Kota Kinabalu

Travel Guide
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

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
5 out of 5
Jalan Datuk Salleh Sulong, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
The price is RM348 per night from 24 Jun to 25 Jun
RM348
per night
24 Jun - 25 Jun
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the overall value ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,006 reviews)
"The staff were so friendly! And the room was very nice, was more than happy coming to there after a long days travel"

Reviewed on 31 May 2023

Hyatt Regency 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 RM768 per night from 26 Jun to 27 Jun
RM768
per night
26 Jun - 27 Jun
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Great staff and horizon club room is excellent. Rooms were large and cleaned daily. Breakfast was ‘very,very’ busy if you went after 8am but loads of choice. Had the seafood buffet one night and it was worth the money as there are lots of choices, not just seafood. A bit disappointed there was a ..."

Reviewed on 1 Jun 2023

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
The price is RM370 per night from 26 Jun to 27 Jun
RM370
per night
26 Jun - 27 Jun
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
Great hotel and location
"We had a sea view room which was spacious clean and comfortable but the view was just stunning. Very friendly and helpful staff also giving advice on where to go and definitely not to go to keep us safe in the city, we used the main restaurant pool area for food and drinks and roof top bar for drinks ..."

Reviewed on 30 May 2023

Le Meridien 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.
Sunset Seaview Vacation Condos at Infinity Avenue
Sunset Seaview Vacation Condos at Infinity Avenue
3 out of 5
Sutera Avenue Residences, Tower 2, Block B, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly aparthotel in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a children's pool. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
8/10 Very Good! (49 reviews)
"Property is pretty new, need to ensure a lock is installed at the balcony as it can be aeccable from the outside of the unit. Ensure CLEANED towels is provided. Had smelly towels delivered to us and there was no housekeeping on one of the day. Provide shower caps."

Reviewed on 26 Dec 2019

Sunset Seaview Vacation Condos at Infinity Avenue
Sabah Beach Villas & Suites
Sabah Beach Villas & Suites
3.5 out of 5
PV 140, Pecinct Dillenia, Nexus Residence, Karambunai, Kota Kinabalu
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the WiFi in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (183 reviews)
"Nice place to stay. Definitely will come here again"

Reviewed on 21 Sep 2022

Sabah Beach Villas & Suites
Homesuite' Home at The Shore KK
Homesuite' Home at The Shore KK
2.5 out of 5
Jalan Sembilan Belas, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Stay at this condo in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy a kitchen, a sitting area, and a hydromassage shower. Popular attractions Handicraft Market and Kota Kinabalu Central ...
Homesuite' Home at The Shore KK
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.

Things to do