Life is great when you have the hot moist tropical weather and a beautiful sea. Kota Kinabalu seems to have the best of two worlds. It is a city that lies just on the coast of the Borneo island. So you can head to work in the day and relax on the shores in the evening. Well not always but it does come pretty close.
That being said there isn’t a lot of stuff to do in the city but there are a couple of things that are attractive if you don’t mind heading out on a day trip. After almost three weeks here I think I can cover the question of what to do in Kota Kinabalu pretty effectively. That’s why I decided to put together a list of all things to do in Kota Kinabalu that we loved.
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Table of Contents
Water Activities In Kota Kinabalu
There are a lot of water activities that you can indulge in. Scuba diving and snorkeling are probably the highest ranking attractions in the Kota Kinabalu area. The only downside is that you have to head out to one of the islands.
1. Scuba Diving
From PADI to Discover Scuba, you can take your pick at Kota Kinabalu!
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The waters of the islands are really clear and there is plenty of coral that you can catch of a glimpse at. Storms however have destroyed a lot of the coral but if you do go diving the Coral garden next to Sapi island is absolutely gorgeous.
This is one of those safe places in the world where you can head to the beach alone and not worry!
We got to see so many different species of fish down when we were diving. I saw a huge sword fish. It was almost as long as me! We also caught a glimpse of a sting ray too! These however were just the ones that I could recognize.
“This was my second dive in my life and I was pretty bad at it sometimes but the crew never gave any signs of dissatisfaction or impatience, the whole atmosphere was very funny and chill. I also saw 5 huge sea turtles!”
Tams (read more reviews now!)
There were so many that I did not even know the names off and as you well know, you can’t really chat underwater.
Shawn did his PADI certification during the first 3 days that he was in Kota Kinabalu. For him it was a dream that came true. For me the Discover Scuba was one of the most amazing experience I had in Kota Kinabalu despite my hydrophobia.
2. Snorkeling in Kota Kinabalu
We love snorkeling and that is one of the popular things to do in Kota Kinabalu.
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The islands near Kota Kinabalu are a paradise for any person who loves water, fish and coral. We visited Manukan and Sapi for a day at the beach. Remember that you need a clear and bright day to see the corals.
I would suggest heading out early morning because the clouds tend to come in towards late afternoon.
“A wonderful day out as a family of 4 with just 2 other tourists joining the trip. Bass our guide was great and made sure everyone was well taken care of and kept safe. We saw lots of fish , a squid, sea snake but the highlight was the turtles. Lunch on the island was very tasty and there were monkeys there to entertain us. A great day out”
Steve (read more reviews now!)
This way you can squeeze in as much snorkeling as you want. You can even head to Gaya island for a bit of snorkelling if you want to. It is definitely something that I would suggest if you are scratching your head and wondering what to do in Kota Kinabalu.
Visit The Places Of Prayer In Kota Kinabalu
There are a number of different religious sites across Kota Kinabalu. While majority of Malaysia is predominantly Muslim, a large number of people in Kota Kinabalu are Christian. That being said you will find a number of churches and mosques dot the landscape.
3. Sacred Heart Cathedral
The Sacred Heart Cathedral
I hadn’t realized that a large part of the Kota Kinabalu population are Christian. When I heard about it I decided that I wanted to visit one of their churches. I was told that the Sacred Heart Cathedral was the largest so I added visiting it to my list of things to do in Kota Kinabalu.
The Sacred Heart Cathedral was a longer walk away than I expected. Luckily there was more than enough shade along the way though I wished I had carried water. The church in itself was quaint and pretty. A quiet piece of solitude away from the city.
4. Sabah State Mosque
The mosque looked impressive from the outside! I was wondering what other activities in Kota Kinabalu I hadn’t covered when I added visiting it to my list.
It was the first time that I had ever visited a mosque and that was one of the reasons why I added the Sabah State Mosque to my list of things to do in Kota Kinabalu. I really had no idea what to expect and I even asked two or three people if I was allowed to go in. Turns out that I was!
I had ensured to cover every inch of skin and I tossed my sarong around my head. Imagine my surprise when I was offered a burkha to get in. It felt so nice because it meant that no matter who came and how they were dressed they didn’t have to turn back. I learned a little bit about the Muslim culture that day.
