Best Things to do in Kota Kinabalu
Home to one of the highest mountains in Southeast Asia, this guide highlights Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of Sabah. Located in East Malaysia, this city is known for its stunning beaches and lush jungles, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers. There is much to do in this beautiful city, so this guide will list some of the things that can make for a perfect trip!
Climb Mount Kinabalu
Many tourists visit Kota Kinabalu to attempt to hike to the peak of this mountain. Located approximately at 4,000 meters above sea level, conquering the very peak of the mountain would reward its hikers with a magnificent view of the clouds misting over the jungles below. You do not need to reach the very top to enjoy a stunning view, however. You can enjoy nature’s view during the hike itself, making the journey to the top just as rewarding.
That being said, if you have plans to climb Mount Kinabalu, there are things you need to be aware of.
Booking
The authorities allow only up to 185 people daily to climb the mountain, so you must make a booking in advance. Slots get filled up quickly so if possible, book months ahead of your trip. You can book through the local travel agencies, or here. Typically, you can make a booking for two days and one-night package and choose your desired trail difficulty.
Budget
Prices of these bookings range from RM900++ to RM1000++ to include transportation, meals, accommodation and a private guide.
How to get there
Your hike begins at the Kinabalu National Park. The Mount Kinabalu packages typically include a transfer from your hotel to the national park. However, if you opt-out of the transportation service, you can reach the park in various ways:
- By a shared taxi at Jalan Padang for around RM15 – RM20 per person each way. The driver will only depart when the taxi is full (7 people), however. You can pay for the missing passengers if you are in a rush.
- By a minivan at Long Distance Bus Station for RM15 per person. Like the shared taxi, it will only depart when it is full.
- By car rental, if you prefer to drive there yourself.
Where to stay
If you wish from within the park itself instead of needing to travel from your hotel, the park offers various lodging options. These range from wooden lodges, villas, and suites. You can also stay at the base of the mountain at the Panalaban Base Camp at either huts or guesthouses. These accommodations tend to fill up quickly, so make sure to book in advance!
You can find more information on accommodation here.
Travel packages will also recommend staying an extra night at the base of the mountain before the climb to acclimate yourself to the high altitude. Doing so can prevent altitude sickness which can make your climb much more difficult. Keep this in mind when preparing your accommodation!
Visit the Orangutans
Fun fact: Orangutans directly translate into “people of the jungle” in Malay! Native to the jungles of Borneo and Indonesia, orangutans are perhaps one of the world’s smartest animals due to their ability to sign language and craft tools, among others. Your trip to Kota Kinabalu offers you a chance to see these magnificent animals up close and personal! Here are some places which you can visit to do this:
Lok Kawi Wildlife Park
Located only 30 minutes away from the Kota Kinabalu city centre, this wildlife centre not only features orangutans, but also other animals like Malaysan tigers and Borneo Pygmy elephants. The wildlife park is divided into the children’s zoo, botanical trail and the aviary. The orangutans can be found at the zoo along with other species of protected animals.
Visitors can trek the jungles on the wildlife park’s botanical trail where you can treat your eyes to the stunning nature’s view, or hear a myriad of bird sounds at the lively aviary.
Address: Lok Kawi Putatan, 88200 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Operating hours: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Daily)
Contact number: +60 88-765 793
Entrance fee: RM10 (Malaysian), RM20 (Foreigners)
Rasa Ria Reserve by Shangri-La Resort
Established by Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa in collaboration with the State Wildlife Department of Sabah, the Rasa Ria reserve serves to rehabilitate endangered species of animals. After the rehabilitation, the reserve then releases the animals back into their natural habitat.
Among these animals are baby orangutans, who get sent here before they are returned to Sepilok to complete the rest of their rehabilitation. Visitors can watch these animals from a platform from within their forest home at a safe distance.
Address: Pantai Dalit, PO Box 600, Tuaran, Sabah, 89208, Malaysia
Operating hours: 5:30 AM – 9:30 PM (Daily)
Contact number: +60 88 – 797 888
Entrance fee: RM10 with different prices for different additional activities. More information can be found here.
Visit the beaches and islands
Kota Kinabalu is famous for its beautiful beaches and islands – you can even see the sea just as you arrive at its international airport! Although there are countless beaches and islands to check out, here are two recommendations you can visit as starting points.
