Things to do in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah – Complete Guide to Kota Kinabalu

The familiar feeling engulfed me. It was the butterflies in my stomach that seemed to have gone berserk. The euphoric feeling one feels when about to meet a loved one always gets activated when we are off to a new destination. We had taken off from Kuala Lumpur International Airport a couple of hours ago and after watching the colourful mosaic of Kuala Lumpur whizz past, had settled into that ambiguous zone that lies between being awake and being asleep. After flying to KL and literally breezing through Immigration we were on the flight to Kota Kinabalu Sabah, where our Sabah trip would formally begin. I was lost in a reverie and thinking about all the exciting things to do in Kota Kinabalu. I had read about Sipadan in Sabah as one of the best diving sites in the world as well as one of the best things to do in Borneo and imagined how fascinating the underwater world would be there. But knew that this visit did not include a trip to Sipadan. This was the second time we were in Malaysia. Our first visit had been to the Resorts World Genting and this time we looked forward to seeing another region of the country, Sabah. Read on to know about the many places to see and things to do in Kota Kinabalu – the beautiful capital city of Sabah, Malaysia, a part of the Borneo island.

Things to do in Kota Kinabalu – Sabah Attractions, Borneo, Malaysia – Complete Guide to Kota Kinabalu

Intuitively, the elements of sleep evaporated from the mind as I looked out from the window of the Malindo Airways flight I was in. An involuntary gasp escaped from my otherwise tight mouth. Stretching below the left-wing of the plane was the amazingly blue waters of the South China Sea. Scattered in the water were what looked like unpolished emeralds of varying shapes. As the plane descended the emeralds metamorphosed into islands. Tiny boats bobbing in the waters could now be seen. The view from the air was so bewitching that I fell in love with this beautiful land even before landing there.

We were approaching the Kota Kinabalu Airport for landing. The emerald-coloured islands vanished and it was just water on the left side of the plane. The pilot issued his staccato command to the crew to take their stations for landing, and the plane swooped down.

Is it going to land on water? was the thought that jumped to the mind! But the plane swerved slightly and taxied down the runway.

We had touched down at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Our Sabah trip had begun!

Sabah- The Pearl Of The South China Sea

Where Is Sabah

Sabah is one of those regions of the world that is not yet swamped by tourists’ footfalls and still retains its pristine aura. The international visitor arrivals in 2018 were approximately 1.2 million out of which 0.4 million was accounted for by Chinese visitors, there were just 12, 731 tourists from the USA, Indian arrivals were a meagre 6,196. Compare this with around 25 million tourists that Malaysia gets as a whole. These statistics sourced from the Sabah Tourism official site are a testimony to the fact that Sabah is still virtually untouched.

Given the above facts, it comes as no surprise that not many are aware of the wonders of this lesser-known region of Malaysia, the state of Sabah. It can indeed be called one of Malaysia’s best-kept secrets.

This is the right time to visit Sabah to experience moments of magic in an undiscovered paradise before the world rushes in. And if you are thinking about over-tourism and upsetting the delicate balance of the environment, you are right, we did too and posed this question to Mr. Humphrey Ginibun, Marketing Manager, Sabah Tourism Board. He assured us that there were already proactive checks and balances in place to maintain the delicate ecological balance and also ensure sustainable tourism. For example, one of the top things to do in Sabah is to climb Mount Kinabalu, however, there is a limit on the number of climbers allowed every day. Similar restrictions and limiting of diving permits are in place for Sipadan Island which is considered to be one of the best diving spots in the world.

Overview of Sabah And History In A Nutshell

Sabah is a state of Malaysia that is part of the Borneo island. Sabah is made up of 5 divisions viz, Interior Division, Sandakan Division, West Coast Division, Kudat Division, and Tawau Division.

Many people identify Sabah with the Borneo island. What is Sabah and where is it? Where is Borneo? These are questions that many have. Here is the answer to all these questions.

Borneo is an island located in the Malay Archipelago. It is, in fact, the third-largest island in the world. The island is shared by the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, Brunei, as well as Indonesian Kalimantan. The Malaysian states occupy about 26% of the total area of the Borneo island while Indonesia occupies 73%. Brunei accounts for only 1% of the total area of Borneo island.

Sabah’s history dates back to more than 30,000 years ago when it is estimated that humans first settled in the region. It is believed that organized civilization and human settlements in the region that we now know as Sabah began in the 15th century. The history of Sabah is intertwined with that of its current neighbour, the tiny nation of Brunei. Sabah was a part of the Brunei Sultanate and became a part of the British Protectorate in the 19th century. It was then called British North Borneo and governed by the North Borneo Chartered Company which was a British Chartered Company formed to exploit the natural resources of the North Borneo region. In the year 1946 Sabah as we know it today became a Crown Colony under the British Government and was known as Crown Colony of North Borneo. It was in the year 1963 that Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore were merged together to forge a new identity christened as the Federation of Malaysia. Of course, Singapore left the Federation in the year 1965.

Tourist Visa For Sabah, Malaysian Borneo

Sabah Malaysian Borneo is a part of Malaysia and hence needs a Malaysian Visa. It may be noted that you have to pass through immigration when you enter and exit Sabah at its international airport in Kota Kinabalu. This is in addition to the immigration check at Kuala Lumpur. Getting a visa for Malaysia is quite hassle-free and convenient. There are options for visa on arrival as well as eVisa. There is also provision for an online eNTRI visa if your visit is less than 15 days. Below are some of the important points regarding the visa policy of Malaysia.

