Kota Kinabalu

DESTINATIONS malaysia kotakinabalu

Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu is the vibrant capital of Malaysia’s Sabah state on Borneo’s northern coast. Surrounded by the stunning waters of the South China Sea, mountains, and ancient rainforests, KK is a bustling city known for its lively markets, modern boardwalk and beautiful beaches. The iconic Kota Kinabalu City Mosque and the nearby Kinabalu National Park, home to the towering 4,095-metre Mount Kinabalu, highlight its unique charm. This gateway to Borneo offers an enticing blend of natural beauty and urban excitement.

The City

Kota Kinabalu, affectionately known as KK in Malaysia, is a fascinating and richly ‘blessed’ city. Situated on the shores of the South China Sea, it is flanked by lush tropical islands and clear blue waters on one side, and Mount Kinabalu on the other. The city is renowned for some of the finest sunsets in the world. Originally named Jesselton, the city was flattened during World War II but has risen from the ashes to become a thriving, vibrant, and colourful city. While much of Kota Kinabalu is relatively new, legacies of its Chinese trading history and colonial past are scattered throughout, alongside water villages and an ever-expanding array of commercial and residential developments.

Do & See Dining Cafes Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

The centre of town is based around the waterfront area, which is home to a charming mix of old and new: trendy bars, restaurants and hotels line the area, but are contrastingly interspersed with traditional markets, fishing ports and hawker stalls, a great blend.

Sea & Island Tours

If you enjoy cruises, snorkelling, fishing trips, island hopping or diving, SeaQuest Tours & Travel and Borneo Dream Travel Tours Sdn Bhd offer a wide range of activities to choose from. Known for their well-organised tours, they typically include lunch, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable …

Atkinson Clock Tower

The Atkinson Clock Tower is the oldest surviving structure in Kota Kinabalu, dating back to its days as Jesselton. Located just a 10-minute walk from the Filipino Market and the I Love KK sign, this colonial-era landmark is easily accessible and offers a glimpse into the city's historical …

Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre

Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre is a 24-hectare mangrove forest that serves as a crucial refuge for local and migratory birds from North Asia. Located in the city, it supports diverse wildlife and marine life, offering visitors a chance to see crabs, lizards, and unique plant species. The Centre also plays a vital role in …

Taman Abdul Rahman Island Park

Taman Abdul Rahman National Park, named after Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, consists of five stunning islands. It’s a paradise for tourists and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Enjoy island hopping, snorkelling over coral reefs, and relaxing on white sandy beaches. Activities like windsurfing, parasailing, and kayaking are also …

Cap Kuda Coffee Factory (CKCC)

Everything you ever wanted to know about the unique Malaysian caramelised coffee you will discover on a tour of this factory. Cap Kuda Coffee Company (or Yap Yu Sdn Bhd trading as Hock Lee Coffee Powder Factory) was established in the early 1960s and is now one of the largest coffee manufacturers in …

Kota Kinabalu City Mosque

The second main mosque in the city is set by a peaceful lakeside. Kota Kinabalu City Mosque at Likas Bay is an extraordinary example of contemporary architecture, resembling the design of the Masjid al-Nabawi (The Prophet's Mosque) in Medina, Saudi Arabia. The prayer room can hold up to 12,000 worshippers at one time and houses …

Monsopiad Cultural Village

Nestled beside the Penampang River, the Monsopiad Cultural Village is a living museum located 16 kilometres from the KK City Centre. The village features traditional buildings and displays a variety of artefacts, including ceramic jars, padi grinders, bamboo items, and the costume of Bobohizan Inai Bianti, a senior high priestess. Other notable exhibits include …

Sabah State Museum

This museum preserves the cultural identity of Sabah by collecting, conserving, educating, and documenting ethnographic, archaeological, historical, numismatic, art-historical, botanical, zoological, and mineralogical collections from across the state. Additionally, they conduct research on Sabah’s cultural, social, and natural history, viewing it as an investment for the future and an essential part of the state's …

Adventure & Sport

If lounging on the beach isn't your style, Sabah has plenty of adventure and sports activities for you. Try the Mountain Torq via ferrata, Kiulu White Water Rafting, or jungle trekking in …

Borneo Jungle

A range of treks is available for those keen to explore the jungle in depth. Temperatures can drop to 13°C at night, so bring your own sleeping bag and warm clothing. Proper shoes for varied terrain are essential. Mosquito nets are usually provided. Some treks offer porters to carry your backpack. Consider what you …

