Things To Do In Kota Kinabalu: Places Of Interest And Activities
Kota Kinabalu offers beautiful scenic attractions, one of the best sunsets in the world, great food, blue beaches, home to the spectacular Mount Kinabalu and not forgetting the hospitality of Sabahan (local) people.
Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Malaysia’s Sabah state in the northern part of the island of Borneo. Often referred to as KK, it’s a coastal city partly surrounded by rainforest. If you’re planning to drive/ride around the whole Sabah, have a look at my other post about a road trip in Sabah.
Article Contents
Places To Visit In Kota Kinabalu: Attractions & Activities
Kota Kinabalu Trip Itinerary
As I’ve been to KK many times and also rode Malaysia Borneo, I’ll recommend places for you to go. Please note this is by no means an exhaustive list but generally, it would cover the places you may want to visit whilst you’re in Kota Kinabalu.
I would recommend you spend at least a week in KK to make your trip memorable. However, If you don’t have the time and/or budget, you can always modify the itinerary accordingly.
On each day, I’ve added bullet points of the places you can go and it’s arranged based on the distance to one another so you don’t have to travel to the same place twice.
As you scroll down on each day’s Itinerary, you will also find images and videos so you can decide whether it’s worth it or not to include the places in your list. I’ve also added a Table Of Contents at the top of this article for easier navigation if you’re looking for specific information.
Day 1 (Within KK City)
- Mari Mari Cultural Village
- kiansom Waterfall
- Kokol Hill
- Sabah State Museum
- State Mosque
- The Liu He Pagoda
- Tanjung Aru Beach (Sunset)
- Imago Shopping Mall
- Filipino market (Handicraft)
Day 1 Full Map View: Google Link
Accommodation: Within KK City
Details of Places of interest for day 1 are below;
Mari Mari Cultural Village
Learn about the 5 main tribes in Sabah, their houses, hunting, brewing of alcohol, sweet treats, traditional dancing and lots more! This is a must-visit place if you’re in KK as it offers you the opportunity to see and learn about the lifestyle of how the indigenous used to live back in the olden days. This tour would normally take about 3 hours.
- Entrance Fee: RM 100/Adult (includes guided tour and lunch)
- Map Location: Google Link
- Contact: +6 013 881 4921
Kionsom Waterfall
Located about 400 Meters from Mari-Mari Cultural village, Kiansom Waterfall is a favourite picnic spot for the locals and also tourists. It’s a great place to dip in the hot afternoon and some nice spots for taking photos. A basic public washroom or toilet for changing clothes after getting wet is available.
- Entrance Fee: RM 1.50
- Map Location: Google Link
Kokol Hill
At Kokol Hill, you will be rewarded with stunning and spectacular views from the top overlooking Manukan Island, and all other small islands surrounding it! There are restaurants serving “just-ok” food and drinks but still, it’s worth going.
- Entrance Fee: RM 10
- Map Location: Google Link
Sabah State Museum
Learn about the history and the people of Sabah. The main building, resembling a longhouse houses the permanent exhibits including the Ethnography Gallery.
There are many striking antique jars in the Ceramics Gallery, while the Prehistory Gallery contains a small replica of a typical bird’s nest cave. Adjacent to the main building is the Science and Education Centre. The Heritage Village is a collection of life-sized traditional houses of Sabah’s many different ethnic groups, in a natural setting with typical fruit and herb gardens and even a hanging bridge.
- Entrance Fee: RM 15 (Non-Malaysian) RM 2 (Malaysian)
- Map Location: Google Link
Sabah State Mosque
This is a big, bold and beautiful mosque, with its tall turrets and golden orbs sitting atop stout pillars, truly a marvel in architecture and design.
Note: Like every Place of worship, you will need to dress appropriately. i.e. No skirts, singlets etc.
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Map Location: Google Link
The Liu He Pagoda
Liu He, taken from the meaning of Buddhism’s “The Six Reverent Harmony”, advocates respect and harmony among people. It also serves as a fundamental way for mankind to pursue world peace.
The total construction cost was more than 10 million ringgit, all of which was donated by former President Lau Gek-Poh.
Tanjung Aru Beach
Enjoy one of the best places to watch the sunset in Kota Kinabalu but it can be crowded. If you don’t really like the crowd and/or would prefer enjoying a drink while watching the sunset, check out my recommendation on other places to watch the sunset in Kota Kinabalu.
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Map Location: Google Link
Imago Shopping Mall
Imago is by far the largest and newest shopping mall in KK. When it comes to brand names you will get the full list here as well. You can find lots of restaurants and other facilities like the cinema, games area and they even have an area with indoor Archery.
