Things to do in Kota Kinabalu

Activities, attractions and tours

Kota Kinabalu featuring landscape views and boating
Photo provided by Tourism Malaysia
Photo provided by Tourism Malaysia
Kota Kinabalu
Photo provided by Tourism Malaysia
Photo provided by Tourism Malaysia
Kota Kinabalu
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Most popular experiences in Kota Kinabalu

Tours & day trips

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Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies

Bongawan River Cruise Proboscis Monkey, SkyMirror, Fireflies

Activity duration is 8 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is S$63 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 5 activities
Kota Kinabalu : Mari-Mari Cultural Village Day Tour

Kota Kinabalu : Mari-Mari Cultural Village Day Tour

Activity duration is 7 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is S$154 per adult
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Classes & workshops

See all 3 activities
Zen & Splash: Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga in Tanjung Aru

Zen & Splash: Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) Yoga in Tanjung Aru

Activity duration is 45 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is S$24 per adult
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What to do in Kota Kinabalu

Popular places to visit

Suria Sabah Shopping Mall

Suria Sabah Shopping Mall

During your visit to Pusat Bandar, you can do some window-shopping at Suria Sabah Shopping Mall. Amble around the area's marina or seek out the local tours.

Suria Sabah Shopping Mall
Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Kota Kinabalu Esplanade is just one of the places to see in Pusat Bandar, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the beautiful sunsets and shops in this family-friendly area.

Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Imago Shopping Mall

During your trip to Kota Kinabalu, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Imago Shopping Mall. Amble around the area's marina or seek out the local tours.

Imago Shopping Mall

Gaya Street Sunday Market

During your visit to Pusat Bandar, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Gaya Street Sunday Market. Amble around the area's marina or seek out the local tours.

Gaya Street Sunday Market

Sutera Harbour

Explore the waterfront in Kota Kinabalu with a trip to Sutera Harbour. Discover the area's shops or seek out its local tours.

Sutera Harbour

1Borneo Hypermall

During your visit to Kota Kinabalu, you can do some window-shopping at 1Borneo Hypermall. Amble around the area's marina or seek out the local tours.

1Borneo Hypermall

Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal

Explore the waterfront in Pusat Bandar with a trip to Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal. Stroll along the seaside or visit the shops in the area.

Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal

Centre Point

During your visit to Pusat Bandar, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Centre Point. Stroll along the marina or seek out the local tours.

Centre Point

Kota Kinabalu Central Market

During your trip to Pusat Bandar, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Kota Kinabalu Central Market. Stroll along the marina or seek out the local tours.

Kota Kinabalu Central Market

Areas of Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu featuring a coastal town, tropical scenes and island views

Downtown Kota Kinabalu

4/5(38 area reviews)

A noteworthy feature of Downtown Kota Kinabalu is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Centre Point and Kota Kinabalu Central Market.

Downtown Kota Kinabalu
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Tanjung Aru

3.5/5(5 area reviews)

Beaches and abundant dining options are well-reviewed features of Tanjung Aru. Make a stop by top sights like Tanjung Aru Perdana Park while you're exploring the area.

Tanjung Aru
Kota Kinabalu featuring a coastal town, tropical scenes and island views

Kampung Air

Unique features of Kampung Air include the shopping and restaurants. Make a stop by Kompleks Asia City or Sedco Square while you're exploring the area.

Kampung Air
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Karambunai

Karambunai is popular for its pristine beaches, and you might make a stop by Nexus Golf Resort Karambunai, a top place to visit in the area.

Karambunai
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Alamesra

While Alamesra may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like 1Borneo Hypermall and Likas Stadium.

Alamesra
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Likas

You'll appreciate the shopping during your time in Likas and you might want to plan a stop by Likas Stadium and Likas Sports Complex while you're in the area.

Likas

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Photo by Sue Ritchie

Tuaran

Gaya Island

Gaya Island

Photo by Jim Teo

Kampung Sembulan Baru

Kota Kinabalu featuring a coastal town, tropical scenes and island views

Pusat Bandar

Photo by Jim Teo

Api-api Centre

Photo by Michaela Prades

Bandaran Berjaya

Photo by Castaway with Crystal

Darau

Frequently asked questions

Is Kota Kinabalu worth visiting?
Providing a blend of coastal beaches and shopping, there's no shortage of things to do in Kota Kinabalu. When you're here, visit Kota Kinabalu Esplanade, a top attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Kota Kinabalu?
Kick-start your day with a visit to Kota Kinabalu Esplanade and Sabah Indoor Climbing Centre. Then, check out different areas of Kota Kinabalu for local dining and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Kota Kinabalu?
Don't go home without exploring Kota Kinabalu Esplanade, rated the top tourist attraction in Kota Kinabalu.
Is three days enough to stay in Kota Kinabalu?
Three days in Kota Kinabalu is more than enough to visit the city's main highlights. Many travellers book for three days on average. Kota Kinabalu Esplanade, Tanjung Aru Perdana Park and Anjung Samudera are among the top-rated sights. Like to discover more? Hang around a bit longer to explore nearby hotspots like Dalit Beach.
Is Kota Kinabalu a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Kota Kinabalu, such as Kota Kinabalu Esplanade and Tanjung Aru Perdana Park, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Just 0.16 kilometres from central Kota Kinabalu is Downtown Kota Kinabalu and Pusat Bandar is 0.64 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Kota Kinabalu with kids?
Planning what to do in Kota Kinabalu with kids has never been simpler. Whether you're taking a trip with toddlers or teenagers, there are many family-friendly sights and activities to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Kota Kinabalu for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Kota Kinabalu, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Downbelow Adventure Centre.
Are there free things to do in Kota Kinabalu?
In Kota Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu Esplanade is a must-see spot for anyone planning to see the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, wander around the other neighbourhoods and green spaces, and ask for ideas from a local tour guide. It's an easy way to discover the best free things to do in Kota Kinabalu.