Things to do in Kota Kinabalu

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Kota Kinabalu which includes landscape views and boating
Photo provided by Tourism Malaysia
Photo provided by Tourism Malaysia
Kota Kinabalu Waterfront showing markets, food and night scenes
Photo provided by Tourism Malaysia
Photo provided by Tourism Malaysia
Kota Kinabalu featuring mountains
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Most popular activities in Kota Kinabalu

Tours & day trips

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Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies

Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies

Activity duration is 8 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥7,346 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 5 activities
Kota Kinabalu : Mari-Mari Cultural Village Day Tour

Kota Kinabalu : Mari-Mari Cultural Village Day Tour

Activity duration is 7 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥17,998 per adult
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Classes & workshops

See all 3 activities
Zen & Splash: Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga in Tanjung Aru

Zen & Splash: Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga in Tanjung Aru

Activity duration is 45 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is ￥2,777 per adult
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What to do in Kota Kinabalu

Discover the most popular places to visit in Kota Kinabalu

Enjoy hi-tea with a spectacular sunset view. This place is usually crowded on weekends and it’s first come first serve especially for the outer deck seats overlooking the sea.

Suria Sabah Shopping Mall

4.5/5(18 reviews)

During your visit to Pusat Bandar, you can enjoy retail therapy at Suria Sabah Shopping Mall. Amble around the area's marina or seek out the local tours.

Suria Sabah Shopping Mall
Kota Kinabalu Waterfront featuring outdoor eating as well as a large group of people

Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Kota Kinabalu Esplanade is just one of the places to see in Pusat Bandar, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the beautiful sunsets and shops in this romantic area.

Kota Kinabalu Esplanade
Kota Kinabalu City Mosque

Kota Kinabalu City Mosque

4/5(15 reviews)

After visiting Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Kota Kinabalu. Amble around the area's marina or seek out the local tours.

Kota Kinabalu City Mosque

Imago Shopping Mall

4.5/5(35 reviews)

During your trip to Kota Kinabalu, you can do some window-shopping at Imago Shopping Mall. Amble around the area's marina or seek out the local tours.

Imago Shopping Mall

Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal

4/5(24 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Pusat Bandar with a trip to Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal. Stroll along the seaside or visit the shops in the area.

Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal

Sutera Harbour

4/5(18 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Kampung Sembulan Baru with a trip to Sutera Harbour. Discover the area's shops, or seek out its local tours.

Sutera Harbour

Gaya Street Sunday Market

4.5/5(22 reviews)

During your visit to Pusat Bandar, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Gaya Street Sunday Market. Amble around the area's marina or seek out the local tours.

Gaya Street Sunday Market

1Borneo Hypermall

4/5(16 reviews)

During your visit to Kota Kinabalu, you can enjoy retail therapy at 1Borneo Hypermall. Amble around the area's marina or seek out the local tours.

1Borneo Hypermall

Centre Point

4/5(20 reviews)

During your visit to Pusat Bandar, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Centre Point. Stroll along the marina or seek out the local tours.

Centre Point

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu showing a coastal town, tropical scenes and island images

Downtown Kota Kinabalu

4.5/5(90 area reviews)

Downtown Kota Kinabalu is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights in the area like Centre Point and Kota Kinabalu Central Market.

Downtown Kota Kinabalu
The sunset here is always mesmerizing never disappointing. Tanjung Aru is divided into 3 beaches. The first beach is the most popular with locals and tourists. Bring some food or get some local food there and enjoy your meals as the sun displays her colours. It’s about 20 mins drive from the city.

Tanjung Aru

3.5/5(10 area reviews)

Pristine beaches and ample dining options are well-reviewed features of Tanjung Aru. Make a stop by top sights like Tanjung Aru Perdana Park while you're exploring the area.

Tanjung Aru
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Alamesra

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Alamesra and surrounding area, you can visit 1Borneo Hypermall and Likas Stadium.

Alamesra
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Karambunai

Visitors highly recommend Karambunai for its beaches, and you can make a stop by Nexus Golf Resort Karambunai while you're in town.

Karambunai
Kota Kinabalu showing a coastal town, tropical scenes and island images

Kampung Air

Unique features of Kampung Air include the shopping and restaurants. Make a stop by Kompleks Asia City or Sedco Square while you're exploring the area.

Kampung Air
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Likas

Likas is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can plan an outing to Likas Stadium and Likas Sports Complex while you're in town.

Likas

Popular day trips from Kota Kinabalu

Photo by Sue Ritchie

Tuaran

Tunku Abdul Rahman Park showing general coastal views and tropical scenes

Gaya Island

Photo by Jim Teo

Api-api Centre

Frequently asked questions

Is Kota Kinabalu worth visiting?
Providing a blend of coastal beaches and shopping, there's no shortage of things to do in Kota Kinabalu. When you're here, visit Kota Kinabalu Esplanade, a top attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Kota Kinabalu?
Kick-start your day with a visit to Kota Kinabalu Esplanade and Sabah Indoor Climbing Centre. Then, check out different areas of Kota Kinabalu for local dining and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Kota Kinabalu?
Don't go home without exploring Kota Kinabalu Esplanade, rated the top tourist attraction in Kota Kinabalu.
Is three days enough to stay in Kota Kinabalu?
Three days in Kota Kinabalu is more than enough to visit the city's main highlights. Many travelers book for three days on average. Kota Kinabalu Esplanade, Tanjung Aru Perdana Park and Anjung Samudera are among the top-rated sights. Like to discover more? Hang around a bit longer to explore nearby hotspots like Dalit Beach.
Is Kota Kinabalu a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Kota Kinabalu, such as Kota Kinabalu Esplanade and Tanjung Aru Perdana Park, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's popular neighborhoods on foot. Just 0.16 kilometers from central Kota Kinabalu is Downtown Kota Kinabalu and Pusat Bandar is 0.64 kilometers away.
What are some activities to do in Kota Kinabalu with kids?
Planning what to do in Kota Kinabalu with kids has never been simpler. Whether you're taking a trip with toddlers or teenagers, there are many family-friendly sights and activities to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Kota Kinabalu for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Kota Kinabalu, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Downbelow Adventure Centre.
Are there free things to do in Kota Kinabalu?
In Kota Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu Esplanade is a must-see spot for anyone planning to see the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, wander around the other neighborhoods and green spaces, and ask for ideas from a local tour guide. It's an easy way to discover the best free things to do in Kota Kinabalu.