Top 30 Things to do in Kota Kinabalu that are fun for the whole family

While most tourists flock to West Malaysia, a particular group of tourists visit the country’s East side. And Kota Kinabalu is the reason why they are attracted to this side of the country. With lush greenery and towering peaks, Kota Kinabalu stands out to be a mesmerizing tourist destination.

Mount Kinabalu, being the jewel in the crown, is a favourite hiking spot for several adventure-seekers. But the things to do in Kota Kinabalu are not limited to only that. From countryside attractions to high towers to popular shopping malls, you will find everything in this city.

What to do in Kota Kinabalu

1. Climb Mount Kinabalu

Standing 13,000 feet above sea level on the outskirts of Kota Kinabalu, Mount Kinabalu is one of the most visited mountains in Malaysia. Popularly known for its unique biodiversity, the mountain can be reached easily by anyone with good physical condition and without any hiking equipment.

You can reach the summit, Low’s Peak, with a 2-day and 1-night climb. There’s no permit to climb the mountain within a day. The two trails, namely Ranau Trail and Kota Belud Trail, start from the Panalaban area.

Without getting a climbing permit from Sabah parks and booking accommodation in Panalaban, you won’t be allowed to climb Mount Kinabalu. Your journey will start from Timpohon Gate at Kinabalu National Park.

You can book accommodation at Laban Rata Resthouse, Pendant Hut, Lemaing Hut, Mokodou or Kinotoki, the only accommodations available at Panalaban base camp for climbers. If you want to acclimate yourself to altitude, you can choose the 3 days and 2-night climbing package.

2. Visit Atkinson Clock Tower

Standing for more than a century, the Atkinson Clock Tower is notably the oldest standing structure in Kota Kinabalu. The tower was built as a tribute to Jesselton’s first district officer, Francis George Atkinson. Mirabau wood was used for the construction of the tower.

Since its construction, the tower has been used as a navigation landmark by the ships. At night, the illuminated clock tower was used as a shipping landmark till the 1950s. Now, it’s unbelievable that the tower was a navigation landmark as the high-rise commercial buildings have covered its view to the sea.

The wooden, no-nails architecture of Atkinson Clock Tower sets it apart from all the other landmarks in Kota Kinabalu. Moreover, the fact that the tower had survived the destruction of Kota Kinablu during World War II by its stroke of luck seems like a mystery to many.

The clock has been ticking since the last 117 years, and it is one of the main tourist attractions in Kota Kinabalu.

For renovation purposes, the tower is temporarily closed till 23rd September 2023.

3. Go Island-hopping at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park boasts five islands spread over an area 4,929 hectares. Formed of folded sandstone and sedimentary rock, the islands were a part of the Crocker Range, a former mountain range in the West Coast of Sabah. During the Ice Age, melting of the ice caused changes in sea level resulting in the formation of these 5 islands.

Gaya Island, the largest island of the park, is the closest to Kota Kinabalu and is covered with dense tropical forest. The second largest island, Manukan Island is popular with local people. Compared to the other 4, you will find the most developed tourist facilities in this island.

Mamutik Island is the smallest one, Sapi Island has the nicest beaches, and Sulug is the farthest and relatively untouched island. All the 5 islands have amazing tourist facilities with Manukan Island being the most developed and Sulug being the most undeveloped.

However, foreign tourists with a quiet and tranquil atmosphere often prefer Sulug over the others.

4. Check out Tanjung Aru Beach

Tanjung Aru Beach situated 6 kilometers away from Kota Kinabalu, this beach has grabbed everyone’s attention with the beauty of the setting sun. It is considered as one of the best sunset spots as no blockage is seen and sun seems to drop smoothly into the sea.

The beach is filled with Casuarinas where people usually sit beneath to have a shade or to enjoy the sound of the seashore. The orange red sky after the sunset creates a staggering view to get lost into. Apart from enjoying the natural view, activities like kite flying, playing volleyball, and enjoying snacks from the stalls are also done by the tourists.

There are abundance of restaurants to enjoy local food and drinks. This beach is without a doubt a must visit in Kundasang.

Location: Tanjung Aru, 88100, Sabah, Malaysia

Opening Hours: Everyday | 10:00 am – 11:00 pm

5. Explore Green Connection Aquarium

Green Connection Aquarium is one of the notable tourist attractions in Kota Kinabalu for its first-class facilities that can’t be found elsewhere in the state. It is an eco-theme park consisting of a zoo, an aquarium and a science discovery center to showcase the remarkable biodiversity and give you some environmental education. The park is divided into several ecology zones.