Golf

Golfing in Sabah offers numerous courses across the state, each with stunning scenery and challenging play. Scenic Dalit Bay Golf & Country Club, the historic Kudat Golf Club, the Jack Nicklaus-designed Borneo Golf & Country Club, and the prestigious Sabah Golf & Country Club are all near Kota Kinabalu. Visit their websites for more …

Sabah Art Gallery

The building of the Sabah Art Gallery itself is a piece of art. Its internal structure is similar to the Guggenheim in New York and resembles a bahuyun — a traditional woven bamboo basket. The interior is quiet and peaceful and hosts an eclectic mix of local artist and student work from the Sabah …

Jari Jari Spa

Jari Jari Spa is renowned for its excellent service and lovely ambiance. The interior design, featuring textured walls, a tinkling fountain, and dark wood flooring, is perfect for restoring a tired …

Rasa Ria Reserve by Shangri-La

Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort & Spa launched a nature care project to raise awareness for endangered species and fauna endemic to Sabah and to support rehabilitation programmes aimed at returning these species to the wild. Remember to wear sturdy footwear and prepare for …

Manukan Island

Manukan Island has a beautiful beach perfect for snorkelling, water sports at reasonable prices, or simply relaxing by the sea. You can hike through the lush and shady rainforest, or try jet …

North Borneo Railway

Travel back in time and experience the nostalgia of the Colonial era. A ride on the old British Rail is a brilliant way to see the countryside and its people. With the staff dressed in colonial style and a traditional Tiffin lunch, you'll be amazed at how authentic the experience feels on one of …

Weston Wetland Park

Get a glimpse of Borneo's unique endemic primates — proboscis monkeys — and marvel at the beauty of nature. On this guided tour, you will see local fauna in their natural habitat, followed by an unforgettable sunset. Once the sun sets, trees fill with fireflies, creating a picturesque …

Kokol Hill

Climbing Kokol Hill rewards you with stunning views of KK and its surroundings. On a clear day, you can see the sunset in the west, Mount Kinabalu in the east, and the western coastline of Sabah. There are several hiking trails to choose from, suitable for different fitness …

Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures

Delve into an incredible rainforest experience on this beautiful jungle island. Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures offers activities like hiking, snorkelling, scuba diving, and more. The hikes are challenging, but the views are worth it. Snorkelling, scuba diving, and other underwater activities are managed professionally, ensuring a fun day …

Dining

The culinary scene in KK is truly remarkable, reflecting the city's multicultural nature. You'll find everything from Malay and Filipino hawker food to 24-hour budget Malay and Indian eateries, exquisite Chinese seafood restaurants, and top-class international dining establishments. The variety and fusion of flavours make for an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.

Kampung Nelayan Floating Seafood Market Restaurant

Kota Kinabalu’s only lakeside floating seafood restaurant is anchored within the botanical park. During dinner, you can enjoy a Malaysia Cultural and Variety Show. The menu features fresh seafood, meat, and vegetables, complemented by a nice selection of …

Little Italy

Little Italy is a long-established local Italian restaurant offering stone oven-baked pizza, homemade pasta, antipasti, and other favourites. Enjoy Italian wine at friendly …

Filipino Market

The market next to Centre Point Sabah on Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens is known as the Filipino Market, as most of the stalls are run by Filipino immigrants. For an authentic and budget-friendly experience, visit the open-air hawker food stalls around the market, where you can enjoy excellent barbecued fish and chicken …

Chilli Vanilla

Hungarian, Mexican and European style food made with fresh ingredients and served in a quaint and intimate setting. This little gem has a fantastic varied menu to choose from and the food is …

El Centro

Ferdinand's

Ferdinand's offers a relaxed and elegant setting with subtle lighting and classy decor. Whether you try the lobster bisque or crusted salmon, every menu item will delight your taste …

Welcome Seafood Restaurant

Welcome Seafood Restaurant at Star City Mall is a popular spot for locals as well as tourists. It serves fresh seafood in a lively setting at very affordable prices. Go up to the counter to choose your own crabs, prawns, squids and local vegetables and specify how you would like them to be cooked. …

Yee Fung Laksa

Yee Fung Laksa is renowned for its delicious laksa, considered the best in Kota Kinabalu. This hearty dish features rice noodles and prawns in a creamy coconut broth, topped with sliced beancurd puffs, omelette strips, shredded chicken, coriander sprigs, and half a lime, served with a spoonful of chilli sambal …

Coast at Shangri-La Rasa Ria

Coast Restaurant is situated in an idyllic spot to watch the sunset. The big buffet features so many choices and caters to everybody's taste, from local favourites to western …

