Travel to Kota Kinabalu

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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
A clock tower with a weather vane, surrounded by lush greenery and a white fence.

Downtown Kota Kinabalu

7 out of top 10 points of interest in this area

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

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.

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.

A coastal city with a marina, boats, and a large hotel.

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.

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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.

Things to do in and around Kota Kinabalu

Shopping

For a vibrant shopping experience, visit Imago Shopping Mall in Kota Kinabalu, offering a mix of business and entertainment. Don't miss the Gaya Street Sunday Market for local crafts and food. If you're up for a drive, head to Inanam Mall for family-friendly shopping vibes.

Recreation

Likas Stadium offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for sports enthusiasts, featuring various facilities for training and fitness activities. Meanwhile, Nexus Golf Resort Karambunai provides a tranquil golf experience amidst stunning coastal views, ideal for relaxation and outdoor leisure. Likas Sports Complex is another vibrant venue for engaging in diverse sports events.

Adventure

The Sabah Indoor Climbing Centre in Kota Kinabalu provides an exhilarating climbing experience amidst a vibrant sports atmosphere. For thrill-seekers, Zip Borneo, located 25.7km from the city, offers an exciting zipline ropes course. Additionally, Bukit Padang features scenic hiking trails perfect for outdoor adventures.

Nightlife

Kota Kinabalu's nightlife is vibrant, with lively bars and clubs. Enjoy a cocktail at the stylish Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa, or immerse yourself in local culture at the Waterfront Esplanade, where street performers and food stalls create a lively atmosphere under the stars.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, is an ideal destination for families and business travellers alike, offering a blend of cultural and outdoor experiences. Explore notable attractions such as mosques, urban parks, and the picturesque harbour. For adventurous souls, a visit to the majestic Mount Kinabalu is a must, ensuring a memorable journey filled with diverse activities in this vibrant city.

  • Sutera Harbour: Experience the serene beauty of Sutera Harbour, where you can relax on the beach and enjoy stunning seaside views. This picturesque location offers a perfect escape with a tranquil atmosphere and opportunities for water activities.
  • Kota Kinabalu Esplanade: The Kota Kinabalu Esplanade is a vibrant outdoor space ideal for families. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, enjoy local food stalls, and soak in the lively atmosphere while watching the sunset over the sea.
  • Sabah State Mosque: Discover the architectural beauty and cultural significance of the Sabah State Mosque. This stunning mosque features intricate designs and offers a peaceful space for reflection, making it a remarkable spot to appreciate local heritage.

Best time to go to Kota Kinabalu

The best time to visit Kota Kinabalu can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Kota Kinabalu falls in May, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Kota Kinabalu falls in February, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January80.1°F (26.7°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February79.9°F (26.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March80.4°F (26.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April81.7°F (27.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May82.6°F (28.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June82.2°F (27.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
July81.5°F (27.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
August81.9°F (27.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September81.5°F (27.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October81.3°F (27.4°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November81.3°F (27.4°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December81.0°F (27.2°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage

Tips to save on your trip to Kota Kinabalu

  • Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
  • Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically March, May and November) for more affordable package holidays to Kota Kinabalu.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Top hotels in Kota Kinabalu

Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

NO. 18 JALAN HAJI SAMAN Kota Kinabalu
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
RM448
RM494 total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu
Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens Kota Kinabalu Sabah
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
RM370
RM410 total
4 Sept - 5 Sept
includes taxes & fees
9/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"The hotel location is fantastic. We had a sea facing room and had a wonderful view of the ocean and mountains in the background, as well as fishing boats. The gym is also well equipped - multiple stationary bikes, treadmills, exercise machines. The only down side is that there is a strong odor of ..."

Reviewed on 30 Jul 2026

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

Jalan Datuk Salleh Sulong Kota Kinabalu Sabah
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
RM397
RM439 total
2 Sept - 3 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
See all 661 properties in 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.

Stay near popular Kota Kinabalu attractions

A river with boats, a bridge, and flags of Malaysia and the USA.
Photo by Iqbal Selamat

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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A table with a plate of food, a cup of coffee, and a view of a lake.
Photo by Jim Teo

Suria Sabah Shopping Mall

8.4/10 (503 reviews)
Suria Sabah Mall combines international brands with local boutiques along Kota Kinabalu's waterfront. Visit the upper-level food court for panoramic views of the South China Sea while sampling diverse cuisines.
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A fishing boat named K.K. Kinabalu sailing on the water during sunset.

Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

8.0/10 (87 reviews)
Stroll along this waterfront promenade featuring a dolphin monument and stunning South China Sea views. Visit at sunset when the wooden platform offers the perfect vantage point for breathtaking coastal colours.
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Sutera Harbour

8.2/10 (291 reviews)
This waterfront resort combines two luxury hotels with a championship golf course and marina overlooking the South China Sea. Guests can sail, tee off, or unwind at the Mandara Spa while enjoying Mount Kinabalu views.
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Gaya Street Sunday Market

8.2/10 (478 reviews)
Every Sunday, Gaya Street becomes Kota Kinabalu's vibrant marketplace with local handicrafts and Sabahan delicacies. Arrive early to browse colourful stalls of batik fabrics and handmade jewellery before midday heat.
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Kota Kinabalu Central Market

7.8/10 (375 reviews)
Dive into Kota Kinabalu Central Market's vibrant maze of stalls offering fresh seafood and tropical fruits. Engage with friendly vendors while sampling exotic delicacies for an authentic glimpse into Sabahan daily life.
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1Borneo Hypermall

7.6/10 (250 reviews)
East Malaysia's largest shopping complex offers a comprehensive retail and entertainment experience. Explore international brands, local dining options, and entertainment facilities all under one expansive roof.
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Centre Point

7.8/10 (402 reviews)
Centre Point Sabah stands as Kota Kinabalu's landmark shopping destination with a mix of retailers. Browse fashion boutiques, dine at diverse eateries, or enjoy the cinema and bowling alley.
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What to do in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu: Snorkeling & Island Hopping Sapi & Manukan

Kota Kinabalu: Snorkeling & Island Hopping Sapi & Manukan

RM254
per adult
Kota Kinabalu: Snorkeling & Island Hopping Sapi & Manukan
RAID Try-Dive in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

RAID Try-Dive in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

RM456
per adult
RAID Try-Dive in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Kota Kinabalu City Tour: Culture & Heritage tour with Lunch

Kota Kinabalu City Tour: Culture & Heritage tour with Lunch

RM255
per adult
Kota Kinabalu City Tour: Culture & Heritage tour with Lunch
See all activities in Kota Kinabalu

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Kota Kinabalu holiday package cost?
Offering great value package deals on Expedia, you'll be thrilled with how little a holiday to Kota Kinabalu costs! Our packages mean less travel planning for you and greater savings.
What are the cheapest months to go to Kota Kinabalu?
You can typically find reduced prices and greater availability in April, May and November. Browse our cheap Kota Kinabalu holiday packages and you could get some great off-season deals.
How many days is enough for Kota Kinabalu?
Dedicate around 3 days for your Kota Kinabalu holiday if you're hoping to take in everything that makes this place unique. Wander around popular neighbourhoods, including Downtown Kota Kinabalu and Pusat Bandar. Then head to the major sights such as Sabah State Museum and Signal Hill Observatory Platform. With a clever itinerary, you can keep busy with room for some relaxation too. Want to travel beyond Kota Kinabalu? Consider fitting in an excursion or two.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Kota Kinabalu?
Whether you want to explore major sights such as Imago Shopping Mall and Suria Sabah Shopping Mall on your Kota Kinabalu holiday, or coming for its great shopping, markets and coastal beaches, there's something for everyone here. With so much to see and do, you'll soon find out why so many families think Kota Kinabalu is a good holiday destination.
How to find the best Kota Kinabalu package deals?
Finding a cheap Kota Kinabalu package deal is easy with Expedia. Once you've entered your trip dates and destination under our "Packages" tab, set your budget, apply some filters and see what's available. You can fine-tune your search by "Area," "Amenities," "Property type" and more. Order the results by "Price: low to high" to discover the most affordable Kota Kinabalu package deals. Want a simple trick to score the biggest savings? Have some flexibility with your departure dates and consider going away on a weekday, when prices are typically lower.
Is it cheaper to book a Kota Kinabalu holiday as a package?
An Expedia holiday package could save you hundreds of dollars when compared to booking stays and flights separately. Better still, you can tailor your Kota Kinabalu escape to fit your exact needs. Choose your preferred flight time, select the hotel type and add a car rental. Browse our great deals to see how much you can save.
When to book a holiday package to Kota Kinabalu?
If you're planning an impromptu Kota Kinabalu adventure, browse our last-minute deals that can be booked up to a week before you go. Prefer not to wait until the last minute? You can score awesome deals on your hotels and flights by booking ahead.
How to plan a trip to Kota Kinabalu?
  1. Choose when to get away: Check your diary and get packing. Your preferred time of year and the type of activities available will also help you decide when to holiday in Kota Kinabalu.
  2. Budget wisely: As well as the cost of your hotel, you'll need to factor in other expenses too. These include flights, transportation and food. Also, put aside a little extra for unexpected expenses that could arise during your trip to Kota Kinabalu.
  3. Decide how long to go for: Now that you know more about Kota Kinabalu, you can figure out the right length of your holiday. Put together a rough itinerary and allocate enough time to cover everything you want to do.
  4. Combine your airfare and accommodation: Once you've settled on your dates and duration, book the ideal Kota Kinabalu holiday package for you.

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* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.