Tanjung Aru Beach
Tanjung Aru Beach is famous among locals and tourists alike as an ideal spot to catch the sunset. Walk along the beach or under the shade of the palm trees under the purple and pink sky as the sun sets, and drop by the night market near the beach afterward! This place gets crowded in the evenings for the sunset viewing, so if you prefer to avoid crowds, visit earlier in the afternoon.
There is plenty to do at Tanjung Aru Beach while you wait for the sunset. You can pump your adrenaline by taking part in exciting water sports such as canoeing, kayaking, and parasailing. The beach also offers diving services if you want to explore the crystal blue waters it has to offer. There are also places of interest near the beach itself such as Tanjung Aru Perdana Park, Imago Shopping Mall, and even a spa and wellness center.
There is a restaurant by the beach too where you can grab a bite of both local and western cuisines after a day at the beach.
Address: Tanjung Aru, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Operating hours: 11 AM – 11 PM (Daily)
Contact number: +60 16-833 0678
Entrance fee: More information can be found here.
Manukan Island
Dubbed as the most popular island in Sabah, Manukan Island has an average of 20,000 visits per year. Since it is only a 15-minute boat ride from the city center, Manukan Island is an ideal place for those who want to go island visiting for a day.
Aside from having fun at the beach, there are plenty of things to do on this island. You can go scuba diving, or paraglide to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the island. You can also hop to its many neighbouring islands!
How to get there
Visitors can reach Manukan Island through a speedboat from Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal. The speedboat trip service runs from 8:30 AM until 4:15 PM (last trip) and it will take around 30 minutes to reach the island. There is an entrance fee of RM3 to be collected upon arrival.
Where to stay
If you plan to stay at least a night on this island, popular choices of accommodation include Manukan Island Resort and Sutera Sanctuary Lodges. However, there are plenty of hotels and serviced apartments in the city that are nearer to the ferry terminal that could save you more time traveling to the island.
Get to know the culture
Sabah is home to many indigenous ethnic tribes with rich histories and cultures to learn about. Some of these ethnicities include the Kadazan-Dusun, Bisaya, the Rungus people, and so on.
Mari-Mari cultural village
At the Mari-mari cultural village located in a remote forest setting of Kionsom, you can observe the lives of five of these indigenous tribes. This includes their customs and traditions, histories, as well as the traditional architecture of their homes. In addition, you can sample some of their traditional cuisines and participate in activities such as blow-pipe making, fire starting and more.
With all of these in mind, the Mari-Mari cultural village is definitely worth a visit especially for first-time tourists.
Address: Jalan Kionsom, Inanam, 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Operating hours: 10 AM – 6 PM (Weekends and Malaysian public holidays)
Contact number: +60 13-881 4921
Entrance fee: RM100 (Adult), RM80 (Children)
Monsopiad Cultural Village
The Monsopiad Cultural Village is a living museum consisting of many traditional buildings. Among the things, up for display at this museum includes ceramic jars, bamboo items, etc. One of the highlights of this museum is the costume of the Bohohizan Inai Bianti, a senior high priestess. Visitors can also learn about local legends through the museum’s various exhibits. Besides that, take a peek at 42 ‘trophies’ of the Monsopiad head-hunters hanging from the rafters of the Siou Do Mohoing. Adding on to that, Siou Do Mohoing is known as the House of Skulls.
Address: Kg. Kuai/Kandazon, Penampang, Kota Kinabalu
Operating hours: 9 AM – 5 PM (Daily)
Contact number: +60 88 774 337
Entrance fee: RM35 (Malaysian), RM45 (Foreigner)
Temples and Mosques
Kota Kinabalu has several worship establishments that serve as popular tourist attractions. This guide recommends the following:
Pu Toh Si Temple
This Buddhist temple is known for its staircase-pavilion that leads up to the main temple complex that houses Kwan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy. As you climb up the stairs, you will be accompanied by 10 Chinese deity statues who flank the staircase. The temple boasts beautiful arched roofs, red lantern hanging across the pillars, and blooming flowers. Hence, the Pu Toh Si Temple is definitely a sight to behold.
