Things to do in Kota Kinabalu

Activities, attractions and tours

A mountain with a cloud formation over it.
A mosque with a large dome and two minarets, reflecting in a calm body of water.
A coastal cityscape with a sunset over the sea, featuring dense urban buildings and a clear sky.
A river winding through a forested valley with a prominent mountain range in the background.
An aerial view of a tropical island with clear turquoise waters, a sandy beach, and lush greenery.

Things to do

Sabah MALI-MALI GARDEN SPA Massage Experience

Sabah MALI-MALI GARDEN SPA Massage Experience

P1,437
per traveler
Sabah MALI-MALI GARDEN SPA Massage Experience
Sabah: Mangrove Fireflies, and Sky Mirror Dream Beach Tour

Sabah: Mangrove Fireflies, and Sky Mirror Dream Beach Tour

P4,374
per adult
Sabah: Mangrove Fireflies, and Sky Mirror Dream Beach Tour
Kota Kinabalu: Snorkeling & Island Hopping Sapi & Manukan

Kota Kinabalu: Snorkeling & Island Hopping at Sapi & Manukan

P3,968
per adult
Kota Kinabalu: Snorkeling & Island Hopping at Sapi & Manukan
Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies

Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies

P3,359
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies
Kota Kinabalu: Catamaran Snorkeling, Paddlebord, Kayak with Meal

Kota Kinabalu: Catamaran Snorkeling, Paddlebord, Kayak with Meal

P4,374
per adult
Kota Kinabalu: Catamaran Snorkeling, Paddlebord, Kayak with Meal
Monsopiad Cultural Village

Monsopiad Cultural Village Visit with Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu

P3,181
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Monsopiad Cultural Village Visit with Private Transfer from Kota Kinabalu
Full-Day Snorkeling Adventure from Kota Kinabalu

Full-Day Guided Snorkeling Tour from Kota Kinabalu

P4,644
per adult
Full-Day Guided Snorkeling Tour from Kota Kinabalu
Rumah Terbalik The Upside Down House of Borneo Ticket in Sabah

Rumah Terbalik The Upside Down House of Borneo Ticket in Sabah

P136
per child
Rumah Terbalik The Upside Down House of Borneo Ticket in Sabah
Kota Kinabalu Cow Island snorkeling with Lunch buffet

Kota Kinabalu: Cow Island Snorkeling with Buffet Lunch

P4,062
per adult
Kota Kinabalu: Cow Island Snorkeling with Buffet Lunch
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What to do in Kota Kinabalu

Stay near popular Kota Kinabalu attractions

A coastal cityscape with a sunset over the sea, featuring dense urban buildings and a clear sky.

Imago Shopping Mall

8.6/10 (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 clock tower with a weather vane, surrounded by lush greenery and a white fence.

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.

An aerial view of a tropical island with clear turquoise waters, surrounded by a cityscape and distant mountains.

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.

An aerial view of a residential area with houses along a river.

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.

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.

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

Tuaran

An aerial view of a coastal town with a marina, green hills, and a clear sky.

Gaya Island

An aerial view of a tropical island with clear turquoise waters, dense greenery, and several buildings with red roofs.

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 coastal cityscape with a mix of modern and traditional buildings, a dense urban area, and a large body of water with boats.

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.