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Kota Kinabalu

2025 Kota Kinabalu Travel Guide: Weather, Transportation, Popular Attractions, and Everything You Need (Updated 2025 4)

About Kota Kinabalu

Recommended trip: 2–4 day(s)

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Kota Kinabalu Local Travel Guide 2025

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Kota Kinabalu Brief Guide

Kota Kinabalu is the capital city of Malaysia's Sabah, or Borneo. In downtown Kota Kinabalu, there are cultural sites such as the astounding Masjid Bandaraya (Kota Kinabalu City Mosque) and the Atkinson Clock Tower as well as gastronomical ones like Welcome Seafood Restaurant and Suang Tain Seafood Restaurant. Leaving the city proper, Kota Kinabalu has islands such as Sapi Island, which are suitable for snorkeling. There are also mountains to climb, such as Malaysia's famous Gunung Kinabalu, or Mount Kinabalu.

Kota Kinabalu Must-try Local Experiences

1. Discover Kota Kinabalu City Centre Explore the heart of Kota Kinabalu by visiting historical landmarks like the Atkinson Clock Tower, the vibrant Central Market, and the Sabah State Museum to delve into the cultural heritage. 2. Embark on an Island Hopping Adventure in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park Escape to the pristine islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park for sandy beaches, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and breathtaking island views. 3. Experience the Mari Mari Cultural Village Immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of Sabah's indigenous tribes at the Mari Mari Cultural Village, where you can witness traditional dances, sample local delicacies, and learn about their customs. 4. Witness the Pesta Kaamatan Harvest Festival Join the locals in celebrating the rice harvest at the Pesta Kaamatan, a vibrant festival filled with traditional rituals, music, dance, and delicious food. 5. Sample Local Cuisine Indulge in the diverse culinary scene of Kota Kinabalu, from fresh seafood to traditional dishes like Tuaran Mee, Ngiu Chap, and Ambuyat. 6. Explore the Handicraft Market Discover unique souvenirs and local crafts at the Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market, including intricate beadwork, traditional textiles, and handcrafted wooden items. 7. Capture the Sunset at Tanjung Aru Beach Witness breathtaking sunsets over the South China Sea at Tanjung Aru Beach, perfect for stunning photographs. 8. Photograph the Cityscape from Signal Hill Observatory Tower Get a panoramic view of Kota Kinabalu from Signal Hill Observatory Tower, offering a fantastic vantage point for capturing the city's skyline and surrounding landscapes. 9. Take a River Cruise on the Klias River Embark on a river cruise along the Klias River to spot wildlife such as proboscis monkeys and fireflies, capturing the natural beauty of Sabah.

Kota Kinabalu Travel Tips

1. Book Mount Kinabalu Climb in Advance: If you plan to climb Mount Kinabalu, make sure to book your permit and accommodation well in advance as slots fill up quickly. It is recommended to book at least 3-6 months ahead. To climb legally at Panalaban, you must obtain a climb permit which is tied to your accommodation or bed. 2. Respect Local Customs and Traditions: Kota Kinabalu is home to various ethnic groups and religions. Dress modestly and be respectful when visiting places of worship. Avoid public displays of affection. 3. Ramadan Considerations: If visiting during Ramadan, be mindful of eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours. Many restaurants may be closed or have limited hours, so plan meals accordingly. 4. Beware of Strong Currents and Jellyfish: When swimming at beaches in Kota Kinabalu, be cautious of strong currents and jellyfish, especially during the monsoon season. Follow beach warning flags, swim near lifeguards, and avoid swimming alone in remote areas. 4. Wildlife Encounter Safety: When visiting wildlife sanctuaries or forests, maintain a safe distance from animals and follow guide instructions. Never feed wild animals, as it can be dangerous and disrupt their natural behavior. Be cautious of dangerous animals like snakes, crocodiles, and centipedes. Always wear appropriate clothing and use insect repellent to protect against bites. 5. Drone Photography Regulations: Drone photography is regulated in Kota Kinabalu. Ensure you have the necessary permits from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) and avoid flying drones near airports, stations, docks, railroad stations, palaces, city halls and private areas. Always maintain a direct visual line of sight with your drone and do not fly higher than 120 meters.

