Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu

Top Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu

Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Kota Kinabalu.

From quick jaunts to full-day outings.

Top Attractions in Kota Kinabalu

These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.






*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 A
    Miri, Malaysia2 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Tried 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, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • IndySig
    Indianapolis, IN3,842 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A 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, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Anonymous A
    Greater Sydney, Australia169 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    A 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, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Soko37
    Budapest, Hungary4,537 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mostly 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 🧧 decoration
    Written February 9, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Andrea Lehotska Travelblogger
    Milan, Italy358 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Large, 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, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Zsuzsa.Guide
    Targu Secuiesc, Romania244 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This 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, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Aldo V
    Switzerland20 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We 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, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Zsuzsa.Guide
    Targu Secuiesc, Romania244 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Interesting 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, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Eliana P
    8 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We 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, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Soko37
    Budapest, Hungary4,537 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Original 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 leaving
    Written February 9, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Andy F
    Devizes, UK1,240 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    I 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, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Leonhkny
    Hong Kong, China14,495 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Among 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, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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