Your children can learn a lot about animal and marine life while walking around the place. They can even touch starfishes, bamboo sharks and horse-shoe crabs at the Touch Pools. Kids tend to have very itchy hands so visiting the Green Connection Aquarium is one of the best things to do in Kota Kinabalu with family.

A friendly staff will guide you throughout, so you check out almost every corner of the park and leave with a great knowledge of the environment. Moreover, there are discounts for family and school groups at the Green Connection Aquarium.

Entrance fee: Adult- RM 25, Children (2 to 16 years old)- RM 15

Location: 93, Lorong Burung Ruai 1, Taman Yakim Jaya, 88450, Sabah, Malaysia

Opening Hours: Everyday | 9:30 am – 5:30 pm

6. Enjoy the views from Signal Hill Observatory Platform

If you want to enjoy the best sight of Kota Kinabalu, head to the Signal Hill Observatory Platform. Located on a hillside, this airy deck will offer you the gorgeous views of Kota Kinabalu including Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and further. Being the highest point in the city, the platform is used to having a large number of visitors during sunset.

You don’t need to pay a fee to enter the deck. So, it’s one of the cheap things to do in Kota Kinabalu. There’s also a small cafe at the platform. You can enjoy some snacks and drinks while checking out the mesmerizing sights of the town. Sadly, the platform is closed till 23rd September 2023 for renovation.

Entrance fee: Free

Location: 78, Jalan Asrama, signal hills, 88400, Sabah, Malaysia

Opening Hours: Sun – Sat | 8:00 am – 12:00 am Closed on Monday

7. Visit Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market

If you want to check out one of the most favored shopping hubs in Kota Kinabalu, the Handicraft Market is where you should head to. The market is located along Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens and is a favorite hub of both locals and tourists.

While walking through the winding alleyways of the market, you will see hundreds of cramped stalls on both sides. Looking at the variety of local handicrafts you will know why this place is so famous.

From traditional foods to medicine and toiletries, there’s something for everyone. The gorgeous pearl jewelry and the fake gemstones are sure to wow you. And you get all of it at a cheap price. So after the Signal Hill Observatory Platform, visiting the Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market is another of the cheap things to do in Kota Kinabalu.

Location: Jln Tun Fuad Stephen, Pusat Bandar, Sabah, Malaysia

Opening Hours: Everyday | 8:00 am – 10:00 pm

8. Visit Lok Kawi Wildlife Park

Located along the Penampang-Papar old road, Lok Kawi Wildlife Park is a family-oriented park with a Children’s Zoo. So, if you are looking for things to do in Kota Kinabalu with family, Lok Kawi Wildlife Park is the place for you. The park was opened to the public in 2007.

At the zoo, your children will be acquainted with the Borneo Pygmy elephants, Malayan tiger, Proboscis monkey, and some different species of deer. Adults can go jungle trekking along the 1.4 kilometers long botanical trail of the park. If you aren’t in the mood for trekking, you can leisurely stroll halfway along the trail.

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park is a great option for checking out some exotic animals, hearing delightful chirping sounds of birds, jungle trekking, train riding, or elephant riding on weekends or public holidays. There’s also a Herbal and Ginger Garden at the park that can give you a very tranquil feeling.

Entrance fee: Malaysian Adult- RM 10 Malaysian Children- RM 5, Foreign Adult- RM 20, Foreign Children- RM 10

Location: Lok kawi Putatan, 88200

Opening Hours: Everyday | 9:30 am – 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm

9. Exploring Sabah state museum and Heritage Village

These 42 acres of staggering establishment is highly popular among the visitors. Sabah state museum surprises its visitors with a zoo, a heritage village and a heavenly ethnic botanic garden. The beautiful heritage village shows the tradition of different indigenous groups by building some constructions.

Inside the main building of the museum, there is a Sabah Art Gallery shaped as an attractive octagonal basket. Besides the art gallery, other galleries cover archaeology, Islamic civilization, history, natural history, ceramics and brassware. For experiencing a new culture and enjoying a refreshing botanical garden, exploring through the Sabah Museum is one of the important things to do in Kota Kinabalu.

