EmJust so you know: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I may also earn a small commission if you book a tour, hotel, or buy something else through these links. It helps me keep this blog running and full of travel tips. Thanks for your support!
Looking for hidden gems in Kota Kinabalu? Whether you’re planning a quick stop or a few days in Sabah’s capital, this laid-back coastal city offers far more than just a launch point for Mount Kinabalu. From unforgettable island-hopping trips and the iconic floating mosque to some of the most stunning sunsets in the world, Kota Kinabalu is full of surprises—if you know where to look.
All images in this article were taken by me during my travels.
I visited Kota Kinabalu in August 2024 as part of a wider Borneo adventure, and I was genuinely impressed by how much there is to experience here. One evening, I watched the sky turn vivid shades of orange and purple from the city’s waterfront, and it easily ranked among the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen. The next day, I explored the serene grounds of the striking Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, which seems to float on its own reflection.
In this guide, I’ll share the best things to do in Kota Kinabalu based on personal experience—whether you’re chasing sunsets, diving into island life, or looking for a deeper cultural connection. Let’s help you make the most of your time in KK.
Is Kota Kinabalu Worth Visiting?
Kota Kinabalu, often known as KK, is the main city on Borneo. It’s primarily a starting point for Mount Kinabalu hikes and is much less touristy than wildlife-oriented Sepilok, but it can be worth spending a couple of days there on your trip to Borneo. Highlights include some of the world’s best sunsets, a beautiful floating mosque, and the opportunity to snorkel in a nature reserve!
Part of the reason to visit Kota Kinabalu is that there are more flights to and from KK than Sandakan, where the orangutan and sun bear sanctuaries are located. While Sandakan only has flights from Kuala Lumpur and internal Borneo destinations, you can fly to Kota Kinabalu from Singapore, Penang and other locations in mainland Malaysia, and even Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam! This means that it might be easier fly into Kota Kinabalu and spend a couple of nights in Borneo’s capital before flying down to Sandakan.
Planning your Malaysia trip? Check out my three-week Malaysia itinerary, which covers both Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo.
How to find hidden gems in Kota Kinabalu
Enjoy Kota Kinabalu’s world-famous sunset
The main thing to do in KK itself is take in the sunset. Tanjung Aru Beach, between the city and the airport, has been voted one of the top sites in the world to enjoy the sunset (nominated by the Huffington Post). In addition, there is also a strip of waterfront restaurants (mainly western cuisine) where people gather to take in the views. It’s a lovely spot to spend an evening with a relaxed beer, watching the boats go by.
Go Kota Kinabalu Island Hopping
During the day, you can head to the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, a cluster of tropical islands just offshore. Three main islands are commonly visited—not only by tourists, but also by locals.
The main islands to visit are Manukan, Sapi and Mamutik. After arriving at your chosen island(s), there are a variety of activities to choose from including snorkelling, parasailing and banana boat riding, with varying costs.
To get to the islands, you will need to take a ferry. You can buy ferry passes for just one island or for multiple islands, depending on your plans. Ferries are available from the Jesselton Point Quay – the easiest way to get here is to take a Grab (Asia’s version of Uber). Once you arrive, there will be a variety of providers vying for your business.
If you want to avoid the hassle of the ferry companies, you can also take a tour with Get Your Guide – this one is very highly rated.
I didn’t end up going to the islands as I read such mixed reviews on the quality of the snorkelling, how busy the islands were and the cleanliness/plastic waste in the water. I think this will depend on the time of year you are visiting, so bear that in mind when planning this activity.
Visit the beautiful floating mosque
The main site in the city itself is the floating mosque, which opened in 2000, and incorporates design features from mosques in India, Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Spain. This stunning building is perched on the water at the edge of town, which gives it the illusion of floating. Take a Grab out to here and note that you can hire modest attire if necessary.
The Mosque is modern and beautiful inside, but it’s the outside and the views that are the real draw. Spend a few minutes soaking in the beauty of this Kota Kinabalu hidden gem.
Take a night cruise to see fireflies and Proboscis monkeys
A popular option in Kota Kinabalu is taking a night cruise to see fireflies and proboscis monkeys. These distinctive primates are endemic to Borneo, and one of Borneo’s “Big Five”—the most iconic wildlife species on the island. Guided tours will take you to the Floating Mosque and to a local chocolate factory, before you head to the Bongawan River. You’ll float down the river searching for proboscis monkeys and macaques, before spotting fireflies once the sun has gone down. Tours include dinner and snacks.
While I didn’t take a cruise on the Bongawan River, as I was going to see proboscis monkeys on the River Kinabatangan, this is one of the most popular things to do in Kota Kinabalu and definitely worth it if your trip doesn’t include the Kinabtangan cruise. Check out this highly rated tour on Get Your Guide to make sure you don’t miss out!
