Nestled near Borneo, Kota Kinabalu is a buzzing and happening holiday destination in Malaysia. With so many things to do in Kota Kinabalu, you can have the best time with loved ones. As it is adorned with unspoiled beaches, rainforests, and more, travellers are left in awe. If you are seeking an offbeat and thrilling vacation, add the top attractions to your itinerary.
18 Things To Do In Kota Kinabalu In 2024
Wondering what to do in Kota Kinabalu? Well, from hiking to sunbathing, scuba diving to rafting; Kota Kinabalu offers everything, that is ecstatic, delightful and enthralling. Here is the detailed list.
- Klias River Cruise – Sail Through The Verdant Forestland
- Tanjung Aru Beach – Rejuvenate, Sunbathe, And Unwind
- Mount Kinabalu – Go Hiking
- Mari Mari Cultural Village – Guided Walk
- Kota Kinabalu Waterfront – Have A Drink!
- Mount Kinabalu Park Botanical Garden – Leisure Stroll
- Gaya Street Sunday Market – Indulge In Retail Therapy
- Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park – Diving And Snorkeling
- Sabah Tea Garden – Explore And Enjoy
- Atkinson Clock Tower – Hike To This Point
- Kiulu River – White Water Rafting
- Borneo Railway – Take A Train Ride
- Lok Kawi Wildlife Park – Greet Elephants
- Kota Kinabalu City Mosque – Admire The Architecture
- Kota Kinabalu – Paragliding
- Timangoh River – Fishing Trip
- Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market – Go Shopping
1. Klias River Cruise – Sail Through The Verdant Forestland
If you are a nature lover, spend a relaxing day, cruising in the river Klias. Sailing through the mangrove forests is a lifetime experience. It is a full day tour where you can enjoy the surreal beauty of the lush green forests and indulge in bird watching. The view of the confluence of Klias river with the sea and Mount Kinabalu at the backdrop is astounding and will leave you astonished.
Location: Kampong Kota Klias, 89800 Beaufort, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 4 pm to 8 pm
Must Read: Batang Ai National Park
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2. Tanjung Aru Beach – Rejuvenate, Sunbathe, And Unwind
Sprawling over 2 km, Tanjung Aru Beach is a beautiful sun-kissed sandy stretch in Kota Kinabalu. Relax, sunbathe, enjoy water sports, and take leisure strolls on the beach. You can taste the famous food in Kota Kinabalu, particularly Tanjung Aru Beach. All in all, the beach welcomes all enthusiasts to have an exhilarating experience with loved ones.
Location: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 10 am- 11 pm
3. Mount Kinabalu – Go Hiking
Mount Kinabalu is a sacred mountain of Malaysia, located within Kinabalu National Park. As a part of the Crocker Mountain Range, this is one of the highest trekkable peaks in Malaysia and hiking up to Mount Kinabalu is one of the most exciting activities to do in Kota Kinabalu. Rising up to 4000 meters, this hike is moderately challenging and thoroughly enjoyed by professional trekkers. Once you reach the summit, enjoy the breathtaking view of the Sabah region.
Location: Sabah, Malaysia
Opening Hours: NA
Suggested Read: 25 Honeymoon Destinations In Malaysia
4. Mari Mari Cultural Village – Guided Walk
Perfectly set at a distance of 30 minutes from Kota Kinabalu city, Mari Mari Cultural Village is a themed village depicting the lives of Sabahan tribes. You can take a 3 hour long guided walk through the village, exploring their traditional houses, livelihood patterns, food, customs, and culture. Enjoy the fun experience of learning cooking, handicrafts, and tradition of these aboriginal tribes, during the tour.
Location: Inanam, 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 10 am to 6 pm
5. Kota Kinabalu Waterfront: Have A Drink!
Kota Kinabalu Waterfront is one of the most buzzing areas of the city where locals and tourists flock in the evening, post sunset. Lined with bars, restaurants and shopping malls; this Waterfront is one of the most sought-after places to enjoy the nightlife in Kota Kinabalu. Live music, good food, and a happening crowd will make the evening at Kota Kinabalu heart-warming and memorable.
