Kota Kinabalu

Travel Guide

Kota Kinabalu which includes landscape views and boating
Photo provided by Tourism Malaysia
Kota Kinabalu Waterfront showing markets, food and night scenes
Photo provided by Tourism Malaysia
Kota Kinabalu featuring mountains
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 Anjung Samudera 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
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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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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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
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Kepayan

Kepayan might not have many top sights, but Tanjung Aru Perdana Park and Sabah State Mosque are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Kepayan
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 NT$5,073 per night from May 18 to May 19
NT$5,073
NT$6,061 total
includes taxes & fees
May 18 - May 19
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
The best in kota kinabalu city
"Best for holiday trip. hotel facilitate with great equipment/ facilities , food options and scenery. Only the bar menu next to the pool i think its way too much over price and not worth it. The orher restaurant are reasonable."

Reviewed on 2025/3/31

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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$2,814 per night from May 11 to May 12
NT$2,814
NT$3,114 total
includes taxes & fees
May 11 - May 12
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! (999 reviews)
Clean, comfortable and close to local eateries
"The facilities were modern, very clean and comfortable. The staff were all very friendly, which made my stay even more enjoyable. I will return."

Reviewed on 2025/4/18

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel
Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel
5 out of 5
Lot G-23A, Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
The price is NT$3,177 per night from May 7 to May 8
NT$3,177
NT$3,506 total
includes taxes & fees
May 7 - May 8
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (587 reviews)
"Excellent five star hotel."

Reviewed on 2025/2/28

Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel
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.
Borneotel The Shore KK by CHG
Borneotel The Shore KK by CHG
3 out of 5
Jln Lapan Belas, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and Netflix. Popular attractions Imago Shopping Mall and KK Plaza are located ...
7/10 Good! (10 reviews)
"Clean and centrally located Borneotel offers easy access to shopping and dining. Situated opposite the Filipino Handicraft market, it boasts efficient and friendly staff."

Reviewed on 2025/1/5

Borneotel The Shore KK by CHG
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (35 reviews)
Long weekend in KK, Sabah…
"Central location, near shops and restaurants and on the waterfront, with friendly and helpful staff. Optional breakfast buffet and they made us a packed breakfast for our trip out. Pool overlooks the sea and there is a large lounge to relax in plus a small gym. Room was clean and adequate with a ..."

Reviewed on 2025/4/5

Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu
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 sauna. Popular attractions Imago Shopping Mall and Plaza ...
"Location was perfect for our stay. Information sent was perfect about obtaining the key and check in. Bathroom was smelly and toilet was leaking. Needed more bowls in the kitchen as well as a tea towel for wiping up."

Reviewed on 2025/3/21

Sunset Seaview Vacation Condos City Centre @ IMAGO Shopping Mall
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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