♠ Citizens from more than 60 countries have visa-free entry to Malaysia for a maximum of 90 days which can be later extended, these include countries of the European Union and the USA

♠ For Indian passport holders, there are two online options. One can opt for an eVisa with single or multiple entry options for a stay of a maximum of 30 days. To check the Malaysian eVisa processing fee, click here.

♠ If your stay in Malaysia is less than 15 days, it is very convenient to opt for the eNTRI which is currently available. The application is simple and online and you get your eNTRI note immediately. The cost can be checked here.

♠ The documents that need to be carried along with the eNTRI note when entering Malaysia are return air tickets and boarding pass, travel itinerary and proof of residence in Malaysia, Proof of sufficient funds in the form of credit/debit cards, etc..

♠ Click here to know more about evisa related questions

Sabah Currency & Cards

The currency of Malaysia is Malaysian Ringgit denoted by MYR or RM. Click here for current rates 1RM = USD ( Malaysian ringgit (MYR) to US dollar (USD) converter) and click here for current rates 1RM = INR (Convert Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) to Indian Rupee (INR)).

All the important international credit and debit cards like Visa, MasterCard, etc., are accepted in the business establishments and hotels in Sabah and the rest of Malaysia. Cash in local currency would be required in smaller establishments.

Staying Connected While In Sabah

WiFi is available in public places like Airports. Free Wifi for 24 hours is available at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Even at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport, free WiFi was available. There are around 5 different mobile operators in Sabah from whom pre-paid Sim Cards can be bought.

How To Get To Kota Kinabalu

♠ Kota Kinabalu is the capital of the state of Sabah Malaysian Borneo

♠ The best and most practical way to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Sabah is by flight.

♠ There are frequent flights to Kota Kinabalu from Kuala Lumpur.

♠ Airlines like Malindo Airlines, Malaysian Airlines, Air Asia, etc., fly in and out of Kota Kinabalu International Airport.
♠ The flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes.

♠ One can also fly from Singapore to Sabah

Things To Do In Kota Kinabalu

We were in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Borneo for 6 days and our exploration encompassed a 2-day Kota Kinabalu itinerary. We spent two days attending the Travel Earth’s Digital Influencers’ Convention and Earthy Awards 2019, which was indeed the reason for our visit to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. During our trip, we just had a few tantalizing glimpses of the extraordinary beauty of Kota Kinabalu and Sabah in general. There is so much to see and experience in Sabah, that we have to go back again. This section about things to do in Kota Kinabalu is demarcated based on things that we actually did and those that we were not able to do but are indeed some of the best things to do in Kota Kinabalu.

Things To Do In Kota Kinabalu – What We Experienced

Visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village

A place however enchanting is like a beautiful body bereft of a soul without its people. It is the people of a place who literally add life and colour to the otherwise dull canvas. So it is appropriate to visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village first on your visit to Kota Kinabalu as it shall provide a background and understanding of the indigenous people of the Sabah region.

The Mari Mari Cultural Village is about a 20 minutes drive from downtown Kota Kinabalu or KK as it is popularly known as. The village is a living museum that showcases the day to day life and culture of the 5 main ethnic groups of Sabah. These are the tribes of Sabah, namely Dusan, Rungus, Murut, Bajau, and Lundayeh. The cultural village is set amidst lush rain forest terrain and is a faithful replica of the way of life of these tribes. A half-day tour of the Mari Mari Cultural Village is an informative as well as a fun experience, something the entire family will enjoy. The place offers an interactive experience that includes food tasting, wine tasting, henna tattooing, and much more. For more details about our Mari Mari Cultural Village experience check out our Kota Kinabalu travel blog which explores the cultural village in detail.

Approximate Distance from Kota Kinabalu Downtown: 18 kilometres.

Approximate Time To Spare: 4 to 5 hours.

Approximate Cost: RM 180 per person.

Do check out our video of our experience in Mari Mari Cultural Village:

Cool off At the Kionsom Waterfalls

Sabah is truly Nature’s gift to the world. This was made clear from the moment the beautiful islands appeared below the plane window, even before landing in Sabah. The very first place that we visited in Kota Kinabalu was like a trailer of the immense natural beauty that Sabah is endowed with. The Kionsom Waterfalls are a series of multi-tiered waterfalls. There is a park built around the base of the falls which is a great picnic spot. The lower level tiers of the waterfalls are reached by means of a well-laid cement path. However, the upper tiers of the falls can be accessed by means of a trek in the rain forests that surround the falls. We found the falls really soothing and serene.

Approximate Distance from Kota Kinabalu Downtown: 20 kilometres.

Approximate Time To Spare: 1 Hour, but depends on how much time you want to spend

Approximate Cost: RM 1.5 per person for adults and RM 0.50 for children.

Rejuvenate Your Body & Soul At The World’s First ‘Living’ StoneAge Spa

“Touch this Love, Heart, And Compassion Rock for 2-3 minutes to enhance your loving and compassionate heart for a happy loving long life”, says the instructions on a board near a boulder which has a heart painted on it. When you touch the rock, it has a strange and soft texture. There is another rock which is said to enhance your fertility and sexual power by sitting on it for 3 minutes. Rocks like these are scattered across a space located by the side of a flowing river.

