THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu (2025) - Must-See Attractions
Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu
Check out must-see sights and activities:
Manukan Island, Sapi Island, Nature and Wildlife Tours, Islands. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
Manukan Island, Sapi Island, Nature and Wildlife Tours, Islands. For personalised recommendations, try our AI trip-planning product.
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Book these experiences for a close-up look at Kota Kinabalu.
Day Tripsfromper adultHK$399
On the Waterfromper adult (price varies by group size)HK$518- fromper adultHK$368
- fromper adult (price varies by group size)HK$442
- fromper adultHK$947
Thermal Spas & Hot Springsfromper adult (price varies by group size)HK$956- fromper adultHK$333
- fromper adult (price varies by group size)HK$1,277
Half-day Toursfromper adultHK$630- fromper adultHK$613
Islands
Beaches
Tranquil beach with stunning sunsets and a variety of water activities, complemented by local food stalls and a lively night market. Ideal for serene evening outings.
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National Parks
Island hopping adventure with scenic beaches and lush forests, featuring water activities and wildlife encounters. Note the ecological concerns with marine life and reef health.
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Flea & Street Markets
Vibrant Sunday market presenting an array of local souvenirs, food, and clothing, amidst a convivial atmosphere for mingling with the community and discovering cultural treasures.
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Flea & Street Markets
Bustling night market known for its fresh seafood and street food, vibrant with local flavors and a lively ambience. Features a diverse array of souvenir stalls amid the energetic setting.
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Religious Sites
Shopping Malls
Modern shopping destination with luxury and local brand mix, cultural exhibitions, and a unique market-like lower ground floor. Features traditional performances and an anime exhibition.
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Islands
Tranquil beach with clear waters and opportunities for snorkeling amid photogenic jetties. Offers water activities like parasailing and a chance to observe marine life.
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Hot Springs & Geysers
Hot spring destination with jungle trails, a canopy walk, and a butterfly park. Visitors relax in warm pools and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.
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Islands
Tranquil island retreat with pristine beaches and clear waters for snorkeling, diving, and kayaking. Home to unique landscapes and wildlife, yet mindful of environmental challenges.
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History Museums
Museum with cultural and natural history exhibits, including a vast whale skeleton and outdoor heritage village, showcasing Sabah's rich biodiversity and traditions.
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Other Top Attractions around Kota Kinabalu
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- xhlgetteSydney, Australia96 contributionsThis island is a pretty place with shady spots by the lovely sandy beach, a handful of snorkel rental places and hotel restaurants. It was worth it on a day trip from KK. We snorkeled and saw a few fish such as trigger fish and Angel fish, some sea cucumbers and blue spotted rays. My kids snorkelled for the first time and thought it was amazing. I’ve scuba dived and snorkeled all over and thought it was a bit sad in those places you are allowed to snorkel, with dead coral, some rubbish and a few fish. I suspect there are other places that are much better for marine life, but you’d need to charter a boat or take a tour to get to them. but with kids, this was a good start.Written 1 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ZalnikUnited Kingdom105 contributionsIt's very chaotic to get there but it's better than the other islands.
The water is warm, not so much rubbish everywhere but very small so you have to put up with spoiled Asian teenagers having their sort of fun next to you.
There are showers next to the toilets.
Get some water or a snack with you.Written 2 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - SandySydneyAusAustralia766 contributionsWe stayed at Shangrila so we walked one afternoon. Beach was reasonable clean and sunset was reasonably pretty. I would not call it the best but ok. Night market food stalls started early so we could grab food and got back to hotel before too dark. Got nice roasted corns and coconut drinks. Bbq stuffs and satays were not that great but ok.Written 15 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Eliana P27 contributionsWe did a snorkelling day trip in TARP with kids and thoroughly enjoyed it. Water was clear, lunch was really good and guides were very helpful with the kids. Highly recommend a visit before it is destroyed!!
Too much trash in the water. No one seems to be looking after it - plastic bags, plastic bottles, aluminium cans. If this is not corrected soon the area will be destroyed.Written 24 September 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - feynmanKuala Lumpur, Malaysia8 contributionsThe crowds are huge, but like any street market, the only downside is that you can’t find parking if you’re driving. The traffic around the market is also pretty bad.Written 13 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Kenten WNorthern California, CA73 contributionsWent to night market by the water. Typical night market of Southeast Asia; lots of people and lots of vendors with cheap food and drinks. There were a lot of seafood options. Not much vegetarian and even less vegan options. Good to visit and try some local street food.Written 20 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lina EKuala Lumpur, Malaysia3,707 contributionsThis Floating Mosque is a stunning piece of architecture built on the water, often regarded as one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Its design features a blend of modern Islamic architecture, complemented by intricate decorative calligraphy of Quranic verses.
Visitors are required to pay an entry fee of RM 10 (approximately USD 2.25 at the time of this visit). Female visitors, including those already wearing modest clothing, are required to wear long robes and headscarves provided by the mosque, so there is no need to worry about dressing modestly beforehand. These garments must be worn regardless of personal attire.
Shoes are not allowed inside the mosque, but a designated area is provided for tourists to store their footwear. Be sure to use the storage room rather than leaving your shoes on the stairs to avoid any inconvenience.
The mosque itself is relatively small and features separate prayer halls for men and women. While the interiors are modest, the mosque’s beauty is best appreciated from the outside, especially with its serene reflection on the surrounding waters, making it a popular spot for photography.Written 6 January 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - tonimcallenFremantle, Australia55 contributionsThis is a huge shopping mall with a large range of different stores. The centre is clean an presents as aesthetically pleasing. On the lower ground floor there is a market like series of stalls which were fun to look through. Otherwise, there is a range of stores providing lower priced goods through to high end labels.Written 9 April 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Aldo VSwitzerland19 contributionsWe only visited Mamutik and Manukan islands, but Mamutik was by far the more interesting.
I saw beautiful fish, a sting ray and a reef shark while snorkeling.Written 7 April 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Daz0Stockport, UK87 contributionsNice to get up into the hills.
This place has pros and cons.
Nice tree top walk and walk to the waterfall
But the actual hot springs are a bit tacky. It would be nice if it was a bit more natural other than the swimming pool and hot tubs it is!!Written 15 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Itravel0neKota Kinabalu, Malaysia2,458 contributionsTravel by land to a coastal town and than by boat for about 30 minutes to this beautiful sandy beach island. Water is clear and a few accommodation operators available. Some island activities are snorkelling , diving, kayaking, sunset cruise.Written 2 June 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Kazza_union66 contributionsThis museum was a diamond in the rough. Go there with the right attitude, keeping expectations low, and you will be pleasantly surprised. We read quite a few reviews about unfriendly staff etc but we were treated with promptness and professionalism. Will admit the displays could have a better running theme but there were some informative exhibits. We’re birders and found the fauna display quite fascinating. It did get a little stuffy from inconsistent air conditioning inside. The gift store was actually well-stocked with good selection of books surprisingly. Two buskers (guitarist and flautist) were playing a selection of jazz and other pieces… we thought they were great! Easy enough to get a Grab there and back to town againWritten 4 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveller reviews for more details and information.
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