Visit a hidden gem cafe and enjoy street art
None of my guides would be complete without a cafe recommendation, and the Kota Kinabalu hidden gem I recommend is Gaia Coffee. This charming, laid-back café is next to the Art Attic, an artist collective offering gifts from different artists and craftspeople. Like George Town, Malacca and Ipoh, Kota Kinabalu also has some interesting street art, although not nearly as much as these other Malaysian cities.
Stock up (and escape the heat) at the mall
KK has two high end malls, one at either end of the city centre. They are Imago Shopping Mall and Centre Point Sabah, and I visited both while I was in the city. Imago has more high-end and designer stores, but also more stores overall.
If you are travelling for a long time, these can be a great place to stock up if you need anything (particularly Uniqlo!). There’s also some British staples in there, including Marks and Spencer’s. I didn’t see a food section though, so don’t get too excited about having Percy Pigs after months of travelling (speaking from sad experience).
Where to stay in Kota Kinabalu
I would recommend staying either in the centre of Kota Kinabalu, where you have easy access to the waterfront. If you can afford it, you could also stay in one of the major resorts with a private beach. Wherever you stay, you’ll be able to navigate the city easily as it’s not big, and Grab (Asia’s version of Uber) is cheap and quick.
I stayed at Capital Express, a small budget hotel that had everything I needed for an excellent stay. It was in the centre of town, by the night market (although I never experienced any noise) and offered a comfortable experience around the 3* level.
The most famous resort is the Shangri-La.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kota Kinabalu safe?
Overall, Borneo is very safe. As a solo female traveller, I never felt threatened or unsafe while in Borneo. However, you should take the usual precautions, particularly at night. Kota Kinabalu was not particularly busy at night – you are more likely to be walking alone than in other Malaysian cities like George Town or Kuala Lumpur.
✔ Government advice: Many governments, including the UK and Irish governments, currently advise against travel to certain parts of Borneo. This is primarily the islands off the coast from Sandakan onwards. This includes the famous diving spots around Seporna (as of June 2025). Kota Kinabalu, including the islands, are considered safe.
✔ Always check guidance from your government and make sure this is up to date. For British citizens, this can be found on the FCDO website.
When is the best time to go to Kota Kinabalu
The best time to visit Kota Kinabalu is between June to October, which is the dry season.
Best – Dry Season: June to October is considered to be the best time of year to visit Borneo. This will give you the best chance of island-hopping around Kota Kinabalu, and spotting the world-famous sunset.
Worst – Wet season: You should avoid the wet season between November and February, when heavy downpours will make life miserable.
How many days should you spend in Kota Kinabalu?
One day in Kota Kinabalu will allow you to visit the floating mosque, enjoy the sunset or take a river cruise, and enjoy the city without rushing. If you plan to go island hopping in Kota Kinabalu, then you will need an extra day. You likely won’t need more than two days in Kota Kinabalu.
How to get to Kota Kinabalu
Borneo is an island in the South China Sea, so you will need to fly to Kota Kinabalu. The most frequent flights to Kota Kinabalu are from Kuala Lumpur. There are also less frequent flights from Singapore, Penang and Ho Chi Minh City you could also connect via these cities.
The airport is 10-15 minutes from the centre of the city and the best option is Grab, the Asian version of Uber.
What is the best area to stay in Kota Kinabalu for first-time visitors?
The best area to stay is the city centre near the waterfront. You’ll be within walking distance of restaurants, markets, and Jesselton Point (for island ferries). It’s ideal for first-time visitors due to its convenience, including easy access to the airport.
Can you swim at the beaches in Kota Kinabalu?
You can swim at the beaches on the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park islands, such as Sapi and Manukan. The beaches near the city, like Tanjung Aru, are more scenic than swimmable due to water quality and strong currents.
How to travel from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan and Sepilok
If you are planning to travel to or from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan/Sepilok, take a short flight (around 40 minutes). Both airports have good facilities and this will help you make the most of your time.
The alternative is an 8 hour local bus. Tickets aren’t available using the usual sites (12Go, RedBus and BusTicketOnline) but can be found via EasyBook. As I haven’t used this site, I can’t vouch for whether it’s reputable or not.
River Junkies also run a shuttle from KK to Sandakan which stops off at a number of places along the way. This can be a good alternative if you have the time, but note that it requires at least two people to run. I wasn’t able to use it as a solo traveller as there were no other bookings on my chosen day.
Kota Kinabalu may be known as a gateway to Borneo’s wild adventures, but it has plenty of hidden gems worth discovering in its own right—from island escapes to world-class sunsets. If you’ve been to KK or have questions about planning your trip, I’d love to hear from you in the comments! And don’t forget to check out my full Borneo travel guide and detailed Kinabatangan River article for even more inspiration.
Em is the voice behind Em’s Globetrotting Gems, where she shares real travel experiences and helpful tips from her journeys across the globe. In 2024, she spent three weeks exploring Borneo, including three memorable days in Kota Kinabalu. Her guides aim to help fellow travellers make the most of their time with practical advice and a touch of adventure.
✅ All images in this article were taken by me during my travels. No stock images were used.
