Things to do in Kota Kinabalu

Activities, attractions and tours

Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu
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Most popular experiences in Kota Kinabalu

Tours & day trips

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Bongawan River Cruise: Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Mangrove

Bongawan River Cruise: Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Mangrove

Activity duration is 8 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 53 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €48 per adult
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Water activities

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Kota Kinabalu: Sapi & Manukan Island Snorkelling with Lunch

Kota Kinabalu: Sapi & Manukan Island Snorkelling with Lunch

Activity duration is 7 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 64 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €54 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Tip Of Borneo With Kudat Rungus Long House Tour

Tip Of Borneo With Kudat Rungus Long House Tour

Activity duration is 8 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is €206 per adult
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Shows & concerts

See all 9 activities
Bongawan River Cruise: Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Mangrove

Bongawan River Cruise: Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Mangrove

Activity duration is 8 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 53 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €48 per adult
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Spa & wellness

See all 4 activities
Sabah VONA SPA Massage Experience

Sabah VONA SPA Massage Experience

Activity duration is 12 hours
Price is €18 per traveller
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What to do in Kota Kinabalu

Stay near popular Kota Kinabalu attractions

Photo by Iqbal Selamat
Open Photo by Iqbal Selamat

Imago Shopping Mall

4.3/5 (662 reviews)
Kota Kinabalu's largest shopping complex offers four levels of international brands and local treasures. Catch daily performances of the traditional Magunatip bamboo dance while exploring upscale dining options.
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Where to stay in Kota Kinabalu

Find the best Kota Kinabalu areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Kota Kinabalu
Learn more about Kota Kinabalu
Photo by Aileen Adalid
Open Photo by Aileen Adalid

Downtown Kota Kinabalu

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 Kompleks Asia City.

Photo by Mango Yip
Open Photo by Mango Yip

Tanjung Aru

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.

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.

Photo by Michaela Prades
Open Photo by Michaela Prades

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.

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.

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

Bandaran Berjaya

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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