Time zone
GMT +08:00
No time difference
Currency
Malaysian Ringgit
1EUR = 4.55MYR
Official languages
Malay
Best time to visit
FEB - APR
Dry season offers clear skies and good diving conditions.
Recommended trip duration
3 days
Top things to do in Kota Kinabalu
Bongawan Mangrove River Cruise & Fireflies with Infinity Dream Beach Sunset Tour
Book now for tomorrow
Hotel pick-up
Small group
(1.3K) • 20K+ booked
€ 34.09
Klook's choice
Mount Kinabalu & Desa Farm Full-Day Tour
Book now for tomorrow
Private tour
English guided
(145) • 2K+ booked
€ 41.09
Mantanani Island Snorkeling or Diving Optional Mangrove River Cruise
Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Morning departure
(841) • 10K+ booked
From
€ 71.35
Mari Mari Cultural Village (Half Day Tour)
Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Morning departure
(873) • 10K+ booked
€ 30.25
Snorkeling & Island Hopping at Sapi & Manukan Island in Sabah
Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Free cancellation
(94) • 3K+ booked
€ 48.70
Klook's choice
From
€ 73.35
Kiulu White Water Rafting with Optional Peri Firefly Tour in Sabah
English guided
Morning departure
7+ hrs
(105) • 2K+ booked
€ 38.69
Sabah Kinabalu Park, Poring Hot Spring and Desa Dairy Farm Day Tour
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
(125) • 1K+ booked
€ 47.55
Klook's choice
Kawa Kawa Wildlife & Fireflies River Cruise in Sabah
English guided
Afternoon departure
7+ hrs
(215) • 4K+ booked
From
€ 33.99
Sapi/Manukan/Mamutik Island Hopping with Tour Guide
English guided
Morning departure
5-7 hrs
(778) • 10K+ booked
€ 72.05
Mount Kinabalu Climb via Timpohon Trail with Private Guide
English guided
Morning departure
7+ hrs
(49) • 1K+ booked
From
€ 406.29
Kota Kinabalu Kinabalu Park & Poring Hot Spring Full-Day Tour
Hotel pick-up
English guided
Instant confirmation
(1.0K) • 10K+ booked
€ 58.15
Top attractions in Kota Kinabalu
Historical site
Atkinson Clock Tower
Step into the rich history of Kota Kinabalu with a visit to the iconic Atkinson Clock Tower, also known as Menara Jam Atkinson. Discover the timeless charm of this historic structure, which stands as a symbol of resilience and heritage in Sabah. Built in memory of Francis George Atkinson, the first district officer of Jesselton, the Atkinson Clock Tower offers a glimpse into the past and pays tribute to the city's enduring spirit.
Tourist sight
Masjid Bandaraya
Discover the enchanting Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu, also known as the Likas Floating Mosque, a stunning architectural gem inspired by Arabic design. Situated on the Likas coast with a sprawling 14.83-hectare area, this mosque can accommodate up to 12,000 worshippers at a time. Officially opened on February 18, 2000, following Kota Kinabalu's declaration as a city, this mosque boasts features reminiscent of Masjid Nabawi, with nearly 70% of its area surrounded by water. Located just 5km north of the city, this mosque is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking cultural and historical experiences in Kota Kinabalu.
Museum
Sabah State Museum
Welcome to the Sabah State Museum in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, a hidden gem perched on a hill overlooking the city. Dive into the rich history and culture of Sabah, a region known for its wildlife, trade history, and diverse ethnic groups. Explore a treasure trove of artifacts, exhibits, and galleries that showcase the diverse traditions and history of this Malaysian state.
Scenic spot
Tun Mustapha Tower
Experience the awe-inspiring Tun Mustapha Tower in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. Standing tall at 122 meters with 30 stories of glass, this iconic tower offers a mesmerizing view of Likas Harbour. Built in 1976 by the renowned Mori Building Company, this unique landmark combines modern architecture with historical significance, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking panoramic views and cultural insights. Discover the rich history and cultural significance of this architectural marvel as you explore its revolving floor and learn about its transformation from Sabah Foundation Tower to Tun Mustapha Tower. With an exhibition hall inside and free entry, this tower offers a captivating experience for visitors.
