Things to do in Kota Kinabalu

Activities, attractions and tours

Kota Kinabalu which includes landscape views and boating
Kota Kinabalu which includes landscape views and boating
Kota Kinabalu featuring tropical scenes and general coastal views
Kota Kinabalu Waterfront showing markets, food and night scenes
Kota Kinabalu which includes a pool and swimming
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Most popular experiences in Kota Kinabalu

Tours & day trips

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Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies

Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies

Activity duration is 8 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is RM 200 per adult
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History & culture

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Private Tour Kampung Gipsi Sabah Cultural Village Kota Kinabalu

Private Tour Kampung Gipsi Sabah Cultural Village Kota Kinabalu

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is RM 99 per adult
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Wildlife & nature

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Full-Day Guided Snorkeling Tour from Kota Kinabalu

Full-Day Guided Snorkeling Tour from Kota Kinabalu

Activity duration is 7 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is RM 258 per adult
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Classes & workshops

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Zen & Splash: Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga in Tanjung Aru

Zen & Splash: Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga in Tanjung Aru

Activity duration is 45 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is RM 76 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

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Private Full Day Kinabalu Park & Poring Hot Springs Tour

Private Full Day Kinabalu Park & Poring Hot Springs Tour

Activity duration is 10 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is RM 1,343 per adult*
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What to do in Kota Kinabalu

Areas of Kota Kinabalu

love the air there!

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
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia – June 15, 2022: The Tanjung Aru Beach, Fisherman Village and Shangri-La Hotel

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
Aerial view partial part of Semporna island with blue ocean and coral reef in Malaysia, Borneo.

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
Aerial drone image of beautiful rural town of Menggatal Town, Sabah, Malaysia

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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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
Mosque, Masjid Bandaraya in Kota Kinabalu, Borneo. Blue hour and a very rainy night. Mosquito hell but so nice to see.

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
A beautiful pagoda at Tuaran, Sabah, Malaysia

Tuaran

Aerial View of The Manukan, Mamutik and Sapi Islands of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia

Gaya Island

Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia – June 15, 2022: The Tanjung Aru Beach, Fisherman Village and Shangri-La Hotel

Kinarut

A flight takes off from the Kota Kinabalu airport as seen from Tanjung Aru beach

Kampung Sembulan Baru

Adrenaline rush

Pusat Bandar

Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia – June 14, 2022: The Waterfront and Esplanade Area of Kota Kinabalu City Centre

Api-api Centre

Kota Kinabalu State Mosque. Tourists are allowed to go inside just make sure you wear proper clothes.

Bandaran Berjaya

Visit the Floating Mosque at Sunset and you'll be sure to be impressed. Easy to catch local buses here at a very low cost.

Kampung Kamirian

Frequently asked questions

Is Kota Kinabalu worth visiting?
Providing a blend of coastal beaches and shopping, there's no shortage of things to do in Kota Kinabalu. When you're here, visit Kota Kinabalu Esplanade, a top attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Kota Kinabalu?
Kick-start your day with a visit to Kota Kinabalu Esplanade and Sabah Indoor Climbing Centre. Then, check out different areas of Kota Kinabalu for local dining and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Kota Kinabalu?
Don't go home without exploring Kota Kinabalu Esplanade, rated the top tourist attraction in Kota Kinabalu.
Is three days enough to stay in Kota Kinabalu?
Three days in Kota Kinabalu is more than enough to visit the city's main highlights. Many travellers book for three days on average. Kota Kinabalu Esplanade, Tanjung Aru Perdana Park and Anjung Samudera are among the top-rated sights. Like to discover more? Hang around a bit longer to explore nearby hotspots like Dalit Beach.
Is Kota Kinabalu a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Kota Kinabalu, such as Kota Kinabalu Esplanade and Tanjung Aru Perdana Park, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Just 0.16 kilometres from central Kota Kinabalu is Downtown Kota Kinabalu and Pusat Bandar is 0.64 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Kota Kinabalu with kids?
Planning what to do in Kota Kinabalu with kids has never been simpler. Whether you're taking a trip with toddlers or teenagers, there are many family-friendly sights and activities to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Kota Kinabalu for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Kota Kinabalu, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Downbelow Adventure Centre.
Are there free things to do in Kota Kinabalu?
In Kota Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu Esplanade is a must-see spot for anyone planning to see the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, wander around the other neighbourhoods and green spaces, and ask for ideas from a local tour guide. It's an easy way to discover the best free things to do in Kota Kinabalu.

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