Nestled on the northwest coast of Borneo, Kota Kinabalu—fondly known as KK—is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends urban charm with breathtaking natural beauty. As the gateway to Sabah, Malaysia, this coastal paradise offers stunning sunsets, rich cultural heritage, and easy access to lush rainforests and pristine islands. Whether you're an adventure seeker, a foodie craving fresh seafood, or a traveler in search of relaxation, KK has something for everyone. Join me as I dive into the wonders of this tropical gem, uncovering the best things to see, do, and experience in Kota Kinabalu.
If you're looking for an itinerary idea, check out my post on 5 days in Kota Kinabalu:
How to get there...
By Air
Kota Kinabalu is served by Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI), the second busiest airport in Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Located just 7 km from the city centre, BKI offers both domestic and international flights, making it the main gateway to Sabah.
International Flights
Kota Kinabalu has direct international flights from major cities, including:
Singapore (via Scoot, AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines)
Hong Kong (via AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines)
Seoul, South Korea (via Jin Air, Korean Air)
Taipei, Taiwan (via China Airlines, AirAsia)
Guangzhou & Shenzhen, China (via Xiamen Air, China Southern Airlines)
For travellers from Europe, the US, or Australia, the best option is to transit through Kuala Lumpur (KLIA) or other major hubs like Singapore (Changi Airport) or Hong Kong before taking a direct flight to KK.
Domestic Flights
If you're traveling from other parts of Malaysia, frequent flights are available from:
Kuala Lumpur – 2.5 hours (AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air)
Penang – 3 hours (AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines)
Johor Bahru – 2.5 hours (AirAsia)
Kuching & Miri (Sarawak) – 1.5 hours (AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines)
Sandakan & Tawau (Sabah) – 45 minutes to 1 hour (MASwings, AirAsia)
From the Airport to the City Center
Once you land at Kota Kinabalu International Airport, you have a few transport options to reach the city center:
Grab (E-Hailing Service): The most convenient and affordable option, costing around MYR 10-20 to downtown KK.
Airport Taxis: Available at the taxi counter in the arrivals hall; fares are fixed (around MYR 30-40 depending on destination).
Airport Shuttle Bus: A budget-friendly option (MYR 5-10 per person), but schedules may be infrequent.
Car Rentals: Available at the airport if you plan to explore beyond KK; prices start at MYR 100/day.
By Land (From Other Parts of Borneo)
For those already in Sarawak or Brunei, there are long-distance buses connecting to Kota Kinabalu:
From Brunei: Buses from Bandar Seri Begawan to KK take about 6-7 hours (including border crossing).
From Sarawak (Miri): The bus journey takes 8-10 hours through scenic routes.
Top Attractions in KK
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park: A Tropical Haven Close to Kota Kinabalu
Just a 15-20 minute boat ride from Kota Kinabalu, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is a stunning collection of five tropical islands surrounded by crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. This protected marine park is perfect for snorkeling, scuba diving, island hopping, and simply relaxing on white sandy beaches.
The Five Islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Gaya Island (Pulau Gaya) – The largest island, known for its lush rainforest, high-end resorts, and clear waters ideal for diving. The Gaya Island Resort and Bunga Raya Island Resort offer luxurious beachfront stays. Visitors can also explore the Trekking Trails and visit the Bajau Laut (Sea Gypsy) villages.
Manukan Island (Pulau Manukan) – The most popular island, with the best beaches for swimming and sunbathing. It has great facilities, including a resort, restaurants, and a long stretch of powdery white sand. Snorkeling here is fantastic, especially near the jetty and coral gardens.
Sapi Island (Pulau Sapi) – A small yet lively island with excellent snorkeling and diving spots. The marine life here is abundant, with colorful coral reefs, clownfish, and even occasional sea turtles. It’s also famous for the Coral Flyer Zipline, Southeast Asia’s longest island-to-island zipline, connecting Sapi to Gaya Island.
Mamutik Island (Pulau Mamutik) – A quieter, less crowded island, perfect for those looking for a peaceful retreat. The coral reefs are rich in marine life, making it a great spot for snorkeling. There are basic facilities, but fewer crowds than Manukan or Sapi.
Sulug Island (Pulau Sulug) – The most remote and least developed island, great for those seeking solitude and untouched nature. It has a rocky shoreline with some sandy beaches and is an ideal destination for adventurous travelers looking for a secluded experience.
Activities to Enjoy at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
⭐ Snorkeling & Swimming – All five islands have fantastic snorkeling spots, with crystal-clear waters, colorful fish, and coral reefs. Popular spots include the Sapi Island jetty and the Manukan coral gardens.
⭐ Scuba Diving – With a range of dive sites, including wreck dives and coral reefs, TARP is great for both beginners and experienced divers. Popular dive sites include Mid Reef, Police Bay, and Agill Reef.
⭐ Island Hopping – You can visit multiple islands in one day with boat tours departing from Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal. Packages allow you to choose 2-3 islands for a day trip.
⭐ Parasailing & Jet Skiing – Available on Manukan and Sapi Islands for thrill-seekers who want to see the marine park from above.
⭐ Jungle Trekking – Gaya Island has several jungle trails where you can explore the island’s rainforest, wildlife, and hidden beaches.
How to Get There
Boats to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park depart from Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal in Kota Kinabalu.