Located very near to the Mari Mari Cultural Village is a unique Theme Park and Spa, claimed to be one of its kind in the world. It is the StoneAge Spa And Cultural Park. The brainchild of Tao Master Dr. Jes T Y Lim, the place has a unique concept of therapy with the use of rocks. The park consists of rocks of different sizes and shapes placed by the side of an enchantingly meandering river in the midst of a verdant forest. The rocks are based on different themes and are said to generate Vita energy. Different rocks are said to be endowed with different levels of energy and have been revitalized with more energy. The concept is based on the esoteric and ancient practice of using stones for rejuvenation. One can lie on specific rocks to correct certain ailments or hug certain rocks for rejuvenation. It is recommended to be in contact with one rock for about 3 minutes only and one can complete the circuit which consists of about 10 themed rocks in about an hour’s time. A visit to the place is sure to calm and rejuvenate the mind.

Approximate Distance from Kota Kinabalu Downtown: 19 kilometres.

Approximate Time To Spare: 1 Hour, but depends on how much time you want to spend

Approximate Cost: RM 99 per person for adults and RM 10 for children.

Try Exotic Sabah Dishes At Jalan Sulaman – Coconut Pudding/Lokan Panggang

Exploring local cuisine is one of the interesting aspects of travel. We stopped by the side of a road, the Jalan Sulaman, on our way to the village of Tuaran. Both sides of the road were lined with shops that seemed to be selling the same wares. All of them had identical boards that announced their ‘showstopper’ products for sale. “Lokan Panggang”, screamed some of the boards in bold black, while some others read, “Jagung Bakar”.

Lokan Panggang or Logan Bakar meant grilled Clams. We could see clams piled up in front of the shops in neat piles of varying sizes. After you have selected your clams, they are grilled on a wood fire and served with sauce. Needless to say, we did not try this though we did taste the cold coconut pudding that was served in a coconut shell. Grilled coconut or “Jagung Bakar”, is also available in these shops.

Where: Sulaman Road en route to Tuaran from Kota Kinabalu.

Approximate Distance from Kota Kinabalu Downtown: 25 kilometres.

Approximate Cost: The Grilled Clams cost about RM 15 depending on their size

Cycling By The River and Exploring A Local Village

The cool air wafted refreshingly over the river as we hit the road with our cycles. It was a short spin but exhilarating nonetheless. We passed a sleepy village. A few kids waved at us as we passed by. On the right was the river curving away from us. On the left were mangroves and in the distance, playing hide and seek with the clouds was the imposing visage of Mount Kinabalu, one of the top Malaysia attractions and the highest peak of the country.

Cycling indeed is a very satisfying activity and particularly so when you are doing it away from the hustle and bustle of cities. We could not have asked for a better setting. The sun was bowing down in the west and its rays glistened on the surface of the river. We were in Tuaran and cycling was one of the activities that the Tembara River Cruise had organized for us.

Where: Tuaran

Approximate Distance from Kota Kinabalu Downtown: 32 kilometres.

Kayaking With Enchanting Views of Mount Kinabalu

Kayaking is another activity that one should not miss while in Kota Kinabalu. One of the best places to do Kayaking is on the Tuaran river. The serene waters of the river, the mangroves that dot the shores and the fascinating sight of Mount Kinabalu in the distance make Kayaking here a dream come true.

Where: Tuaran

Approximate Distance from Kota Kinabalu Downtown: 32 kilometres.

Hop on to A River Cruise

As the sun started to bid adieu, we boarded a boat from the Tembara Jetty that made its way to a secluded beach. The short cruise itself was interesting. We were shown how the locals caught crabs by flinging a trap tied to a bottle into the waters. These were later hauled in with the trapped crabs. The cruise afforded a nice view of the shore lined with villages. Mangroves dotted the waters and the Kota Kinabalu mountain with its regal presence dominated the skyline.

Where: Tuaran

Approximate Distance from Kota Kinabalu Downtown: 32 kilometres.

Watch The Sunset From An Uninhabited Island

The eastern horizon seemed to be ablaze with the orange hues of the setting sun when we set foot on the sands of a secluded beach. There was no one else but us on the beach. The white sand stretched in front, blemishless and washed by the sea waves. There were some dead tree branches by the beach which lent a unique ambience to the place. We watched one of the famed Borneo sunsets from this lovely spot. After the sun had gone down in all its kaleidoscopic glory, it was time to head back to the boat.

Where: Tuaran

Approximate Distance from Kota Kinabalu Downtown: 32 kilometres.

Be Dazzled by Fireflies In The Midst of Mangroves

It was pitch dark. Everyone held their breath. The boat’s motor was shut and silence prevailed. On either side of the boat, we could just make out the dark shapes of the mangroves. And then we saw them. At first just a single flash of light. Gradually as if on the trigger, the mangrove dazzled with the glow of hundreds of fireflies. To our fascination, some even flew close and circled us on the boat. The moment was pure magic and heightened by the silence and the darkness that surrounded us. Time seemed to have stood still as we lost ourselves in the beauty of the spectacle that stretched out around us. The engine of the boat came to life and we reluctantly bade our farewells to the glowing fireflies and thought about the ingenious beauty that nature curated.

Where: Tuaran

Approximate Distance from Kota Kinabalu Downtown: 32 kilometres.

