Kota Kinabalu

Travel Guide
Photo provided by Tourism Malaysia

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

4.5/5(90 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 Centre Point.

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

3.5/5(10 area reviews)

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

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 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 ₩101,449 per night from Jun 3 to Jun 4
₩101,449
per night
Jun 3 - Jun 4
Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"I believe this hotel is nearly perfect. If I may offer a suggestion, perhaps the parking lot could be enhanced to reflect a more artistic flair."

Reviewed on May 14, 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 ₩209,300 per night from Jun 17 to Jun 18
₩209,300
per night
Jun 17 - Jun 18
Book a 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)
"clogged sink in my room at the Kinabalu View wing"

Reviewed on May 5, 2024

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
The price is ₩160,733 per night from May 26 to May 27
₩160,733
per night
May 26 - May 27
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (122 reviews)
"Good location with shopping Centre and dining around the premises."

Reviewed on Feb 12, 2024

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.
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 fitness center. 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
Deco Home Imago The Loft
Deco Home Imago The Loft
3 out of 5
Coastal Road, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Imago Shopping Mall and Suria Sabah Shopping ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (10 reviews)
"Kindly need extra park lot for car especially for family stay. Tq"

Reviewed on May 10, 2024

Deco Home Imago The Loft
The Shore by Homesuite'
The Shore by Homesuite'
3 out of 5
Jln Lapan Belas, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Stay at this 3-star condo in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and Netflix. Popular attractions Suria Sabah Shopping Mall and Jesselton Point ...
The Shore by Homesuite'
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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