Explore Kota Kinabalu
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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
4.8 / 5
(1.3K) • 20K+ booked
₫ 979,349
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
4.2 / 5
(841) • 10K+ booked
₫ 1,863,923
Mount Kinabalu & Desa Farm Full-Day Tour
Klook's choice
Tours • Sabah

Mount Kinabalu & Desa Farm Full-Day Tour

Book now for tomorrow
Private tour
English guided
4.7 / 5
(145) • 2K+ booked
₫ 1,026,737
Mari Mari Cultural Village (Half Day Tour)
Cultural experiences • Sabah

Mari Mari Cultural Village (Half Day Tour)

Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Morning departure
4.8 / 5
(873) • 10K+ booked
₫ 789,798
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
4.5 / 5
(94) • 3K+ booked
₫ 1,058,329
The Best of Kundasang in Sabah
Klook's choice
Tours • Sabah

The Best of Kundasang in Sabah

Book now for tomorrow
Hotel pick-up
Small group
4.3 / 5
(107) • 1K+ booked
From
₫ 1,832,331
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
4.8 / 5
(105) • 2K+ booked
₫ 1,010,941
Mount Kinabalu Climb via Timpohon Trail with Private Guide
Outdoor & sports activities • Sabah

Mount Kinabalu Climb via Timpohon Trail with Private Guide

English guided
Morning departure
7+ hrs
4.7 / 5
(49) • 1K+ booked
₫ 10,614,884
Tandem Paragliding Experience in Borneo Ranau & Kokol Hill
Outdoor & sports activities • Sabah

Tandem Paragliding Experience in Borneo Ranau & Kokol Hill

Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Up to 3 hrs
4.8 / 5
(116) • 4K+ booked
₫ 1,137,309
Kawa Kawa Wildlife & Fireflies River Cruise in Sabah
Klook's choice
Cruises • Sabah

Kawa Kawa Wildlife & Fireflies River Cruise in Sabah

Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Afternoon departure
4.5 / 5
(215) • 4K+ booked
₫ 887,733
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
English guided
4.4 / 5
(1.0K) • 10K+ booked
₫ 1,453,228
Sabah Kinabalu Park, Poring Hot Spring and Desa Dairy Farm Day Tour
Tours • Sabah

Sabah Kinabalu Park, Poring Hot Spring and Desa Dairy Farm Day Tour

Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Free cancellation
4.3 / 5
(125) • 1K+ booked
₫ 1,187,856

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.
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 / 5
(1.4K) • 7K+ booked
From
₫ 213,907
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
4.9 / 5
(43) • 400+ booked
₫ 4,909,384
Kota Kinabalu car rentals | Rent a car for Mari Mari Cultural Village, Kota Kinabalu, Sapi, Manukan Island, Kawa Kawa Wildlife
From
₫ 2,236,801
/day
15% off
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 / 5
(97) • 2K+ booked
₫ 600,246
Kota Kinabalu Private Car Charter
Car charters • Sabah

Kota Kinabalu Private Car Charter

Book now for tomorrow
Customized itinerary
Free cancellation
5.0 / 5
(23) • 300+ booked
₫ 1,983,972

Hotels in Kota Kinabalu

The Magellan Sutera Resort
Hotels • Sabah

The Magellan Sutera Resort

Instant confirmation
4.5 / 5
(1.0K)
From
₫ 3,815,182
Shangri La Tanjung Aru Kota Kinabalu
Hotels • Sabah

Shangri La Tanjung Aru Kota Kinabalu

Instant confirmation
4.8 / 5
(1.0K)
From
₫ 4,651,876
The Pacific Sutera Hotel
Hotels • Sabah

The Pacific Sutera Hotel

Instant confirmation
4.7 / 5
(1.0K)
From
₫ 2,350,909
Monocolo Boutique Hotel
Hotels • Sabah

Monocolo Boutique Hotel

Instant confirmation
5.0 / 5
(21)
From
₫ 918,946
The Klagan Hotel
Hotels • Sabah

The Klagan Hotel

Instant confirmation
4.2 / 5
(1.0K)
From
₫ 1,041,029
Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu
Hotels • Sabah

Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu

Instant confirmation
4.7 / 5
(630)
From
₫ 1,405,931
₫ 1,420,124
Hotel Capital
Hotels • Sabah

Hotel Capital

Instant confirmation
4.8 / 5
(331)
From
₫ 753,798
₫ 761,282
Hotel 7 Suria
Hotels • Sabah

Hotel 7 Suria

Instant confirmation
4.4 / 5
(141)
From
₫ 994,965
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kota Kinabalu City Centre
Hotels • Sabah

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Kota Kinabalu City Centre

Instant confirmation
3.9 / 5
(386)
From
₫ 653,928
Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu
Hotels • Sabah

Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

Instant confirmation
4.6 / 5
(226)
From
₫ 2,028,082
Hilton Kota Kinabalu
Hotels • Sabah

Hilton Kota Kinabalu

Instant confirmation
5.0 / 5
(1.0K)
From
₫ 1,984,254
Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai
Hotels • Sabah

Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai

Instant confirmation
3.9 / 5
(796)
From
₫ 2,114,298

Reviews of Kota Kinabalu activities

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.
Lo *****
2026-07-10 08:47:43
Fantastic 5.0
Thank you so much for an incredible trip up Mount Kinabalu. Doing the Walk the Torq route was easily the best part of the climb. The views were unreal and the gear felt completely secure.As a solo hiker, I felt incredibly well taken care of the entire time. A massive thank you to both of my amazing guides! My mountain guide was fantastic at pacing me to the summit, and my via ferrata guide was professional and made me feel 100% safe on the sheer rock face.I had such a memorable experience that if I have the chance to come back, I definitely want to challenge myself with the long Low's Peak Circuit next time. 💪🏻
Nadrah ******
2026-08-27 15:17:42
Fantastic 5.0
We had such a great experience with Tommy, our driver for the KK outskirts private car charter! He is an experienced, attentive and highly accommodative driver who made our journey so much more enjoyable. Tommy was always happy to share interesting stories and information about the places we passed by, giving us a little more insight into Sabah along the way. The ride was comfortable and stress-free, and he truly went the extra mile to ensure we were well taken care of throughout the trip. Excellent service, great company, and a driver who genuinely cares about his passengers. Highly recommended! 🙌🏼🌴🏔️
Klook会員
2026-07-10 01:35:09
Fantastic 5.0
We had a wonderful experience. Although we only had round-trip boat tickets, the coordination between the islands was excellent. We went parasailing and banana boating on Manukan Island and had lunch on Sapi Island. The people on Sapi Island were calm and very kind, allowing us to enjoy a relaxing time.
Klook会員
2026-10-18 09:02:06
Fantastic 5.0
Jeff the Gachi lkemen guy was our guide He took us nice places and took many nice photos We had great day thanks for Jeff
Li ********
2026-09-30 07:55:57
Fantastic 5.0
We had such a great time on this tour, and a big part of it was thanks to our tour guide, Kelvin! Kelvin was our driver, tour guide and also our photographer for the day. He was very knowledgeable and made the mangrove and fireflies tour really enjoyable. He introduced us to the different animals we saw, including the proboscis monkeys, and shared interesting facts about what they eat, their digestion and their behaviour. It was really interesting to learn about them along the way. He was also very entertaining and took great care of us throughout the whole trip. He definitely went above and beyond, especially when he took the time to help us take photos at the sunset spot. We really appreciated how attentive and thoughtful he was. Also, a big shoutout to his co-tour guide, Gary, who was equally helpful and made the experience even better. Thank you, Kelvin and Gary, for such a memorable day!
Sato ********
2026-08-20 08:03:11
Fantastic 5.0
Our family and a friend's family, 4 adults and 4 children, signed up for this tour. We were picked up at our hotel at 7:30 AM, followed by a 2.5-hour drive to the Mount Kinabalu viewpoint. The city roads from Kota Kinabalu to Mount Kinabalu were congested, but our guide was flexible and accommodated the children's restroom breaks along the way. After taking many photos at the viewpoint, we headed to Desa Farm. On the way, we made a detour to a local fruit shop. Our tour guide, Jeff, introduced us to fruits we had never seen before, and we bought and ate one or two of each. We were excited by fruits we had never heard of or seen, like apple jelly, avocado cheese, and snake fruit! The avocado cheese tasted like sweet steamed pumpkin, with a texture and flavor unlike any fruit! It was delicious. From there, we went to Desa Farm. Located at an altitude of about 1,500m, it wasn't too hot and was very comfortable! The weather was clear with few clouds, and we took many great photos with the sharp ridges of Mount Kinabalu in the background. Was that a sun halo? Jeff smoothly guided us through recommended activities like soft-serve ice cream and feeding calves and goats. Jeff, who is also a father of four, is knowledgeable about funny TikTok videos, and our children had a blast taking funny videos with him, making it a very satisfying experience. Afterward, we had lunch at a nearby restaurant and then went rafflesia watching. We were worried if we would see any, as they only bloom for 5-7 days a year, but we saw two blooming rafflesias! We also saw buds and withered ones, which was a unique experience only available locally. Nearby, there were also cacao and durian trees! I was surprised to see durians growing on such tall trees. By this point, it was past 3 PM. The children were getting tired, so we decided to change the itinerary and head back. The morning traffic jam was long. On the way back, there was a strange cloud hanging over the summit of Mount Kinabalu. Jeff told us it was a rare sight. The return journey was also a bit congested, but we managed to get back to the hotel around 7 PM. We had originally planned to be back by 5:30 PM, but the road congestion and it being summer vacation season caused delays. I recommend bringing a bit more cash, as there are places at the rafflesia site that don't accept credit cards for insect repellent, and some restaurants for lunch. Thank you, Jeff, for a fun tour! The magnificent scenery and your enjoyable assistance made it a wonderful experience. Highly recommended!
클룩 고객
2026-10-09 06:24:39
Fantastic 5.0
Although it is an island not far away, you can experience a completely different kind of sea. It was an unbelievably beautiful ocean. I was worried that Sapi and Manukan would be too similar, but perhaps because the weather changed, I was able to feel a different charm, which made it even better. I rode the banana boat; since it was right out on the deep sea, it was a little scary, but they accommodated us well so we had a fun time. Everyone we met was very kind. I would especially like to thank our guide, Nanak. I highly recommend this trip~
Klook User
2026-06-22 13:44:29
Fantastic 5.0
Roy was very friendly and helpful. Since the canopy walk has been closed for the past few months, it was replaced with a trail hike to the waterfall instead.