Go Island Hopping Off Kota Kinabalu

A 15-20 minute boat ride on the South China sea from Kota Kinabalu takes you to a group of exotic islands. These islands are part of the Tunku Abdul Rehman National Park. The National Park is formed to protect the flora and fauna of the islands and the surrounding marine ecosystem. Named after the first Prime Minister of Malaysia, the Tunku Abdul Rehman National Park consists of the islands of Gaya(Pulau Gaya), Manukan(Pulau Manukan), Sulu(Pulau Sulu), Sapi(Pulau Sapi), and Mamutik (Pulau Mamutik).

The islands with crystal clear waters and beaches offer a range of water sports and adventure activities. One can choose to spend time and relax on just one of the islands or do island hopping to experience the wonders of all the islands. One can board a boat from the Jesselton Jetty in Kota Kinabalu to reach the islands. We spent our time between two islands, the islands of Sapi and Manukan and had a great time.

Where: The islands are a 15-20 minute boat ride away from Jesselton Jetty, Kota Kinabalu

Approximate Time To Spare: Depends on how much time you want to spend on the islands

Approximate Cost: The return fare for a boat ride from the Jesselton Point to any of the islands is around RM 30, in addition, there is a conservation fee of RM 10 to be paid at the islands. There are options to charter a private boat also. Many tour companies offer a package which includes pickup and drop from hotel and visit to two islands which are usually Sapi and Manukan. This costs around RM 150. Costs of activities and lunch on the islands are additional.

It is important to note that the boat services at the Jesselton Point operate from 8.30 AM to 5.00 PM.

Check out the Jesselton Point site for updated rates and timings.

Frolic In The Sea At Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park

The Tunku Abdul Rahman Park will enthral you with its pristine islands, some of the best of the Borneo beaches, and of course the clear blue waters. The waters are so clear, you can spot huge schools of fish in myriad colours from the surface of the water itself. There are a plethora of activities that can be done on the different islands that form the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park which includes both land and water-based activities. However, one can also choose to just lounge and sunbathe on the sands. If you do decide to get into the water, you may never want to come out. The water is perfect and the temperature was just right when we went there in the month of June. We visited and spent time at the Sapi and Manukan islands. Both the beaches are nice, however, we liked the beach of Manukan island better as it had much lesser people and the fishes too seemed to be more colourful.

Where: Any of the five islands, Gaya, Manukan, Sapi, Sulu, and Mamutik

Parasailing In Kota Kinabalu – Sapi Island Sabah

If you love the feeling of floating in the air, high up above the sea. If you want to experience panoramic views of the islands just like a bird, then you must experience parasailing at Sapi island, as we did. The Parasailing experience for us was curated by Titong Happy Holiday Sdn Bhd. At Sapi island, we had to sign a waiver form after which we boarded a speed boat that took us into the middle of the sea. We were doing the parasailing in tandem, so two of us were strapped into a harness. We were asked to take off our footwear and also leave our mobiles and cameras on the boat. Of course, we had our life jackets safely strapped from the moment we stepped on to the boat.

The harness we were strapped to was attached to a huge canopy that is known as a parasail wing and resembles a parachute. The rope was slowly released and we rose up and up, buoyed by the wind filling up the parasail wing. Slowly we were high up in the air and the boat to which we were still attached looked like a tiny speck. We floated high above the sea, watching the wake of the water made by our boat. As we looked around, the panoramic view that stretched all around below us made us gasp in awe. The turquoise waters of the sea reflected the light from the afternoon sun and the green shadows of the surrounding islands. We spent about 20-30 minutes, high up in the sky, cherishing each and every moment, feeling blessed to have experienced some spectacular views of the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park and its islands.

But all good things do come to an end and we found ourselves dropping down, we soon landed with our two feet onto the boat.

Where: Sapi Island

Approximate Time To Spare: Activity would need a total of about 1 hour

Approximate Cost: Around RM 200

Snorkelling At Sapi Island

The warm and clear waters of Sapi Island entices and lures you to its fold. It is difficult to resist its seductive charms. Suffice to say we succumbed and lost ourselves in its warm embrace. Floating on your back in the gentle waters and gazing up at the blue skies is a completely therapeutic and rejuvenating experience. If you go down under the water a different world comes alive in front of you and you would not want to leave this delightful world and come back to the surface. But alas, we are all bound by the constraints of time, so we had to emerge from the waters, our bodies, minds, and souls recharged and invigorated. Our joy knew no bounds when we learned that we would be heading to another island, the Manukan Island where we could continue with another spell of Snorkeling.

Spotting Monitor Lizards And Proboscis Monkeys At Sapi Island

The islands that make up the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park are not only hotspots of adventure and water sports, but they are also rich in biodiversity. The islands are home to some of the rare flora and fauna of the region. The Sapi island which is spread over 25 acres has a dense forest cover, making it an ideal home for different species of primates including the Macaque. We were also lucky to get some glimpses of the famed Proboscis monkeys that are endemic to the Borneo island. The monkeys, of course, scampered up some tall trees and hid from sight giving us no time to capture their pictures.

A family of Monitor Lizards crawled around the thick vegetation on Sapi Island. These Monitor Lizards are similar to the famed Komodo Dragons of Indonesia but smaller, after all, they belong to the same family.

Barbeque Lunch On The Beach At Sapi Island

The table was set for us under a canopy that gave us a vantage view of the sea. Fresh coconuts and shining glasses graced the table. This was a perfect setting for lunch by the sea. There was a barbeque buffet nearby and vegetarian options too. The activities on the beach make you hungry and what more can one ask for other than a having lunch while watching the crystal clear waters of the sea gently caress the white sands.