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Map Location: Google Link
Filipino Market (Handicraft)
This market is famous for water pearls and they also sell local handicrafts. Most of the shops here sell almost the same things and don’t forget to bargain to get a good price.
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Map Location: Google Link
Day 2 (Within KK City)
- Gaya Streeet (sunday market)
- Pillars of Sabah (colorful posts)
- I love KK
- Kota Kinabalu Floating mosque
- Kinabalu Tower
- Tun Mustapha Tower
- Sabah UMS (pink) mosque
- signal hill Obervatory Platform
- Atkinson clock tower
- Waterfront (sunset)
Day 2 Full Map View: Google Link
Accommodation: Within KK City
Details of Places of interest for day 2 are below;
Gaya Street (Sunday Morning Market)
It is a flea market style, where all vendors are offering their merchandizes on the table under the plastic temporary tents, and it only happens on Sunday morning till, after midday, that is why it is called Sunday Market.
You can find almost anything, from foods, coffee, tea, drinks, herbal stuff, clothes, souvenirs and handicrafts, plants, fruits, vegetables, toys, bags and wallets, you named it, even pets. It’s also a place where tourists meet and mingled with locals for shopping, and along this part of the closed road, a row of restaurants waiting for visitors to stop for lunch breaks, yummy brunch and lunch.
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Map Location: Google Link
Pillars of Sabah
Not to be missed! The original building was one of 3 colonial buildings to survive the WW2 bombing. In the early 1990s, it was burnt down. The remaining pillars, steps and walls were saved as an art space. Currently, each pillar exhibits an endangered local animal.
The artists are very talented, and each has an explanation. I don’t know how often the theme changes. It’s worth visiting in daylight and again when it’s lit up at night
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Map Location: Google Link
I love KK
I Love KK structure is found at the public waterfront area of Kota Kinabalu. Many tourists like to pose for a photo here to demonstrate their travel to KK through their love for KK.
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Map Location: Google Link
Kota Kinabalu Floating Mosque
This mosque is called KK City Mosque officially but it’s known as “Floating Mosque” by most tourists as it sits on a man-made lake. Personally, I love the architecture and it may also be one of the most beautiful mosques in Malaysia.
- Entrance Fee: Free (Malaysian)| RM5 (Foreigner)
- Map Location: Google Link
Kinabalu Tower
The Kinabalu Tower, which is also known as Sabah State Administrative Centre before 26 August 2021, is a government office complex building located in Kota Kinabalu in the state of Sabah, Malaysia.
The complex consists of a single 33-storey office tower and two 9-storey office buildings and house the state’s chief minister’s office and other state government cabinet members. Today, the 33-storey office tower is the tallest building in Borneo.
Tun Mustapha Tower
Tun Mustapha Tower is a 122 metre, 30-story glass tower in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. It was built in 1976 by Mori Building Company, a Japanese builder. The building was formerly named Yayasan Sabah Tower as it housed Sabah Foundation (Yayasan Sabah), a state-sponsored foundation to promote education and economic development in the state. In 2001, the tower was renamed to honour Tun Datu Mustapha, a former Sabah chief minister.
UMS (Pink) Mosque
A beautiful mosque especially for photo-shooting! situated in the University Malaysia Sabah (UMS) compound, it can be crowded during Friday prayers.
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Map Location: Google Link
Signal Hill Observatory Tower
Drive-up or take staircase (250 steps) to the tower to enjoy the view Kota Kinabalu city. Please note the parking to this tower is limited and honestly, the view isn’t that great like how it used to be few years back due to tall buildings obstructing the view.
There is a kiosk located at the observation platform, where beverages and snacks are sold.
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Map Location: Google Link
Atkinson Clock Tower
Originally known as Atkinson Memorial Tower, this is Kota Kinabalu’s oldest standing wooden structure along Signal Hill Road.
This tower was built in memory of the first District Officer of Kinabalu, Mr Francis George Atkinson, who had died at age 28 because of Malaria Fever, in the year 1902. The clock tower was built and completed in 1905, and in 1998 officially declared as a cultural heritage. It stands high on the hill, easy to find when you are wandering at the city centre near Sunday Market at Gaya Street.
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Map Location: Google Link
Waterfront KK
It’s an esplanade walk at Kota Kinabalu that faces the open sea with a strip of nightlife establishments/bars. It is also a famous spot to watch the sunset in Kota Kinabalu and the drinks/foods here are expensive. However, you can access this place by walking as it close to many hotels in KK.