Kota Kinabalu at a glance

When is the busiest time to visit Kota Kinabalu?

Based on what travelers booked on Klook

Busier than usual Quieter than usual
150
Avg 100Avg
50
0
124
Jan
89
Feb
Quietest 81
Mar
107
Apr
103
May
Busiest 145
Jun
109
Jul
94
Aug
93
Sep
86
Oct
86
Nov
86
Dec

June is the busiest month for travellers from Malaysia, with demand typically about 45% above a typical month, while March is the quietest at roughly 19% below a typical month — book early for June and expect easier availability and fewer crowds in March. Based on Klook historical booking data.

When is Kota Kinabalu cheapest?

Find months that fit your budget.

240
220
200
180
160
140
Cheapest RM150 Priciest RM227
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Activity prices are typically around MYR 183; July is the cheapest month at typically around MYR 150, roughly 34% below the priciest month in March — July’s low prices also coincide with the quieter season shown on the demand chart. Based on Klook booking data, July 2025 – June 2026.

How far ahead should you book?

Plan ahead so you don’t miss out

1 daysLast-minute
2 daysTypical
8 daysEarly

Most travellers from Malaysia typically book about 2 days ahead, with last-minute bookings common at around 1 day and early planners booking around 8 days — during the June peak consider booking sooner than usual. Based on Klook booking data, February 2026 – July 2026.

Quick facts about Kota Kinabalu

General info
  • Time zone

    No time difference

  • Currency

    1MYR = 6,318.38VND

  • Official languages

  • Best time to visit

    Dry season offers clear skies and good diving conditions.

  • Recommended trip duration

What to know before visiting Kota Kinabalu

What to do in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu's busiest bookings come from Tours, followed by Water activities and Cultural experiences, with Cruises and Massages also popular. Across the year Klook booking data shows a clear high point in June when demand rises sharply, while March tends to be quieter. If you want a lively atmosphere prioritise outdoor tours and water-based activities in June; for calmer, cultural or spa experiences aim for the quieter shoulder months. Decide whether you want peak-season buzz or quieter relaxation — Klook booking data helps you match activities to the rhythm of the year.

Best months to visit and price trends

Klook booking data shows June as the busiest month, with demand roughly 45% higher than a typical month, while March is the quietest at about 19% lower. Prices move through the year: the median paid on Klook is typically lower in July and August and rises toward March, which is the priciest month. Demand and price diverge at times — June sees high demand without the very highest median price, while March is quieter but has the highest typical price — so choose June for atmosphere and July for lower prices and smaller crowds.

Month Demand Level Typical Price
January Busier than usual MYR 178
February About average MYR 195
March Quieter than usual MYR 227
April About average MYR 211
May About average MYR 195
June Peak demand MYR 195
July About average MYR 150
August About average MYR 154
September About average MYR 182
October About average MYR 174
November About average MYR 158
December About average MYR 174

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.

Tips for travellers from Malaysia

Most travellers from Malaysia book experiences close to travel dates — typically 2 days ahead — while the earliest planners lock things in about 8 days out, according to Klook booking data. That means you can be flexible and often book tours or water activities a day or two before, but during June’s busy period it pays to reserve sooner. Use Klook to compare schedules and secure spots for popular Tours and Water activities in advance, and consider booking Massages or Cultural experiences closer to your stay when availability is better.

FAQs about Kota Kinabalu

When is the best time to visit Kota Kinabalu?

When is the cheapest time to visit Kota Kinabalu?

How far ahead should I book Kota Kinabalu activities from Malaysia?

How much do activities in Kota Kinabalu typically cost?

What is Kota Kinabalu best known for on Klook?