Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah on the island of Borneo in eastern Malaysia, is a far cry from Kuala Lumpur. Instead of cloud-high skyscrapers and noisy traffic, this rural city is defined mostly by its waterfront shops and restaurants, craft markets and the neighbouring South China Sea and rainforest, where lush jungle trails and abundant marine life beckon sightseers.
Kota Kinabalu serves as a base for exploring Borneo's surrounding countryside. The city is considered a gateway to Kinabalu National Park and Mount Kinabalu – Malaysia's tallest peak. Nature lovers are drawn to the mountain's diverse plant and animal species, while experienced hikers come to tackle the 13,435-foot summit. Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park is another natural wonder – a cluster of five islands off Kinabalu's coast whose pristine waters and coral reefs provide excellent conditions for diving, snorkelling and sailing.
In Kota Kinabalu, there are plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the local culture. At the Filipino Market, vendors sell everything from woven baskets to cultured pearls to fresh seafood. History buffs dedicate hours to the Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village, whose exhibits showcase Asian artefacts including weapons, ceramics and musical instruments as well as a natural history section.
If you're interested in venturing farther from the city, the North Borneo Railway offers a scenic way to see the island. Originally constructed in 1886, the railway has been restored as a scenic passage that carries travellers by steam train through rice fields, market towns and along the coast.
Tonight
From £12 per night
This weekend
From £25 per night
Next weekend
From £26 per night
Most popular time to visit | October–December |
Cheapest time to visit | January–March |
Local currency | MYR 10 = £1.68 |
Language | Malay |
Average weekend price | £41 per night |
Average weekday price | £42 per night |
Typical stay | 2 nights |
Great place for vacation.
2 May 2024
Great place for vacation. The Philippine market was so crowd. the goods are expensive but still can bargain. Be careful with the seller who offer you to pack your things in the box. you have to check before they seal it.
The little city or small town is not special at all, there...
2 April 2024
The little city or small town is not special at all, there is no charm to it really and I would not visit it for the town itself. However, it is a town where the airport is so you have to go through it. It is very convenient to access the Jesselton pier to take the boats to the island and to go to the markets, which are not really that special. They are OK. I have seen many great markets throughout Asia.
we stayed in 4 different hotels for 3-4 nights.
28 March 2024
we stayed in 4 different hotels for 3-4 nights. All good in different ways. Sea food was super and other meals good,(some too spicy for us but we learnt to ask for "not too spicy") Taxi transport was cheap and easy. Ferry boat transfers were more difficult, Ask Island Hotels for their ferry times BEFORE you book return flights as free ferries only go at selective times. We had to book a private ferry so we could get to the airport for a 13.00 flight. (cost £48) Loved the area but we were on the wrong coast for easy access to oranotang monkeys . Flights across were too expensive for us to make the trip!
My Mrs.
16 March 2024
My Mrs. and the group enjoyed the trips to central fish markets and night markets, seafood restaurants, etc. Big spacious living room for everyone to use. Easy to hail transport…so many cars around us waiting for passengers Buying provisions no problem Good food in the mall
Kota Kinabalu is a fabulous place to visit for the amazing...
15 March 2024
Kota Kinabalu is a fabulous place to visit for the amazing food, from budget level to fine dining but especially the local and other Asian cuisine. The Filipino Market was exceptional and we left will full cases. Transport around the centre is easy by walking or Grab. The Island trips looked superb but not at our age unfortunately considering the very hot afternoons. Next year we'll go to Mount Kinabalu area but too far on a short visit. The people were invariably charming.
I saw the inside and outside of KK International airport 5...
7 March 2024
I saw the inside and outside of KK International airport 5 times, and travelled to and from Ibis Styles Inanam hotel by taxi twice but did not visit any "attractions" in KK. The panoramic view westward over KK skyline from my 1-night stays in 10th and 11th floor rooms was unremarkable. The only place of interest I noted was beside the highway heading eastwards out of town to the hotel: a cemetery covering 3 or 4 low hills densely packed with multicoloured graves and shrines: a miniature city of departed souls.
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
From £80 per night
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
From £37 per night
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
From £40 per night
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
From £35 per night
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
From £39 per night
Apartments
From £10 per night
Resorts
From £36 per night
Villas
From £25 per night
Cabins
From £4 per night
Cottages
From £13 per night
Serviced Apartments
From £16 per night
Holiday Homes
From £13 per night
Guest Houses
From £13 per night
Hostels
From £3 per night
Homestays
From £19 per night
Self Catering Accommodation
From £13 per night