Welcome to Kota Kinabalu, where leisure and thrilling experiences combine to create the ideal coastal combination! Climbing the famous Mount Kinabalu is the main goal of most tourists visiting KK. Although climbing Malaysia’s tallest peak is undoubtedly something you should do on your bucket list, you are losing out on a whole universe of amazing experiences waiting for you at sea level if you simply come for the mountain. In this post we are going to explore top things to do in Kota Kinabalu!
Kota Kinabalu is full of surprises, from enjoying delicious street food to getting lost in busy marketplaces, from swimming with reef sharks to spotting some of the most photogenic sunsets on the planet. Furthermore, who can resist a location that allows you to go from a tropical beach to a mountain peak in hours?
KK has so much more in store than that epic mountain view for non-hikers, beach lovers, foodies, and sunset chasers. So here are many things to eat, see, and do in Kota Kinabalu that’ll have you saying, “Maybe I’ll come back for the mountain next time!
Things to do in Kota Kinabalu: Park – Mount Kinabalu
A trip to Kota Kinabalu is never complete without visiting Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Mount Kinabalu tallest mountain in Southeast Asia. The mountain towered above more than 4,000 meters is a dream destination for every hiker and adventurer. Then, a more ambitious project is to plan a two-day trek to the summit for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
Even if you aren’t a climber, there’s enough in Kinabalu Park. It has several walking routes through lush forests with unique plants and wild animals. It is also known as a host to some of the most incredible biodiversity in the world, with thousands of plant species, including the very rare orchids and the unique Rafflesia, believed to be the world’s largest flower.
Visiting the Islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Lying just a short boat ride from Kota Kinabalu, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is an archipelago composed of five breathtaking islands that include the names Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik, and Sulug. Each island has its magic, with pristine sandy beaches and crystal clear blue waters, perfect for snorkeling and diving. You may avail yourself of boat tours to one or several islands in a day and spend your time swimming, sunbathing, or exploring the vibrant coral reefs teeming with life.
The more popular ones are Manukan and Sapi, which have beachside cafes and other facilities such as snorkeling gear rental shops. If you want a more low-key atmosphere, Mamutik and Sulug are much smaller and less crowded with more isolation.
Night Markets of Kota Kinabalu: Take an Evening Walk
The Kota Kinabalu has some really busy night markets where food, culture, and shopping combine. The Filipino Market, which is along the waterfront, is something no food enthusiast should miss. Here, you will find fresh seafood, grilled meats, tropical fruits, and all kinds of snacks and local delicacies. You can do souvenir shopping as well in this market, with stalls selling handicrafts and jewelry, among other locally made products.
Another popular market in Kota Kinabalu is the Gaya Street Sunday Market, conducted every Sunday morning. In this place, you will find people selling everything, from handmade crafts to local produce, plants, and even pets. Lively, great insight into local life, and is perfect for picking up souvenirs or unusual gifts.
Discover the Sabah State Museum
These include visits to the Sabah State Museum to understand the culture and history of Sabah. Exhibitions at the museum include those pertinent to the indigenous people of Sabah, traditional costumes, and artifacts telling the history of the region. The Heritage Village outdoor display, which features reconstructions of traditional homes belonging to Sabah’s numerous ethnic groups, is the main draw upstairs.
You can walk through these houses set in a beautiful garden to see how each of the diversified communities of Sabah lives, their various cultural practices, and architectural styles. Besides natural history, Sabah also has an exhibition on flora and fauna at the museum, thus making it very educative for adults and children alike.
Take a romantic sunset cruise along the waterfront
Kota Kinabalu’s sunsets are legendary, and one of the best ways to enjoy them is on a sunset cruise along the city’s beautiful coastline. You’ll set sail in the late afternoon, cruising past tropical islands and watching as the sun dips below the horizon, casting colorful hues across the sky. Your meals and drinks included on many cruises will allow you to relax while you eat and enjoy those beautiful views. Larger boats may include live music options, which can add even more ambiance. The sunset cruises are ideal for couples looking at a romantic time together, or anybody who is just looking for a way to end your day in a laid-back, scenic fashion.
