Kota Kinabalu

Travel Guide
Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu Travel Guide Video

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 showing a coastal town, tropical scenes and island images

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 Oceanus Waterfront Mall and Anjung Samudera.

Downtown Kota Kinabalu
The sunset here is always mesmerizing never disappointing. Tanjung Aru is divided into 3 beaches. The first beach is the most popular with locals and tourists. Bring some food or get some local food there and enjoy your meals as the sun displays her colours. It’s about 20  mins drive from the city.

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
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Karambunai

Karambunai is popular for its beaches, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Nexus Golf Resort Karambunai or Karambunai Peninsula.

Karambunai
Kota Kinabalu showing a coastal town, tropical scenes and island images

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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Kepayan

Kepayan might not have many top sights, but Sutera Harbour and Imago Shopping Mall are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Kepayan
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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 Kota Kinabalu City Mosque.

Alamesra
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
5 out of 5
Jalan Datuk Salleh Sulong, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
The price is P3,837 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
P3,837
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this luxury hotel in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Although an old hotel well kept up great breakfast buffet and fabulous views of the harbor and sunset."

Reviewed on Mar 15, 2024

Hyatt Regency 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P8,407 per night from 23 Apr to 24 Apr
P8,407
per night
23 Apr - 24 Apr
Stay at this luxury resort in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Staff are very helpful"

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu
Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
5 out of 5
Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, Sinsuran, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
The price is P4,512 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
P4,512
per night
29 Mar - 30 Mar
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Great central location for walking out to the night markets, bars, restaurants, cafes, shops. Short walk or a quick Grab (taxi) to the ferry terminal where you catch the boats to go island hopping. Club room, king bed, sea view was a great size with good water pressure in the shower, good quality ..."

Reviewed on Mar 19, 2024

Le Meridien 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.
Sunset Seaview Vacation Condos City Centre @ IMAGO Shopping Mall
Sunset Seaview Vacation Condos City Centre @ IMAGO Shopping Mall
3 out of 5
The Loft, IMAGO Shopping Mall, Central Business District, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly aparthotel in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 outdoor pools, and a free kid's club. Popular attractions Imago Shopping ...
7.2/10 Good! (111 reviews)
"the parking area is a bit scary and the elevator to the parking area is a nightmare because there’s only one lift and the wait could be long. self check in might be troublesome as the staff dont really give you complete information"

Reviewed on Nov 7, 2023

Sunset Seaview Vacation Condos City Centre @ IMAGO Shopping Mall
Homesuite' Home at The Shore KK
Homesuite' Home at The Shore KK
2.5 out of 5
Jalan Sembilan Belas, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Stay at this business-friendly condo in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy WiFi, an airport shuttle, and an onsite playground. Popular attractions Handicraft Market and Kota ...
6.6/10 (3 reviews)
絶対おすすめしません
"このアパートは現在工事中です。朝8時から夜6時まで工事の音が非常にうるさい。プールも半分は工事中。チェックインの際チェックアウトの仕方を教えてくれなかった。部屋にはインターネットも電話もなく、フロントもないので連絡のつけようがない。アメニティもなく、トイレットペーパーの補充もない。トイレは午前中に下水の匂いがする。 ホテルズドットコムに連絡したが、スタッフの対応が最悪だった。チャットは途中で切られるし、折り返しの電話をリクエストしたが、なかった。帰国後電話したが長時間待たされて繋がらない。 お部屋はまあまあだったが、まだゲストを泊まらせる状態ではないのでは? ..."

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2023

Homesuite' Home at The Shore KK
Sunset Seaview Vacation Condos at Infinity Avenue
Sunset Seaview Vacation Condos at Infinity Avenue
3 out of 5
Sutera Avenue Residences, Tower 2, Block B, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly aparthotel in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a children's pool. Popular attractions Imago Shopping Mall ...
7.8/10 Good! (55 reviews)
Disappointing stay, scruffy apartment, location ok
"We were quite disappointed with our stay. We arrived and only after contacting the property via phone, being asked to send a whatsapp message and sending proof of identity, were we given check in instructions and help actually finding the entrance to the property. Taxis will drop you outside an appartment/shop ..."

Reviewed on Oct 30, 2023

Sunset Seaview Vacation Condos at Infinity Avenue
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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