Island
Sepanggar Island
Discover the remote and enchanting Sepanggar Island, a hidden gem surrounded by the crystal clear waters of Kota Kinabalu. Embrace the island's serene rhythm and immerse yourself in nature's beauty, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Escape the hustle and bustle of Kota Kinabalu city and discover the hidden gem of Sepanggar Island. Just a short 12-minute boat ride away, this tranquil paradise offers a serene getaway for those seeking a peaceful seaside retreat. Uncover the untouched beauty of Sepanggar Island, a place where you can relax on white sandy beaches, explore lush tropical rainforests, and enjoy a variety of water activities. Embark on a journey to the tranquil and leisurely Sepanggar Island in Kota Kinabalu, where the sound of nature serenades visitors and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With crystal-clear waters and pristine beaches, this island paradise beckons travelers seeking relaxation and adventure.
Transport in Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu｜Kota Kinabalu International Airport Private Airport Transfer
Bestseller
Instant confirmation
(1.4K) • 7K+ booked
From
€ 7.4
Kota Kinabalu and Outskirts Private Car Charter
Customized itinerary
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
(43) • 400+ booked
€ 170.85
Sutera Harbour Marina Jetty - Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik Island Ferry
Book now for tomorrow
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
(96) • 2K+ booked
€ 20.89
Kota Kinabalu car rentals | Rent a car for Mari Mari Cultural Village, Kota Kinabalu, Sapi, Manukan Island, Kawa Kawa Wildlife
Instant confirmation
Free cancellation
Hertz
8K+ booked
From
€ 78
/day Kota Kinabalu Private Car Charter
Customized itinerary
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
(23) • 300+ booked
€ 69.05
Hotels in Kota Kinabalu
From
€ 131.92
From
€ 159.97
From
€ 72.84
From
€ 31.78
From
€ 48.11
From
€ 48.72
€ 49.21
From
€ 36.07
From
€ 24.17
€ 24.42
From
€ 41.19
From
€ 26.87
From
€ 36.23
€ 36.6
From
€ 58.83
Reviews of Kota Kinabalu activities
Klook 用戶
2026-10-09 04:58:43
Saw proboscis monkeys and so many fireflies. We had bad luck and missed the sunset, but there were countless stars at night. The drive was a bit long, but totally worth it. The tour guide, John, also speaks Chinese!
Klook User
2026-08-23 21:32:11
We had an amazing time on our tour. Our guide Sue Yee was very informative and fun, and Max was a very good driver. we saw proboscis monkeys and fireflies, and the fried bananas were a tasty snack!
Klook User
2026-06-24 08:13:19
originally booked this tour last minute mainly for the fireflies, but due to typhoon they had to cancel it and transfered us to a different tour— Kawa Kawa Tour which turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip! still with fireflies and river cruise but with additional farm tour with animal feeding and sunset at the beach! i’d like to commend our tourguide Adeor for making this trip memorable and fun! he lets us borrow his binoculars and has prepared raincoats just incase it rains. we were with an elderlu couple and he’s very attentive to their needs and takes photos of the animals just to show them. which is very sweet! he even took great photos and vidoes of the fireflies!
Klook用戶
2026-05-04 07:55:52
We are lucky to have bumped into 2 types of monkies, the long-tailed macaque and the proboscis, though the proboscis is a bit far from sight as they often climb up to the tree top. We are also lucky enough to see the baby crocodile, numerous bird species and even a monitor lizard lying on a coconut tree! The trip is amazing that we do not want to leave the boat! We wish to have more time on the river! Also hope that the raincoat could be included for the tour since when we arrive, it was pouring rain and we have to buy the raincoat from the local store. For other facilities like the toilet, it was better than expected. Food is not bad though not much variety. Tour guide is ok. Overall a good day spent in the countryside of Kota Kinabalu and would recommend to people who love to be in nature and wildlife.
Shena ********
2026-10-23 00:26:57
Our tour guide Sue Yee is very knowledgeable, very thoughtful, and funny! She has a lot of trivias about monkeys and the other animals in Klias River. We really enjoyed a lot and we happen to see a lot of animals! We saw John (the resident croc), proboscis monkeys, macaques, a swimming crocodile, and a bayawak resting in a tree. The dinner buffet is great and also the afternoon snacks. I love the sweet and sour chicken in the buffet. I hope we encounter Sue again in our next tour here in Sabah. She's so caring and easy to travel with! She's so cooool and we love her! Til next time again!