Visit Mari Mari Cultural Village
One of the greatest day trips to learn more about Sabah’s indigenous culture is visiting Mari Mari Cultural Village. Nestled in a lush rainforest just outside Kota Kinabalu, this cultural village is a host to traditional houses and lifestyles of five major indigenous groups of Sabah. Come and get up close with real-life longhouses, catch a cultural performance, and even join activities such as rice wine making, fire-starting, and traditional dances.
This is more of an immersion village experience and an excellent way to glean insight into the rich heritage of Sabah and the traditions of its people. Here, the guided village tours normally include a meal comprising local food and delicacies.
Things to do in Kota Kinabalu: Enjoy Water Sports and Snorkeling
Kota Kinabalu offers plenty of water sports for those who enjoy them. Apart from snorkeling and diving in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, there are a few kayaking, paddleboarding, and even jet-skiing spots. With the reef systems from these islands swarming with multicolored fish, sea turtles, and other marine life, any snorkeler will surely have an unforgettable experience. Diving trips are another favorite activity, with plenty of operators around town offering courses and trips to different dive sites. Otherwise, simply find time to relax, hang out on the beach, or take a laid-back boat tour to admire your turquoise waters and islands.
Hike Bukit Padang and Signal Hill
Both Bukit Padang and Signal Hill are good places from which to enjoy great views over Kota Kinabalu and its surrounding areas. The former, situated in Taman Tun Fuad Stephens Park, offers some excellent hiking trails, some easy and others rather more challenging. Views from the summit are stunning: the city stretches down towards the sea, and the park itself is worth exploring for leisurely walks and picnics. In comparison, it’s easier to get to the middle of the town from it, and it has a far superior view over the coast to the skyline of the city. It’s a much shorter hike, too – and equally very nice for sunrises or sets.
Go shopping and eat at the Imago Mall
Be it retail therapy or just comfort, the Imago Shopping Mall presents a haven for shoppers in Kota Kinabalu, ranging from high international brands to select boutiques of local fashion this swanky mall offers all of them. Not to mention the fact that dining out is excellently available in restaurants offering everything from local dishes to international cuisines. Everything from fun and entertainment is provided: a cinema, kids’ play areas, and an event area holding various activities and performances. Whether shopping, eating, or simply trying to get away from the heat, the best combination of comfort and modernity awaits guests at Imago Shopping Mall.
Visit Lok Kawi Wildlife Park
About a 30-minute drive from Kota Kinabalu, Lok Kawi Wildlife Park is a family destination that serves as a home for some of the lush wildlife, featuring orangutans, pygmy elephants, and Malayan tigers. Aside from fun, it’s an area for conservation and education; there, one learns all about Borneo’s unique animal species by observing their natural setting. It also has a botanical garden and a trail through the jungle and, as such, is an educative and entertaining place for both family trips and animal lovers in general.
Visit the Floating Mosque
The Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, often known as the Floating Mosque, is likely to be a prominent feature of the Kota Kinabalu skyline. This beautiful mosque stands beside the sea and seems to be floating on the water, especially at high tide, with a great reflection. Non-Muslim visitors can take tours of the mosque outside of prayer time, and it’s a good spot for photos, especially during the time of sunset. The elegant architecture and location further make the mosque one of the places to visit within the city.
Conclusion
This city has it all, from nature, culture, and adventure combined. There are plenty of Malaysian activities available, ranging from the challenging Mount Kinabalu to the serene islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Be it utter sinking in the eclectic richness of Sabah culture, enjoying the panoramic beauty of nature, or just lazing on a beach town of Kota Kinabalu offers it all. A tour to KK ensures a lifetime of memories, so just pack your bags and get ready to explore this wonderful Malaysian highlight. Also, do not forget to list out the things to do in Kota Kinabalu which are provided here.