Address:Lorong Kelabu, 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Operating hours: 8 AM – 5 PM (Weekdays), 8 AM – 4 PM (Saturday), 8 AM – 3:30 PM (Sunday)
Contact number: +60 88-388 581
Sri Pasupathinath Alayam Temple
This Hindu temple in Kota Kinabalu is unique in the way that it caters to all six manifestations of the Supreme (Ganapathyam, Saivam, Saktam, Vaishnavam, Sauram, Kaumaram). It “floats” on a lotus pond filled with koi fishes, surrounded by charming gardens. Its peaceful and tranquil environment makes it an ideal place for meditation and worship.
Address: No. 4, Jalan Khidmat, Off Jalan Kolam, Bukit Padang, Sabah, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Operating hours: 7 AM – 8:30 PM (Daily)
Contact number: +60 88-239 154
Kota Kinabalu City Mosque
This magnificent white floating mosque boasts similar features as the Nabawi Mosque in Medina and is considered as a UNESCO Heritage Site. Sitting on a man-made lagoon, this mosque appears serene and dramatic against a full moon backdrop.
Please note that when visiting the mosque, you must wear modest clothing and the provided coverall by the City Mosque. You can also rent special attire for RM5 or RM10 depending on the type of clothing.
Address: Jalan Pasir, Jalan Teluk Likas, Kampung Likas, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Operating Hours: Visitation hours are 8.00am to 12.00noon, 2.00pm to 3.30pm, 4.00pm to 5.30pm. Closed on Fridays.
Contact number: +60 88-435 891
Entrance fee: RM5 (Foreigners)
Shopping places
If you are looking for places to shop during your trip, whether for essential things or souvenirs to bring home, this guide got you covered. Here are some places of interest to buy the things you want or need:
Imago
Located at the heart of Kota Kinabalu, this large shopping mall has 4 levels with 300 tenants. Each level of Imago Shopping Mall meets the needs of visitors. For example, its Basement Mercato includes retailers that sell essential needs such as groceries, electrical appliances, and food and beverages, while its Ground Couture floor has notable fashion retailers such as Micheal Kors, H&M, Terranova, and many more to meet the shopper’s passion for fashion.
Tourists can also catch the Magunatip dance at the shopping mall’s main entrance at the south avenue. Magunatip is a traditional dance that is known as the bamboo dance where the dancers display their ability to put on a beautiful dance without getting their feet trapped in between the bamboo poles. More information on the performance schedule can be found here.
Address: KK Times Square, Phase 2, Off Coastal Highway, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Operating Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM (Daily)
Contact number: +60 88-435 891
Suria Sabah
Aimed to curate a shopping experience according to visitors’ needs, Suria Sabah houses retailers and tenants with a wide specialty range such as daily necessities, clothes, and even souvenirs.
Moreover, its strategic location allows visitors of Suria Sabah to enjoy a scenic view of the South China Sea and Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. It is also a walking distance from the Jessleton Point. Thus, after returning from your island hopping tour, you can quickly drop by for a fun shopping trip.
Address: 1, Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Operating Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM (Daily)
Contact number: +60 88-487 087
Gaya Street Sunday Market
Located at Kota Kinabalu Central Business District, Gaya Street Sunday Market has been in business for over a century! Originally known as Bond Street, the family-owned businesses there are passed down from one generation to another. They flock Gaya street every Sunday. Visitors can treat themselves to a variety of goods up for purchase, displayed by sellers sitting under trees or giant umbrellas.
Here you can find goods such as batik sarongs, handicrafts, flowers, and even snacks! All of which make perfect souvenirs to give to your friends and family. This place also allows tourists to really capture the culture and lives of a typical Sabahan family going on a Sunday outing.
Address: Gaya Street, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Operating Hours: 6 AM – 1 PM (Sunday)
Contact number: +60 88 212 121
Filipino Market
Divided into many sections with its twisty alleyways, the Filipino Market is a treasure hunt for those who love a good bargain. You can find things to eat ranging from delicious street food, local fruits, and vegetables, fish, etc sold for a good price. Or you can try your negotiation skills by striking up a good bargain with the vendors for that eye-catching handicraft.
Address: Jalan Tun Fuad Stephen, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Operating Hours: 9 AM – 10 PM (Daily)
So there you have it! We hope this guide can give you a glimpse of the things you can do and places you can explore in this beautiful Bornean island city. Surrounded by crystal blue waters, tall mountains, and lush jungles, Kota Kinabalu makes for a perfect travel getaway. So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and happy traveling!