If you would ask my personal opinion, It’s nice if you just want to see how’s the atmosphere is in the evening and the sunset but I would not recommend spending all of your evenings here it because the beverages are pricey and it also smells due to the rubbish dumped in the ocean. Looks like no one cares to clean it? yes, it’s pathetic!
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Map Location: Google Link
Day 3 (Within KK City)
Island Hopping at Tunku Abul Rahman Park
The Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park regroups 5 different Islands (as per the image above), each one is just few KMs from the other and they are just 15 minutes away from the Jetty.
If you don’t have the time to visit all the islands, I would recommend that you go to Mamutik and Sapi Islands as I find them are beautiful and great for snorkelling. You can also see monitors lizard at the edge of the water but please, don’t throw stones at them like many other irresponsible tourists.
To go to the islands, you will need to take a bot from Jesselton Point and the price of the tickets varies based on the package. Just head to the counter(s) at the Jetty for more information and pick what suits you.
Jesselton Point: Map Link
Accommodation: Within KK City
Day 4 (Within KK City)
- North Borneo Railway (Steam Train)
- Lok Kawi Wildlife Park
Day 4 Full Map View: Google Link
Accommodation: Within KK City
Details of Places of interest for day 4 are below;
North Borneo Railway (Steam Train)
A unique experience to sit on a steam locomotive which gives you the nostalgic colonial days of the British. Breakfast and lunch of local dishes are served but this trip isn’t cheap. Please note that it only runs on Wednesdays and Saturdays. For more information, please visit Sutera Harbour’s website.
- Entrance Fee: RM 358.50
- North Borneo Station: Google Link
Lok Kawi Wildlife Park
A chance to see all the Borneo wildlife at one place if you have a relatively short time or period of stay while in Kota Kinabalu.
Some of the must-see Borneo wildlife:
- Proboscis Monkey
- Orangutan
- Sun or Honey Bear
- Bornean Gibbon
- Borneo Pygmy Elephant
Nevertheless, this place is a quick fix to see most, if not all the Borneo wildlife during a short trip.
- Entrance Fee: RM 10 (Malaysian) | RM 20 (Foreigners)
- Map Location: Google Link
Day 5 (Outskirt of KK City)
- Sabandar Cowboy Town
- Sabandar Mangrove Park
- Pagoda Ling San
- Upside down house
- Kiulu River white water rafting
- Polumpung Melangkap View Camp Site
Day 5 Full Map View: Google Link
Accommodation: Polumpung Melangkap Campsite or Homestay next to the campsite.
Details of Places of interest for day 5 are below;
Sabandar Cowboy Town
Both Sabandar Cowboy Town and Mangrove Park are located in the same area. This place offers horse riding (at RM10 per 1 small round) and there are pathways made from wood at the Mangroove area which I think it’s the highlight of this place.
- Entrance Fee: RM 10
- Map Location: Google Link
Sabandar Mangrove Park
Upside Down House
Upside down house is called Rumah Terbalik in Bahasa. If you’re into photography, this place would be interesting as they also have a 3D museum. Please note taking photos Inside the upside-down house is prohibited. People often spend about 30 minutes here.
- Entrance Fee: RM 12
- Map Location: Google Link
Kiulu River White Water Rafting
If you’re in groups/family, River rafting for 21km down the Kiulu River would be a great fun adventure that you can try. It’s also suitable for beginners and you can book this tour via WaveHunterAsia or ask your hotel’s receptionist.
- Entrance Fee: Varies based on package/transfer
- Map Location: Google Link
Sunrise Kayaking
Kayak for 4-8 KM during sunrise to enjoy a breathtaking view of Mount Kinabalu.
You can book this tour via WaveHunterAsia or ask your hotel’s receptionist.
- Entrance Fee: Varies based on package/transfer
- Map Location: Google Link
Polumpung Melangkap View Camp Site
If you’re looking for a great campsite and/or crystal clear river, this place should not be missed! For the purpose of overnight camping, check-in hour is from 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm.
If it’s not raining and you are a camper here, the splendour scenery of Mount Kinabalu will astonish you from 5.45 am to 7.00 am. If you wish to stay indoors, there are a few homestays available around.
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Map Location: Google Link
- Contact: PMVCS
Day 6 (Outskirt of KK City)
- Desa Cattle Farm kundasang
- Kundasang War Memorial
- Sabah Tea
- Poring Hot Spring
Day 6 Full Map View: Google Link
Accommodation: Homestay / Hotels in Kundasang
Details of Places of interest for day 6 are below;
Desa Cattle Farm Kundasang
Desa Cattle Dairy Farm is a dairy farm located at the foot of Mount Kinabalu in Kundasang Valley, Sabah. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery and view of Mount Kinabalu. You can also buy local products like Milk, Ice cream etc.
