Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia – Travel Guide

Kota Kinabalu, commonly known as KK, serves as the capital of Sabah, Malaysia, situated in the northern region of the island of Borneo. This coastal city is partially enveloped by rainforest. It’s a relatively small but rapidly growing city which also has an interesting colonial history and several things to do in the centre itself. From cheap seafood to readily accessible island to island, stunning sunsets, iconic cafes, and scenic views, KK has more to eat, see, and do than ever.

Best things to do in Kota Kinabalu

Island-hopping at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

Island hopping is a famous activity in KK as it is very close to several beautiful islands, far most located just approximately 20-minute boat ride away. Easiest islands to go island-hopping at are the cluster of pulaus under the area of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. It’s a comprises a group of 5 islands located between Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia. Before the Ice age, it formed part of the Crocker Range mass of sandstone and sedimentary rock on the mainland. You can reach here by a speedboat or engaging a day tour, and can spend hours of snorkelling, parasailing, sea-walking, or only doing sunbathing at Pulau Sapi, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Mamutik, Pulau Gaya, and Pulau Borong.

Tip : You may book a private or group tour here, to explore island hoping in Kota Kinabalu. Bring along sunscreen always!

Address : (map coordinator).

Catch a sunset at the Tanjung Aru Beach

Sunsets in Kota Kinabalu have always been crowned among the best in the world. One of the best spots to relax and watch the sunset on the sky orange is Tanjung Aru Beach, a long sandy stretch that attracts people in the evenings. Setup a picnic mat if you’d like to sit on the beach and watch the sun go down accompanied by hilarious waves sound with your loves one!

You can also book activity like stand up paddling, sunset kayaking, or thrilling water sports at Tanjung Aru for a unique way to enjoy the beautiful orange skies!

Address : Tanjung Aru Beach Resort, Tanjung Aru, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (map coordinator).

Learn how to Scuba Dive

Kota Kinabalu is a famous destination to learn diving skill, thanks to its world popular diving spots and clear waters. Here has no exception, offering plenty of opportunities to locals and tourists alike to experience its underwater beauty with PADI-certified diving courses and leisure diving experiences. There are various diving activities and courses to choose from, pick across your feeling and desire at that moment. Don’t missed this, one of the best island to enjoy diving in Malaysia.

Tip : Check through packages and price here, while you are planning your trip to Kota Kinabalu.

Have a Seafood Feast

Seafood is definitely a must in Kota Kinabalu, and is popular with it incredibly fresh, but also cheap price compared to most places in Peninsular Malaysia. There are many seafood restaurants in town, offering varieties of menus from traditional recipes to innovative dishes.

Plan your food trail accordingly, then you can get to try out fresh seafood Kota Kinabalu has to offer, from crabs to prawns, fish, clams, oysters, and more! Here are a few spots you can check out:

• He Jia Fo Seafood Restaurant (Halal-certified) – map coordinator.
• Fish Market Restaurant (Muslim-friendly) – map coordinator.
• Welcome Seafood Restaurant (Muslim-friendly) – map coordinator.
• Tung Fong Seafood Restaurant (Muslim-friendly) – map coordinator.

Take a Sunset Dinner Cruise

Enhance your sunset-watching experience by joining a sunset cruise! This iconic yet amazing activity in Kota Kinabalu provides breathtaking views of the South China Sea as the sky transforms with the vibrant colors of the sunset. Some offers cruise packages which include an international buffet dinner, complimentary drinks, and live musical entertainment on board! Have a wonderful dinner while catching sunset at boar ride with family and friends, definitely worth it the trip!

Address : The Marina Clubhouse Sutera Harbour, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (map coordinator).

Experience Glamping on the Beach at Dinawan Island

Popular as ‘seahorse-shaped island’ due to its cream-colored sand, turquoise waters, and verdant rainforest, Dinawan Island is a somewhat undiscovered gem among the islands near Kota Kinabalu. It tends to be overshadowed by more well-known islands in the vicinity. It is located about 3.5 kilometres from the township of Kinarut near the mouth of the Kinarut River. The island is 73 m high and surrounded by reefs and sandbanks. You have the option to spend a night on the island with beach glamping. Or if you prefer a day trip tour, with inclusive activities like boat transfers, a buffet lunch, and activities like paddleboarding, snorkeling, and kayaking!

