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Kota Kinabalu - Sabah (state)
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- Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
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Things To Do
12 Best Street Food In Kota Kinabalu
No pastime is more beloved by Malaysians than going on a food crawl. If you're wondering where to eat in Kota Kinabalu you'll see that this city has plenty to offer. From the best homestays to amazing tourist attractions, Kota Kinabalu is definitely a must-visit. Whether you're enjoying the fresh air on the highlands, strolling through the city streets or just wandering around a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kota Kinabalu has a lot to offer, and you'll soon realize that there are too many dishes and eateries to choose from. To discover its distinct flavors, read on for a list of the best street food in Kota Kinabalu.
Airbnb
14 Best Airbnb Vacation Rentals In Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
The lovely city of Kota Kinabalu will bowl you over with its exquisite beauty and extreme richness. While you are here, take in the splendor of magical sunsets and an amazing amalgamation of lip-smacking dishes, along with the cultural heritage. You will find so many things to do and places to see in Kota Kinabalu that you will feel overwhelmed by all the magic. You will find everything from scenic roads, beaches, and natural areas to the best bars to end your night here. Some of the places that you must visit are the Sabah State Museum, Mamutik Island, and Tabin Wildlife Reserve. For accommodation, if you are wondering about the best places to stay, there are plenty of homey Airbnbs with a private pool in Kota Kinabalu. Booking one of them will ensure a comfortable stay. Scroll down for the best Airbnb vacation rentals in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.
Beach Resorts
Top 5 Beach Resorts In Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Nestled on the northern tip of Borneo island, Kota Kinabalu is an eclectic tourist destination that boasts endless possibilities. The city is encompassed by majestic mountains, adding to its splendor. Apart from being the capital of Sabah state, it is also home to some of the most pristine beaches in Malaysia, such as the iconic Tanjung Aru Beach. Travelers can indulge in high-end shopping at Imago Shopping Mall. As a traveler, I am always looking for unique things to buy wherever I go. You can also buy art and souvenirs at the popular night market known as Satay Legend Lok Kawi 1. Finding a comfy place close to the beach to stay won’t be a problem as there are plenty of excellent options. Scroll down for the top beach resorts in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. **What’s new in Kota Kinabalu?** - If you're coming here with your family, head to [Aquascape Center] (https://sabahtourism.com/destination/aquascape-center-kk/), an aquarium and edu-botanical garden where you can swim with fishes! It also hosts several activities for kids. **Popular picks in Kota Kinabalu:** - Shopaholics looking to buy local products can visit [Fresh Mart Korporasi Pembangunan Desa] (https://sabahtourism.com/activity/tamu-kpd/) and shop for agricultural produce, handicrafts, beverages, and more. - Art connoisseurs can visit [Nature Inspiration Art Gallery (NIAG)] (https://www.ucsf.edu.my/nature-inspiration-art-gallery/), which aims to conserve the endangered species of animals via art. **Getting around:** - Popular public transportation used in Kota Kinabalu to explore the city are [trains, buses, taxis, and e-hailing services] (https://sabahtourism.com/district/kota-kinabalu/). - You can also rent a boat from [Jesselton Point] (https://www.infosabah.com.my/en/transportation.html) if you wish to visit the nearby islands of Gaya, Mamutik, Manukan, Gaya, and Sapi.
Homestay
12 Best Homestays In Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah in Malaysia. Getting its name from the renowned and world-famous Mt. Kinabalu, the town is situated near said mountain. With its wonderful location and many things to do, it is a well-known travel destination for tourists, especially those who wish to travel around Sabah and Borneo. Mt. Kinabalu is not the sole tourist attraction near Kota Kinabalu. Located on the west of it is the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. Not only that, but it is also one of the major industrial and commercial centers of East Malaysia. If you want to travel to this wonderful place but aren't sure where to stay, take a look at this list of the best homestays in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.
Things To Do
25 Best Things To Do In Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Nicknamed the "Land Below the Wind" for it's close distance to the typhoon belt, Sabah makes up a part of Borneo and is one of the best places in the world to immerse yourself in some thick, lush, tropical jungle, learn about some of the oldest indigenous cultures, and catch a rare glimpse of the majestic and endangered Orangutans. Let's just jump into it, here are the best things to do in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.