Please note that you can only get a clear view of Mount Kinabalu from 05:30 AM – 08:00 AM. Plan your trip accordingly to avoid disappointment or put up a night in Kundasang so you’ll have more time to view the beautiful Mount.
- Entrance Fee: RM 5/ Person
- Map Location: Google Link
Kundasang War Memorial
Located about 5KMs away from Desa Dairy Farm, Kundasang War Memorial was built out of respect for those that died in the Sandakan to Ranau “Death Marches”. It is an excellent place to visit and try to imagine the unspeakable horror and atrocities that were inflicted on our soldiers with only 6 survivors out of some 2350 that were forced to march.
I recommend you first visit the audio room for a 20-minute presentation on some of the histories to get acquainted. The memorial is divided into 4 gardens. The Australian, British, Malaysian Borneo, and the garden of Contemplation where an honour role lists each soldier that died on the 3 marches. You will probably spend an hour here by the time you pay your own respects. It s a place that touches your soul and leaves a lasting effect.
- Entrance Fee: RM 2 (Malaysian) | RM 10 (Foreigners)
- Map Location: Google Link
Sabah Tea Garden
Home to famous Sabah Tea, this valley is like the mini version of Cameron Highlands‘ tea plantation. It is located about 35 KM from Kundasang town and you can sign up for the factory tour if you can make it before noon. The roads to get here can be a little challenging as it’s not paved
- Entrance Fee: Free
- Factory Tour: RM 14
- Map Location: Google Link
Poring Hot Spring
Honestly, the hot springs aren’t that exciting, they are hot tubs which you can sit in & relax. What is more picturesque & a definite is to walk through the rain-forest to the first waterfall, it is a beautiful walk, not too strenuous on the body. Also during your walk you can enter the butterfly garden & do a canopy walk, both though have an extra charge.
- Entrance Fee: RM 3 (Malaysian) | RM 15 (Foreigner)
- Map Location: Google Link
Hiking Mount Kinabalu
Mount Kinabalu is located about 2 hours drive from Kota Kinabalu city. I hiked Mount Kinabalu back in 2012 and I can tell you it was a great experience and it’s highly recommended if you’re fit. If you want to hike/climb this spectacular mountain, you’ll need to train first to gain fitness. For detailed tips and recommendations, please have a look at the Trip Advisor site.
Please note that you will need to book your slot in advance and a tour guide is a must. I had a good experience with Sutera Sanctuary Lodges and you can contact them to make bookings and all other arrangements.
Hiking in Kota Kota Kinabalu City
If you can’t make it to Mount Kinabalu, I would suggest that you hike Bukit Padang and Bonduk Hills as both of them can be hiked in less than an hour.
Bukit Padang
Bukit Padang (also known as Tun Fuad Stephens Park) is one of Kota Kinabalu’s best-kept park. This is the only park in Kota Kinabalu that has a lake, surrounded by hills on 3 sides.
You can run around the lake which gives you 2.X KM in a loop or hike up the hill that leads up to the top of Bukit Padang at the height of 477 feet.
At the peak, you’d be able to see a panoramic view of Kota Kinabalu city and the suburbs as well as Manukan Island and Sapi Island.
Location: Google Map
Bonduk Hill
Located approximately 21 KM from Kota Kinabalu, Bonduk Hill (a.k.a Bukit Botak/Gundul) in Sepanggar is one of the best hiking spots that you can go to whilst being in the city.
The view from the top would be overlooking Sepanggar Bay which houses the Sepanggar Bay Container Terminal, a major naval base for the Royal Malaysian Navy as well as the Sepanggar Bay Oil Terminal.
More details can be found at Hiking Bonduk Hill.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Kota Kinabalu?
The best time to travel to Sabah depends on your personal preferences and the activities you plan to do. Sabah has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures and high humidity year-round. However, there are two distinct seasons: the dry season and the wet season.
The dry season runs from April to October and is generally the best time to visit Sabah. During this time, the weather is generally dry and sunny, with less rainfall and more opportunities for outdoor activities. Temperatures can still be quite hot and humid, but the weather is generally more predictable and suitable for travel.
The wet season runs from November to March and is characterized by heavy rain showers and higher humidity. While the weather can be unpredictable during this time, it’s still possible to travel to Sabah and enjoy the region’s indoor attractions such as museums, galleries, and cultural events.
