Time zone
GMT +08:00
No time difference
Currency
Malaysian Ringgit
1EUR = 4.54MYR
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
€ 34.10
Klook's choice
Mount Kinabalu & Desa Farm Full-Day Tour
Book now for tomorrow
Private tour
English guided
(146) • 2K+ booked
€ 41.15
Kiulu White Water Rafting with Optional Peri Firefly Tour in Sabah
Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Morning departure
(106) • 2K+ booked
€ 38.75
Mantanani Island Snorkeling or Diving Optional Mangrove River Cruise
Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Morning departure
(842) • 10K+ booked
From
€ 71.40
Klook's choice
From
€ 73.39
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
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English guided
Free cancellation
(94) • 3K+ booked
€ 48.75
Klook's choice
Kawa Kawa Wildlife & Fireflies River Cruise in Sabah
Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Afternoon departure
(215) • 4K+ booked
From
€ 34.00
Mount Kinabalu Climb via Timpohon Trail with Private Guide
English guided
Morning departure
7+ hrs
(49) • 1K+ booked
From
€ 406.69
Sabah Kinabalu Park, Poring Hot Spring and Desa Dairy Farm Day Tour
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English guided
Free cancellation
(125) • 1K+ booked
€ 47.59
Private 5-Star Premium White Sand Paradise Island Tour
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English guided
Free cancellation
(49) • 900+ booked
€ 99.90
Manukan & Sapi Island Hopping with Snorkeling & Massage Experience
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English guided
Morning departure
(17) • 400+ booked
From
€ 52.95
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
€ 7.39
Kota Kinabalu and Outskirts Private Car Charter
Book now for tomorrow
Customized itinerary
Free cancellation
(43) • 400+ booked
€ 170.99
Kota Kinabalu car rentals | Rent a car for Mari Mari Cultural Village, Kota Kinabalu, Sapi, Manukan Island, Kawa Kawa Wildlife
Instant confirmation
Free cancellation
Europcar
8K+ booked
From
€ 26
/day Sutera Harbour Marina Jetty - Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik Island Ferry
Book now for tomorrow
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
(97) • 2K+ booked
€ 20.90
Kota Kinabalu Private Car Charter
Book now for tomorrow
Customized itinerary
Free cancellation
(23) • 300+ booked
€ 69.09
Hotels in Kota Kinabalu
From
€ 76.81
From
€ 131.92
From
€ 159.39
From
€ 48.72
€ 49.21
From
€ 70.13
From
€ 25.31
From
€ 40.67
From
€ 36.06
€ 36.42
From
€ 34.56
From
€ 98.47
From
€ 18.64
From
€ 57.53
Reviews of Kota Kinabalu activities
Wong ****
2026-06-16 14:52:59
Five-star experience! Five-star trip! A perfect journey!
Our tour guide, Sue, contacted us via WhatsApp the night before and was incredibly patient in answering all our questions. She also helped us take photos throughout the trip without any hesitation. Some of our group members had very high expectations for photography, and Sue was surprisingly patient in helping them get their shots.
It's worth noting that our group was a combination of several smaller groups, but all the guides knew each other, so they were great at creating a lively atmosphere. One guide constantly played music through a loudspeaker, which really boosted the mood, and they even matched the theme – for example, playing Jay Chou's "Rice Field" when we were watching fireflies! Truly professional!
Be aware that the local mosquitoes are very aggressive and aren't deterred by mosquito repellent, so that's something to keep in mind.
The sunset there is stunning! We had plenty of time for free activities and taking photos. My first snorkeling experience was also amazing. The only downside was that some people in our group might have been afraid of water, so we had to accommodate them and couldn't visit more spots. We ended up staying at one spot for about an hour.
You can rent a locker on the island for HKD $60, but you honestly don't need to; no one is going to steal your belongings on a deserted island...
Watching the fireflies is an absolutely unforgettable experience! Photos can't capture the awe-inspiring sight; you'll understand once you go!
P.S. The meeting time that day was 7 AM! So it was a very early start, but totally worth it.
Klook会員
2026-08-17 07:39:22
It was such a wonderful experience! Our guide, Sui, was incredibly kind and helpful, which made us feel comfortable and well taken care of throughout the entire day. We truly enjoyed every moment. Thank you so much! I would definitely recommend this experience to everyone!
