Kota Kinabalu

Travel Guide

Kota Kinabalu which includes landscape views and boating
Photo provided by Tourism Malaysia
Kota Kinabalu Waterfront showing markets, food and night scenes
Photo provided by Tourism Malaysia
Kota Kinabalu featuring mountains

Kota Kinabalu Travel Guide Video

Where to stay in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu showing a coastal town, tropical scenes and island images

Downtown Kota Kinabalu

4.5/5(90 area reviews)

Downtown Kota Kinabalu is known for its popular shops, and you can see some sights in the area like Anjung Samudera and Centre Point.

Downtown Kota Kinabalu
The sunset here is always mesmerizing never disappointing. Tanjung Aru is divided into 3 beaches. The first beach is the most popular with locals and tourists. Bring some food or get some local food there and enjoy your meals as the sun displays her colours. It’s about 20  mins drive from the city.

Tanjung Aru

3.5/5(10 area reviews)

Pristine beaches and ample dining options are well-reviewed features of Tanjung Aru. Make a stop by top sights like Tanjung Aru Perdana Park while you're exploring the area.

Tanjung Aru
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Karambunai

Visitors highly recommend Karambunai for its beaches, and you can make a stop by Nexus Golf Resort Karambunai while you're in town.

Karambunai
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Alamesra

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Alamesra and surrounding area, you can visit 1Borneo Hypermall and Likas Stadium.

Alamesra
Kota Kinabalu showing a coastal town, tropical scenes and island images

Kampung Air

Unique features of Kampung Air include the shopping and restaurants. Make a stop by Kompleks Asia City or Sedco Square while you're exploring the area.

Kampung Air
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Kepayan

Kepayan might not have many top sights, but Tanjung Aru Perdana Park and Sabah State Mosque are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Kepayan
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
5 out of 5
Jalan Datuk Salleh Sulong, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
The price is AED 274 per night from Jun 22 to Jun 23
AED 274
AED 304 total
includes taxes & fees
22 Jun - 23 Jun
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Great view and easy access to nearby amenities"

Reviewed on 18 May 2025

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
5 out of 5
Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, Sinsuran, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
The price is AED 303 per night from Jun 13 to Jun 14
AED 303
AED 336 total
includes taxes & fees
13 Jun - 14 Jun
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy a full-service spa, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (999 reviews)
"Good hotel - a little dated but still clean and a great stay with excellent staff. The location is in the centre of everything."

Reviewed on 19 May 2025

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu
Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu
5 out of 5
No. 20, Jalan Aru, Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
The price is AED 693 per night from Jun 17 to Jun 18
AED 693
AED 827 total
includes taxes & fees
17 Jun - 18 Jun
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
Great property grounds, smelly carpet
"The hotel property and bfast are amazing. Nice pools and pvt beach. Very nice. However, the carpet in the room had a terrible smell. The furniture is a little worn but the bathroom has been updated."

Reviewed on 25 April 2025

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Borneotel The Shore KK by CHG
Borneotel The Shore KK by CHG
3 out of 5
Jln Lapan Belas, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and Netflix. Popular attractions Suria Sabah Shopping Mall and Jesselton ...
"Clean and centrally located Borneotel offers easy access to shopping and dining. Situated opposite the Filipino Handicraft market, it boasts efficient and friendly staff."

Reviewed on 5 January 2025

Borneotel The Shore KK by CHG
Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu
Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu
4 out of 5
G-08 JALAN TUN FUAD STEPHENS, Kota Kinabalu
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Popular attractions Suria Sabah ...
9/10 Wonderful! (37 reviews)
Long weekend in KK, Sabah…
"Central location, near shops and restaurants and on the waterfront, with friendly and helpful staff. Optional breakfast buffet and they made us a packed breakfast for our trip out. Pool overlooks the sea and there is a large lounge to relax in plus a small gym. Room was clean and adequate with a ..."

Reviewed on 5 April 2025

Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu
La.mer Butik
La.mer Butik
2.5 out of 5
Bay Suites, Lorong Bayu, Off Jalan Istiadat, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Stay at this aparthotel in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal and Suria Sabah ...
La.mer Butik
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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