Things to do in Kota Kinabalu

Activities, attractions and tours

A calm sea with a boat anchored near a small island.
A wooden pier leading to a building with a green roof, surrounded by clear turquoise water.
A market scene with people buying and selling goods.
A large outdoor swimming pool surrounded by palm trees and lounge chairs.
A mountain with a cloud formation over it.

Things to do

Kota Kinabalu: 5-in-1 Kinabalu View, Fire Show, Blue Tear

Kota Kinabalu: 5-in-1 Kinabalu View, Fire Show, Blue Tear

P3,475
per adult
Kota Kinabalu: 5-in-1 Kinabalu View, Fire Show, Blue Tear
Sabah: Mangrove Fireflies, and Sky Mirror Dream Beach Tour

Sabah: Mangrove Fireflies, and Sky Mirror Dream Beach Tour

P4,195
per adult
Sabah: Mangrove Fireflies, and Sky Mirror Dream Beach Tour
Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies

Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies

P2,996
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies
Sabah MALI-MALI GARDEN SPA Massage Experience

Sabah MALI-MALI GARDEN SPA Massage Experience

P1,378
per traveler
Sabah MALI-MALI GARDEN SPA Massage Experience
Kota Kinabalu: Snorkeling & Island Hopping Sapi & Manukan

Kota Kinabalu: Snorkeling & Island Hopping Sapi & Manukan

P3,806
per adult
Kota Kinabalu: Snorkeling & Island Hopping Sapi & Manukan
Full-Day Snorkeling Adventure from Kota Kinabalu

Full-Day Guided Snorkeling Tour from Kota Kinabalu

P4,438
per adult
Full-Day Guided Snorkeling Tour from Kota Kinabalu
Monsopiad Cultural Village

Monsopiad Cultural Village Visit with Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu

P3,040
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Monsopiad Cultural Village Visit with Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu
Kiulu White River Rafting

Kiulu White River Rafting

P3,040
per adult
Kiulu White River Rafting
Rumah Terbalik The Upside Down House of Borneo Ticket in Sabah

Rumah Terbalik The Upside Down House of Borneo Ticket in Sabah

P130
per child
Rumah Terbalik The Upside Down House of Borneo Ticket in Sabah
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Most popular experiences in Kota Kinabalu

Tours & day trips

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Bongawan River Cruise: Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Mangrove

Bongawan River Cruise: Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Mangrove

Activity duration is 8 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 56 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 3,374 per adult
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Cruises & boat tours

See all 27 activities
Kota Kinabalu: Sapi & Manukan Island Snorkelling with Lunch

Kota Kinabalu: Sapi & Manukan Island Snorkelling with Lunch

Activity duration is 7 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 69 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 3,824 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 21 activities
Mari-Mari Cultural Village Tour Including Lunch

Mari-Mari Cultural Village Tour Including Lunch

Activity duration is 5 hours
8.6 out of 10 with 26 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 3,985 per adult*
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Shows & concerts

See all 10 activities
Bongawan River Cruise: Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Mangrove

Bongawan River Cruise: Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Mangrove

Activity duration is 8 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 56 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is P 3,374 per adult
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Classes & workshops

See all 5 activities
Zen & Splash: Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga in Tanjung Aru

Zen & Splash: Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga in Tanjung Aru

Activity duration is 45 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is P 1,134 per adult
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What to do in Kota Kinabalu

Stay near popular Kota Kinabalu attractions

A river with boats, a bridge, and flags of Malaysia and the USA.
Photo by Iqbal Selamat
Open Photo by Iqbal Selamat

Imago Shopping Mall

8.6/5 (662 reviews)
Kota Kinabalu's largest shopping complex offers four levels of international brands and local treasures. Catch daily performances of the traditional Magunatip bamboo dance while exploring upscale dining options.
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Where to stay in Kota Kinabalu

Find the best Kota Kinabalu areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Kota Kinabalu
Learn more about Kota Kinabalu
A mosque with a large dome and minarets, reflecting in a calm body of water.
Photo by Aileen Adalid
Open Photo by Aileen Adalid

Downtown Kota Kinabalu

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.

A sunset over a calm sea with palm trees and a small island in the distance.
Photo by Mango Yip
Open Photo by Mango Yip

Tanjung Aru

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.

A coastal city with a marina, boats, and a large hotel.

Karambunai

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

A mosque with a large dome and three minarets by a body of water.
Photo by Michaela Prades
Open Photo by Michaela Prades

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.

An aerial view of a coastal city with a prominent domed building, a large body of water, and surrounding greenery.

Luyang

Shopping and restaurants are notable features of Luyang. You might consider a stop by Tabin Wildlife Reserve while you're exploring the neighborhood.

A pagoda with multiple tiers, surrounded by lush greenery and a body of water.

Tuaran

An aerial view of a coastal forested area with a clear waterway and a distant island.

Gaya Island

An aerial view of a tropical island with clear turquoise waters, a resort area with buildings, and a distant coastline.

Kinarut

A beach with a thatched-roof hut surrounded by palm trees, calm water, and distant islands.

Kampung Sembulan

A beach with people playing in the water and a plane on the runway in the background.

Kampung Sembulan Baru

A clock tower with a weather vane, surrounded by lush greenery and a white fence.

Pusat Bandar

A harbor with numerous boats, a city skyline, and a clear sky.

Api-api Centre

A mosque with a large dome and three minarets by a body of water.

Bandaran Berjaya

Frequently asked questions

Is Kota Kinabalu worth visiting?
Providing a blend of coastal beaches and shopping, there's no shortage of things to do in Kota Kinabalu. When you're here, visit Kota Kinabalu Esplanade, a top attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Kota Kinabalu?
Kick-start your day with a visit to Kota Kinabalu Esplanade and Sabah Indoor Climbing Centre. Then, check out different areas of Kota Kinabalu for local dining and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Kota Kinabalu?
Don't go home without exploring Kota Kinabalu Esplanade, rated the top tourist attraction in Kota Kinabalu.
Is three days enough to stay in Kota Kinabalu?
Three days in Kota Kinabalu is more than enough to visit the city's main highlights. Many travelers book for three days on average. Kota Kinabalu Esplanade, Tanjung Aru Perdana Park and Anjung Samudera are among the top-rated sights. Like to discover more? Hang around a bit longer to explore nearby hotspots like Dalit Beach.
Is Kota Kinabalu a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Kota Kinabalu, such as Kota Kinabalu Esplanade and Tanjung Aru Perdana Park, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's popular neighborhoods on foot. Just 0.16 kilometers from central Kota Kinabalu is Downtown Kota Kinabalu and Pusat Bandar is 0.64 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Kota Kinabalu with kids?
Planning what to do in Kota Kinabalu with kids has never been simpler. Whether you're taking a trip with toddlers or teenagers, there are many family-friendly sights and activities to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Kota Kinabalu for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Kota Kinabalu, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Downbelow Adventure Centre.
Are there free things to do in Kota Kinabalu?
In Kota Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu Esplanade is a must-see spot for anyone planning to see the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, wander around the other neighborhoods and green spaces, and ask for ideas from a local tour guide. It's an easy way to discover the best free things to do in Kota Kinabalu.