5. Kota Kinabalu City Mosque
The Kota Kinabalu City Mosque is actually quite famous. It is surrounded by water on all sides and that is how it earned its name ‘The Floating Mosque’. At first I thought that the mosque was situated in the middle of the sea but I realized that I was wrong when we drove past it on our way to Kinabalu National Park. We kept meaning to visit it but somehow we only managed to free our schedules on Fridays.
Fridays are important for Muslim prayer (I’m not sure why) and it is usually crowded. People say that it is polite not to visit the mosque on these days if you are going there as a tourist. So we never got around to seeing the inside of the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque.
Take In The View
One of the best things to do in Kota Kinabalu is to take in the view. There are plenty of places that you can enjoy the view at. You can choose to look at it from a height or from the side of the ocean. I chose to move around a bit and I found that I enjoyed the sunset and the sea from so many places.
6. The Pool View
The pool view from the Le Meridian
The Le Meridian (and some other hotels) has a pool bar on the second floor. In fact it was one of our favorite places to watch the sunset. We swam about in the pool as we watched the sky turn different shades of yellow and red. Calm, peaceful and really romantic!
7. The Night Market
Wondering what to do in Kota Kinabalu at night? I would suggest that you head out and catch a bite to eat at the side of the sea. If you wander around a bit you will find seats right at the water edge. Watch the sun set in front of you while the boats bob near you. To top it off you can have your dinner served while you chill and relax.
8. The Waterfront
Most of the locals and tourists love to catch the view from here.
There are a number of different restaurants and pubs along the Waterfront. You can take your pick and relax. This is different from the Night Market because it is a little more posh. Definitely more cleaner and it is more expensive. That however doesn’t mean it isn’t a great place to be. Oh and if it is too expensive then head to Starbucks. It is far cheaper.
9. Signal Hill Observatory Platform
Really loved this spot!
The Signal Hill Observatory Platform is probably my favorite place to relax and chill. It doesn’t offer you an unobstructed view of the sea but you can watch the sea unobstructed. It is a great place to look down on the city and pause for a while. There is a great café there too. So don’t forget to add it to your list of things to do in Kota Kinabalu.
10. Walk Along The Coast
The board walk is always so peaceful in the day! But way too hot!
Walk along the board walk while the sun sets. I don’t recommend doing this mid day because it gets way too hot and you could just get a sun stroke but in the evenings when the blazing sun has stopped it is much much cooler. Plus one of the things to do in Kota Kinabalu that should top your list is watching the sunset as the sky turns to vivid hues almost every evening. The board walk is a great place to do this.
The Markets
There are so many markets here in Kota Kinabalu. It is really hard to know which ones to add to your list of things to do in Kota Kinabalu if you are short of time. Luckily for me I was in Kota Kinabalu for almost three weeks.
11. The Night Market
The night market is all about food!
The Night Market is a really popular on the list of things to do in Kota Kinabalu. The night market definitely has a lot of food. As you start wandering around the market you are surrounded by the smell of delicious food. What you will realize is that the market has two parts. One part mostly deals with chicken and the other half deals with seafood. So choose what you want to eat by choosing a side.
12. The Filipino Handicraft Market
Everyone was hard at work!
I’m not really sure where the Night Market ends and where the Filipino Handicraft market starts. It sometimes makes me wonder whether it is all part of one large market. The Filipino market however has a lot of Handicrafts for sale. You can also find salted fish, fruits and even vegetables in the maze. Wander around in the evening. It is a fun place to be in.
13. The Sunday Market
The busiest place on a Sunday morning is the Sunday market!
I love Sunday markets across Asia. I think I got hooked onto them in Thailand. When I added the Sunday market to my list of things to do in Kota Kinabalu, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. The market however surprised me. It wasn’t just food or handicrafts… It had a bit of everything.
There were pets, racks of clothes, food, handicrafts and so many curious things. Bear in mind that the market is open from 6 in the morning and closes somewhere in the afternoon. So plan your day accordingly.
14. Gaya Street
Catching a glimpse of Gaya street in the evenings.
I mentioned Gaya Street when I was talking about the Sunday market but it is important to know that the Gaya Street is a great place to visit on other days too. I’ve been in Kota Kinabalu during the Ramadan period so every evening a large number of stalls get set up and food literally flows over. Despite the stalls you will find that numerous restaurants that are definitely worth your time.
15. Malls
One of my favorite things to do was to explore the different malls. They were all so different!