Location: Jalan Muzium, 88300

Opening Hours: Everyday | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

10. Check Out the Sabah State Mosque

Sited at the Kota Kinabalu, Sabah State Mosque is built in the middle of a man-made lagoon. Reason why, it is also known as the floating mosque. The construction covers 14.83 acres of land holding the capacity of 12,000 worshippers. Inside the area there is an alleviating care clinic, three madrasas, an ATM and a fish farm.

The visitors can see the whole mosque from the water with the facility of paddle boat rides. This spectacular location is also a notable place for the photographers. For witnessing such a remarkable establishment, the tourists add this place as one of the things to do in Kota Kinabalu.

Location: Jalan Pasir, Jalan Teluk Likas, Kampung Likas, 88400

Opening Hours: Everyday | 5:00 am – 10:00 pm

11. Visit Mari Mari Cultural Village

Located in the countryside a bit away from Kota Kinabalu city, Mari Mari Cultural Village is popularly known for its quiet and tranquil nature. You can get glimpses of Sabah’s rich culture and experience the lifestyle of Sabah’s five major ethnic groups in this village. The cute little huts and tall trees will remind you of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s ‘The Lost World’.

The five ethnic groups of the village are from different origins, and each has a unique story to tell. The tribes are the longhouse resident Rungus, the rice farmer Kadazan-Dusun, the cowboy and sea gypsies Bajau, the hunters and fisherman Lundayeh, and the famously feared headhunting tribe Murut.

If you want to see how blowpipes are made or how fire is lit using bamboo, a visit to Mari Mari Cultural Village is a must. Here you will get hands-on experience on blowpipe making, starting a fire with bamboo, cooking with bamboo and other light and easy activities.

A visit to the village will be an educational experience for you and your family. For anyone looking for things to do in Kota Kinabalu with family, a visit to the Mari Mari Cultural Village will be an authentic cultural and traditional experience.

Entrance fee: Adult- RM 100, Children- RM 90

Location: Jalan Kionsom, Inanam, 88450

Opening Hours: Everyday | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (One session starts at 10:00 am, another at 2:00 pm)

12. Check out Shangri-La’s Orangutan Care Project

Do you know what Orangutans are? If you are a Malaysian or an Indonesian, you might be familiar with this animal. But for people living in other parts of the world, it is probably a new word. Orangutans are reddish-brown haired great apes and are among the most intelligent primates.

They are found only in parts of Borneo and Sumatra, which means that they are very rare species of apes. Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort & Spa started the Orangutan Care Project to heal orphaned and rescued orangutans before releasing them back into the wild.

Other than rescuing the orangutans from various districts on the west coast of Malaysia, the Rasa Ria Nature Reserve provides educational programmes for local students. It also conducts nature awareness and learning programmes for tourists from all over the world.

A visit to the Shangri-La’s Orangutan Care Project will teach you a lot about nature and specifically about the endangered orangutans. You will get to see the cute movements of the animals. Also, you can feed the other animals available at the Nature Reserve. There’s no doubt that it is one of the most fun and educational things to do in Kota Kinabalu with family.

Location: Pantai Dalit Beach, Tuaran

Opening Hours: Everyday | 5:00 am – 9:00 pm

13. Bathe in Poring Hot Springs

Poring Hot Springs Situated at Ranau, this nature-oriented place has attracted tourists with their gardens, waterfalls and the famous hot springs. The water is known to have healing elements which work effectively on sore muscles. The sulphuric mineral from the hot spring provides comfort to the visitors indulging themselves into the water.

Containing the first butterfly farm, this resort becomes exquisite compared to the other ones. In order to conserve the species, conduct research and educate the students this farm had a good impact on all the people. Dividing the farm into three sections as: nursery, garden and hatchery, the amusement of visitors is increased. Besides there is an orchid conservation center containing 1200 species of orchid found in kinabalu.

The largest collection of aboriginal orchids of Sabah has created a peak of attraction for all the tourists. Furthermore, distinctive animals like mouse deer, other varieties of deers and colorful birds are found in the tropical garden of this resort.

Not only do they enjoy the advantage of exploring the whole resort, but also get the chance to stroll amongst the canopy of Menggaris tree on a wooden bridge. The bridge is about 41 meters high with 157.8 meters of length.

