Kota Kinabalu Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Kota Kinabalu showing landscape views and boating
Photo provided by Tourism Malaysia
Kota Kinabalu
Photo provided by Tourism Malaysia
Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu Travel Guide Video

Located near the base of the looming Mount Kinabalu, Sabah’s oceanfront capital has a relaxed atmosphere and is close to traditional villages and a marine park.

Nicknamed “KK” by locals, Kota Kinabalu is the ideal place to begin your journey across the island. This Bornean urban center is home to diverse cultural attractions, including museums and art galleries, alongside ornate mosques and botanical gardens. The beaches, rain forests and tropical islands that surround KK are central to its charm as is year-round tropical climate. Visit the city to sample the dynamic range of provincial cuisines from across Asia.

Kota Kinabalu’s downtown precinct is a breeze to get around as most attractions are within walking distance of each other. A cheap and frequent bus line will take you farther afield. Take some time to learn about the local culture and people at the Sabah Museum and the Ethnobotanical Gardens, which is home to pitcher plants, medicinal flowers and a wide range of rice and herbs.

Don’t miss the Sabah Art Gallery while you’re exploring the Sabah Museum complex. Here you can discover local emerging artists exhibited alongside the city’s most renowned names. Make your way to the Monsopiad Cultural Village, a fascinating ethnographic museum, to learn about the indigenous tribes of Sabah. See handmade tools and buildings, learn traditional dances and sample local dishes.

Leave the city limits to find yourself surrounded by wilderness and natural beauty. Pack a snorkel and your swimsuit and explore below the surface of the South China Sea. Fishing charters and boats to the neighbouring islands can be caught from KK’s bustling harbor precinct. While you’re out exploring, visit the Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre, the Lok Kawi Wildlife Center and the Tuaran Crocodile Farm to see the diverse range of animals that live on Borneo.

If you like your wilderness less tamed, lace up your boots and head for Kinabalu Park. The park is home to carnivorous pitcher plants, monkeys, apes and the endangered rafflesia flower. Climb to the peak of Mount Kinabalu for a sunrise you’ll never forget.

Kota Kinabalu has an international airport with connections to many cities in Asia.

Where to stay in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu showing island images, tropical scenes and a coastal town

Downtown Kota Kinabalu

4/5(42 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 Anjung Samudera and Centre Point.

Downtown Kota Kinabalu
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Tanjung Aru

5/5(4 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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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
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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
Kota Kinabalu showing island images, tropical scenes and a coastal town

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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Kepayan

When in Kepayan, you can plan a visit to Tanjung Aru Perdana Park and Sabah State Mosque, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Kepayan
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
5 out of 5
Jalan Datuk Salleh Sulong, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
The price is AU$128 per night from 8 June to 9 June
AU$128
includes taxes & fees
8 June - 9 June
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Great view and easy access to nearby amenities"

Reviewed on 18 May 2025

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
5 out of 5
Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, Sinsuran, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$150 per night from 29 June to 30 June
AU$150
includes taxes & fees
29 June - 30 June
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! (1,000 reviews)
Club room stay was great value
"Great hotel. Staff friendly & helpful. Club room benefits were good value with snacks throughout the day and ample food choices, including alcoholic beverages, in the evenings. Great views from the clubs lounge too. Breakfast is available in both the club lounge or main restaurant offering a bigger ..."

Reviewed on 23 May 2025

Le Meridien 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 AU$419 per night from 26 June to 27 June
AU$419
includes taxes & fees
26 June - 27 June
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"The Shangri-La was a beautiful well kept resort which was so family friendly. Their attentiveness to those with families was extraordinary. It made our stay so comfortable and pleasant. We would definitely recommend the Shangri-La to our family and friends."

Reviewed on 28 May 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.
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 Suria Sabah Shopping Mall and Jesselton ...
"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
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 Suria Sabah ...
9/10 Wonderful! (37 reviews)
Long weekend in KK, Sabah…
"Central location, near shops and restaurants and on the waterfront, with friendly and helpful staff. Optional breakfast buffet and they made us a packed breakfast for our trip out. Pool overlooks the sea and there is a large lounge to relax in plus a small gym. Room was clean and adequate with a ..."

Reviewed on 5 Apr. 2025

Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu
Homesuite' Home at The Shore KK
Homesuite' Home at The Shore KK
3.5 out of 5
Jalan Sembilan Belas, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly condo in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy an airport shuttle (surcharge), Netflix, and hydromassage showerheads. Popular attractions ...
8/10 Very Good! (15 reviews)
"Great views across the harbour, but a bad smell coming into the bathroom from the drain."

Reviewed on 2 May 2025

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.

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