I have never been to a city that has as many malls as Kota Kinabalu. Almost every second building is a mall. There are big malls and small malls, cheap malls and expensive malls, new malls and old malls…
The list is endless and I’m not even going to enumerate on their names because I can’t remember them all! I say this while sitting in Kota Kinabalu itself so it isn’t my memory that is hazy!
Get Acquainted With The Wildlife
If you are still wondering and putting your list of things to do in Kota Kinabalu together, don’t forget that Borneo is known for its wildlife. While Kota Kinabalu is a city, you can do plenty of stuff that involves wildlife if you have time.
Bear in mind that many of these items involve long drives but they aren’t as bad as you would imagine. In fact, a lot of people use Kota Kinabalu as their base to visit other parts of Sabah especially since the city has an airport that connects it to mainland Malaysia.
16. Lok Kawi Wildlife Park
Meet the Scary Ostrich!
Lok Kawi lies about 20 kilometers outside Kota Kinabalu. It’s about a 30 to 40 minute drive but the roads are amazing and it makes the drive so much better. Lok Kawi is a wildlife park and it has a varied collection of different species in it.
For me it was a chance to see orangutans in person because I couldn’t make it to Sepilok. Lok Kawi also has a botanical park attached to it but you need a non rainy day for you to be able to trek through it.
17. Visit Kinabalu National Park
There certainly is a lot of nature to appreciate at Kinabalu National park!
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Wondering what to do in Kota Kinabalu that involves a bit of activity and nature? Then you will find this spot appealing. The Kinabalu National Park is a great way to get up close with Mount Kinabalu if you are someone like me who doesn’t intend to challenge the mountain.
At 4,095 meters the mountain looms overhead. On a clear day you can look up at the heavens and catch a glimpse of the peak as you drive towards the Kinabalu National Park.
Kinabalu National Park isn’t just about a glimpse of the mountains peak. There is a lot of nature all around of you. Trek through the trails, learn about the ecosystem or just sit back and relax.
“We had a very enjoyable and rewarding trip to the Kinabalu Park and the Poring Hot Spring area. The highlight for me was to see the amazing rainforest trees at Poring that were towering over the landscape and the canopy walk was an unforgettable experience too.
Richard was superb as the guide and he was very polite and friendly and answered our questions patiently. The restaurant at Poring was very nice and the restrooms in the area are super clean as well. Overall a superb experience and one that I would recommend to anyone wanting to spend a day in the midst of the rainforest!”
Ganesh (read more reviews now!)
One of the cool things to do in Kota Kinabalu which is in the area is to visit the canopy walk. It is fun to walk through the forest and feel as if you are suspended in mid air. Many tours also combine this experience with the poring hot springs.
18. Challenge The Mountain
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Okay now that may sound a bit wrong because the mountain definitely challenges every bit of your tenacity. As mentioned before, Mount Kinabalu is one of the well renowned treks on the island. Many people come from far and wide to climb up to its peak. It is a daunting climb and it requires a good deal of stamina and experience so it isn’t for the faint of heart.
The entire trek will take you anywhere between 2 to 3 days so you will spend the night on the mountain, get up super early to catch the sunrise and trek to the next spot.
If this is something that you are intending on doing, make sure that you book the right tour. It isn’t a trip that you set about on your own. The guide will take you up and down the mountain and show you the safest route.
There are also porters that help you with luggage wherever required. More importantly, you will need permits to scale to the top. These are taken care off by the tour company.
“Thanks for everything! The guide Johnson is superb. Patience, attend to details and definitely a life saver. Everything was well organised on Belle’s side as well. We feel relieved and absolutely confidence with you guys!
We were very late on our descend, Johnson ensure that the office is well inform of our progress so that we will be pickup, meals collected, certs collected. He also ensure our safety and make sure my route is properly light up as I have trouble landing on my ankles and the sun had set. Thanks for making the whole journey with that is safe and confidence.”
Eric (read more reviews now!)
19. Kota Kinabalu Wetland Center/Kota Kinabalu Bird Sanctuary
The Kota Kinabalu Wetland center is a great place to take in the wildlife near the city or so I hear. It is another one of those things to do in Kota Kinabalu that slipped through our fingers because we kept putting it off due to the weather or lack of time.
My research told me that the best time to visit is in the morning. I would rather have done late evening because you usually see birds and the temperature outside is much cooler.
20. DESA Farm
The DESA farm is an intriguing item on our list of things to do in Kota Kinabalu.
