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 Centre Point and Kompleks Asia City.

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
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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
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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Luyang

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

Luyang
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
5 out of 5
Jalan Datuk Salleh Sulong, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$3,418 per night from Jul 29 to Jul 30
NT$3,418
NT$3,760 total
Jul 29 - Jul 30
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Booked a sea view twin with breakfast. Watching sunset in your air conditioning room is totally worth it."

Reviewed on 2025/6/27

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
5 out of 5
Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, Sinsuran, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
The price is NT$3,972 per night from Jul 26 to Jul 27
NT$3,972
NT$4,358 total
Jul 26 - Jul 27
includes taxes & fees
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)
"Very convenient and the view at 9th floor was beautiful."

Reviewed on 2025/6/7

Le Meridien Kota 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
The price is NT$7,492 per night from Aug 8 to Aug 9
NT$7,492
NT$8,909 total
Aug 8 - Aug 9
includes taxes & fees
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 Shangri-La was a beautiful well kept resort which was so family friendly. Their attentiveness to those with families was extraordinary. It made our stay so comfortable and pleasant. We would definitely recommend the Shangri-La to our family and friends."

Reviewed on 2025/5/28

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, 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.
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 Suria Sabah ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (38 reviews)
"Great location, clean and comfortable rooms with a lovely pool."

Reviewed on 2025/7/6

Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu
La.mer Butik
La.mer Butik
2.5 out of 5
Bay Suites, Lorong Bayu, Off Jalan Istiadat, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Stay at this aparthotel in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Suria Sabah Shopping Mall and Imago Shopping ...
8/10 Very Good! (1 review)
"房間大,1樓有洗衣機,但不行用現金及信用卡,不過一樓的櫃檯人員可以幫忙用其他的支付方式,再給他現金就好 房間有小黒蠅,感覺比較不好 另外房間也沒附盥洗備品需要自己帶,也沒有體重機秤行李"

Reviewed on 2025/6/22

La.mer Butik
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 Suria Sabah Shopping Mall and Imago Shopping ...
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
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.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Kota Kinabalu