Pull on your hiking boots and experience wild Borneo at the Kinabulu Park, where you’ll find carnivorous pitcher plants, the huge rafflesia flower and four species of primate. Climb to the peak of Mount Kinabalu for an unforgettable sunrise view over northern Borneo and the South China Sea.Kota Kinabalu is home to Malaysia’s second busiest airport, making it an easily accessible destination.

Where to stay in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu which includes a coastal town, island views and tropical scenes

Downtown Kota Kinabalu

4/5(7 area reviews)

Downtown Kota Kinabalu is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights in the area like Centre Point and Kota Kinabalu Central Market.

Downtown Kota Kinabalu
Default Image

Tanjung Aru

5/5(1 area review)

Pristine beaches and ample dining options are well-reviewed features of Tanjung Aru. Make a stop by top sights like Tanjung Aru Perdana Park while you're exploring the area.

Tanjung Aru
Default Image

Karambunai

Visitors highly recommend Karambunai for its beaches, and you can make a stop by Nexus Golf Resort Karambunai while you're in town.

Karambunai
Kota Kinabalu which includes a coastal town, island views and tropical scenes

Kampung Air

Unique features of Kampung Air include the shopping and restaurants. Make a stop by Kompleks Asia City or Sedco Square while you're exploring the area.

Kampung Air
Default Image

Alamesra

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Alamesra and surrounding area, you can visit 1Borneo Hypermall and Likas Stadium.

Alamesra
Default Image

Likas

Likas is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can plan an outing to Likas Stadium and Likas Sports Complex while you're in town.

Likas
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

5 out of 5
Jalan Datuk Salleh Sulong, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
The price is P4,979 per night from Oct 16 to Oct 17
P4,979
P5,515 total
Oct 16 - Oct 17
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Super convenient location with all sorts of options, including dining, shopping, transportation as well as banking."

Reviewed on Sep 13, 2025

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

5 out of 5
Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, Sinsuran, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
The price is P4,838 per night from Oct 29 to Oct 30
P4,838
P5,363 total
Oct 29 - Oct 30
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"very good location"

Reviewed on Sep 8, 2025

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu

5 out of 5
No. 20, Jalan Aru, Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
The price is P9,565 per night from Nov 1 to Nov 2
P9,565
P11,425 total
Nov 1 - Nov 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"Staff are very friendly with😀"

Reviewed on Sep 11, 2025

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

4 out of 5
G-08 JALAN TUN FUAD STEPHENS, Kota Kinabalu
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Popular attractions Imago Shopping ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (45 reviews)
"Great location, clean and comfortable rooms with a lovely pool."

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu
Greenage MingSuite Kota Kinabalu

Greenage MingSuite Kota Kinabalu

2 out of 5
Lorong Ming Garden, Jalan Coastal, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Stay at this aparthotel in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free WiFi, cable TV channels, and rainfall showerheads. Popular attractions Imago Shopping Mall and Plaza Wawasan ...
"There is nothing under the suite. Just like living on an island. Needs to walk a long way to town may be 15 minutes. The customer service is not responding. The furniture is old. The only good point is cheap."

Reviewed on Nov 18, 2024

Greenage MingSuite Kota Kinabalu
La.mer Butik

La.mer Butik

2.5 out of 5
Bay Suites, Lorong Bayu, Off Jalan Istiadat, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Stay at this aparthotel in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Imago Shopping Mall and Sabah Indoor Climbing ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
"Terrific View Super clean and covetable . Short Grab ride to town ."

Reviewed on Aug 7, 2025

La.mer Butik
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do