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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
US$ 38.05
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
(144) • 2K+ booked
US$ 45.85
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
(839) • 10K+ booked
From
US$ 71.65
Save US$ 7.94
Mari Mari Cultural Village (Half Day Tour)
Cultural experiences • Sabah

Mari Mari Cultural Village (Half Day Tour)

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English guided
Morning departure
4.8 / 5
(872) • 10K+ booked
US$ 33.75
Snorkeling & Island Hopping at Sapi & Manukan Island in Sabah
Tours • Sabah

Snorkeling & Island Hopping at Sapi & Manukan Island in Sabah

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English guided
Free cancellation
4.5 / 5
(94) • 3K+ booked
US$ 54.35
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
US$ 73.65
Save US$ 8.15
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
(214) • 4K+ booked
From
US$ 37.90
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

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English guided
Free cancellation
4.3 / 5
(125) • 1K+ booked
US$ 53.05
Sapi/Manukan/Mamutik Island Hopping with Tour Guide
Water activities • Sabah

Sapi/Manukan/Mamutik Island Hopping with Tour Guide

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English guided
Morning departure
4.4 / 5
(778) • 10K+ booked
From
US$ 76.19
Save US$ 8.46
Manukan & Sapi Island Hopping with Snorkeling & Massage Experience
Water activities • Sabah

Manukan & Sapi Island Hopping with Snorkeling & Massage Experience

Book now for tomorrow
English guided
Morning departure
4.6 / 5
(17) • 400+ booked
From
US$ 53.15
Save US$ 5.90
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
US$ 64.89
Bongawan Mangrove Cruise and Fireflies Tour
Tours • Sabah

Bongawan Mangrove Cruise and Fireflies Tour

Book now for tomorrow
Private tour
English guided
4.6 / 5
(76) • 1K+ booked
US$ 45.85

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
US$ 8.25
Kota Kinabalu and Outskirts Private Car Charter
Car charters • Sabah

Kota Kinabalu and Outskirts Private Car Charter

Customized itinerary
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
4.9 / 5
(42) • 400+ booked
US$ 190.59
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
(96) • 2K+ booked
US$ 23.30
Kota Kinabalu car rentals | Rent a car for Mari Mari Cultural Village, Kota Kinabalu, Sapi, Manukan Island, Kawa Kawa Wildlife
Fall deal
From
US$ 87
/day
15% off
Kota Kinabalu Private Car Charter
Car charters • Sabah

Kota Kinabalu Private Car Charter

Customized itinerary
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
5.0 / 5
(23) • 300+ booked
US$ 77.05

Hotels in Kota Kinabalu

Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu
Hotels • Sabah

Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu

Instant confirmation
4.7 / 5
(630)
From
US$ 53.18
The Magellan Sutera Resort
Hotels • Sabah

The Magellan Sutera Resort

Instant confirmation
4.5 / 5
(1.0K)
From
US$ 147.19
Shangri La Tanjung Aru Kota Kinabalu
Hotels • Sabah

Shangri La Tanjung Aru Kota Kinabalu

Instant confirmation
4.8 / 5
(1.0K)
From
US$ 178.37
The Pacific Sutera Hotel
Hotels • Sabah

The Pacific Sutera Hotel

Instant confirmation
4.7 / 5
(1.0K)
From
US$ 88.24
The Klagan Hotel
Hotels • Sabah

The Klagan Hotel

Instant confirmation
4.2 / 5
(1.0K)
From
US$ 37.91
Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai
Hotels • Sabah

Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai

Instant confirmation
3.9 / 5
(796)
From
US$ 81.21
Seaview Capsule Hotel
Hotels • Sabah

Seaview Capsule Hotel

Instant confirmation
4.0 / 5
(30)
From
US$ 19.2
Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu
Hotels • Sabah

Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

Instant confirmation
4.5 / 5
(88)
From
US$ 65.84
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
Hotels • Sabah

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

Instant confirmation
4.8 / 5
(1.0K)
From
US$ 80.56
Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu
Hotels • Sabah

Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

Instant confirmation
4.6 / 5
(226)
From
US$ 85.05
Sky Hotel Kota Kinabalu
Hotels • Sabah

Sky Hotel Kota Kinabalu

Instant confirmation
4.1 / 5
(447)
From
US$ 29.83
The SIGAR Hotel at Sutera Bay
Hotels • Sabah