When I went to the DESA farm I did not know the amount of history that the farm represented for the Borneo island till a friend told me about it. Apparently the DESA farm was the only farm that supplied the whole Borneo island with fresh milk at one point of time. The DESA farm is a short drive away from the Kinabalu National Park and is good for quick pit stop.
Grab a gelato ice cream and watch the how the cows line up to be milked. That’s the max that you can do. The views however are really awesome. While I wouldn’t suggest heading out just for the DESA farm, it is one of those things to do in Kota Kinabalu if you are headed to the National park and would like to make a stop on the way.
21. The Botanical Garden
Our first glimpse at a pitcher plant!
Wondering what to do in Kota Kinabalu when visiting the Kinabalu National Park that is not the DESA farm? You will find that the botanical garden is located near close by. I particularly liked this garden because it gave us a chance to learn about the different species of plants that live within the island.
Unlike the Botanical garden in Lok Kawi, the plants were labeled and there were a number of helpful signs. We later learned that there was a canopy walk in the Botanical garden. We sadly missed that because we weren’t aware of it.
22. The Firefly River Cruise
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The Firefly River cruise is another one of the popular attractions in Kota Kinabalu. It is a 2 – 2 ½ hour drive out of the city before you cruise down the river to spot some of the wildlife in Borneo. The long drive deterred from heading out on the cruise but I’ve heard that some people really enjoy it.
The best solution is to book a tour so that you can take out the transport part of this trip. The cruise is held in the evening hours so that you can see the sky lit up with the sparkling of fireflies. It is mesmerizing. But that isn’t the only thing that you will see.
The proboscis monkey is endemic to this region. As the boat heads down the river, you will see the monkeys hanging from the tree branches. Their characteristic long noses is what makes them particularly interesting.
Once the cruise is done, you get to sit down to a nice traditional dinner where you will have entertainment. This is why even though the cruise is conducted in the evening, it still takes over 8 hours to reach back to the city.
“The guides on the boat were very knowledgeable and definitely have an amazing eye sight to see the animals in the jungle. Our group saw so many animals. The sunset on the boat was great. The fireflies in the night were insanely beautiful- like a Christmas tree in the dark. Must try!
The water is bioluminescence at some places. It will be good to add that. The last part of the boat ride – clear sky with stars, the fireflies on the tree and the bioluminescent water. Imagine that. Unfortunately no camera can capture this beauty – got to see it in person.”
Saumya (read more reviews now!)
Well worth it if you have the time. Its at the top of my list of things to do in Kota Kinabalu when we head back the next time.
23. Visit The Islands
A glimpse at the islands in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park
Tunku Abdul Rahman park is one of the most beautiful spots in the area. Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik and Gaya are the four popular islands that are just a 20 minute boat ride away from Kota Kinabalu. Boats depart from the Jesselton harbor at frequent intervals starting from 8 in the morning.
Each island has its own coral reef and marine life which is well worth seeing. The islands are perfect for a day trip and you can take your pick of how many islands you want to visit and where you want to go.
24. Marine Ecology Research Center (MERC)
Learn about how important it is to conserve the Marine ecosystem at MERC.
Located on Gaya island, the Marine Ecology Research center works towards preserving the biodiversity of the reef on Gaya island. They plant coral, set up artificial reefs and breed giant clams all in an effort to conserve the reef. When you visit MERC one of the volunteers or Marine Biologists will take you around and teach you about the different species of coral and fish that you can see around the island.
Take In The Culture
I think that one of the important things to do in Kota Kinabalu is to take in the culture of Borneo. The island in general has an interesting past.
I believe that truly understand a culture you need to know how the people lived before, what they ate, what they believe in etc. It is not always easy to do this. Kota Kinabalu does offer a few ways through which you can catch a glimpse of the past and the present.
25. The Sabah Museum
A less popular item on the list of things to do in Kota Kinabalu is to visit the museum.
The Sabah Museum is a great place to start if you want to catch a glimpse of what Borneo is like. The exhibits tell you about the influence that other cultures have on islands culture. It also gives you an understanding of biodiversity that exists on land and in the sea. Interestingly enough you can walk through the huts in order to see what the traditional accommodation was like.
26. The Mari Mari Village
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The Mari Mari village is supposed to be a great way to experience the culture of the island. We never got around to doing this item on our list of things to do in Kota Kinabalu. A number of tours take you to the culture village.