Froilan ********
2026-07-19 13:15:27
eddie, our tour guide is an amazing guy. made the entire trip experience funny and memorable. his knowledgeable too and shares his thoughts well. overall, this is a good one, recommended.
Lee *********
2026-09-15 02:03:05
overall very good experience, the bus going there aircon was not working at its best. But the bus coming back was much better.
Lydia ******
2026-06-07 02:46:07
We had so much fun on the party boat! Everything was amazing from start to finish. The activities were well organized and went smoothly, making the whole experience enjoyable and stress-free. The crew and our boat guide were incredibly friendly, helpful, and made us feel very welcome throughout the trip.
Our kids absolutely loved all the activities and had an unforgettable time. It was a wonderful experience for the whole family, and we created so many happy memories together. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a fun and enjoyable day out. We would definitely do it again!
Ho ***
2026-08-31 16:03:04
Our tour guide, Xiao Chen, was very friendly and explained everything clearly. During the journey, he taught us a lot about the ecosystem of the Kawa mangroves and also helped us take many photos. He thoughtfully prepared raincoats and binoculars for us, in case we got wet and to help us see the gibbons/kingfishers more clearly. He even treated us to coconut pudding, which was very hospitable. It was truly a great experience.
Kota Kinabalu at a glance
Quick facts about Kota Kinabalu
General info
What to know before visiting Kota Kinabalu
What to do in Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu is a gateway for Tours, led by day trips and island-hopping, with a strong showing from Water activities and Cultural experiences. Cruises and Massages also figure in visitor plans, shaping a year where demand peaks in January and dips in February and March. Klook booking data show January is notably busier while February and March are quieter months. Decide whether you want lively peak-season energy or calmer off-peak days — pick peak atmosphere or quieter exploration — based on Klook booking data.
Best months to visit and price trends
Kota Kinabalu’s busiest booking month is January, when demand runs well above a typical month, while the quietest months are February and March, both notably below usual levels. Prices across the last 12 months show the priciest typical bookings in July and the cheapest in September, with typical median prices drifting between those points. Where demand and price align, July is more expensive; where they diverge, January is busy without being the priciest. For lower prices and smaller crowds aim for September or the quieter February–March window; for peak-season energy pick January or July.
| Month | Demand Level | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|
| January | Busier than usual | USD 45 |
| February | Quieter than usual | USD 46 |
| March | Quieter than usual | USD 43 |
| April | About average | USD 46 |
| May | About average | USD 42 |
| June | About average | USD 41 |
| July | About average | USD 48 |
| August | Busier than usual | USD 40 |
| September | Busier than usual | USD 38 |
| October | About average | USD 47 |
| November | About average | USD 42 |
| December | About average | USD 39 |
Demand is bookings in that month compared with a typical month, from historical Klook booking data, grouped into the demand levels above; typical price is the median paid on Klook in that month; prices are shown with their currency code. Based on Klook booking data, July 2025 – June 2026.
Travel tips for visitors
Most travellers book experiences fairly close to departure, typically around 2 days ahead, while the earliest planners reserve about nine days out, according to Klook booking data. That means you can be flexible and still find options a day or two before travel, although booking earlier helps in the busiest months like January and July. Use Klook to lock in island trips, water activities and coveted tours a few days ahead or sooner for peace of mind, and check Klook listings early if you need specific time slots or larger group availability.
FAQs about Kota Kinabalu
When is the best time to visit Kota Kinabalu?
When is the best time to visit Kota Kinabalu?
When is the cheapest time to visit Kota Kinabalu?
When is the cheapest time to visit Kota Kinabalu?
How far ahead should I book activities in Kota Kinabalu?
How far ahead should I book activities in Kota Kinabalu?
How much do activities in Kota Kinabalu typically cost?
How much do activities in Kota Kinabalu typically cost?
What is Kota Kinabalu best known for on Klook?
What is Kota Kinabalu best known for on Klook?
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