A 30-minute walk from the hot spring takes you to the Kipungit, a considerably smaller waterfall yet an appealing one. Moreover, this rainforest-oriented resort is a charming place that binds people to visit. For all the facilities alongside the beauty it offers, paying a visit to this place is a must.

Location: Poring Hot Springs & Nature Reserve, Kinabalu National Park Poring, 89300 Ranau, Sabah, Malaysia

14. Enjoy an elegant sunset from Kokol Hill

Kokol Hill, where scenic beauty meets serenity, offers its visitors a quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of the Kota Kinabalu city. Whether you want to get a perfect view of Mount Kinabalu or enjoy a serene and elegant sunset, Kokol Hill is your ideal destination.

It is home to a number of resorts and homestays, so you can stay there longer and enjoy picturesque sunset views, a clear blue sky and soothing mountain breeze. The place isn’t very popular and thus allows you to enjoy a peaceful time away from the crowd.

Entrance fee: Adult- RM 10, Children (2 to 16 years old)- RM 5, FOREIGNERS RM100 per person Adult.

Location: Jalan Kokol, Menggatal, 88450

15. Stroll Around Kota Kinabalu Waterfront

Kota Kinabalu Waterfront is an esplanade walk facing the open sea and islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park featuring a collection of restaurants, nightlife establishments, and local markets. It’s an one-stop dining and entertainment center popular with both locals and visitors alike.

Whether you are in search of Indian cuisine or fusion food, there are a number of food outlets waiting to satisfy your tastebuds with their specialties. It’s also a great place to enjoy the nightlife of Kota Kinabalu.

Location: Kota Kinabalu, 88000

Opening Hours: Everyday | 4:00 pm – 3:00 am

16. Shop at Gaya Street Sunday Market

Popularly known as the Chinatown of Sabah, Gaya Street is a street Sunday Market filled with a number of Chinese coffee shops and restaurants. The history of the place dates back to the beginning of the 20th century. Back then it was known as Bond Street.

It was the hub of several major business activities of former Jesselton, present Kota Kinabalu. Even today it is home to some generations-old family businesses. From arts and crafts to antiques and souvenirs, you will find various items and goods at the market that will give you an idea of the culture and lifestyle of the locals.

Location: Kota Kinabalu, 88000

Opening Hours: Sunday | 6:00 am – 1:00 pm

17. Buy from Suria Sabah Shopping Mall

Located right in the middle of Kota Kinabalu city, Suria Sabah Shopping Mall is a one-stop destination to fulfill all your shopping needs. The mall is on an 11-acre land and consists of a 4-site hotel alongside retail space, food outlets and entertainment areas.

70% of the retail area of the mall is allocated for fashion brands while the other 30% is for food and entertainment. It consists of a large food court offering unique views of the sea. Tourists can get exclusive offers by showing their airline boarding pass at a few selected shops.

Location: 1, Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu

Opening Hours: Everyday | 10:00 am – 10:00 pm

18. Enjoy serenity in Kota Kinabalu Wetland Center

Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre is the only remains of mangrove forest that once existed along the coastal region of Kota Kinabalu. The center comprises 20 wetlands and is an important refuge and feeding ground for many resident and migratory bird species.

It is also a breeding ground for marine life. The place is perfect for strolling around, wildlife photography and bird watching. The center also holds several environmental education programs, corporate programs and bird-watching sessions.

Entrance fee: My-Kad Adult- RM 3, My-Kad Student- RM 2, Other Adult- RM 10, Other Student- RM 5

Below 6 years- Free

Location: Off, Jln Bukit Bendera, Likas, 88400

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday | 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Closed on Monday

19. Swim in Ulu Kionsom Waterfall

Ulu Kionsom is a group of 7 waterfalls in the Kionsom Park, located right after the Mari Mari cultural village. The first three waterfalls can be reached easily within a few minutes. At the right of the entrance, there is a cement walkway leading to the first three waterfalls.

Most tourists gather at the three waterfalls for picnics and swimming. The pond of the first waterfall is a suitable spot for kids to swim. The pond of the 2nd waterfall is a bit dangerous, and many people have drowned here. There are no lifeguards in Kionsom Park, so you have to swim at your own risk.

Reaching the other four and bigger waterfalls requires jungle trekking. Along the trail, there are many harmful insects and poisonous plants available. During the wet season, the path is also very slippery. After walking for 15-20 minutes, you will reach the 5th and most probably the tallest waterfall.