Kota Kinabalu Must-see Attractions

Kota Kinabalu is a Malaysian city offering diverse attractions, including the stunning sunsets at Tanjung Aru Beach, the architectural beauty of Masjid Bandaraya, the serene Mengalum Island, the cultural vibrancy of Gaya Street market, and the natural paradise of Manukan Island.

Kota Kinabalu Nightlife Highlights

Kota Kinabalu is a vibrant tourist destination with a rich array of nighttime activities. The night there offers a variety of choices from exploring delicious cuisine to strolling along the beach, ensuring visitors can enjoy an energetic and fun-filled evening.

Kota Kinabalu Where to Stay

Kota Kinabalu is a prime destination in Malaysia, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant markets, and diverse accommodation options. The city's lodging is spread across various areas, each offering unique experiences to travelers, from beachfront relaxation to cultural immersion in local markets.

Kota Kinabalu Food Guide

Kota Kinabalu's food scene is a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, featuring the herbal-infused bak kut teh, the nostalgic Hainanese chicken rice, and the unique Sabah Laksa, each offering a taste of the region's diverse culinary traditions and community connections.

Kota Kinabalu Useful Guide

Kota Kinabalu's transportation infrastructure is centered around its international airport and main bus terminals, which are essential for intercity travel. Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) is the primary aviation hub in the region, located approximately 8 km southwest of the city center. As the second busiest airport in Malaysia, KKIA serves as a gateway to East Malaysia and is a hub for several airlines. Terminal 1 is the main terminal, equipped to handle 9 million passengers annually, while Terminal 2 is dedicated to cargo and general aviation. To reach the city from KKIA, travelers can use taxis or an airport bus service, with the latter being a more economical option. The North Bus Terminal Inanam is the primary station for long-distance buses, situated about 10 km from the city center. It connects Kota Kinabalu to key cities on the East Coast and operates daily with air-conditioned buses. Another significant terminal is KK Sentral, which provides express bus services to destinations such as Beaufort, Sipitang, Menumbok, Lawas, and Brunei. It is the first smart and systematic bus station in Sabah, offering facilities like ticket counters, food courts, and parking lots.

Trip.Best: Kota Kinabalu

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Things to do in Kota Kinabalu

What to Do

Looking for things to do in Kota Kinabalu? We provide up-to-date info on everything from must-see scenic spots to local hangouts.

Where to Stay

Discover the most popular places to stay in Kota Kinabalu, complete with recommendations from fellow travelers and special hotel offers

What to Eat

Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Kota Kinabalu dishes and foodie spots.

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What People Are Saying About Kota Kinabalu

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Tanjung Aru Beach

dede13

Public beach with a long coastline, fairly white sand, if you want to sit you have to pay at a table that has been prepared, only the table area is cleaned, while on the beach, there is a lot of rubbish strewn about, but overall it is very good.

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Mengalum Island

randyjun

1. It is worth going. If you are in Kota Kinabalu, you can choose to travel around the beach for a day. It takes about 500 to pick up and drop off. 2. The boat takes 2h, so you must eat seasickness medicine in advance. Basically, it is very bumpy. Half of people vomit. 3. Sun protection must be very sunburning. Going to the sea 4. There is food for a day trip, but it is actually OK. If you don't feel good, bring some food yourself. 5. There are clothes changers on the island, toilets and wifi.

