Kota Kinabalu

Travel Guide

Kota Kinabalu which includes landscape views and boating
Photo provided by Tourism Malaysia
Kota Kinabalu
Photo provided by Tourism Malaysia
Kota Kinabalu

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 Centre, 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 island images, tropical scenes and a coastal town

Downtown Kota Kinabalu

4/5(38 area reviews)

A noteworthy feature of Downtown Kota Kinabalu is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Anjung Samudera and Centre Point.

Downtown Kota Kinabalu
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Tanjung Aru

3.5/5(5 area reviews)

Beaches and abundant 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 island images, tropical scenes and a coastal town

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

Karambunai is popular for its pristine beaches, and you might make a stop by Nexus Golf Resort Karambunai, a top place to visit in the area.

Karambunai
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Alamesra

While Alamesra may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like 1Borneo Hypermall and Likas Stadium.

Alamesra
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Kepayan

When in Kepayan, you can plan a visit to Tanjung Aru Perdana Park and Sabah State Mosque, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Kepayan
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
5 out of 5
Jalan Datuk Salleh Sulong, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
The price is RM316 per night from 8 Jun to 9 Jun
RM316
RM351 total
8 Jun - 9 Jun
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)
"Great view and easy access to nearby amenities"

Reviewed on 18 May 2025

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 RM370 per night from 30 Jun to 1 Jul
RM370
RM410 total
30 Jun - 1 Jul
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! (1,000 reviews)
Club room stay was great value
"Great hotel. Staff friendly & helpful. Club room benefits were good value with snacks throughout the day and ample food choices, including alcoholic beverages, in the evenings. Great views from the clubs lounge too. Breakfast is available in both the club lounge or main restaurant offering a bigger ..."

Reviewed on 23 May 2025

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 RM841 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
RM841
RM1,002 total
7 Jul - 8 Jul
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 28 May 2025

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.
Homesuite' Home at The Shore KK
Homesuite' Home at The Shore KK
3.5 out of 5
Jalan Sembilan Belas, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly condo in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy an airport shuttle (surcharge), Netflix, and hydromassage showerheads. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very Good! (15 reviews)
"Great views across the harbour, but a bad smell coming into the bathroom from the drain."

Reviewed on 2 May 2025

Homesuite' Home at The Shore KK
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 Jesselton ...
"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 5 Jan 2025

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 Suria Sabah ...
9/10 Wonderful! (37 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 5 Apr 2025

Citadines Waterfront 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.

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