 Manukan Island Snorkeling

She separated herself from her group and swam by my side. We looked silently at each other. No words said, no gestures made, just our eyes locked with each other. Her eyes were bewitching and I was literally drowning in their fathomless depths. She had eyes that strangely reminded me of the Meenakshi Madurai temple, they exuded the divine charm of a Goddess, Meenakshi literally translates as Fish-eyed and hence the connection. Time seemed to have stopped still as we looked at each other. Her lithe body moved gracefully in the water as I struggled to stay abreast. And suddenly she was gone. The spell was broken and I rose to the surface.

Hoping to get back soon to Manukan Island in search of that beautiful little fish.

Snorkelling is one of the most rewarding of Manukan island activities. it is a very rewarding and almost spiritual experience. As you swim with large schools of fish, you feel as if you are inside a giant aquarium. You feel strangely connected with the underwater world and not an intruder. The snorkelling at Manukan Island Kota Kinabalu was even better than the experience at Sapi Island as there were fishes of myriad colours all around us. The water felt absolutely divine and there were lesser people around too. A Manukan Island day trip is an excellent experience and makes for an ideal family getaway. One can also plan to stay at one of the Manukan Island resort to enjoy the serenity of the island after the last boat has left its shores.

Snorkelling Equipment to be hired at nominal rates at the Islands. One can also opt for a full package that would include return transportation by boat, Park and Jetty fees, lunch, snorkelling at two or three islands, and Snorkeling equipment and the services of a guide. Such packages cost around RM 150.

Take A Leisurely Stroll on Tanjung Aru Beach

It was evening when we arrived at the Tanjung Aru Beach. The crowds on the beach indicated the popularity of the beach as an evening hangout with locals. Children ran around huge soap bubbles trying to catch them in vain. Teenagers vied with each other to take that perfect selfie. Couples walked past the crowds to find secluded spots on the beach. The majority on the beach was of course glued to their smartphones, as can be seen from the photo above. Some looked out wistfully at the sea and the colours of the sky as the sun slowly disappeared on the western horizon. The sea and the beach are really versatile places. Sometimes you want to be engulfed by the waves and sometimes you just want to walk on the sand and just let the waves gently caress your feet. That was what we chose to do at the Tanjung Aru Beach. After watching the tableaux of human drama unfold on the beach we headed away from the centre of the beach to an empty section to await the spectacular show that nature had lined up for us.

Watch The Sunset At Tanjung Aru Beach

The sunsets of Borneo are considered to be one of the best in the world. The sunset on the Tanjung Aru beach lived up to its reputation as the sun went down in resplendent colour behind the clouds which hovered over the Manukan Island on the right of the western horizon. The Sulu island was in the shadows towards the left of the horizon. A boat sailing near Manukan Island Sabah added a dramatic twist to the scene with its silhouetted embedded against the setting sun.

Best Things To Do In Kota Kinabalu That We Didn’t Do

Climbing Mount Kinabalu 

The city of Kota Kinabalu gets its name from Mount Kinabalu. Mount Kinabalu in Malaysia stands tall watching benevolently over the city to which it has given its name. Mount Kinabalu height is 4,095 m(13,435 feet). It is the highest mountain in Malaysia. A popular place for trekkers and climbers. The Mount Kinabalu hike is done over 2 days, but it can be done in one day too. One needs to take a permit for climbing the mountain and as the permits are limited to 185 per day, one needs to book in advance. Typically the 2 Days 1 Night Mount Kinabalu Climbing package costs RM 1400. The rates may vary based on season and the availability of promotional offers. Before planning the Mount Kinabalu climb it is imperative to check out the Mount Kinabalu weather. Check out the official site of Mount Kinabalu for details of prices, packages, and offers.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park Diving

The Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park snorkelling experience had been very exhilarating and had left us craving for more. We want to explore the depths of the Southern China Sea at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and have a more immersive experience of the wonderful marine life of the area. There are around 25 sites in the area for diving and the water is around a pleasant 30 degrees with visibility of around 15 m under the water. The best time for diving in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is from April to November. For those not certified there are diving courses for beginners. The cost of this is around RM 275.

Sea Walking in Kota Kinabalu

If you are the kind who shudder at the thought of getting into the water and are scared of snorkelling or diving, then Sea Walking is just for you. You need not let go of the pleasures of the underwater world because of your fear of the water. Sea Walking enables you to literally walk beneath the sea, without fear. Sea Walking at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is a great and convenient way to get close to the colourful marine life of the region including exotic species of fish and sea turtles. The cost of Sea Walking costs around RM 230 and lasts for about 30 minutes.

Ziplining in Kota Kinabalu

The Ziplining experience at Kota Kinabalu is unique. The thrilling adventure can be experienced at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, a 20-minute boat ride away from Kota Kinabalu. The zip line stretches across the emerald waters of the south sea and connects the islands of Sapi and Gaya. It must indeed be an electrifying experience to zip above the sea at a speed of 60 kilometres per hour. Typically the Ziplining package costs about RM 86.

River Rafting in Kota Kinabalu

The river rafting bug has bitten us after our exciting river rafting experience in Rishikesh on the river Ganga. We would love to indulge in this exciting adventure on the Kiulu river near Kota Kinabalu. The adventure takes a total of about 6 hours and includes Grade 1 and 2 rapids. the cost is around RM 150.

