Travel to Kota Kinabalu

Things to do in and around Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu offers a diverse range of activities perfect for families, business travellers, and city enthusiasts. Visitors can explore vibrant shopping centres and malls, as well as enjoy the amenities of private country clubs. For those seeking adventure, there are plenty of adrenaline-pumping activities available, ensuring a memorable experience in this lively city.

Shopping

In Kota Kinabalu, explore Imago Shopping Mall, a vibrant hub for family entertainment and shopping. Suria Sabah Shopping Mall offers a similar experience nearby. For a unique find, visit Gaya Street Sunday Market, filled with local crafts and street food, right in the city centre.

Recreation

Likas Stadium offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for sports enthusiasts, providing various recreational activities. For golf lovers, Nexus Golf Resort Karambunai presents a scenic outdoor experience, while Dalit Bay Golf & Country Club, located 20.9km from the city, indulges visitors with a luxurious golfing retreat.

Adventure

The Sabah Indoor Climbing Centre offers exhilarating climbing experiences in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, perfect for adventure seekers. For a thrilling ziplining adventure, head to Zip Borneo, located 25.7km from the city, where you can soar through the treetops. Bukit Padang, also nearby, provides scenic hiking trails.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at the Waterfront Esplanade, where you can enjoy stunning views while sipping cocktails. For a lively atmosphere, visit Tanjung Aru Beach, known for its beach bars and live music, perfect for dancing the night away.

Find the best attractions in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu is an ideal destination for family, city-themed, and business vacations, offering a blend of cultural and outdoor experiences. Visitors can explore stunning mosques, vibrant urban parks, and picturesque harbours, making it a delightful place for those seeking both relaxation and adventure. The diverse attractions cater to a range of interests, ensuring memorable experiences for every traveller.

• Sutera Harbour: Experience the stunning coastal beauty at Sutera Harbour, where you can relax on the beach or enjoy picturesque scenery. The serene atmosphere and views make it a perfect spot for leisure and relaxation.
• Kota Kinabalu Esplanade: This vibrant tourist precinct is ideal for families, offering outdoor activities and a lively atmosphere. Stroll along the waterfront, enjoy local food stalls, and soak in the vibrant culture of Kota Kinabalu.
• University of Malaysia Sabah: Visit this modern university set against a backdrop of city vibes. The campus features contemporary architecture and lush greenery, creating an inspiring environment for learning and exploration.

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.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	80.1°F (26.7°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
February	79.9°F (26.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
March	80.4°F (26.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
April	81.7°F (27.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	82.6°F (28.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
June	82.2°F (27.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
July	81.5°F (27.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
August	81.9°F (27.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	81.5°F (27.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	81.3°F (27.4°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	81.3°F (27.4°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
December	81.0°F (27.2°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu offers numerous free activities such as visiting Sutera Harbour and Mari Mari Cultural Village, making it easy to enjoy the city without spending much. For affordable transport, consider using buses or Grab cars. To save on accommodation, visit during cheaper months like March, May, and November, and aim to book about a month in advance. Saturday is the most budget-friendly day to stay, while Monday tends to be pricier. Utilise Expedia’s tools for package deals combining flights and hotels to maximise savings.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Kota Kinabalu are March, May and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to January and July to August, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel in Kota Kinabalu about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Kota Kinabalu is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay in Kota Kinabalu is Monday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will reveal sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the most affordable prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel accommodation in Kota Kinabalu with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.