You will also find the other three waterfalls along the jungle trail. So, if you are looking for outdoor activities in Kota Kinabalu, Ulu Kionsom Waterfall is the place for you.

Entrance fee: Adult- RM 1.50 Children- RM 0.50

Location: Jalan Kionsom, 88450

Opening Hours: Monday – Friday | 6:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturday – Sunday | 6:00 am – 6:00 pm

20. Visit Petagas War Memorial Garden

Petagas War Memorial Garden bears testimony to the heart wrenching sacrifice of 176 Sabahan guerillas during World War II. In the early morning of 21 January 1944, the Japanese army held a mass execution to kill them.

The garden was built exactly where the massacre took place and where the victims were initially buried. You will see various beautiful plaques inscribed with the names of the victims and well-kept lawns surrounding the area. Every year on 21st January a memorial service is held to commemorate the ones who died.

Location: No.1, Jalan Bandaran, 88675

Opening Hours: Everyday | 24 hours

21. Sutera Harbour Resort

If you don’t visit Sutera Harbour Resort when you are in Kota Kinabalu, you will regret it later. Sutera Harbour Resort stands on a 384 acre land overlooking the beautiful South China Sea. Along with views of Mount Kinabalu and tropical islands, Sutera Harbour Resort offers an unprecedented experience.

The expansive land consists of the luxurious 5-star The Pacific Sutera Hotel, 27-hole Graham Marsh designed golf course, The Magellan Sutera Resort and so much more. Whether you are a nature lover or an adventurer, Sutera Harbour Resort can fulfill all your touristy needs. You will find several tourist attractions a few minutes away from the resort. 

Location: The Magellan Sutera Resort, 1 Sutera Harbour Boulevard, Sutera Harbour, 88100

Opening Hours: Daily 24 hours

22. Aquascape Center Kota Kinabalu

Unlike the Green Connection Aquarium, the Aquascape Center isn’t popular with tourists. It is a water park featuring a wave pool, an aquarium, a nursery, a large spa, and a children’s area. The park also houses an outdoor cafe and several restaurants.

The place is educational, and children can learn about marine life and different plants from here. So, visiting the Aquascape Center Kota Kinabalu is one of the best things to do in Kota Kinabalu with family. 

Location: Voluntary Association Complex Lot 4, Mile 2 1/2 off, Jalan Tuaran, Pusat Bandar

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Closed on Monday

23. Tanjung Aru Perdana Park 

On a clear day, if you want to enjoy a spectacular sunset view, you should head to the Tanjung Aru Perdana Park . It is a recreational area offering a wide range of activities and eateries. There’s also a running track and few exercise areas available at the park.

There’s a reflexology path where you can enjoy a soothing walk while your children play at any of the two playgrounds of the park. In the evening, a musical water fountain comes alive. The fountain is the main attraction of the park. Whether you visit the Tanjung Aru Perdana Park alone or with children, you will enjoy a great time. 

Location: Legenda saujana Apt 2A-1 jalan tulangis penampang, 88200

Opening Hours: Wednesday – Monday | 8:00 am – 8:00 pm Closed on Tuesday

24. Aquarium & Marine Museum, Universiti Malaysia Sabah

Aquarium & Marine Museum is another notable aquarium in Kota Kinabalu. If you love to learn about marine life or want to teach your children about marine life, this is the place. The museum houses interesting specimens in one part and alive marine beings in the aquarium part of the museum.

The museum is small so it will take you less than an hour to walk around. But if you want to increase your knowledge, you might need a few hours.

Location: Jalan UMS, 88400

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Thursday | 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Friday | 9:00 am – 11:30 am, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm Closed on Saturday, Sunday and Monday

25. Tun Mustapha Tower

Tun Mustapha Tower is a circular glass tower that stands 30 storeys high. It is one of the most iconic architectures in Sabah. The tower is home to an auditorium, offices, two mini-theatres, a gym, exhibition foyer, research library and a kindergarten.

The glass of the building reflects beautiful views of Mount Kinabalu. Although it is less known to tourists, exploring the tower is a fun thing to do in Kota Kinabalu.

26. Sabah Art Gallery

Kota Kinabalu is not only limited to its natural wonders and skyscrapers, it’s also home to artistic establishments. The Sabah Art Gallery hosts several art exhibitions featuring works of local and international artists. It is a way to inspire local talent.