Ride The North Borneo Railway

Trains have always fascinated us. Be it Switzerland or India, the enduring romance of trains has never failed to captivate us. The North Borneo Railway is an old British Vulcan steam locomotive train. It runs a distance of about 36 miles between Kota Kinabalu and the agricultural town of Papar known for its paddy fields. Riding this train is a unique experience in itself and is heightened by the pristine and lush vistas of the countryside of Sabah. A package that includes hotel transfers, ride on the train, breakfast, and lunch typically costs about RM 450.

See The World’s Largest Flower

Did you know about the largest flower in the World, the Rafflesia? It can be as large as 39 inches in diameter and weigh about 10 Kg! these flowers can be seen in the vicinity of Mount Kota Kinabalu. We had read a lot about this incredible flower in many Sabah blogs and hope to get back to see them someday. The Rafflesia Information Centre located in Tambunan on the edge of a forest reserve. From here one can embark on a trek into the jungle in search of the enigmatic Rafflesia flower.

Visit The Waterfront

The Waterfront in Kota Kinabalu city is a favourite hangout and happening place both for visitors as well as locals. it is the favourite watering hole and dining area of the city. As the sun goes down, the waterfront comes to vibrant life with a vast range of restaurants and cuisines to choose from.

Gaya Street Sunday Flea Market

Ironically it was Sunday morning and we were driving towards the airport to catch our flight back home when a casual discussion brought out the information about the Sunday Flea Market. The market which comes into life every Sunday market on Gaya Street which is closed to traffic offers a mind-boggling range of products. One can buy anything ranging from antiques to footwear, beaded jewellery to batik sarongs and much more.

Visit Kinabalu National Park

The Kinabalu National Park which includes the majestic Mount Kinabalu itself is a World Heritage Site and is home to over 5000 plant species including some of the largest Pitcher plants in the world. The Kinabalu Park offers many activities including treks, paragliding, Canopy Walk, birding, etc.. It is one of the prime Kota Kinabalu attractions for nature lovers.

Gaze Up At The Atkinson Clock  Tower

The Atkinson Clock Tower stands as a mute witness to the growth and evolution of the city of Kota Kinabalu. The tower built entirely of wood is a heritage landmark that was built in the year 1905 as a memorial to Francis George Atkinson who was the first District Officer of Jesselton, the city that we now know as KK or Kota Kinabalu. No Kota Kinabalu tour would be complete without visiting this iconic landmark.

Soak In The Architectural Aesthetics of Kota Kinabalu City Mosque

We had some tantalizing glimpses of an exquisite looking mosque from our van while in Kota Kinabalu. Unfortunately owing to time constraints we could not visit the Kota Kinabalu Mosques which stands as a beautiful expression of the best of contemporary Islamic architecture. The beautiful mosque stands in the centre of a man-made lagoon and shines like a pearl. The City  Mosque can accommodate more than 10,000 people at a time.

Pay A Visit To The State Mosque

Another mosque that caught our attention on the way to the Airport was the State Mosque. The mosque was embellished by a dome with golden inlay and surrounded by gold-tipped minarets. The unique architectural design was riveting.

Buy Souvenirs At The Handicrafts Market

A place to pick up unique souvenirs that will always remind you of Sabah, the colourful Handicrafts market is the place to pick up a Sarong or maybe a locally crafted handbag, or maybe something even more exotic like a blowpipe!

If you are passionate about shopping you can also visit any of the glitzy Kota Kinabalu Shopping Malls.

Learn About Sabah In The Sabah State Museum And Heritage Village

Museums offer a peep into the history and culture of a place. If one wants to learn about Sabah, its history and culture, the state museum is a great place to spend time in. The various exhibits pertaining to Archaeology, Natural History, Ceramics, Ethnography, etc., bring alive the evolution of Sabah and its culture. The Sabah Museum complex also houses a heritage village that showcases different dwelling units used by its indigenous people. Various cultural events also take place here.

Monsopiad Cultural Village

This is a cultural village that brings alive the life of a fearful warrior named Nonsopiad who lived more than 200 years ago. The village also has a “House of Skulls”, which houses 42 of the fearsome trophies of Monsopiad.

View The Sunset From Signal Hill

The highest point of Kota Kinabalu is Signal Hill. The place provides a spectacular view of the city and the sea. The islands that make up the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park can also be seen in the distance.

Other Main Attractions of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo

Most people identify Sabah with Borneo. Borneo island is the third largest island in the world is well known and especially so as it is a biodiversity hot spot. Apart from the city of Kota Kinabalu, the islands in its vicinity, and Mount Kinabalu there is so much more to Sabah. The East Coast of Sabah is a veritable Eden and a paradise for nature and wildlife lovers and seekers of adventure. Here are the reasons why the East Coast of Sabah makes for such an enchanting destination. These are also some of the reasons why we want to head back to Sabah.

Diving In Sipadan

Sabah is a divers paradise with excellent diving sites across the state including the Tunku Abdul Rehman National Park near the capital city of Sabah.

But it is the world-famous island of Sipadan that figures in most divers’ bucket list. It is known for being one of the best diving sites in the world.

The place is known for its phenomenal marine ecosystem that includes over 3000 species of fish, innumerable species of corals. Green and Hawksbill turtles too thrive in the pristine environs of Sipadan Island. Sipadan Island has 12 diving sites and accessed from the nearby islands like Mabul as one cannot stay at Sipadan island.