Tickets for island hopping start at MYR 30-50 per island, plus a conservation fee (~MYR 20 for foreigners).
The first boat leaves around 8:30 AM, and the last return boat is around 4:00 PM.
Best Time to Visit
The best months to visit are February to May, when the weather is sunny, and the sea is calm.
Avoid the monsoon season (November to January) when there may be rain and rough waters.
Where I Visited?
Mamutik Island
Manukan Island
Sapi Island
I can definitely say it was easy to gain a ticket for the ferry which included snorkelling for the day and entry into the 3 islands. I popped into the ferry port the evening before and booked on the spot. I did this as I wanted to head off to the islands as early as possible the next day.
Tanjung Aru Beach
This was by far my favourite, most relaxing spot, of Kota Kinabalu. I took a Grab car from my hotel across to Tanjung Aru beach and had reserved a seat at the restaurant 'Zing Sunset Bar' to ensure I caught the sunset. I spent around 3 hours here, having dinner and drinks as well as people watching and taking my own photos. The sunset was stunning, appearing in a variety of colours and stages.
Further along the beach, you'd see the same colours and hues of the sunset but could enjoy this with a drink or fruity snack from the beach stall vendors instead. A number of people also seemingly set up picnic blankets for the sunset.
City Mosque (Floating Mosque)
The Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, also known as the Floating Mosque, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Sabah. With its stunning white and blue façade, intricate Islamic architecture, and a serene lagoon that creates a mesmerising reflection of the mosque, this is a must-visit attraction for travellers and photographers alike.
Architectural Beauty:
The mosque's striking design is inspired by Medina’s Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, one of the holiest mosques in Islam. It features four towering minarets and a grand blue and gold dome, giving it a majestic and elegant look. The mosque is surrounded by a man-made lagoon, making it appear as if it is floating on water—hence its nickname, the “Floating Mosque.” At night, the mosque is beautifully illuminated, creating a breathtaking reflection on the water.
Religious & Cultural Significance
The City Mosque is the second main mosque in Kota Kinabalu, after the Sabah State Mosque. It is an active place of worship, capable of accommodating 12,000 worshippers at a time. Visitors can observe Islamic traditions and architecture while learning about the local Muslim community in Sabah.
Visitors must first arrive into the 'dressing room' at the entrance of the Mosque to change into traditional dress. This must be worn for anyone wanting to walk towards the Mosque. Shoes must be removed before entering the prayer hall. Respect the quiet and spiritual atmosphere of the mosque.
Visitor Information
⏰ Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday & Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: Closed for non-Muslim visitors due to prayers
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
💵 Entrance Fee:
MYR 5 per person for the exterior area
📍 Location: Jalan Pasir, Likas Bay – About 4 km from Kota Kinabalu city center. It’s easily accessible by Grab, taxi, or a short drive.
Best Time to Visit
Morning (8:00 – 10:00 AM) – Cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
Sunset (5:00 – 6:30 PM) – The golden hour makes for the most breathtaking reflections and photos.
Avoid Fridays, as the mosque is reserved for prayers.
Klias River Tour: A Wildlife & Fireflies Adventure
The Klias River tour is one of the best nature and wildlife experiences near Kota Kinabalu. Located about 112 km south of KK, the Klias Wetlands is a mangrove forest reserve home to unique wildlife, including proboscis monkeys, macaques, monitor lizards, crocodiles, and fireflies. This half-day river cruise offers an unforgettable chance to see Borneo’s famous long-nosed proboscis monkeys in their natural habitat, followed by a magical firefly display at night. These tours usually leave around 1pm and return by 11pm.
Why Visit Klias River?
See Proboscis Monkeys – These rare, long-nosed primates are only found in Borneo!
Firefly Spectacle – Watch trees light up like Christmas decorations after sunset.
Peaceful River Cruise – Glide along the calm river, surrounded by lush mangroves.
Spot Other Wildlife – Look out for silvered langurs, crocodiles, otters, and eagles.
Delicious Local Dinner – Most tours include a traditional Malaysian buffet dinner.
What to Bring?
🦟 Insect repellent – The mangroves have mosquitoes!
Camera with zoom lens – To capture wildlife from a distance.
Comfortable sandals – Some areas may be wet.
Light jacket – The night breeze can get chilly.
Best Time to Visit
The dry season (March – October) offers the best chance to see wildlife.
The river tour operates year-round, but rain (Nov – Feb) may make the water levels higher.
The Klias River tour is a must-do experience for nature lovers visiting Kota Kinabalu! Whether it’s watching wild proboscis monkeys, enjoying a sunset over the river, or witnessing thousands of fireflies light up the trees, this tour offers a relaxing and magical adventure.
Nook Cafe
Nook Cafe offers a variety of brunch and lunch items, ranging from Western dishes to local delicacies. They serve premium Arabica coffee freshly made to order, as well as tea and juice for non-caffeinated options. The menu includes vegetarian and vegan-friendly choices, catering to diverse dietary preferences. Nook Cafe operates daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, making it a convenient choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The cafe's atmosphere and reliable Wi-Fi make it a favoured spot for both dining and relaxation.
Nook Cafe -> located at 19 Jalan Dewan in Kota Kinabalu
If you're looking for a sample itinerary, check out my post here:
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