A Travel Guide to Kota Kinabalu, the Gateway to Borneo
Kota Kinabalu (often shortened to “KK”) is the capital of Sabah, in the northern part of Borneo.
It’s best known as the gateway to Mount Kinabalu, one of Southeast Asia’s tallest peaks, and to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, a cluster of tropical islands just minutes offshore.
Many travelers only pass through KK on their way to climb the mountain or dive Sipadan, but the city itself has plenty to offer: seaside sunsets, night markets, island-hopping adventures, coral reefs, and some of Malaysia’s best seafood.
In this travel guide, I’ll walk you through the top things to do in Kota Kinabalu, where to stay, how to get there, and a few lesser-known local spots worth exploring.
🏙️ Kota Kinabalu Introduction
Once a small fishing village called Api-Api, Kota Kinabalu was largely destroyed during World War II and rebuilt as Sabah’s capital in the 1960s. Today, it’s a vibrant coastal city where glassy new malls sit beside wooden markets, and the mountains loom dramatically behind the sea.
Kota Kinabalu faces the South China Sea, giving it some of Malaysia’s best sunsets. On clear days, you can see Mount Kinabalu glowing in the distance from the city’s waterfront.
Sabah itself is incredibly diverse, home to over 30 ethnic groups, each with its own language and traditions. You’ll hear Malay, English, and Kadazan-Dusun spoken side by side.
✈️ Getting to Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) is Malaysia’s second-busiest airport after KLIA. It’s only 15 minutes from the city center, making transfers easy.
There are daily direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru, Singapore, Seoul, Hong Kong, and Manila.
AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, and Batik Air all operate frequent routes.
From the airport, take a Grab taxi (around RM10–15) or the Airport Bus (RM5) to the city center.
If you’re arriving from Brunei, there’s a ferry from Labuan to Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal in downtown KK.
🏨 Where to Stay in Kota Kinabalu
| Area | Best for | Top Picks |
|---|---|---|
| Waterfront / City Center | Walkable to markets, bars, and ferries | Le Méridien KK ★★★★★, Hotel Sixty3 ★★★★ |
| Tanjung Aru | Beachfront resorts & sunsets | Shangri-La Tanjung Aru ★★★★★ |
| Imago / Riverson area | Modern stays, near mall & food court | Hyatt Centric ★★★★★, M Suites ★★★★ |
| Mount Kinabalu area | Cool weather, tea plantations, hiking | Sutera Sanctuary Lodges ★★★★, Kinabalu Pine Resort ★★★ |
Budget travelers can find dorms from RM35–50 in the Gaya Street area.
For families, Le Méridien offers ocean-view rooms right across from the night market.
🌅 Top Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu City
1. Gaya Street Sunday Market
Every Sunday, downtown KK transforms into a lively bazaar selling everything from durian to handmade crafts. Go early (8–10 a.m.) before it gets hot.
2. Kota Kinabalu Waterfront
Walk along the promenade at sunset. Grab a coconut at the Waterfront Market or a drink at El Centro while the sky turns gold and orange.
3. Signal Hill Observatory
A short hike (or Grab ride) from town brings you to a panoramic view of the city and nearby islands — best visited at sunrise.
4. Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village
Learn about Borneo’s Indigenous tribes, longhouses, and natural history. The open-air Heritage Village has replicas of tribal homes you can walk through.
5. Filipino Handicraft Market (Pasar Filipina)
A buzzing seafront bazaar selling pearls, woven bags, and dried seafood — perfect for souvenirs.
🏝️ Islands Near Kota Kinabalu
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is made up of five islands — Manukan, Mamutik, Gaya, Sapi, and Sulug — all reachable in 15–20 minutes from Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal.
Each island has clear turquoise water and coral reefs perfect for snorkeling or diving.
- Sapi: best for snorkeling
- Manukan: larger, with restaurants and easy trails
- Mamutik: small and quiet
- Gaya: luxury resorts like Gayana Marine and Bunga Raya Island Resort
You can book island-hopping day trips on Klook or KKday, or arrange private boats at the terminal.
🏔️ Around Mount Kinabalu
Two hours inland lies Kinabalu Park, Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even if you’re not climbing the mountain, the park’s cool air, cloud forests, and hot springs are worth the trip.
- Mount Kinabalu Climb: You’ll need to book months ahead — only 185 climbers are allowed daily.
- Poring Hot Springs: Relax in natural mineral pools and walk the rainforest canopy bridge.
- Desa Dairy Farm: Known as the “New Zealand of Sabah” — green hills, white cows, and creamy milk ice cream.
🍜 Food & Night Markets
Kota Kinabalu is famous for its seafood — the fresher, the better.
1. Todak Waterfront Night Market
Come hungry for grilled fish, prawns, squid, and lobster. Prices are fixed per weight, and vendors cook it fresh for you.
2. Welcome Seafood Restaurant
Locals’ favorite for crab, clams, and butter prawns. Expect crowds and delicious chaos.
3. Gaya Street food stalls
Try nasi lemak, laksa Sabah, and roti telur for breakfast.
4. Night Food Court at Imago Mall
Good for families — clean seating, local dishes, and easy access.
🚗 Day Trips from Kota Kinabalu
| Destination | Distance | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Kundasang | 2 hrs | Mount Kinabalu views, farms, cool air, and strawberry picking. |
| Kiulu River | 1 hr | Family-friendly white-water rafting. |
| Mari Mari Cultural Village | 40 min | Learn about Sabah’s tribes through performances and food tastings. |
| Lok Kawi Wildlife Park | 40 min | Orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and sun bears. |
| Klias River Cruise | 2 hrs | Spot wild proboscis monkeys and glowing fireflies at night. |
☀️ When to Visit Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu is warm year-round (26–33°C).
- Best months: February to May (drier skies, perfect for diving and hiking)
- Rainiest months: October to December (short tropical downpours)
- Peak climbing season: March–September
Sunsets are stunning almost every evening — even during light showers.
💭 Final Thoughts
Kota Kinabalu is often described as “small but full of life,” and that’s exactly what makes it special.
It’s a place where you can climb a mountain in the morning, snorkel with clownfish in the afternoon, and watch the sun dip into the sea by dinner.
Whether you’re here for the adventure, food, or laid-back island vibes, KK is the kind of city that quietly gets under your skin — and makes you want to return.
