Explore Kota Kinabalu
Things to do
Transport
Hotels

Top things to do in Kota Kinabalu

Bongawan Mangrove River Cruise & Fireflies with Infinity Dream Beach Sunset Tour
Tours • Sabah

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
★ 4.8 (1,201) • 20K+ booked
฿ 1,258
Mari Mari Cultural Village (Half Day Tour)
Cultural experiences • Sabah

Mari Mari Cultural Village (Half Day Tour)

Book now for today
English guided
Morning departure
Up to 3 hrs
Instant confirmation
★ 4.7 (853) • 10K+ booked
฿ 1,015
Mount Kinabalu & Desa Farm Full-Day Tour
Tours • Sabah

Mount Kinabalu & Desa Farm Full-Day Tour

Book now for tomorrow
Private tour
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.7 (119) • 2K+ booked
฿ 1,319
Mengalum Island Snorkel & Sea Adventure from Kota Kinabalu
Water activities • Sabah

Mengalum Island Snorkel & Sea Adventure from Kota Kinabalu

Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Morning departure
5-7 hrs
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.6 (392) • 6K+ booked
฿ 2,631
10 off
Sale
Snorkeling & Island Hopping at Sapi & Manukan Island in Sabah
Tours • Sabah

Snorkeling & Island Hopping at Sapi & Manukan Island in Sabah

Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.4 (87) • 3K+ booked
฿ 1,360
Kiulu White Water Rafting with Optional Peri Firefly Tour in Sabah
Water activities • Sabah

Kiulu White Water Rafting with Optional Peri Firefly Tour in Sabah

Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Morning departure
7+ hrs
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.8 (92) • 2K+ booked
฿ 1,299
Mantanani Island Snorkeling or Diving Optional Mangrove River Cruise
Water activities • Sabah

Mantanani Island Snorkeling or Diving Optional Mangrove River Cruise

Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Morning departure
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.2 (829) • 10K+ booked
฿ 2,395
Sunrise & Sunset Stand Up Paddle Boarding Experience with Transfer
Water activities • Sabah

Sunrise & Sunset Stand Up Paddle Boarding Experience with Transfer

Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Morning departure
Private group
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.7 (200) • 4K+ booked
฿ 710
The Best of Kundasang in Sabah
Tours • Sabah

The Best of Kundasang in Sabah

Book now for tomorrow
Hotel pick-up
Small group
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.4 (100) • 1K+ booked
฿ 2,355
Ventus Spa Massage Packages in Sabah
Massages • Sabah

Ventus Spa Massage Packages in Sabah

Book now for today
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.2 (116) • 1K+ booked
฿ 552
Kawa Kawa Wildlife & Fireflies River Cruise in Sabah
Cruises • Sabah

Kawa Kawa Wildlife & Fireflies River Cruise in Sabah

Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Afternoon departure
7+ hrs
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.4 (207) • 3K+ booked
฿ 1,141
Kota Kinabalu Kinabalu Park & Poring Hot Spring Full-Day Tour
Tours • Sabah

Kota Kinabalu Kinabalu Park & Poring Hot Spring Full-Day Tour

Book now for tomorrow
Hotel pick-up
Instant confirmation
★ 4.4 (987) • 10K+ booked
฿ 1,867

Top attractions in Kota Kinabalu

Historical site
4.8/5(13K+ reviews)

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
4.7/5(11K+ reviews)

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
4.8/5(11K+ reviews)

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
4.8/5(11K+ reviews)

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
5.0/5(2K+ reviews)

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.
Sutera Harbour Marina Jetty - Sapi, Manukan,  Mamutik Island Ferry
Ferries • Sabah

Sutera Harbour Marina Jetty - Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik Island Ferry

Book now for tomorrow
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.5 (94) • 2K+ booked
฿ 771
Kota Kinabalu|Kota Kinabalu International Airport Private Airport Transfer
Private airport transfers • Sabah

Kota Kinabalu|Kota Kinabalu International Airport Private Airport Transfer

Bestseller
Instant confirmation
★ 4.6 (1,335) • 6K+ booked
฿ 277
Kota Kinabalu car rentals | Rent a car for Mari Mari Cultural Village, Kota Kinabalu, Sapi, Manukan Island, Kawa Kawa Wildlife
From ฿ 1,385
฿ 1,539
10 off
Kota Kinabalu Private Car Charter
Car charters • Sabah

Kota Kinabalu Private Car Charter

Book now for tomorrow
Customized itinerary
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 5.0 (21) • 300+ booked
฿ 2,549
Kota Kinabalu and Outskirts Private Car Charter
Car charters • Sabah

Kota Kinabalu and Outskirts Private Car Charter

Book now for tomorrow
Customized itinerary
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
★ 4.9 (40) • 400+ booked
฿ 6,309

Hotels in Kota Kinabalu

The Pacific Sutera Hotel
Hotels • Sabah

The Pacific Sutera Hotel

Instant confirmation
★ 4.7 (1,018)
From ฿ 2,841.1
20 off
Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu
Hotels • Sabah

Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

Instant confirmation
★ 4.4 (79)
From ฿ 2,380.1
20 off
The Magellan Sutera Resort
Hotels • Sabah

The Magellan Sutera Resort

Instant confirmation
★ 4.5 (1,014)
From ฿ 5,502.7
20 off
Hotel 7 Suria
Hotels • Sabah

