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 featuring island views, a coastal town and tropical scenes

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 Centre Point and Kota Kinabalu Central Market.

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
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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
Kota Kinabalu featuring island views, a coastal town and tropical scenes

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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Likas

You'll appreciate the shopping during your time in Likas and you might want to plan a stop by Likas Stadium and Likas Sports Complex while you're in the area.

Likas
Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

5 out of 5
Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, Sinsuran, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
The price is RM400 per night from 23 Oct to 24 Oct
RM400
RM442 total
23 Oct - 24 Oct
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! (1,002 reviews)
Remodelling
"Hotel is a little old. It need remodelling. Except that, the others are good."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

5 out of 5
NO. 18 JALAN HAJI SAMAN, Kota Kinabalu
The price is RM416 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
RM416
RM459 total
9 Nov - 10 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (192 reviews)
"It' walkable to Jiaya street, and opposite to a mall, where we can dine and do shopping, my daughter loves the swimming pool."

Reviewed on 21 Apr 2025

Hyatt Centric 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 RM676 per night from 4 Nov to 5 Nov
RM676
RM808 total
4 Nov - 5 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"Fantastic staff made our stay memorable. All were friendly, courteous, helpful and went the extra mile. Would definitely return"

Reviewed on 3 Oct 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.
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 Imago Shopping ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (46 reviews)
"Pool was nice , clean room but a bit small ."

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2025

Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu
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 Imago Shopping Mall and KK Plaza are located ...
6.6/10 (14 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 5 Jan 2025

Borneotel The Shore KK by CHG
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 WiFi, free parking, and a fitness center. Popular attractions Imago Shopping Mall and Sabah Indoor Climbing ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
"Terrific View Super clean and covetable . Short Grab ride to town ."

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

La.mer Butik
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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