Klook User
2026-06-18 02:39:32
me and my husband booked onto this trip a bit last minute, just the day before. we had confirmation texts straight away, pick up times and reg details of the car that would be picking us up in the morning. it arrived a few mins early and we were driven to the nearby jetty where two guides were waiting for just two of us. we were issued life jackets and snorkels and after a 20 minute wait, we boarded our speed boat over to the first island, Manukan. it is absolutely stunning, white sand fringed by huge forest trees giving lots of shade, clear blue sea with an abundance of fish swimming around our feet. unfortunately there was also a lot of rubbish in the sea, plastic bottles and packaging everywhere, such a shame that people treat our beautiful planet like this, it’s a national park and we could see people collecting rubbish off the sand but not possible in the sea. we stayed for 3 hours and were bought lunch before going on to Sapi. Both beautiful islands and we had a lovely day.
yun *****
2026-05-28 19:14:08
It was nice that it wasn't crowded. There were many cheap options, but the reviews weren't good, so I carefully read the reviews and chose this one, and it was definitely a good choice. Our guide diligently found all the best spots for us, and I'm so grateful. We saw lobsters, Nemo, and more.
클룩 고객
2026-08-19 13:23:27
Manukan Island wasn't bad, but I highly recommend Mamutik Island. I took two tours and visited Gaya, Sapi, Mamutik, and Manukan Islands, and Mamutik Island was the best of the four. It wasn't just because the weather was great that day; the coral reefs on that island were so well-formed that I saw more fish there than on all three other islands combined. I wish the water had been a bit clearer on the day I went, but it was still truly beautiful and wonderful. The guide was also very kind and excellent. I highly recommend it!
Chung *****
2026-10-25 06:58:46
Good quality! Introductory scuba diving is definitely worth a try! The equipment is basic, but has everything you need. Since I have 900 degrees of nearsightedness, the instructor later found a prescription mask for me. There were three other people from English-speaking countries that day, and although I was the only Chinese speaker in the group, they assigned a Chinese-speaking instructor just for me. It was a pretty great experience!
Klook 用戶
2026-09-11 15:24:46
Enjoy a safe and fun stand-up paddleboarding experience at Tanjung Aru Beach, home to one of the world's most famous sunsets! We highly recommend stand-up paddleboarding in Sabah! First, a big shout-out to our coach! The coach was very responsible, dedicated, and humorous in their teaching. They provided careful guidance throughout the process and paid attention to everyone's safety, making our first stand-up paddleboarding experience completely stress-free and incredibly fun! After placing our order, the travel agency promptly contacted us to confirm the itinerary. The staff were friendly and patient, and the pick-up was very punctual. The entire process made us feel very reassured. The biggest fear when traveling is not being able to reach someone after booking an itinerary or uncertainty about pick-up, but this time, we had none of those issues. From booking and communication to pick-up and the on-site experience, everything was very reassuring. Stand-up paddleboarding is truly a blast!
Chen *******
2026-08-10 23:34:39
The coaches were nice, the activity are fun and exciting. But if u wanna play it, remember to go toilet before arrived the beach, cause there is no toilet near the beach.
Lee *****
2026-05-12 07:58:44
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!
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 best known for outdoor and marine experiences led by Tours, Water activities and Cultural experiences, followed by Cruises and Massages. The city's booking rhythm on Klook shows a clear spring high in April and May and a very quiet stretch in July, so plan activities around those peaks. Use the variety of tours and water activities to book island hopping, snorkelling and coastal day trips in busier months, while quieter months suit relaxed cultural visits and spa time. All observations are drawn from Klook booking data.
When to visit and typical prices
April is the busiest month on Klook, with demand running about 24% higher than a typical month, while July is the quietest at roughly 36% below a typical month. Prices across the year show a wide spread: September is the priciest month and October the most affordable, so the best trade-off for lower prices and smaller crowds is October or July, while April and May deliver peak-season atmosphere but may require earlier planning. All figures come from Klook booking data.
| Month | Demand Level | Typical Price |
|---|---|---|
| January | About average | PHP 2,260 |
| February | About average | PHP 2,200 |
| March | About average | PHP 2,022 |
| April | Busier than usual | PHP 2,022 |
| May | Busier than usual | PHP 2,081 |
| June | About average | PHP 2,616 |
| July | Quieter than usual | PHP 2,260 |
| August | Quieter than usual | PHP 2,200 |
| September | About average | PHP 3,508 |
| October | About average | PHP 1,843 |
| November | About average | PHP 3,152 |
| December | Busier than usual | PHP 2,081 |
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 the Philippines
Most travellers from the Philippines book experiences only a few days ahead—typically around 3 days ahead—which gives you flexibility to plan last-minute island trips or massages. The earliest planners lock in about 11 days out for peak-season travel, so consider booking sooner for April and May when demand is higher. On Klook you can compare options and secure spots for tours and water activities without locking yourself into long-term plans; these suggestions are based on Klook booking data. Book with flexibility but watch peak months and popular activities.
FAQs about Kota Kinabalu
When is the best time to visit Kota Kinabalu?
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How far ahead should I book Kota Kinabalu activities from the Philippines?
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What is Kota Kinabalu best known for on Klook?
What is Kota Kinabalu best known for on Klook?