Things to do in Kota Kinabalu

Activities, attractions and tours

Kota Kinabalu which includes boating and landscape views
Kota Kinabalu which includes boating and landscape views
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 22 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €44 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Full-Day Guided Snorkelling Tour from Kota Kinabalu

Full-Day Guided Snorkelling Tour from Kota Kinabalu

Activity duration is 7 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 42 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €57 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Kinabalu National Park Tour

Kinabalu National Park Tour

Activity duration is 8 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €117 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

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Sabah Highlights Adventure 7D/6N

Sabah Highlights Adventure 7D/6N

Activity duration is 7 days
Price is €796 per adult
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Shows & concerts

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KAMPUNG GIPSI-DAY TRIP TO BAJAU HEAVEN FREE NASIGORENG & TEH

KAMPUNG GIPSI-DAY TRIP TO BAJAU HEAVEN FREE NASIGORENG & TEH

Activity duration is 2 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is €64 per adult
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What to do in Kota Kinabalu

Popular places to visit

This was taken after a quick walk from the Philippine market 6km away around 7am. #kotakinabalu #sunrise #waterfront #imagoKK #KK #Sabah

Imago Shopping Mall

During your trip to Kota Kinabalu, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Imago Shopping Mall. Amble around the area's marina or seek out the local tours.

Imago Shopping Mall
Enjoy hi-tea with a spectacular sunset view. This place is usually crowded on weekends and it’s first come first serve especially for the outer deck seats overlooking the sea.

Suria Sabah Shopping Mall

During your visit to Pusat Bandar, you can do some window-shopping at Suria Sabah Shopping Mall. Amble around the area's marina or seek out the local tours.

Suria Sabah Shopping Mall
Kota Kinabalu Waterfront featuring outdoor eating as well as a large group of people

Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Kota Kinabalu Esplanade is just one of the places to see in Pusat Bandar, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the beautiful sunsets and shops in this romantic area.

Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Gaya Street Sunday Market

During your visit to Pusat Bandar, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Gaya Street Sunday Market. Amble around the area's marina or seek out the local tours.

Gaya Street Sunday Market

Kota Kinabalu Central Market

During your trip to Pusat Bandar, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Kota Kinabalu Central Market. Stroll along the marina or seek out the local tours.

Kota Kinabalu Central Market

1Borneo Hypermall

During your visit to Kota Kinabalu, you can do some window-shopping at 1Borneo Hypermall. Amble around the area's marina or seek out the local tours.

1Borneo Hypermall

Sutera Harbour

Explore the waterfront in Kota Kinabalu with a trip to Sutera Harbour. Discover the area's shops or seek out its local tours.

Sutera Harbour

KK Plaza

During your visit to Pusat Bandar, you can enjoy retail therapy at KK Plaza. Amble around the area's marina or seek out the local tours.

KK Plaza

Centre Point

During your visit to Pusat Bandar, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Centre Point. Stroll along the marina or seek out the local tours.

Centre Point

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
Default Image

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
A mosque facing sea with clear blue sky

Luyang

Shopping and restaurants are notable features of Luyang. You might consider stopping by Tabin Wildlife Reserve while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

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

Gaya Island

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

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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