Visit The Tip of Borneo
A drive of about 215 kilometres from Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah takes you to a spectacular place. This place is where the swirling waters of two seas merge together. This place is known as the tip of Borneo and is located on the northernmost tip of the Borneo island in the Kudat Division of Sabah and is indeed one of the best places in Sabah to appreciate the splendour of nature.

Rendezvous with Pygmy Elephants, Orangutans, and Proboscis Monkeys

Sabah, Malaysian Borneo is home to some of the rarest of rare species of wildlife and these include the Pygmy Elephants, Orangutans, and the Proboscis Monkeys. Have always wanted to see these animals in the rain forests of Borneo, after watching some of the documentary films like Born To Be Wild.

Enjoy the trailer of Born To Be Wild

How To Get To Kota Kinabalu

• Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah in Malaysia
• Kota Kinabalu has its own International Airport located about 8 kilometres from the city centre
• Major airlines connect Kota Kinabalu to other important centres of South East Asia

You can fly into Kota Kinabalu from Kuala Lumpur or any other major city of South East Asia. If you are looking to book inexpensive and best flights to Kota Kinabalu, you can do it right here. Book through either TripAdvisor or Agoda or CheapAir or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline and avail big discounts on your booking to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.

Kota Kinabalu Accommodation

You can plan your stay in Kota Kinabalu or any place in Sabah, Borneo. There are plenty of options for accommodation in Kota Kinabalu and where to stay in Kota Kinabalu is not at all an issue.  You can find budget hotels in Kota Kinabalu as well as high-end luxury hotels and resorts. Some of the best hotels in Kota Kinabalu include Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort and Spa, Le Meridien, Hilton, Avangio Hotel by Accor, and Sky Hotel. We stayed at the Avangio Hotel and for a day at the Sky Hotel and found them clean, nice, and convenient.

If you are excited about Kota Kinabalu and planning a trip to Sabah and looking at accommodation options that Kota Kinabalu offers and are trying to find the best hotels in Kota Kinabalu or the best place to stay in Kota Kinabalu, then do check out our favourite booking sites here. We have always used these sites to book our stay when we travel. Kota Kinabalu hotel booking can be done through TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Agoda or Makemytrip or Priceline to avail big discounts and save huge on your stay in Kota Kinabalu.

Click here to book the best hotel/resort in Kota Kinabalu

Visit Borneo

To benefit you, we have curated some exciting Borneo tours. You can choose and book tours for your Sabah trip here:

Kota Kinabalu Tours and Activities

Sabah Tours and Activities

Borneo Tours and Activities

What To Eat In Kota Kinabalu – Tips For Vegetarians travelling to Malaysia

As most of our readers would be knowing we are vegetarians and look out for vegetarian food wherever we travel. Be it vegetarian food in Cambodia or our search for that perfect vegetarian dinner in Switzerland, we have evolved our own survival drill which would be useful for all vegetarian travellers. These figure prominently on our travel blog. Having said that, our Kota Kinabalu blog would be incomplete without talking about food and specifically vegetarian food in Kota Kinabalu.

Sabah is located on the shores of the South China Sea and the Sulu sea lends itself naturally to seafood. It is a paradise for seafood lovers. The local cuisine is by and large Non-Vegetarian and not very vegetarian-friendly. Our experience is, of course, limited to the four days we spent there. Here are some salient points from our experiences that should help vegetarian travellers travelling to Kota Kinabalu and other parts of Sabah.

♠ Most of the hotels where you have buffet breakfast, lunch, or dinner have limited vegetarian options that usually consist of fruits, boiled vegetables, cereals, rice, and noodles. The important point to note here that the dishes are not marked as Veg or Non-Veg which can be a little inconvenient. We had to ask the staff to help us every time, especially as we do not eat eggs also. In fact, one of us nibbled on Chicken nuggets thinking it to be vegetarian!

♠ A popular local restaurant which was part of a big chain of restaurants had a huge menu and we spent a lot of time poring over it to order our vegetarian meal. We gave up and asked our local guide to explain to the restaurant staff to get us some vegetarian stuff and chose to binge on desserts.

♠ There are Indian restaurants where one can get vegetarian food, but you would not to specifically search for them. Before visiting Kota Kinabalu and Sabah it is better for vegetarians to do a bit of research and draw up a list of restaurants and outlets serving vegetarian food.

♠ You can also look for vegetarian food at places like Burger King where you will need to get your order customized. We asked for Vegetarian Burger and were served the Buns with lots of vegetables stuffed in between and french fries.

Sabah Maps For Reference

Malaysia Map

Kota Kinabalu Map

Sabah Map

Borneo Map

Tips For Your Kota Kinabalu Trip

♠ Ensure to carry light and comfortable clothes keeping in mind the warm and humid climate.

♠ Carry umbrellas or raincoats as rain is unpredictable.

♠ Sunscreen, Umbrellas, shades, hats, and caps are needed for protection from the sun as you will spend considerable time outdoors on the islands and beaches.

♠ Insect repellants needed when you are heading off into the rainforests or mangroves.
♠ Comfortable and rugged footwear is advised.

♠ Do not forget to pack your swimming costumes.

FAQ About Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, And Borneo

Sabah has an incredible range of experiences to offer. It is indeed a smorgasbord of attractions and is bound to generate a lot of interest and questions. Here are some of the top of the mind questions about Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, and the island of Borneo that people may have. We have tried to answer them to the best of our ability based on our personal experience as well as secondary research.

Sabah

🔸 Which are the interesting places in Sabah to visit?