Kozan Teppan-yaki at Shangri-La Rasa Ria

Japanese cuisine served in a modern interior. The signature dish, chicken teppanyaki, is prepared on the teppan, a large Japanese iron hotplate. The attentive staff anticipate your needs, ensuring a delightful …

Suang Tain Seafood Restaurant

Located in a covered open space, Suang Tain Seafood Restaurant offers a wide range of seafood, including lobsters, crabs, prawns, various fish, and clams. The service is impeccable, and the food is always served with a …

Shang Palace at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru

Shang Palace offers a delightful mix of traditional Chinese and Western dishes, alongside a variety of fine oriental cuisine and dim sum. All dishes are beautifully presented and …

Mai Yai Thai Orchid Restaurant

Dine on spicy Thai food with authentic flavours and fresh tastes while enjoying the view of the waterfront and the fresh …

Coco-Joe's Bar & Grill

Located on the seaside, Coco-Joe's offers a fantastic oceanside view. Enjoy a fresh coconut opened on the spot and dine in a casual, laid-back …

Cafes

The inner city is a calm and friendly place, characterised by an interesting blend of old and new architecture, which is evident in the best hangout spots in town.

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Sabah (Damai)

Born and brewed in California in 1963, Herbert B. Hyman started The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Now, over 40 years later, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has grown into one of the largest privately-owned, family-run coffee and tea companies in the …

The Jesselton Hotel

High tea is very popular here, and KK’s most famous hotel is a great place to enjoy it. Mountbatten Lounge is known for its delicious afternoon tea and intimate …

Wisma Merdeka Food Court

Wisma Merdeka Food Court is a popular food court for mid-day bargain eating. It is a good place for locals and visitors alike and a nice place for people …

Starbucks

Starbucks has become a firm favourite with locals and tourists – with guaranteed great coffee, cakes and WiFi. There are three Starbucks in …

Bars & Nightlife

Most of the city’s bars are within reasonable walking distance of each other, making it easy to enjoy a varied evening out. Many larger hotels feature bars with live bands, but the most popular spots are found on the waterfront and the side streets opposite this strip. KK’s vibrant nightlife centres around late-night pubs and bars, which often host live bands playing until late. There are also a few good nightclubs, all conveniently located near each other, so it's easy to find a venue that suits your taste.

Upperstar Café & Bar

Upper Star is a friendly and very popular pub, wine bar, and restaurant with some of the best prices and comfort food in …

My Office Cafe

Located in the Plaza 333 Kobusak Commercial Centre, this small local-style pub is often used as a starting point for a night out. It serves a scrumptious pub grub menu, features a big screen for viewing sporting events, and has a pool …

Borneo Lounge & Bar

One of the city's most popular bars is situated in Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa. The Lounge and Bar is an all-day spot to meet and relax, or catch the sunset with a cool …

Rooftop Bar at Le Meridien

The Rooftop Bar at Le Meridien offers stunning sunset views over the South China Sea, unique Sabah-style cocktails, and creative bites. This stylish venue features live music and three private rooms, providing a relaxing and enjoyable …

Sunset Bar at Shangri-la Tanjung Aru

Enjoy an ice-cold cocktail with a view of the picturesque sunset over the sea. With a jazz band playing in the background, this is the perfect spot to relax and …

Mosaic

Classy and accordingly priced, Mosaic is a bar situated in the Hyatt Hotel. The wine bar-themed café serves a decent selection of mostly Australian wines and offers food ranging from salads to meat …

The Shamrock Irish Bar

As the name suggests, The Shamrock is a traditional Irish pub. With Guinness on draught, live music that varies nightly, typical Irish decor, and a friendly atmosphere, what more could one …

Shopping

For handicrafts, several small shops can be found in various shopping malls, but for the best bargains, authentic goods, and a fun shopping experience, head to the handicraft market on the seafront by the Filipino market — a labyrinth of craft stalls. The old Filipino market is also the best tamu (fresh market) in town, offering a great selection of local produce and seafood. Centre Point Sabah is the biggest shopping centre in town, a huge multi-story complex that offers just about everything you could wish for, with a speciality in electronic goods. Further along the main street, you’ll find Wisma Merdeka, another multi-story shopping centre with numerous great shops, perfect for bargain clothes. It also houses the best 'Borneo' bookshop in town — The Borneo Shop. Between these major centres, you'll find numerous small local shops selling everyday products. The new and expanding Warisan Square and Star City Mall are plush centres ideal for purchasing brand-name goods. For small souvenirs and budget buys, visit the regular night market in Kampung Air and be prepared to haggle.