Overall, the best time to travel to Sabah depends on your preferences and interests. If you’re planning to do outdoor activities such as hiking, diving, or exploring the rainforest, then the dry season is generally a better time to visit. However, if you’re more interested in indoor attractions and cultural events, then the wet season can still be a good time to visit.
Harvest Festival (Pesta Kaamatan)
Kaamatan is a form of harvest festival celebrated annually (30th & 31st of May) in the state of Sabah in Malaysia. You should not miss this event which is held at KDCA as the grand finale.
Where To stay In Kota Kinabalu?
I would suggest that you stay within the lines that I’ve marked on the map above. This is because, you can access restaurants, bars, Filipino market, malls etc within walking distance. The list of hotel/hostels in that area is as per below:
- Borneo Backpackers
- Le Meridien
- Kinabalu Daya Hotel
- Cititel Express Hotel
- Promenade Hotel
- Hilton Hotel
- Hyatt Regency
- Marina Court Condo & many more
How Many Days do You Need In Kota Kinabalu?
I would suggest at least 7 days but if you’re on a limited time, you can go for 4 days and 3 nights and visit the popular places as mentioned for Days 1, 2 & 6 in this article.
How Do You Get Around Kota Kinabalu?
You can easily get around KK by taxi, Grab or hire a personal driver. If you need to, you can share this itinerary with the company that you will be engaging with. (Get in touch with your hotel’s receptionist to hire a personal driver)
Renting a Car/Motorcycle
If you’re on a budget or prefer to ride/drive on your own, I would suggest that you rent a motorcycle/car from a reliable company which I have used their services in the past. More details can be found at the link below:
BEST Motorcycle & Car Rental In Kota Kinabalu
For navigation, you can use Google Maps or Waze.
Where & What To Eat?
Non-Halal Suggestions
- Sinalau Bakas (Wild Boar)
- Tuaran Mee (Noodle)
- Sang Nyuk Mee (Noodle)
- Tapai (Rice Wine)
Halal Suggestions
Anjung Senja – A wide selection of seafood stalls. Varieties of fresh seafood are available to choose from and cooked according to customers’ requests.
Filipino Market Seafood – If you are looking for cheap skewers, an abundance of seafood and fresh produce, this is a great place in KK! All the scents, colours and people are quite the visual overload when visiting for the first time in the evening. The skewers were nice and cheap and the seafood was tasty. Friendly vendors throughout who are more than happy to answer any questions. This place is located just next to the handicraft market.
Best Indian Restaurants In Kota Kinabalu
If you’re craving Indian food, below are the restaurants that you can go and try. They are all within 15 km of the City.
- Hadippa Restaurant
- Krishna Fish Head Curry Restaurant
- BTC Restaurant Inanam
- Jothy’s Fish Head Curry Banana Leaf Restaurant
What Time Sun Sets In Kota Kinabalu?
The sun will set between 6:15 – 6:30 PM (local time) and if you want to watch the sunset, you will need to be at the location no later than 5:30 PM.
Kota Kinabalu Bars & Clubs
Alcoholic beverages can be really expensive in KK but if you follow my suggestions below, you can have Affordable drinks at your comfort. I will also list those expensive ones but worth spending.
- Awan Restobar (Premium Bar – Expensive)
- The Shamrock Irish Bar – (Premium Bar – Expensive)
- MyOfficeCafe – Bar with a live band (Affordable)
- Kalamatas Resto ‘ba (Affordable with great food)
- Crooner’s Bay Pub (Affordable)
- Upperstar Cafe & Bar (Affordable with good food)
- Alfresco (Sunset Bar – Affordable Happy Hour)
- The Box Dongonggon (Affordable)
- Secret Industry, Kolombong (Affordable)
- Ibis Style Hotel, Inanam (Premium Bar – Expensive)
Shisha / Hookah In Kota Kinabalu
Many of the articles online are outdated when you search for a place to smoke Shisha in Kota Kinabalu. At the moment, I am only aware of the places below which offer Shisha.
- Bars at Waterfront area. (RM30-35)
- The Box Dongonggon (RM 25)
- Hooqana Kota Kinabalu (RM 25 – Recommended)
- In Out Cafe and Lounge (RM 25)
Conclusion
That’s it! I hope you’ll like the suggestions I’ve made and I am sure you’ll enjoy your trip to KK.
With so much potential to be one of the best tourist destinations in Asia, I think the government is not doing enough to promote Borneo (Not just KK) in Malaysia. I hope this article provides all the necessary information you need but if you have a question, please leave them in the comment box below.
Have you been to KK? Which place do you like the most?
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