Taking a breather from your hectic work life will help you recharge and re-energise. Therefore, planning a relaxing and fun getaway with family or friends at least once a year is highly recommended.
Kota Kinabalu is a perfect city to gain insight into Sabah’s heritage through its cultural villages. If you are considering a vacation to Kota Kinabalu, add these 10 best things to do in Kota Kinabalu to your travel itinerary.
Why Is Kota Kinabalu A Must-Visit Destination?
Kota Kinabalu is a must-visit destination because there are so many things to do and sights to see at Kota Kinabalu. You can learn about Sabah’s history at the Sabah State Museum and experience rich cultures at the Mari Mari Cultural Village. In addition, you can also take gorgeous photographs at Le’One Kokol and enjoy the sunset at Tanjung Aru Beach.
Is Kota Kinabalu Safe For Tourists?
Safety in Kota Kinabalu is not a huge concern, although you should practice caution when travelling by not flaunting valuables and avoiding walking down dark alleys late at night. Generally, Sabahans are peace-loving and friendly people, and it is rare to hear of any violent crime committed within Kota Kinabalu, especially not against tourists.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Kota Kinabalu?
It is generally recommended to visit Kota Kinabalu around February to April because of the dry season. During those months, the weather is usually sunnier, with a low chance of rain, which makes it the perfect time to conquer Mount Kinabalu.
10 Best Things To Do In Kota Kinabalu 2025
1. Be Amazed By The Architecture Of The Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu
The Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu sits on a 14.83-acre site at Pasir Road on the shores of Likas Bay on the South China Sea. A human-made lagoon partially surrounds it. This has given rise to its nickname, “The Floating Mosque”. Furthermore, the mosque is a tourist destination and is included in several tours. It is also a common destination for photographers.
Operating Hours: 5am to 10pm daily
Address: Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu, Jalan Pasir, Jalan Teluk Likas, Kampung Likas, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 088-205 418
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mbrkotakinabalu/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbrkotakinabalu/
Check Info On Website2. Learn About Sabah’s History At The Sabah State Museum
The Sabah State Museum was built in 1985. This Museum consists of the Main Building, Science and Education Centre and Heritage Village. In addition, the museum galleries showcase Ceramics, Ethnography and Archaeology exhibits. Furthermore, at the Heritage Village, you can experience and learn about the different traditional houses of the various indigenous groups of Sabah.
Operating Hours: 9am to 5pm daily
Address: Sabah State Museum, Jalan Muzium, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 088-225 033
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMuziumSabah/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muziumsabah/
Refer Info On Website3. Experience Rich Cultures At The Mari Mari Cultural Village
At the Mari Mari Cultural Village, you will learn about the cultural legacy of five indigenous tribes with a guide by your side. The guide will take you on a tour of the traditional houses of each tribe where you can learn more about their history. Here, you can also learn about the relationship the indigenous tribes have with neighbouring Borneo. In addition, you can also enjoy a fun-filled cultural performance with blowpipe-making, fire-starting, tattoo-making, and more.
Operating Hours: 10am to 5pm daily
Address: Mari Mari Cultural Village, Jalan Kionsom, Inanam, 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 013-881 4921
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marimariculturalvillageborneo/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mmcv.official/
Website Info4. Take Gorgeous Photographs At Le’One Kokol Elf
Le’One Kokol Elf is a famous instagrammable place known for its gorgeous scenery. Here, you can experience Malaysia’s first “Bali Swing” and get the chance to capture beautiful moments on your swing ride. At Le’One Kokol Elf, you can also take gorgeous photographs of the fantastic panoramic view of Kota Kinabalu city from Kokol Hills. Your visit here will be one you will remember for a long time to come.
Operating Hours: 10am to 7pm daily
Address: Le’ One Kokol Elf, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 012-250 4934
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KOKOLELF/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kokolelf_/?hl=en
View website5. Enjoy The Sunset At The Tanjung Aru Beach
Tanjung Aru Beach is a long stretch of beach with sandy white shores. Here, you can have a front-row seat to a breathtaking sunset every evening when the crimson sun dips slowly into the horizon, leaving the vast skies a brilliant red. Popular activities at Tanjung Aru Beach are kite flying, picnics, team building, or just enjoying snacks sold at small food stalls while watching the sunset.
Operating Hours: 10am to 11pm daily
Address: Tanjung Aru Beach, Tanjung Aru, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 016-833 0678
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TanjungAruBeach/
6. Try The Street Food At The Night Food Market At Gaya Street
Suppose you love trying local cuisine when you travel. In that case, the Night Food Market At Gaya Street has plenty of eateries on both sides of the market offering popular local dishes such as laksa, beef noodles, wonton noodles, and more. One of the more popular stalls would be the Yee Fong Laksa. However, be prepared to wait for a table as there is usually a crowd.
Operating Hours:
6pm to 12am (Friday – Saturday)
Closed on Sunday to Thursday
Address: Api-Api Night Food Market @ Gaya Street, 78, Jalan Gaya, Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apiapinightfoodmarketgayastreet/
7. Have A Drink At The KK Waterfront
The KK Waterfront is Kota Kinabalu’s premier entertainment and dining centre. Locals and tourists alike regard the Waterfront as the place for a casual, fun night out, with restaurants and cafes serving a wide range of local and international cuisine. There are also pubs, karaoke bars and a dance club with live music to set the mood for a memorable evening in the city.
Operating Hours: 4pm to 3pm daily
Address: KK Waterfront, Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
View website8. Indulge In Fresh Seafood At The Grill Fish Restaurant
The Grill Fish Restaurant is one of the best seafood restaurants in Kota Kinabalu, and it is worth stopping by for a meal if you visit Kota Kinabalu City. The seafood is fresh and served in generous portions, and the food is served promptly after the order is made. The best dishes to order are butter prawns, ikan bakar sambal, pari bakar, and fried sotong.
Operating Hours: 11am to 10pm daily
Address: Grill Fish Restaurant, 78, 1, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 014-899 8089
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Grill-Fish-Buginese-Grace-Point-Sembulan
9. Buy Souvenirs At The Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market
You will be spoilt for choice at the Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market. The shops there sell beautiful sarongs and pareos, gorgeous pearl jewellery, and handicrafts. The best thing about the Handicraft Market is that you never know what you will find during your visit. Some shops even sell a Murut headhunter’s blowpipe, a coconut-shaped handbag and a wooden frog that ‘sings’ when you stroke its back with a wooden stick.
Operating Hours: 8am to 10pm daily
Address: Handicraft Market, Jln Tun Fuad Stephen, Kota Kinabalu, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
View website10. Shop At The Imago Shopping Mall
The Imago Shopping Mall is one of the most luxurious and high-end shopping centres in Kota Kinabalu. It has a comfortable and warm ambience and houses many well-known high-end brands. This mall is very popular with both locals and tourists alike. Furthermore, its supermarket is well stocked with various imported products not commonly found in other supermarkets.
Operating Hours: 10am to 10pm daily
Address: Imago Shopping Mall, KK Times Square, Phase 2, Off Coastal Highway, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Phone No: 088-275 888
Google Map: Navigate Now
Google Reviews: Here
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imagoshoppingmall
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imagoshoppingmall/
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Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.com.my. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
