Kota Kinabalu Travel Guide, Hotels & Things to Do

Where to stay

Hotels in Kota Kinabalu

Book direct on our own Kota Kinabalu hotel pages — no booking fee and instant confirmation.

Marina Court Yr 1st Choice Family Aparment-Stay And Get Cash Rebate

Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens | Kota Kinabalu, 88800, MY

View Deal

Global Residency

No 21-0 Lot 114 Lorong Plaza Kingfisher 6 Block E Kuala Inanam | Kota Kinabalu, 88400, MY

View Deal

K Home - Cozy 2-Storey Home -5R3B -16 Pax - CityKK - ImagoMall

Lorong Seri Fantasi | Kota Kinabalu, 88400, MY

View Deal

Aristo Hotel @ Putatan

Lot 15 1st Floor Putatan Central Plaza Mile 6 Jalan Putatan | Kota Kinabalu, 88200, MY

View Deal

Lavender Lodge

6. Jalan Laiman Diki Kampong Air | Kota Kinabalu, 88000, MY

View Deal

Ova's Homestay Vista Minintod

Lorong Vista Minintod | Kota Kinabalu, 88300, MY

View Deal

Ritz Residence - A Member of The Luxury Hotel Group

Lift Entrance At Loft B Lobby Level 7 The Loft B Imago Shopping Mall B-7-25 | Kota Kinabalu, 88000, MY

View Deal

QUEENSLAND SUITES at Aru Suites Kota Kinabalu

Aru Suites Off Jalan Tanjung Aru | Kota Kinabalu, 88100, MY

View Deal

Swipe for more Kota Kinabalu hotels

View all properties in Kota Kinabalu

At a glance

Climate

Tropical

Languages

Malay and English and Mandarin

Local currency

MYR (MYR)

Local time

04:44 (GMT+8)

Ideal trip length

4–7 days

Cost level

3 of 5 · our research

Suggested area to stay

Gaya Street / Waterfront

Tap water

Bottled water recommended

Tipping

Not expected, appreciated

What this place is for

History

95 · Outstanding

Culture

90 · Outstanding

Food

90 · Outstanding

Family 80 · Very good

Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.

Food to try

Tuaran Mee Laksa Nasi Lemak Seafood BBQ

When to visit Kota Kinabalu

How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.

Best months: June, July Busiest: Mar-Oct

Jan

60

Wet, cooler, cloudy
Feb

65

Wet, some sun
Mar

75

Drier, sunny
Apr

80

Dry, sunny
May

85

Dry, sunny, hot
Jun

90

Dry, sunny, hot
Jul

90

Dry, sunny, hot
Aug

85

Dry, sunny
Sept

75

Drier, some rain
Oct

70

Wetter, some sun
Nov

60

Wet, cloudy
Dec

55

Wettest, cloudy

60

Jan Wet, cooler, cloudy

65

Feb Wet, some sun

75

Mar Drier, sunny

80

Apr Dry, sunny

85

May Dry, sunny, hot

90

Jun Dry, sunny, hot

90

Jul Dry, sunny, hot

85

Aug Dry, sunny

75

Sept Drier, some rain

70

Oct Wetter, some sun

60

Nov Wet, cloudy

55

Dec Wettest, cloudy

Things to do in Kota Kinabalu

7 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.

Best in the morning

3 places

Climb Mount Kinabalu

Kinabalu Park 24 hrs

Conquer Southeast Asia's highest peak for breathtaking sunrise views.

Outdoors

Gaya Street Sunday Market

Gaya Street 3 hrs

Immerse in local culture, food, and handicrafts at this lively weekly market.

Outdoors Good for children

Visit Mari Mari Cultural Village

Inland 4 hrs

Discover the traditions and lifestyles of Sabah's indigenous tribes.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the afternoon

2 places

Klias River Proboscis Monkey Cruise

Klias Wetland 5 hrs

Spot unique proboscis monkeys and fireflies on a serene river safari.

Outdoors Good for children

Explore the Filipino Market

Waterfront 2 hrs

Browse for local handicrafts, pearls, and fresh seafood at this bustling market.

Outdoors Good for children

Best in the evening

1 place

Sunset at Tanjung Aru Beach

Tanjung Aru 2 hrs

Witness one of the world's most spectacular sunsets over the South China Sea.

Outdoors Good for children

Any time of day

1 place

Island Hopping at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

Offshore 8 hrs

Explore pristine islands, snorkel, dive, and relax on beautiful beaches.

Outdoors Good for children

Kota Kinabalu itineraries

View All itineraries

First-timer highlights

3 Days in Kota Kinabalu — First-Timer Highlights

Discover the vibrant culture, stunning islands, and breathtaking sunsets of Sabah's capital.

This 3-day itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors eager to experience the best of Kota Kinabalu, from its bustling markets and rich cultural heritage to its pristine marine parks and panoramic viewpoints. Dive into local life, savor fresh seafood, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty that defines this Malaysian gem.

3 Days 15 Stops

See the full plan