🔹 Sabah, Malaysian Borneo offers many unique attractions. If you pick up any Sabah travel guide, it is bound to talk about the wildlife and rainforests of Sabah, Mount Kinabalu, Sipadan which is one of the best diving sites and Kota Kinabalu which is the capital of Sabah and also the gateway to the Malaysian Borneo. There are so many places to visit in Sabah that one is spoiled for choice.

🔸 Which are the best things to do in Sabah?

🔹 There are so many Sabah tourist attractions that all Sabah tours offer, that one is spoiled for choice. For adventure seekers climbing Mount Kinabalu, Diving in Sipadan and diving, snorkelling, parasailing, and other activities in the Tunku Abdul Rehman National Park, Jungle treks in the rainforest, are some of the exciting activities. So the question is not what to do in Sabah, but what to choose from the plethora of exciting activities available.

🔸 How many days are ideal for a Sabah holiday?

🔹 Even a month may not be enough to see all of Sabah, but a 4d3n Sabah tour package would make for a nice holiday.

🔸 Which are the Sabah beach resorts?

🔹 Sabah is a land of gorgeous beaches and exotic islands. This, of course, means the availability of many Sabah Island resorts in places like Manukan Island, Mabul Island, Gaya Island etc. There is no dearth of Sabah resorts to choose from in the most exotic locales. These include places like the Shangri-la Rasa Ria Resort and Spa, Sutera@Mantanani Island Resort and Spa. These are indeed some of the uber-luxury and best hotels in Sabah.

🔸 Where To Stay in Sabah, Malaysia?

🔹 Sabah is the state of Malaysia that is located on the Borneo island. Kota Kinabalu is its capital city and where you stay depends on your personal preferences in terms of the experiences you are looking at as well as your style of travelling. The best option is to start off with Kota Kinabalu. The Kota Kinabalu tourist map itself is full of a range of attractions and experiences. In terms of accommodation you can look at homestay Kota Kinabalu options, budget hotel Kota Kinabalu options or luxury hotels and resorts in Kota Kinabalu. Check the where to stay in Kota Kinabalu section for options and booking accommodation right here.

🔸 How is Sabah weather?

🔹 When you look at the Sabah map showing its physical features you realize the wide variance in the terrain. There are mountainous regions, coastal areas, and large tracts covered by rainforests. Hence though the Sabah weather, in general, is tropical, it varies based on location. It can be hot and humid in Kota Kinabalu, while Mount Kinabalu records sub-zero temperatures too.

🔸 Where and what is Sepanggar Sabah?

🔹 Sepanggar Island or Mari Mari Sepanggar island is a relatively secluded island off Kota Kinabalu. It is reached by boat from Jesselton Point.

🔸 Do Sabah hotels have internationally compatible power points?

🔹 It is advisable to carry universal adapters. Sabah and Malaysia, in general, have the plug type G which consists of 3 rectangular shaped pins arranged in a triangle. The electrical systems operate on a supply of 240V at 50Hz.

Kota Kinabalu

🔸 Where do the Kota Kinabalu boat trips start from?

🔹 No Kota Kinabalu trip would be complete without visiting the islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. Jesselton Point is the main jetty from where you can embark on the enchanting Kota Kinabalu day tour of the islands. This is one of the highlights on which Kota Kinabalu tourism thrives. Apart from visiting the islands, there are many local sights that can be covered on a Kota Kinabalu city tour. Check out Kota Kinabalu tours.

🔸 How is the Kota Kinabalu weather?

🔹 Kota Kinabalu weather is tropical and temperatures range between 25 degrees to around 30 degrees. Because of the proximity to the sea, the weather can be quite humid.

🔸 Which are the best Kota Kinabalu day trips?

🔹 Day trip options are many from Kota Kinabalu. The islands of the Tunku Abdul Rehman National Park make for an excellent day trip. Others include visiting the Poring Hot Springs and Kinabalu Park trips. Do refer to any Kota Kinabalu travel guide which is sure to offer a huge range of options for day trips from Kota Kinabalu.

🔸 How many days are ideal to visit Kota Kinabalu?

🔹 A minimum of 4-5 days is needed to enjoy Kota Kinabalu and its surrounding areas.

Borneo

🔸 Why is Sabah also referred to as Borneo, how are Sabah and Borneo related?

🔹 Sabah is a part of the greater Borneo island. Borneo island is shared between Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. Sabah is a state of Malaysia that encompasses the Malaysian territory of the Borneo island.

🔸 How is the Borneo weather like?

🔹 The temperatures across Borneo generally range between 27 to 32 degrees across the year. Humidity levels hover around 80%. May to September is generally the peak tourist season. However, the vagaries of the weather cannot be predicted for a tropical island like Borneo and rains can pour any time of the year. The weather conditions can also change suddenly and dramatically.

🔸 Are Borneo holidays ideal for families?

🔹 Borneo with its range of natural wonders is the perfect place to head to with the entire family. While the islands of the Tunku Abdul Rehman National Park provide an ideal family getaway, one can also head to the east coast and the rainforests for marine life and wildlife sightings.

We hope that our Sabah travel blog has been informative. Is this complete guide to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia inspiring you to experience Kota Kinabalu, Sabah and you are already dreaming about your Sabah travel plans? Do share your thoughts below.

Suggested read:

Mari Mari Cultural Village, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia

We were hosted by Sabah Tourism, Travel Earth and Malindo Air. However, the views and opinions expressed here are our own.

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