Time zone
GMT +08:00
No time difference
Currency
Malaysian Ringgit
1EUR = 4.66MYR
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
English guided
Afternoon departure
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
€ 34.55
Mari Mari Cultural Village (Half Day Tour)
Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Morning departure
Up to 3 hrs
Instant confirmation
€ 26.79
Snorkeling & Island Hopping at Sapi & Manukan Island in Sabah
Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
€ 35.90
Mount Kinabalu & Desa Farm Full-Day Tour
Book now for tomorrow
Private tour
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
€ 34.85
Mengalum Island Snorkel & Sea Adventure from Kota Kinabalu
English guided
Morning departure
5-7 hrs
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
€ 69.49
The Best of Kundasang in Sabah
Book now for tomorrow
Hotel pick-up
Small group
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
€ 62.19
Kawa Kawa Wildlife & Fireflies River Cruise in Sabah
Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Afternoon departure
7+ hrs
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
€ 30.15
Mantanani Island Snorkeling or Diving Optional Mangrove River Cruise
Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Morning departure
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
€ 63.25
Sunrise & Sunset Stand Up Paddle Boarding Experience with Transfer
Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Morning departure
Private group
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
€ 18.75
Sabah Kinabalu Park, Poring Hot Spring and Desa Dairy Farm Day Tour
Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
€ 40.30
Mantanani Island Snorkeling Day Tour with Transfers in Sabah
Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
€ 54.15
Ventus Spa Massage Packages in Sabah
Book now for today
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
€ 14.59
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
Sutera Harbour Marina Jetty - Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik Island Ferry
Book now for tomorrow
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
€ 20.39
Kota Kinabalu｜Kota Kinabalu International Airport Private Airport Transfer
Bestseller
Instant confirmation
€ 7.20
Kota Kinabalu car rentals | Rent a car for Mari Mari Cultural Village, Kota Kinabalu, Sapi, Manukan Island, Kawa Kawa Wildlife
Instant confirmation
From
€ 24
€ 38.40
Kota Kinabalu Private Car Charter
Book now for tomorrow
Customized itinerary
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
€ 67.35
Kota Kinabalu and Outskirts Private Car Charter
Book now for tomorrow
Customized itinerary
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
€ 166.59
Hotels in Kota Kinabalu
The Pacific Sutera Hotel
Instant confirmation
From
€ 93.34
Shangri La Tanjung Aru Kota Kinabalu
Instant confirmation
From
€ 189.72
Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu
Instant confirmation
From
€ 51.15
The Magellan Sutera Resort
Instant confirmation
From
€ 138.08
Harper Boutique Hotel at Sutera Avenue
Instant confirmation
From
€ 38.24
€ 56.50
Tune Hotel - 1Borneo Kota Kinabalu
Instant confirmation
From
€ 31.91
The SIGAR Hotel at Sutera Bay
Instant confirmation
From
€ 46.91
Hotel 7 Suria
Instant confirmation
From
€ 42.15
Hotel Capital
Instant confirmation
From
€ 28.90
€ 29.19
Gayana Marine Resort
Instant confirmation
From
€ 229.09
Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Centre
Instant confirmation
From
€ 47.27
Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu
Instant confirmation
From
€ 66.64
Reviews of Kota Kinabalu activities
Klook User
2025-12-31 10:24:28
🥇 Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (Kota Kinabalu)
Islands: Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik, Gaya
⭐ Best for: First-timers, short trip, families
👍 Pros
• Very close to KK (10–20 mins boat)
• Easy half-day island hopping
• Clear water on good weather days
• Snorkeling, parasailing, sea walking
👎 Cons
• Can be crowded (especially weekends & holidays)
• Coral quality is average, not pristine
⭐ Verdict
Best convenience island hopping in Sabah. Easy, fun, no long travel.
Siying ***
2026-01-13 12:36:41
We were assigned William as our driver and guide. William proactively introduced attractions as we drove past them. He was also very helpful in taking many photos for us throughout the trip.
On the way back to the city, we were caught in a traffic jam and needed to add an extra hour. While he could have simply dropped us off at the original destination—which would have meant paying an extra hour for only about a 30-minute drive—he instead took us on a mini city tour, pointing out key landmarks around Kota Kinabalu. He extended the route and eventually dropped us off about 1.5 hours later, while only charging us for one additional hour.