Opening Hours: 4 pm- 3 am
Location: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Suggested Read: 9 Hindu Temples In Malaysia
6. Mount Kinabalu Park Botanical Garden – Leisure Stroll
Mount Kinabalu Park Botanical Garden is a sprawling land adorned with endangered to nearly extinct flora with almost 5000-6000 vascular plant species. Comprising of grasslands, lowland to high Alpine mountains; the Mount Kinabalu Park Botanical Garden is a place admired by botanists and nature lovers. Enjoy hiking and leisure walk there and the flora, plants, and orchids will leave you in awe. Though Mount Kinabalu Park Botanical Garden is open throughout the day, a day trip to this place is one among the best Kota Kinabalu activities.
Location: Sabah, Malaysia
Opening Hours:9:00 am – 4:00 pm
7. Gaya Street Sunday Market – Indulge In Retail Therapy
Out of all activities to do in Kota Kinabalu on a Sunday, a visit to this fantastic street market is perhaps the best one. This 100 years old Gaya Street Sunday Market is the best place to pick souvenirs, knick-knacks, local handicrafts, clothes, accessories, and antiques and is considered as an important item in the bucket list of all kinds of travelers. Moreover, if you are a food and culinary expert, pick up authentic ingredients for Malay cuisine from this market.
Location: Jalan Gaya, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 6:30 am to 1 pm
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8. Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park – Diving And Snorkeling
With 5 islands namely Pulau Manukan, Pulau Gaya, Pulau Sapi, Pulau Mamutik and Pulau Sulug; Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is an adventure and water sports zone, which can be reached in 20 minutes from the city. The islands have popular diving spots and people can enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving from there to relish the outstanding beauty of underwater marine organisms. Moreover, the marine biodiversity park also offers PADI certified diving courses for novices and professionals.
Location: Sabah, Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Opening Hours:NA
9. Sabah Tea Garden – Explore And Enjoy
This is perhaps the best thing to do near Kota Kinabalu for a rejuvenating day excursion. Drive for about 2 hours from Kota Kinabalu to reach the luxuriant Sabah Tea Garden. Encompassing a tea plantation; this tea garden grows probably the best tea in the region. Check in at the Sabah Tea Log house to enjoy the stunning beauty of the sprawling estates with Mount Kinabalu at the distant and taste some exotic varieties of local tea. If you’re looking for cheap things to see and do in Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia, you must visit this park!
Location: Km 17, Ranau- Sandakan Road, Nalapak, Ranau 89309, Malaysia
Opening Hours: NA
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10. Atkinson Clock Tower – Hike To This Point
Atkinson Clock Tower and Signal Hill Observatory are the two important landmarks of Kota Kinabalu. Located in the same route, atop a picturesque hill, Atkinson Clock Tower and the observatory can be reached after an enthralling trek. Located close to Padang Merdeka, these two places offer the best views of the city and its surrounding hills.
Location: Kota Kinabalu, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Opening Hours: NA
11. Kiulu River – White Water Rafting
Kiulu River in Tamparuli is an hour’s drive from Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. Certainly, it is one of the best places to enjoy thrilling white water rafting. Offering Grade 3 and 4 rapids, this river allures adventure enthusiasts, throughout the year. So, if you are planning to do something really exciting and daring; this is a perfect choice.
Location: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Opening Hours: NA
Suggested Read: Malaysia Islands
12. Borneo Railway – Take A Train Ride
Borneo Railway is one of the heritages of Kota Kinabalu and started its operation in 2011, after a massive revamp and make-over. A scenic and joyful ride from Tanjung Aru to Tenom is perhaps one of the best things to in Kota Kinabalu, particularly with family and kids. The train takes through dense and verdant rainforests, along the scenic coastlines of the city. Moreover, you can take the train to reach Beaufort- a picturesque market town near Kota Kinabalu.
Location: No. 26, Wisma Hemat Fajar, Golden Plaza, Donggongon Penampang, 89500 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 9:30 am- 5:00 pm, Closed on Sunday
13. Lok Kawi Wildlife Park – Greet Elephants
Image Source
A must-visit for all nature lovers tripping to this charming city, the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park is home to a wide number of animal species like elephants, tigers, deer, monkeys, gibbons, orangutans, and various kinds of reptiles. Though small in size, this is the perfect go-to place for those who do not have the time visit the larger wildlife reserves when in Kota Kinabalu. Offering visitors a chance to have an up close and personal encounter with animals and birds, visiting this makes up for one of the best attractions in Kota Kinabalu with family and kids.