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Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu

WeWe223

Enter the small room on the right hand side of the gate to buy tickets, divided into outfield tickets, infield tickets (inside venues need to change local clothing). Bought outfield tickets, MYR 5. Just walk along the fence and walk a quarter of the rectangle, there are some seats and swings along the way. After five minutes, I am not afraid of the sun and watch for half an hour. PS: Life is short, filter bold

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Manukan Island

ㅤ ㅤ朝花夕拾

Manugan Island (Pulau Manukan) is the second largest island in Donggu Abdul Raman National Park and is the park's headquarters and office. The island has complete tourist facilities including restaurants, tennis courts, water skiing centers and wooden houses for accommodation. Manukan is famous for its many and comprehensive water entertainment projects and is in a better location, located in the middle of Shabi and Mamoody Island, so it is often selected as one of the day trip destinations.

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Gaya Street

虱子多了不怕咬

Gaya Street is great, with many delicious foods. You don't need to look at the guide. Any store you go to is delicious. The food in the night market is just average, similar to our night market. Gaya Street exchange money, the exchange rate is very cost-effective, much more cost-effective than Semporna! But in Kota Kinabalu, you almost don't need to exchange money, Alipay is universal. It is very convenient to eat durian in Gaya Street. You can sit in the store and eat slowly. They will prepare paper towels and gloves for you. Gaya Street has many souvenirs and gifts, and you can pay with Alipay. Gaya Street is also close to the pier. It is recommended to stay in Gaya Street. You can go back to the hotel to rest at any time when you are tired of shopping. It is very convenient.

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Mari Mari Cultural Village

gary leung123

This cultural village definitely should be visited by all tourists that go to Sabah.First of all, the village is really nice located in a forest. This makes the stay very comfortable because there is always a place where you find shadow.At the beginning, they build little groups that each get one tour guide that speaks your language. Due to the little group, we could ask all the questions that we had.

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Sapi Island

_M1***93

The smallest island feels like playing with the general and the other island. I think it is generally the best, or Mamoody Island. It is clearer and you can see a little more beautiful fish.

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Mamutik Island

ariel423

Mamudi Island was the first island we chose for our island hopping trip. The weather was pretty good at the time. We were on the island for a short time, mainly to play activities on the island. We played parasailing, which was fun and a bit exciting. After the project, we went directly to Sapi Island. I heard that you can see clownfish when snorkeling in Mamudi Island, but we didn't see it, which was a pity. The scenery is OK, but the disadvantage is that the organization of the island hopping trip is really chaotic. You have to wait a long time to go to other islands and return.

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Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

ㅤ ㅤ朝花夕拾

Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park is the first marine national park in Malaysia. It is located in the South China Sea off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, about a 20-minute boat ride from Kota Kinabalu. The park consists of five main islands: Manukan Island, Sapi Island, Mamutik Island, Gaya Island and Sulu Island. These islands are famous for their beautiful beaches, clear waters, rich corals and marine life, and are a paradise for snorkeling, diving and water activities. Visitors can choose two or three islands to visit. Among them, Gaya Island and Manukan Island have accommodation facilities, but the price is relatively expensive. Tunku Abdul Rahman Park has beautiful natural scenery and clear waters, which are suitable for various water activities. Sapi Island and Manukan Island are the most popular islands. Sapi Island is loved by tourists for its fine white sand beaches and rich marine life. It is a good place for snorkeling and beach leisure. Manukan Island is favored for its complete tourist facilities and beautiful beaches. There are resorts, restaurants and diving centers on the island, which are suitable for family and couples to vacation. In addition, tourists also need to pay attention to some matters when playing, such as water safety and beach safety. When snorkeling or doing other water activities, you should wear a life jacket and follow the instructor's instructions. There may be ants and mosquitoes on the beach, so mosquito repellent is a must. In addition, due to the strong sunlight on the island, it is recommended that tourists wear long sleeves and long pants and apply sunscreen regularly.

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University Malaysia Sabah Mosque

ariel423

The University of Sabah is really big and it is not recommended to walk. We went by car and chartered. The pink mosque has the reputation of the most beautiful university in Southeast Asia. There are many young ladies taking pictures, which is really very popular. But this is a mosque after all, and if you go in, you should pay attention to respecting religious beliefs.