Tip : It’s a private own island, operates as tourist resort on the island. Hence you would expect lesser crowd to enjoy more on your water activities.

Address : (map coordinator).

Visit the Gaya Street Sunday Market

For more than a century, the Gaya Street Sunday Market has been catering to the residents of Kota Kinabalu! Whether you’re seeking retail therapy or simply want to immerse yourself in the lively ambiance, this market offers a diverse array of goods. From fruits to handicrafts, antiques, souvenirs, herbs, flowers, clothes, and various knick-knacks, you can explore it all under the shade of trees and oversized umbrellas. The market is a popular Sunday hangout spot for Sabahan families.

Tip : Market is only open from Friday to Sunday, 5pm onwards for cooked food, local crafts and souvenirs.

Address : Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (map coordinator).

Stroll through the City Park

Located in the center of KK, the Kota Kinabalu City Park offers a haven from the scorching heat. It features landscaped gardens with partial shading, filled with trees, shrubs, and a monument honouring fallen soldiers of the World War. Take a leisurely stroll in the morning or evening when the temperature is more comfortable! Kids to run around at the park while adults can leisurely walk to view beauty of city around like how local do.

Address: Jln Tun Razak, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (map coordinator).

Take a Trip to Kundasang

Kundasang is a hill station in the district of Ranau in Sabah, Malaysia that lies along the Kundasang Valley within the Crocker Range, and also neighboring the town of Pekan Nabalu. You may want to spare some time to have for a trip up to this beautiful cooling hill place! 2-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu town, highly recommended as a day trip destination, or if time allow you could do at least a night here for a more leisurely adventure so you don’t have to rush over many beautiful spots in Kundasang. Resort or hotel price range from between RM 150 to RM 450, varies from travel period also.

Tip : What we love most about Kundasang is its windy climate that’s often a few degrees cooler than the lowlands!

Address : (map coordinator).

Explore some Street Art

One thing we love about Malaysia is mural street art painting in most beautiful cities, Kota Kinabalu’s street art rivals the vibrancy and charm found in KL, Penang, and Melaka! Be on the lookout for captivating murals adorning walls and buildings throughout the town, injecting vibrancy and a lively atmosphere into the otherwise relaxed city. These murals make perfect backdrops for selfies, and many are so large that you’ll need to stretch your arm far to capture them in their entirety. For art lovers or not, you may still poses and captures plenty beautiful photos here.

Explore Mengalum Island

Explore the incomparable beauty of Mengalum Island, a tropical jewel situated off the coast of Kota Kinabalu. To introduce, this is a very popular tourist spot, with its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, it’s a true paradise offering opportunities for adventure, relaxation, or a blend of both. The surrounding waters boast rich marine life and vibrant coral reefs, making Mengalum an excellent destination for snorkeling and many more water activities for adults and kids too.

Tip : Sunset view is breathtaking, you shall not missing it!

Address : (map coordinator).

Climb Mount Kinabalu

This final yet most exciting activity is tailored for hiking enthusiasts who have “conquering Mount Kinabalu” on their bucket list. As Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Borneo and Malaysia. Climbing Mount Kinabalu is surely a challenging task, but it is definitely bucket list-worthy. Most climbers undertake a 2 or 3-day expedition, engage services of a registered mountain guide for a safe and rewarding experience. Ready to tackle the tallest mountain in Borneo? It’s time to start your training!

Tip : There’s centres or packages offer, check and compare prices that cater to your climbing need. As hill is located at 4,095 metres peak, oxygen probably at lower level compare to ground which should be considering in your plan. Lodge or accommodation is available too, check around before starting your trip to Mount Kinabalu.

Address : (map coordinator).

There’s many more in our recommendation list to share and list is not ending here, will be updating from time to time for you!

Planning for a short trip? Let us help you up!