The gallery is a unique basket shaped building decorated with cultural motif panels. It houses around 3000 paintings, sculptures, carvings and many other pieces of art. This place is a feast to the eyes of every art enthusiast. 

Location: 14, Jalan Shantung, 88300

Opening Hours: Tuesday – Sunday | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Closed on Monday

27. Pu Toh Si Temple

Pu Toh Si temple is a famous Budhhush temple in Kota Kinabalu. The temple consists of a statue of Kwan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy at the main entrance of the temple. Ten large statues of other Buddhisht deities are available at the temple.

If you want to explore Chinese architecture in Kota Kinabalu, Pu Toh Si Temple is the perfect place.

28. Double Six Memorial Park

Double Six Memorial Park houses the Double Six Monument that reminds us of a significant tragedy in Sabah’s history. On 6th June, 1976 a fatal plane crash took away the lives of Sabah’s fifth Chief Minister, Tun Mohd. Fuad Stephens and six other State ministers of Sabah.

The monument has been built on the exact place where the plane crashed. The park bears testimony to one of Sabah’s most heartbreaking tragedies. 

Location: Grace Garden, 88100

Opening Hours: Everyday | 8:00 am – 11:00 pm

29. Sabah Islamic Civilization Museum

If you visit the Sabah State Museum, don’t forget to visit the Sabah Islamic Civilization Museum. It is located at a 15-minutes walking distance from the Sabah State Museum, and you can use the ticket of Sabah State Museum to enter it.

The museum is a beautiful 2-storey building and you can tour around the building within 1 or 2 hours. You will find many Islamic items housed at the museum. 

Location: Jalan Menteri, Karamunsing, 88100

Opening Hours: Everyday | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

30. Pillars of Sabah

Ending our list of things to do in Kota Kinabalu with a very significant spot which is the Pillars of Sabah. It is a community art project featuring several works of local artists in order to celebrate the rich cultural and natural identity of Sabah.

The artworks have been done on remnant pillars of the ruins of the old colonial lands. 30 artists have utilized their talent on the 30 pillars. It’s a great place to explore if you are an art enthusiast. And if you aren’t an art enthusiast, you can pay a visit to the place to click some quirky pictures.

Location: 20, Jln Haji Saman, Pusat Bandar

Opening Hours: Everyday | 24 hours

How to Reach Kota Kinabalu (Flights to Kota Kinabalu)

Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) is the city’s main airport. It is located about 7 km from the city center and is easily accessible by taxi or shuttle bus. Many airlines fly to Kota Kinabalu, including AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, and Singapore Airlines.

If you’re coming from neighboring countries, you can also take a ferry to Kota Kinabalu from places like Brunei, Labuan, and the Philippines. Several ferry operators include Labuan Ferry Corporation, Sutera Harbour Resort, and North Borneo Cruises.

Where to Stay in Kota Kinabalu

If you are in Kota Kinabalu for a few days, you might want to know where to stay in this beautiful city. There are a number of accommodation options in Kota Kinabalu whether you are looking for a five-star hotel or a cheap hostel.

Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort and Spa: A Luxury Hotel

With an exclusive private beach and magical sunset views, Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort And Spa offers the best accommodation service to those wanting to stay a bit away from the town in a stunning location. The resort offers impeccable service, facilities, and various activities. So, if you want to stay in a beach resort and you don’t have a tight budget to follow, this resort will be your ideal accommodation.

Hotel Capital Kota Kinabalu: A Mid-range Hotel

Located near the city center, Hotel Capital Kota Kinabalu offers basic and no-frills accommodation. The hotel rooms are a bit small. It is near Gaya Street, and several local bars and restaurants including Little Italy. There’s also a mall right across the hotel.

Hotel Traveller Kota Kinabalu: A Budget-friendly Hotel

Hotel Traveller Kota Kinabalu is the best choice for those who want to stay at the city center on a budget. The hotel is at a 5-minute walking distance from Gaya Street. It can be a bit noisy on the first floor. So, get a room on the upper floors. Several shopping malls are restaurants located near the hotel.

When you are in Kota Kinabalu, make sure to try these 20 things out. The city is way different than the cities of West Malaysia, and thus it’s worth a visit. If you are planning to visit East Malaysia, you must start off with Kota Kinabalu and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed.

Frequently Asked Questions