Hotel 7 Suria

Instant confirmation
★ 4.7 (138)
From ฿ 1,020.0
฿ 1,030.1
20 off
Shangri La Tanjung Aru Kota Kinabalu
Hotels • Sabah

Shangri La Tanjung Aru Kota Kinabalu

Instant confirmation
★ 4.8 (1,032)
From ฿ 8,805.6
20 off
Tune Hotel - 1Borneo Kota Kinabalu
Hotels • Sabah

Tune Hotel - 1Borneo Kota Kinabalu

Instant confirmation
★ 3.6 (234)
From ฿ 733.6
20 off
Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu
Hotels • Sabah

Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu

Instant confirmation
★ 4.7 (593)
From ฿ 1,966.8
20 off
Seaview Capsule Hotel
Hotels • Sabah

Seaview Capsule Hotel

Instant confirmation
★ 4.0 (30)
From ฿ 679.3
20 off
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
Hotels • Sabah

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

Instant confirmation
★ 4.8 (1,011)
From ฿ 2,684.7
20 off
The Klagan Hotel
Hotels • Sabah

The Klagan Hotel

Instant confirmation
★ 4.2 (1,008)
From ฿ 1,628.5
20 off
Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu
Hotels • Sabah

Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

Instant confirmation
★ 4.6 (212)
From ฿ 3,466.7
20 off
Sheraton Kota Kinabalu
Hotels • Sabah

Sheraton Kota Kinabalu

Instant confirmation
From ฿ 3,962.2

Reviews of Kota Kinabalu activities

林 **
2026-02-09 23:29:56
Fantastic 5.0
Rafting is a lot of fun! It's only slightly thrilling, so even elementary school kids can participate. The tour guide is also very talkative. Although we didn't get to go on the firefly tour in the end due to heavy rain, at least we took a boat trip to see the monkeys (not proboscis monkeys). The tour guide tried hard to explain in English, but because the accent was a bit heavy, I only understood about 70%, but the tour guide would observe our reactions and explain it a few more times, which is a good opportunity to practice spoken English and listening skills.
HSIA *******
2026-04-06 08:26:33
Fantastic 5.0
The only downside was the weather; due to a long drought, the water level was too low for a truly thrilling rafting experience. However, I highly recommend our coach, Ah Ming! Not only is he multilingual, but he also has 23 years of experience and is excellent at keeping the atmosphere lively. He had our group of 10 laughing constantly! He knows the Kiulu River's safe and dangerous zones intimately, allowing us to experience floating in the river in a safe area. We hope to come back again during peak season when the water levels are higher for another experience! 👍
Lu ******
2026-02-11 05:19:58
Fantastic 5.0
The tour guide was fantastic! Because there wasn't much rain, it wasn't as thrilling, but the guide arranged for us to raft, try diving, and play skipping stones. The entire itinerary was very meticulous, the communication was excellent, and it was well worth participating!
Jing ********
2026-04-30 11:55:02
Fantastic 5.0
Got a super nice female coach Fifi who was super patient in teaching us how to paddle and she also took very nice pictures! Went on a quiet morning so the sunrise was really beautiful and it was not crowded. The session was well paced so we had sufficient time to learn how to paddle and went all the way out in the sea to see the sunrise. The water was also clear that day so we managed to see some corals. Highly recommend to go for the sunrise session!
Lu ******
2026-02-11 05:44:32
Fantastic 5.0
Because there were many tourists, there was a bit of a wait, but the lesson started around 17:00 and went until sunset, which was plenty of time. The instructor was also attentive in teaching and helping with photos. Stand-up paddleboarding was a lot of fun, testing your balance in the waves, and is highly recommended!
Lee *****
2026-05-12 07:58:44
Fantastic 5.0
Excellent experience! The location is right within Shangrila hotel and easy to find. Our coach taught us well about the instructions and followed through your lesson to make sure everything went safe. He was super attentive and came to you straightaway once you fell. Thank you Zik and Sushi!
Klook会員
2026-05-31 16:50:02
Fantastic 5.0
The staff member was very friendly and gave a thorough lesson on how to ride, which made us feel comfortable and confident during the activity! We also received high-quality photos and videos, making it a truly unforgettable memory. I recommend confirming the meeting point beforehand, as it was a little difficult to find.
JANG ********
2026-06-18 21:55:29
Great 4.0
We recommend arriving before 8:15 AM, as the shop opens at 8:15 AM. Once you arrive at Sapi Island, you'll generally need to proactively ask the staff when activities will begin. Sapi Island is still very beautiful; I highly recommend the parasailing.
Aik *******
2026-06-25 06:50:19
Fantastic 5.0
Everything is very well arranged and organised. Right from picked up till end of hike. The accommodation lodge at Kinabalu park was fantastic. The hike was rather tough though especially the one at 2.30am to the summit. Need to pay addition to the guide and transport back to accommodation as exceeded the stipulated time though.

Quick facts about Kota Kinabalu

General info
  • Time zone

    No time difference

  • Currency

    1THB = 0.12MYR

  • Official languages

  • Best time to visit

    Dry season offers clear skies and good diving conditions.

  • Recommended trip duration

FAQs about Kota Kinabalu

What is the best time to visit Kota Kinabalu?

Where should I stay in Kota Kinabalu for easy access to attractions?

What family-friendly activities are available in Kota Kinabalu?

Is Kota Kinabalu a good destination for solo travelers?