30 Best Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah, a city with islands, beaches, markets, food and attractions. Whether you are planning a day trip or a longer stay, there is plenty to do. These 30 things to do in Kota Kinabalu cover the best attractions and experiences.

Beaches

1. Visit Tanjung Aru Beach

Tanjung Aru is a popular beach in Kota Kinabalu, known for its sunset views. See our best beaches in Sabah guide.

2. Relax on the Beach

Kota Kinabalu has beaches, popular for relaxation and sunset views. See our best beaches in Sabah guide.

3. Watch the Sunset at Tanjung Aru

Tanjung Aru is known for its sunset views. It is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Kota Kinabalu. See our best beaches in Sabah guide.

Islands

4. Go Island Hopping

Island hopping is a popular activity at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Check current availability with official operators. See our best beaches in Sabah guide.

5. Visit Manukan Island

Manukan Island is one of the islands in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, popular for beaches and facilities. See our best beaches in Sabah guide.

6. Visit Sapi Island

Sapi Island is one of the islands in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, popular for beaches and snorkelling. See our best beaches in Sabah guide.

7. Visit Gaya Island

Gaya Island is the largest island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, with beaches and a mangrove forest. See our best beaches in Sabah guide.

8. Go Snorkelling

Snorkelling is popular at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Check current conditions with official operators. See our best beaches in Sabah guide.

Markets

9. Visit Gaya Street

Gaya Street is a historic street in Kota Kinabalu, with a popular Sunday market. See our best places to visit in Kota Kinabalu guide.

10. Visit the Gaya Street Sunday Market

The Gaya Street Sunday Market is a popular market, with food, crafts and local products. Check current operating days with local sources.

11. Visit the Filipino Market

The Filipino Market (Handicraft Market) is a market near the waterfront, popular for crafts and souvenirs. Check current operating status with local sources.

Food

12. Try Kota Kinabalu Food

Kota Kinabalu has local food, including seafood and Sabah dishes. See our best food in Sabah guide.

13. Visit Kota Kinabalu Food Places

Kota Kinabalu has a range of food places, from local dishes to seafood. See our best food places in Kota Kinabalu guide.

14. Try Seafood

Kota Kinabalu has seafood restaurants serving fresh seafood. See our best food places in Kota Kinabalu guide.

15. Visit Night Markets

Kota Kinabalu has night markets with food, clothing and local products. Check current operating days with local sources. See our best food places in Kota Kinabalu guide.

Shopping

16. Visit Suria Sabah

Suria Sabah is a shopping mall in Kota Kinabalu, with shops and food. Check current operating status with official sources.

17. Visit Imago Shopping Mall

Imago is a shopping mall in Kota Kinabalu, with shops, food and entertainment. Check current operating status with official sources.

Culture

18. Visit the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque

The Kota Kinabalu City Mosque is a landmark mosque, known for its design. Check current opening hours with official sources. See our best places to visit in Kota Kinabalu guide.

19. Visit the Sabah State Museum

The Sabah State Museum covers the history and heritage of Sabah. Check current operating status with official sources. See our best places to visit in Kota Kinabalu guide.

20. Visit Mari Mari Cultural Village

Mari Mari Cultural Village is a cultural village near Kota Kinabalu, showcasing traditional Bornean cultures. Check current operating status with official sources. See our best places to visit in Kota Kinabalu guide.

Viewpoints

21. Visit Signal Hill

Signal Hill is a viewpoint in Kota Kinabalu, with views over the city. See our best places to visit in Kota Kinabalu guide.

22. Visit the Signal Hill Observatory Platform

The Signal Hill Observatory Platform is a viewing platform, with panoramic views over the city. See our best places to visit in Kota Kinabalu guide.

Family Activities

23. Visit Lok Kawi Wildlife Park

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park is a wildlife park near Kota Kinabalu, popular with families. Check current operating status with official sources. See our Sabah with kids guide.

24. Visit Tun Fuad Stephens Park

Tun Fuad Stephens Park is a park in Kota Kinabalu, popular for jogging and relaxation. Check current operating status with official sources.

Waterfront

25. Visit the Kota Kinabalu Waterfront

The Kota Kinabalu Waterfront is a waterfront area, popular for food, drinks and sunset views. See our best places to visit in Kota Kinabalu guide.

Nearby Attractions

26. Visit Kundasang

Kundasang is about 2 hours from Kota Kinabalu by car, known for its cool climate and mountain views. See our best places to visit in Kundasang guide.

27. Visit Mount Kinabalu

Mount Kinabalu is about 2 hours from Kota Kinabalu by car. See our Mount Kinabalu travel guide guide.

28. Drive to Kundasang

The drive from Kota Kinabalu to Kundasang is a popular scenic road trip. See our Kota Kinabalu to Kundasang road trip guide.

Itineraries and Road Trips

29. Follow a Kota Kinabalu 3-Day Itinerary

Follow our Kota Kinabalu 3-day itinerary for a planned trip to Kota Kinabalu.

30. Take a Sabah Road Trip

A road trip is a great way to explore mainland Sabah. See our Sabah road trip guide.

Practical Tips

• Getting there: Kota Kinabalu is accessible by air, with Kota Kinabalu International Airport. See our places to visit in Sabah guide.
• Getting around: Kota Kinabalu is a compact city. Walking is possible in the city centre. A car is useful for exploring nearby attractions. See our Sabah car rental guide.
• Weather: Kota Kinabalu is tropical year-round. Rain is possible year-round. Check weather conditions before your trip.
• Islands: Island access depends on weather and sea conditions. Check current ferry and boat schedules with official operators before travelling.
• Culture: Sabah is multicultural. Respect local customs. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
• Attractions: Check current operating status for attractions before visiting. Conditions can change.

FAQ

What are the best things to do in Kota Kinabalu?

The best things to do include visiting Tanjung Aru Beach, the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Gaya Street and the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque. See our places to visit in Kota Kinabalu guide.

How many days do I need in Kota Kinabalu?

3-4 days is enough to see the main attractions. See our Kota Kinabalu 3-day itinerary guide.

What is Kota Kinabalu famous for?

Kota Kinabalu is famous for its islands, sunset views, seafood and as a gateway to Mount Kinabalu. See our places to visit in Kota Kinabalu guide.

Conclusion

Kota Kinabalu is a good base for exploring Sabah. For more ideas, see our places to visit in Kota Kinabalu, best food places in Kota Kinabalu and Kota Kinabalu 3-day itinerary guides. For exploring beyond Kota Kinabalu, see our places to visit in Sabah guide.