Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu
Top Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu
Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu
Explore popular experiences
See what other travelers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings.
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Kota Kinabalu.
- Full-day Toursfromper adult₱2,869
- Scuba Divingfromper adult₱5,491
- fromper adult₱2,649
- fromper adult (price varies by group size)₱3,178
- fromper adult₱7,976
- Climbingfromper adult (price varies by group size)₱41,312
- fromper adult₱2,135
- Full-day Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)₱3,747
- On the Waterfromper adult₱3,557
- Full-day Toursfromper adult (price varies by group size)₱4,648
Other Top Attractions around Kota Kinabalu
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travelers are saying
- Adry AMiri, Malaysia2 contributionsTried snorkelling & seawalking under operator named Long Beach. I recommend this operator as they are more organized, well priced, departs early, and I like their striking bright red life jackets. Got few packages, I took the one with 2 islands hopping (Manukan & Mamutik), snorkelling and sea walking (including go pro photos and videos rental). Can find other packages to (other water sport: Banana boat & Parasailing). Can find more booking info from internet (I use direct Whatsapp to book). Easy to deal with.Written November 14, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- IndySigIndianapolis, IN3,842 contributionsA very pretty mosque but quite a walk from KK. We enjoyed the seaside stroll, saw the sun setting and then enjoyed a nice dinner at one of the food stalls behind the mosque.Written January 19, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Anonymous AGreater Sydney, Australia169 contributionsA 2 island hopping trip - Sapi and Manukan costs RM $45 direct from the Jesselton ferry terminal. First stop was Sapi island. An extra RM25 per adult is paid on arrival foe the whole day for conservation. The speed boat took about 10 - 15 min. The ride was choppy. No safety ramps or assistance getting on or off board. Life jackets were not offered on the way back. Driver seemed to be competing with other drivers for speed. Would not be suitable for people with back pain or those with physical disabilities. Sapi island had 2 small Beaches to snorkel. However there were alot of dead coral and minimal marine life. Water was clear and warm. Still a nice place to relax and rewind despite many tourists.
Unfortunately, we couldn't find a boat to take us in-between islands. Priority was to tour groups. No one was willing to assist us. We waited 1 hour for a speed boat and decided to forfeit the 2nd island in case we could not get back to the terminal. Very poorly organised, chaotic and unhelpful staff on the islands. Could be so much better for Malaysian tourism.Written December 25, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Soko37Budapest, Hungary4,537 contributionsMostly popular street for food experience, all type of restaurants on both side, weekend night market attracting many people and visitors. Our time decorated to Lunar New Year 🧧 decorationWritten February 9, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Andrea Lehotska TravelbloggerMilan, Italy358 contributionsLarge, clean, functional.
From supermarket to branded content, local products to thai massage or Escape Room, european brands to cheaper fancy local staff.
Toilets always superclean, every 2hrs a traditional dance exhibition, big choice of unhealthy european fast food too:)
Interesting initiative of rap music and similar.
Bring a jacket as u will freeze ur a** off :)Written May 8, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Zsuzsa.GuideTargu Secuiesc, Romania244 contributionsThis museum is not so big, enough one hour to see a few exhibits outside and inside-- the story of headhunters, animals, dishes, ve traditional costumes, a bajau horseman and 2 very interesting coffind with bullhead. Of course, you cannot miss the whale bones at the main entrance.Written March 17, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Aldo VSwitzerland20 contributionsWe only visited Mamutik and Manukan islands, but Mamutik was by far the more interesting.
I saw beautiful fish, a sting ray and a reef shark while snorkeling.Written April 7, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Zsuzsa.GuideTargu Secuiesc, Romania244 contributionsInteresting experience to have an idea about the crowded nightlife. Feels like the whole city is out to eat, drink, dance from the youngest to older people. All kind of streetfood you can buy-fish, chicken, rice, candies, juice, fruits. People are sitting on the street & eat.Written March 8, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Eliana P8 contributionsWe did a snorkelling day trip in TARP with kids and thoroughly enjoyed it. Water was clear, lunch was really good and guides were very helpful with the kids. Highly recommend a visit before it is destroyed!!
Too much trash in the water. No one seems to be looking after it - plastic bags, plastic bottles, aluminium cans. If this is not corrected soon the area will be destroyed.Written September 24, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Soko37Budapest, Hungary4,537 contributionsOriginal plan was sunset on the beach but there were clouds and few drops or rain 🌧️ it should be great if it is clean sky. Many people, tourists, students, parents with kids, stroking on the beach or sitting and enjoying local specialities. Parking place available but really full when leavingWritten February 9, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Andy FDevizes, UK1,240 contributionsI found this place to be a bit of a strange combination. It's part eco-lodge with nice walks and a large butterfly house, part hot springs, part swimming pool, part children's venue and part restaurant. There's a jungle canopy walkway (which I didn't go on). The restaurant served a good lunch. THe butterfly house was rather old and tatty, and not too many butterflies in there, but the ones we did see were very colourful.Written February 6, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- LeonhknyHong Kong, China14,495 contributionsAmong the shopping malls in downtown Kota Kinabalu, Suria Sabah is the grandest and most interesting for tourists. Steps away from the lively Jalan Gaya, the mall is a popular local destination with plenty of boutiques at good prices. The Lunar New Year decoration is quite impressive, too.Written February 25, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kota Kinabalu
- The top attractions to visit in Kota Kinabalu are:
- Manukan Island
- Tanjung Aru Beach
- Imago Shopping Mall
- Gaya Street Sunday Market
- Kota Kinabalu City Mosque
- The best outdoor activities in Kota Kinabalu according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Adventures in Borneo with Downbelow Marine & Wildlife
- Tanjung Aru Beach
- Mawali Sailing
- Manukan Island
- Mamutik Island
- The best day trips from Kota Kinabalu according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Sky-Mirror Photographing and Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Watching River-Cruise
- Borneo (Klias) River Cruise & Fireflies Tour
- Full Day Bongawan River Cruise with Proboscis Monkey Sightseeing
- Kinabalu Park & Poring Hot Spring & Canopy Walk
- Kota Kinabalu K2 Fireflies Sunset River Cruise Tour with Dinner
- The most popular things to do in Kota Kinabalu with kids according to Tripadvisor travelers are:
- Borneo Dream Travel & Tours
- Land Below The Wind
- SeaTango
- Borneo Trails Tours & Travel
- Borneo Eco Tours