Klook会員
2026-01-01 11:56:47
The driver planned the route in advance, so we were able to smoothly tour the Kinabalu Park area! I hired him as a driver, but he also acted as a guide, which was a great help.
reni *******
2026-06-01 15:18:18
This trip was definitely my highlight of 6-day vacation in KK. The trip was well organized, with great itinerary and service from all the crew. We were being picked up on time at our hotel in KK by Jordan who drove smoothly and very kind. There were some selections of beverages for high tea (cold water, juice, coffee), also mung bean porridge and banana fritters, which were really good. During the cruise, we saw the proboscis monkeys, long tail, monitor lizard, and crocodile. Our guide, Garry was funny, knowledgeable, and was great in explaining about the animals & surrounding areas. We got back to the Jetty for early dinner with Malaysian cuisine buffet & it tasted delicious. Then we countinued the cruise to the mirror beach and took some pictures. On the way back, we got to see a lot of fireflies on the trees and Garry and the crew were good on inviting them to fly around us on the boat. Jordan then drove us back safely and comfortably to KK. Overall this tour is highly recommended!
Jing ********
2026-04-30 12:20:26
Very nice and cosy island hopping experience. The boat ride was smooth and windy, the weather was very good that day. Both Sapi and Manukan Island had very nice beach. The tour guide, Nanak, is very friendly and answered all our question, also helped everyone take care of their bags and things. The banana boat and snorkelling are must go. Managed to see quite a few species of fish, snorkelling is limited to the areas near the shore but can spot quite a lot of fish. The sun is very strong so must apply sunscreen to prevent sunburn. Time was also sufficient and ended quite early at 3pm.
Klook User
2026-03-20 23:41:20
We were a group ranging from 8yrs to 71yrs. This trip was great for all! The transfer was comfortable, we saw Proboscis and long tail macaques, crocodiles and birds. The sunset was breathtaking and the fireflies were so beautiful. on the beach, you can pay extra to ride a small ATV which was likely the highlight of my 12yr old’s day! Our guide, Cathy was wonderful, we learned a lot about the mangroves and the creatures because of her!
Li *********
2026-06-06 14:13:10
We had a wonderful experience on this snorkeling trip. It was our first time snorkeling, and everything was well organized from start to finish. Our tour guide, Birdy, was friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive throughout the day, making us feel safe and comfortable.
The snorkeling spots were beautiful, and we thoroughly enjoyed exploring the marine life and crystal-clear waters. We especially appreciate Birdy’s patience, helpful guidance, and excellent service, which made our first snorkeling experience enjoyable and stress-free.
Thank you, Birdy, for making our first snorkeling adventure such a memorable one. We highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Kota Kinabalu. A truly unforgettable experience and one of the highlights of our Sabah trip!
Klook会員
2026-06-18 22:29:05
We participated in the company trip with 8 people. We were the only Japanese, and most of the other tourists on Mantanani Island were Chinese. Our guide, Xiao Zhong, was particularly excellent. We were initially concerned because the tour was primarily in Chinese and English, but he used a translation device to explain everything to us. The snorkeling, proboscis monkeys, and fireflies were wonderful. Although we had to wait for over 30 minutes due to a sudden downpour, it was an amazing experience overall.
Klook User
2026-03-16 15:47:05
our guide (from wavehunter) was da best! he did not just paddle us downstream, but played many fun games, showed us good spots to jump from the rocks and swim, and did not rush to finish! though it was the dry season and the rapids were only at grade 1, we had a fantastic time and highly recommend wavehunters for all levels of thrill seekers. our photographer was great too, standing in the water at times and the pictures were wonderful. thanks!
Kota Kinabalu at a glance
Quick facts about Kota Kinabalu
General info
What to know before visiting Kota Kinabalu
Quick snapshot of Kota Kinabalu and what people book
Kota Kinabalu draws most bookings for Tours, Water activities, Cultural experiences and Cruises, with massages also popular for unwinding. Demand has a clear yearly rhythm — busy spikes and quieter troughs shape when attractions and activities fill up.
Best months to visit based on crowds and prices
Klook data show January as the busiest month and February as the quietest, with demand tapering up and down across the year. Prices peak in July and dip to their lowest around September, so demand and prices don’t always move together: the busiest month (January) is not the priciest, and July is expensive without being the highest-demand month. If you want lower prices and smaller crowds, consider visiting in September or February; for a lively, peak-season atmosphere aim for January or the summer months around July and August.
Tips for travellers (Global) planning a trip
Most experiences here can be booked at short notice—travellers typically secure bookings about two days ahead, with last-minute options available around one day before. If you’re travelling in the peak months mentioned above, plan a little earlier (around nine days) for popular tours and water activities to avoid disappointment. Use Klook to lock in activities once your dates are set so you can enjoy the city with less planning stress.
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?