The SIGAR Hotel at Sutera Bay

Instant confirmation
4.3 / 5
(20)
From
US$ 52.76

Reviews of Kota Kinabalu activities

Andrej *******
2026-06-25 13:53:28
Fantastic 5.0
We had a fantastic experience at Mari Mari Cultural Village! The entire visit was incredibly well organized, interactive, and enjoyable from beginning to end. We loved the way each tribe and its unique culture were presented in such an engaging and authentic way. One of the best parts was tasting the traditional food from each tribe while learning about their customs and history—it made the experience even more memorable. Our guide was exceptional. His English was excellent, and he explained everything with enthusiasm, knowledge, and a great sense of humor. We were equally impressed by the performers, who brought the traditions to life with passion, warmth, and genuine smiles. Their hospitality and dedication made us feel truly welcome. You can clearly see how much effort the whole team puts into creating an unforgettable experience. It is absolutely worth every ringgit, and we highly recommend Mari Mari Cultural Village to anyone visiting Sabah.
Klook 用戶
2026-09-11 15:24:46
Fantastic 5.0
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
Fantastic 5.0
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
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.
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!
chao ******
2026-10-10 06:06:56
Fantastic 5.0
The itinerary was very well organized, allowing us to visit several spots in one trip. The duration at each stop was just right, so it never felt rushed. Our first stop was the observation deck, where there were many fruit vendors nearby selling fresh and delicious fruits! The best part was realizing later in the city that the fruit here was actually the cheapest! The farm was also a lot of fun; for 20 Malaysian Ringgit, you could feed milk and forage to the animals, and the yogurt and milk ice cream were amazing! The fish spa was very entertaining, and the tour guide taught us feeding techniques. It was a bit scary at first. Lunch was better than expected, featuring vegetables, meat, and fruit. The tour included a complimentary ATV experience, allowing us to ride through the wilderness. We were very lucky to see a Rafflesia flower this time; although it had been blooming for five days and was starting to turn dark, there was still an unopened bud right next to it. On the way back, we had roasted wild boar and pulled tea. The roasted wild boar is highly recommended! The two of us shared a portion and were left wanting more. Overall, the value for money is extremely high, and I highly recommend it!
Jing ********
2026-04-30 12:20:26
Fantastic 5.0
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.

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
200
150
Avg 100Avg
50
0
157
Jan
159
Feb
50
Mar
95
Apr
155
May
Busiest 187
Jun
148
Jul
52
Aug
50
Sep
56
Oct
48
Nov
Quietest 46
Dec

June is the busiest month for travellers from the United States, seeing around a 87% increase in bookings, while December is much quieter at roughly 54% lower than a typical month — book early for June; expect easier availability and fewer crowds in December. Based on Klook historical booking data.

When is Kota Kinabalu cheapest?

Find months that fit your budget.

120
100
80
60
40
20
Priciest $101 Cheapest $21
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Activities typically cost around USD 21 in December, about 79% below the September typical price; December’s cheaper activity prices line up with the quieter season noted above, so you can save and avoid crowds by visiting then. 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
13 daysEarly

Most travellers from the United States book about 2 days ahead, with late planners possible thanks to a 1-day last-minute window; during the June peak you’ll still want to book earlier than typical to secure availability. Based on Klook booking data, February 2026 – July 2026.

Quick facts about Kota Kinabalu

General info
  • Time zone

    No time difference

  • Currency

    1USD = 4.08MYR

  • 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 is best known for outdoor adventures and water-based activities, led by Tours and Water activities, followed by Cultural experiences, Cruises and Massages. Demand follows a clear seasonal rhythm: Klook booking data shows strong peaks in January, February, May, June and July, and a long quiet run from August through December. Plan whether you want lively peak-season energy or calmer months — decide between peak-season buzz or quieter discovery. All figures and trends here are based on Klook booking data.

When to visit and what to expect

Klook booking data flags June as the single busiest month with an 87% increase over a typical month, while December is the quietest at roughly 54% below a typical month. Prices move through the year too: the priciest month on Klook was September (median around USD 101), and the cheapest was December (median around USD 21). Crowds and prices diverge at times — for example, September is pricier despite very quiet demand, while peak-demand months like June and July have mid-range prices — choose quieter months for lower prices and peaceful visits, or peak months for the liveliest atmosphere.

Month Demand Level Typical Price
January Peak demand USD 23
February Peak demand USD 91
March Very quiet USD 24
April About average USD 27
May Peak demand USD 37
June Peak demand USD 37
July Peak demand USD 53
August Very quiet USD 55
September Very quiet USD 101
October Very quiet USD 24
November Very quiet USD 23
December Very quiet USD 21

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 United States

Most travellers from the United States book experiences with moderate short-term planning: bookings typically happen about 2 days ahead, while the earliest planners secure things around 13 days out. That means you can be flexible and often book last-minute options — many experiences remain available until a day before — but during the peak months (January, February, May, June and July) it pays to lock in popular tours a bit earlier. Use Klook to check median prices and availability and reserve as soon as your dates are set to avoid missing peak-season slots, using the platform’s booking window to balance flexibility and certainty.

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 activities in Kota Kinabalu if I'm traveling from the United States?

How much do activities in Kota Kinabalu typically cost?

What is Kota Kinabalu best known for on Klook?