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
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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
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
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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
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Likas

Visitors to Likas enjoy its shopping, and if you want to do some exploring, Kota Kinabalu City Mosque is worth a stop.

Likas
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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
Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

5 out of 5
Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, Sinsuran, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
The price is P4,890 per night from Oct 12 to Oct 13
P4,890
P5,417 total
Oct 12 - Oct 13
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! (1,002 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 P11,111 per night from Oct 13 to Oct 14
P11,111
P13,247 total
Oct 13 - Oct 14
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Staff are very friendly with😀"

Reviewed on Sep 11, 2025

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu
Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

5 out of 5
NO. 18 JALAN HAJI SAMAN, Kota Kinabalu
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P6,167 per night from Oct 15 to Oct 16
P6,167
P6,796 total
Oct 15 - Oct 16
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (191 reviews)
"It' walkable to Jiaya street, and opposite to a mall, where we can dine and do shopping, my daughter loves the swimming pool."

Reviewed on Apr 21, 2025

Hyatt Centric 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.
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
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
Homesuite' Home at The Shore KK

Homesuite' Home at The Shore KK

3.5 out of 5
Jalan Sembilan Belas, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly condo in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy an airport shuttle (surcharge), Netflix, and hydromassage showerheads. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (17 reviews)
"Great views across the harbour, but a bad smell coming into the bathroom from the drain."

Reviewed on May 2, 2025

Homesuite' Home at The Shore KK
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.

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