Things to see and do
Sightseeing
Atkinson Clock Tower
Must go place in the city. Sundays only. All kinds of things are sold and plenty of places to eat. Need to spend at least a few hours there.
48 locals recommend
Satay Legend Lok Kawi 1
Must go place in the city. Sundays only. All kinds of things are sold and plenty of places to eat. Need to spend at least a few hours there.
You can see almost the whole of the city and the nearby islands from this place on the hill. Can either drive there or climb the stairs from the bottom.
69 locals recommend
Signal Hill Observatory Tower
78 Jalan AsramaYou can see almost the whole of the city and the nearby islands from this place on the hill. Can either drive there or climb the stairs from the bottom.
Scenic train ride on a real Steam powered train.
Departs every Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Departs at 9am and typically returns around 2pm with stops at the towns along the route. Meal is served in tiffin containers on board.
A bit pricey.
Alternatively, you can catch the regular diesel powered train and see the countryside for much cheaper on the only rail system on the island of Borneo.
16 locals recommend
North Borneo Railway
Jalan Utama Sutera HarbourScenic train ride on a real Steam powered train.
Departs every Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Departs at 9am and typically returns around 2pm with stops at the towns along the route. Meal is served in tiffin containers on board.
A bit pricey.
Alternatively, you can catch the regular diesel powered train and see the countryside for much cheaper on the only rail system on the island of Borneo.
The tip of Borneo it is called. The northernmost edge of Borneo island and the meeting point of South China Sea and the Sulu Sea.
Good place to watch the sunrise or sunset. Journey will take about 3 hours from Kota Kinabalu, each way.
There are some small restaurants there and a few chalets. But the nearest town will be Kudat which is about 1 hour drive.
Tanjung Simpang Mengayau Beach
The tip of Borneo it is called. The northernmost edge of Borneo island and the meeting point of South China Sea and the Sulu Sea.
Good place to watch the sunrise or sunset. Journey will take about 3 hours from Kota Kinabalu, each way.
There are some small restaurants there and a few chalets. But the nearest town will be Kudat which is about 1 hour drive.
Parks & Nature
The Park is made up of 5 islands and is only 15 minutes boat ride from the city. Very good place for sunbathing, jungle walks, sea sports and swimming.
45 locals recommend
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
The Park is made up of 5 islands and is only 15 minutes boat ride from the city. Very good place for sunbathing, jungle walks, sea sports and swimming.
Around 2-3 hours drive to the foot of Mount Kinabalu. Can do a day trip here or stay a few nights. They have trails, hot springs, tree-top walks.
21 locals recommend
Kinabalu Park
Around 2-3 hours drive to the foot of Mount Kinabalu. Can do a day trip here or stay a few nights. They have trails, hot springs, tree-top walks.
THE place to be to see the sunset if you're in KK. Nice long beach and a park next to it. There are stalls selling food and souvenirs also.
Come in the morning when it's cooler because the sun is in your back or slightly later in the afternoon when the sun is cooler and catch the sunset.
Can be quite crowded with tourists during weekends.
74 locals recommend
Tanjung Aru Beach
THE place to be to see the sunset if you're in KK. Nice long beach and a park next to it. There are stalls selling food and souvenirs also.
Come in the morning when it's cooler because the sun is in your back or slightly later in the afternoon when the sun is cooler and catch the sunset.
Can be quite crowded with tourists during weekends.
This park is very near to the city but once you're inside, you will forget how close you are. It is like you are hundreds of miles from the city and totally surrounded by nature.
You don't have to be a bird enthusiast to go here. Just an appreciation for nature.
16 locals recommend
Kota Kinabalu Wetland Ramsar Site
Off Jalan Bukit Bendera UpperThis park is very near to the city but once you're inside, you will forget how close you are. It is like you are hundreds of miles from the city and totally surrounded by nature.
You don't have to be a bird enthusiast to go here. Just an appreciation for nature.
The highest peak in Malaysia. The breathtaking view from the top as you watch the sun rise from the horizon will make you forget everything.
Does not require special skills or equipment to climb. Just fitness and will power.
The climb will take 2 days with 1 night spent ay the halfway point. Final ascent to the summit will start at 2am and reach there latest by 5am.
Try to avoid climbing during the rainy seasons. Bad weather can cause your climb to be cancelled and there is no refund policy.
47 locals recommend
Mount Kinabalu
Jalan Kundasang KauluanThe highest peak in Malaysia. The breathtaking view from the top as you watch the sun rise from the horizon will make you forget everything.
Does not require special skills or equipment to climb. Just fitness and will power.
The climb will take 2 days with 1 night spent ay the halfway point. Final ascent to the summit will start at 2am and reach there latest by 5am.
Try to avoid climbing during the rainy seasons. Bad weather can cause your climb to be cancelled and there is no refund policy.
Arts & Culture
You can see how the many tribes of Sabah lived in the old days. They have guided tours there and meals are included in the tour. There is a traditional dance show at the end.
67 locals recommend
Mari Mari Cultural Village
Jalan KionsomYou can see how the many tribes of Sabah lived in the old days. They have guided tours there and meals are included in the tour. There is a traditional dance show at the end.
They have traditional houses for the many ethnic groups of Sabah.
76 locals recommend
Sabah State Museum
Jalan MuziumThey have traditional houses for the many ethnic groups of Sabah.
Food Scene
One of the best places to have Fish Noodle Soup in the city. Very famous place and the price is quite reasonable.
35 locals recommend
Fatt Kee Seafood Restaurant
Lorong HilltopOne of the best places to have Fish Noodle Soup in the city. Very famous place and the price is quite reasonable.
Apart from their very strategic location in the heart of the city centre, the food is excellent. Especially recommended is the Claypot Chicken Rice.
Just remember there is usually a large crowd here and you have to wait for a table.
53 locals recommend
Yee Fung Laksa
127 Jalan GayaApart from their very strategic location in the heart of the city centre, the food is excellent. Especially recommended is the Claypot Chicken Rice.
Just remember there is usually a large crowd here and you have to wait for a table.
One of the many cafés located along this road also known as Australia Lane because it used to house the allied army barracks after the end of WW2.
Serves one of the nicest coffee in town and they have a selection of desserts as well. Quite popular with the younger crowd.
40 locals recommend
October Coffee Gaya
13 Lorong DewanOne of the many cafés located along this road also known as Australia Lane because it used to house the allied army barracks after the end of WW2.
Serves one of the nicest coffee in town and they have a selection of desserts as well. Quite popular with the younger crowd.
Shopping
Place to go to look for souvenirs, T-shirts, pearls. Fruit markets and fresh produce markets next to it.
58 locals recommend
Filipino Market
Jalan Tun Fuad StephenPlace to go to look for souvenirs, T-shirts, pearls. Fruit markets and fresh produce markets next to it.
One of the trendiest mall in Kota Kinabalu carrying multiple international brands as well as a good selection of food outlets.
227 locals recommend
Imago, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Phase 2 Off Coastal HighwayOne of the trendiest mall in Kota Kinabalu carrying multiple international brands as well as a good selection of food outlets.
Getting Around
Wisma Sabah
Jalan Tun Fuad StephensMany tour agents and Car/Bike Rental companies have offices here.