Location: 63, Jalan Penampang, 88200 Penampang, Sabah, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 9:30 am- 1:00 pm & 2:00 pm- 4:30 pm
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14. Kota Kinabalu City Mosque – Admire The Architecture
Image Source
Not just the largest, but the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque is also the most beautiful mosque in the city. Built on stilts over a sparkling lagoon, the mosque gives the illusion that it is floating over water. Those who visit for the first time are often blown away by the sheer beauty of this place, especially at night, when it is lit and reflects brilliantly in the inky water. During your visit, make sure you do not miss out on the ornate blue and gold dome that are the highlight of its architecture, along with the classic minarets.
Location: Jalan Pasir, Jalan Teluk Likas, Kampung Likas, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
15. Kota Kinabalu – Paragliding
If your adrenaline rush just won’t pacify, then try paragliding at Kota Kinabalu and you may feel on the top of this world. The scenic views of the mountains from the top and being in the air with wings is one of a kind of experience and something you just can not miss out on. If you want to be safe, it’s better to do it with a trained professional.
Location: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Opening Hours: NA
Suggested Read: Water Parks In Malaysia
16. Timangoh River – Fishing Trip
Putting your fishing skills at test in Kota Kinabalu and go fishing at the banks of Timangoh River. There are many fish in this river and you will most certainly catch some. If you don’t, don’t be disheartened. Catching fish is an art and it takes skill and time to master it. Its best to have a trained professional along for them to assist you.
Location: Timpangoh River, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
17. Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market – Go Shopping!
If you are shopping lovers, head to the famous handicraft market. It is also known as Pasar Filipino, or the Filipino Market. Here, you can buy souvenirs, local art items. pearls, craft items, textiles, and wood carvings. All in all, Kota Kinabalu shopping is a must-thing you must indulge in for a wholesome experience.
Location: Jalan Sinsuran, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10 am – 6 pm
Suggested Read: Swallow Reef Malaysia
18. Imago Shopping Mall
Image Source: Shutterstock Satisfy your shopaholic in you by exploring Imago Shopping Mall. It is considered one of the best malls in Kota Kinabalu for its aesthetic interior, numerous brand stores, kids section, and whatnot. Remember to keep yourself energised by indulging in lip-smacking culinary delights. So, shop for the best items in Singapore for your loved ones and yourself as a token of memory and happiness. So, what awaits you? Add this amazing mall to your itinerary right away. Location: KK Times Square, Phase 2, Off Coastal Highway, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia Opening Hours: 10:00 am- 10:00 pm
Further Read: Haunted Places In Malaysia
Make your holiday enthralling and fascinating by adding the best things to do in Kota Kinabalu to your itinerary. From thrill seekers to history buffs, every traveller can have the best time here. So, plan your trip to Malaysia for an exhilarating experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things to do in Kota Kinabalu
What should I pack for Kota Kinabalu?
A waterproof backpack, hiking shoes, wollens, waterproof wind-breaker, and a fleece jacket are what you should pack if you plan on trying out these exciting things to do in Kota Kinabalu.
Can you see orangutans in Kota Kinabalu?
Yes, you can see orangutans in Kota Kinabalu.
What is the currency in Kota Kinabalu?
If you are planning a trip to Kota Kinabalu you would most certainly want to know the currency. Malaysian Ringgit is the accepted currency in Kota Kinabalu.
How many days do you need in Kota Kinabalu?
You should spend 5 days in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.
What is there to do in Kota Kinabalu?
Here are the best things to do in Kota Kinabalu:
– Visit the Atkinson Clock Tower.
– Take a wetland river cruise.
– Climb Mount Kinabalu.
– Admire the fish at the Green Connection Aquarium.
– Shop at Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market.
– Go white water rafting.
– Visit Kota Kinabalu City Mosque.
– Go for a walk around Chinatown.
Can you drink tap water in Kota Kinabalu?
Never drink tap water, even if the water is from the bathroom faucet in your hotel room.
Is Kota Kinabalu expensive?
RM184 ($45) is the average daily price for traveling in Kota Kinabalu. The average price of meals in Kota Kinabalu for one day is RM58 ($14).
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A book lover and fun-loving, overtly emotional mom with a wanderlust soul, Sukanya has completed her Master Degree in Geography and currently perusing her passion for writing as a profession. Nothing detoxes her more than trying new recipes and travelling to offbeat places is ultimate Therapy for her.