Bars
10 Best Bars To End Your Night In Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
A visit to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia is indeed incomplete without experiencing its scintillating nightlife. While it is not a big city, the same cannot be said about its nightlife. The Australian wines that are served in the majority of the restaurants are reasonably priced. You can also try out the popular South African, Italian, Chilean, and French wines that are offered in several bars in the city. If you're planning a trip here soon, you can stay in one of the top hotels with pool or Airbnb vacation rentals. Before you tuck in, however, check out some of the best bars to end your night in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.
Cheap Hotels
Get Great Service And Value At Kota Kinabalu’s Lavender Lodge
For those traveling through Kota Kinabalu (KK), or looking for a base as they enter and exit the city at will, make Lavender Lodge your accommodation of choice. You won’t regret it. A 50-bed 4-storey establishment, Lavender Lodge is affordable for those on a budget and also caters to those looking to splurge with their en-suite deluxe rooms. Its location on the main street of KK, Jalan Laiman Diki, offers one the convenience of having all amenities, restaurants and transport within a few minutes’ walk from it. One can also book other hostels in KK or other cities in Sabah through the welcoming, accommodating staff - they take your reviews very seriously! Get to know the staff, especially if you plan on coming back during your time in KK, as they’ll make every effort to remember your breakfast orders, your names and stories, which usually leads to a discounted rate on your stay. And don’t be surprised if they randomly upgrade your room after you’ve come back for a third time!
National Parks
Kinabalu National Park: A Guide For Adventure Travelers In Sabah
Mount Kinabalu is the highest peak in Southeast Asia, extending over 4000 meters (13123 feet) into the bright blue Bornean sky. Many adventure travelers will head to Kinabalu Park with the intention of climbing this mountain, however, the cost can be prohibitive. That being said, a trip to Kinabalu Park is still well worth it, regardless of whether or not you climb Mount Kinabalu. If you have less time or money to spare, or if your fitness level is simply not up to it, don’t fear; Kinabalu Park’s lush jungles, abundant hiking trails, clean air, and beautiful views are enough to inspire a trip to this mountainous region of Malaysian Borneo. Entry to the park, which serves as a conservation fee, is 15 MYR (about 5 USD).
Where To Stay
10 Places To Stay In Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah State in Malaysia. The city is situated on the northwest end of Borneo Island and faces the South China Sea. It is the gateway to the world-famous Kinabalu National Park and a well-known travel destination for tourists. If you are planning your vacation in the city and are worrying about where to stay, there are a lot of hotels and vacation rentals that you can choose from. Check out these best places to stay in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, that ooze great luxury and warm hospitality to make your stay a memorable one forever.
Hotels With Pools
10 Best Hotels With Pools In Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia - Updated 2025
Kota Kinabalu offers a rare setting for travelers looking for something otherworldly. A beautiful coastal city in the northern section of the island of Borneo, Kota Kinabalu is not only a seaside paradise but this capital city is partially surrounded by lush rainforest luster and tall rugged peaks. Tourists visiting peruse the vibrant markets, stroll the lively boardwalk, play on sun-kissed beaches, and explore the grand waterfront Kota Kinabalu City Mosque. With so much to see and do, at day's end, you're sure to be ready to unwind with a dip in the hotel pool. If you're ready to book your accommodation you must read on to discover the best hotels with pools in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.
New Hotels
4 New Hotels In Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, For Your Sabah Tropical Getaway
Travelers to Sabah will most likely enter this amazing region through Kota Kinabalu, a bustling coastal city filled with a variety of sights and experiences. Tourists can enjoy seaside picnics on the white sands of Tanjung Aru Beach, with beachgoers often staying late to watch the beautiful sunset. Shopaholics can indulge in retail therapy at the Handicraft Market, where they will find numerous stalls offering local treasures such as sarongs, handbags, and pearl jewelry. For those making plans to visit Kota Kinabalu, we have a list of the city's newest hotels so you can make a better-informed decision on where to stay. Read on for our rundown of the top new hotels in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.
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