There are three timings. One in the morning, one in the afternoon and one in the evening. The night one is slightly more expensive because of there are a couple of more activities that are included.
“Great tour! The guide was very informative in the village And lunch was good as well It’s quite close and a good experience for adults and kids.”
Andras (read more reviews now!)
For those of you who haven’t heard about this village, the Mari Mari village is one of the traditional villages in the area. This village has been opened for tourism. It allows you to experience the way in which people live/lived on the island. Here you will see the traditional houses, how food is cooked, you get to taste a meal here and a cultural performance is also something that you get to see.
27. The Food
Kota Kinabalu is a foodie’s paradise!
Kota Kinabalu has one of the most amazing collections of different cuisines that I have ever seen. Our two weeks in the city meant that we had to treat our palate to the different flavors. Much to our surprise all the favors did not originate from Malaysia.
You can find food from different parts of the world. Japan. Korea, America, Mexico, Hungary, India…. The list goes on! That inspired me to write an in depth guide about the places to eat in Kota Kinabalu.
Other Activities
Kota Kinabalu has a lot of stuff for people who love the adrenaline rush. If you aren’t one of them then don’t worry, there are a number of peaceful pastimes too! Here are some of the other activities that may interest you
28. Play Golf
Did you know that golf is one of the popular things to do in Kota Kinabalu? This is especially true when it comes to the expats staying in the city.
There are two driving ranges in Kota Kinabalu and you can visit either one of them. We went to the Sutera Harbor Golf and Country club. It is a lovely place to visit and they beautiful golf course. It was my first time ever playing golf so we stuck to the driving range. Luckily we had a few experts in the group to teach us.
29. Catch A Movie
Kota Kinabalu has a number of movie theaters for such a small city. The shows are numerous so if you are feeling bored just wander in and you will find a movie you can catch. We watched the Mummy while we were in the city and the theaters were quite nice.
30. Challenge The Mountain
Never underestimate the mountain!
If you love the thrill of challenging a mountain and climbing to new heights then you should consider trekking up Mount Kinabalu. It is one of those things to do in Kota Kinabalu that draws people from all over. At over 4000 meters the mountain is formidable and the cost to trek up can get expensive. We didn’t do it and I would suggest doing your research on the prices before heading out.
31. Zip lines
Another fascinating thing to do is head out to the zip lines. The zip lines connect the two islands so you are basically flying across the sea from one island to another. A couple of our friends tried it out. So if it is your cup of tea then head out to the island of your choice. Just be sure to check which island has the starting point.
32. Parasailing
Parasailing is available too. We were at Sapi island when four of our friends went ahead and tried it. Shawn and I loved the Sapi reef way too much so we spent all of our time snorkeling. I’m not sure but I think that you need a minimum number of people to do parasailing. Oh and a tip is to bargain a bit. Be nice and they will be nice too!
Kota Kinabalu is a marvelous place. It has something for everyone. It has the fast pace and yet it has the tranquility. To me Kota Kinabalu is a place that you should go to if you want to get away from the world and yet still feel connected. I find it hard to describe.
There are a number of things to do in Kota Kinabalu. You don’t have to run about completing them all. Take a break and let the place seep into your being. Trust me you will go back with a better frame of mind. That’s what I did and I don’t regret it.
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This Epic World
Monday 7th of August 2017
This is such a great list of things to do there. The board walk looks gorgeous. I've never been to Borneo. But this post has inspired me to visit the area soon.
Yishyene C
Monday 7th of August 2017
I've never seen a pitcher plant in real life before! I'm still a little disappointed in myself that I have yet to make it to Borneo even though it's part of my own home country! >.<
Luda
Monday 7th of August 2017
Wow, this is an amazing post - there's so much to do and you highlighted it all! The Sabah State Mosque looks really pretty and reminds me of the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Also I would love to try some of that yummy night market food! :)
Cory Varga
Sunday 6th of August 2017
We would def go there for the mountain. Over 4000 m is a dream. We are outdoors people and we absolutely love hiking. Even though it can be a bit of a challenge. We also love pitcher plants. We saw our first one in Kew Gardens actually. hehe
Penny
Monday 7th of August 2017
I really thought the pitcher plants were cool. That was one of the biggest highlights of our trip. These tiny parts of traveling make life so interesting.
Lisa
Sunday 6th of August 2017
I so want to get to Borneo. Great post and making me want to go even more now.