Grab car
Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) is close to town. The fare is fixed in the app, so no haggling.
Korean MOFA travel advisory: Your destination: Level 1 (exercise caution) · some areas of the country have advisories
Elsewhere in the country: Level 3 (leave the country) — some regions: L3 (leave): eastern Sabah islands and east coast / L2: eastern Sabah coast / L1: rest of the country
Visits to the listed regions should be cancelled or postponed (see Details for other areas).
since 2025-07-01 · checked 2026-10-01 · Details ↗ This is the Korean government’s advisory — also check your own government’s travel advice.
Kota Kinabalu Travel Guide
A seaside city in Sabah, Malaysia, on the north of Borneo, combining nearby island hopping, fiery sunsets and Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia's highest peak. The airport is close to town and flights from Korea are short, making it popular for family and short beach trips.
Plan your Kota Kinabalu trip
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At a glance
- Currency
- MYR (RM)
- Power & plugs
- 230V · Type G
- Driving side
- Left
- Tipping
- Not expected
- Local language
- Bahasa Melayu
- How long to stay
- 4 to 5 days
Emergency numbers
- Police999
- Ambulance999
- Fire999
- Tourist hotline1300 88 5050
When to go
It is hot and often rainy all year. February to April is generally drier and good for island trips, while October to December tends to be wetter. Sabah sees few direct typhoon hits, but rain and waves can still cancel boats. Prices rise during major holidays and school breaks.
Airport to the city
Airport coupon taxi
Buy a fixed-fare coupon for your destination at the taxi counter in arrivals. Handy late at night or with lots of luggage.
Resort pickup
If you stay at a resort on the coast south of town or at the northern beaches, booking the resort's airport pickup is easiest.
Getting around
Grab
The most common way to get between town, resorts and beaches. Fares are fixed and fairly cheap.
Walking (city waterfront)
The center, seafront promenade and markets are walkable. The midday sun is strong, so bring a hat and water.
Island boats (Jesselton Point)
Boats to the nearby islands leave often from Jesselton Point jetty in town. Island entry or conservation fees may be charged separately.
Car with driver
For far-off trips like Kinabalu Park or river tours, a day car hire or tour is easiest. Confirm hours and what is included first.
Where to stay
City center (waterfront)
Good for: First visit, food and night markets, value
Hotels, restaurants, markets and the island jetty are close together and walkable. Less of a resort feel.
Tanjung Aru
Good for: Sunsets, beach walks, near the airport
A beach area near the airport famous for sunsets, with beach resorts and a short drive to town.
Resort coast south of town
Good for: Resort stays, families
Large resorts with pools and facilities, a short drive from the city.
Northern beach resorts
Good for: Quiet stays, long beaches
A quieter beach resort area 30-40 minutes by car from town. A bit far for frequent trips to city restaurants.
Kundasang (foot of Mount Kinabalu)
Good for: Mountain views, cool weather
A highland village with views of Mount Kinabalu and much cooler air. About 2 hours by car from town, so stay at least a night.
Map of stays in Kota Kinabalu
Compare prices from many booking sites on the map
Search stays in Kota Kinabalu in the appMap & prices: Stay22 — you book on each site
Top sights
Tunku Abdul Rahman Park island hopping
Snorkeling and beach time on nearby islands such as Manukan, Sapi and Mamutik. The marine park charges an entry fee, and boats may be cancelled when waves are high.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Park island hopping · Photo: Dcubillas / CC BY-SA 3.0 Kinabalu Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with forest trails and a botanical garden at the foot of Malaysia's highest peak. It gets chilly up there, so bring a layer.
Kinabalu Park · Photo: Tecrc / CC BY-SA 4.0 Climbing Mount Kinabalu
Climbing to the summit (about 4,095 m) requires a permit and a licensed mountain guide, daily numbers are limited, and it is usually done over two days. Book through a licensed operator months ahead.
Tanjung Aru Beach sunset
The city's most famous sunset beach. Arrive about 30 minutes before sunset.
Kota Kinabalu City Mosque
A mosque famous for appearing to float on water. Follow visiting hours and the dress code; visits may be limited during prayer times.
Kota Kinabalu City Mosque · Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas / CC BY-SA 3.0 Signal Hill Observatory
A hilltop viewpoint over the city and the islands offshore.
Gaya Street Sunday Market
A street market on Sunday mornings for souvenirs, snacks and local goods.
River tour (proboscis monkeys, fireflies)
A half-day trip to riverside mangroves outside town to see proboscis monkeys and fireflies. Travel time is long and sightings depend on the weather.
What to eat
Seafood
Many restaurants let you pick from tanks and charge by weight. Confirm the price per kilo and cooking charges before ordering.
Tuaran Mee
Stir-fried egg noodles from the Tuaran district of Sabah, a local noodle dish worth trying in Kota Kinabalu.
Nasi Lemak
Coconut rice with sambal, anchovies, peanuts and egg, Malaysia's classic breakfast. About 5-15 MYR.
Roti Canai
Flaky flatbread dipped in curry sauce, a quick and cheap meal. About 5-10 MYR with a drink.
Night market grills
The seaside night market serves cheap chicken wings, skewers and grilled fish in the evening. Bring some cash.
Daily budget (per person)
Budgetabout 150 MYR per day: guesthouse, local food, Grab
Mid-rangeabout 400-550 MYR per day: hotel, restaurants, island hopping
Comfortabout 1,000 MYR+ per day: resort, private tours
Amounts are rough figures in local currency. Check exchange rates before you go.
Sample itinerary
- Day 1
Arrive and check in, sunset at Tanjung Aru Beach, then seafood at the seaside night market.
- Day 2
Island hopping by boat from Jesselton Point (snorkeling, beaches), then Tuaran mee in town.
- Day 3
A day at Kinabalu Park and the Kundasang highlands (or an afternoon river tour for proboscis monkeys and fireflies).
- Day 4
Signal Hill and the City Mosque in the morning (Gaya Street market if it is Sunday), then the airport.
Local tips
- Sabah runs its own immigration checks even within Malaysia. Even if you arrive via another part of Malaysia your passport is checked, so keep it with you.
- Entry conditions and digital arrival requirements can change, so check the Malaysian immigration department or embassy websites before you travel.
- Several governments advise caution for some islands off Sabah's east coast. If you plan to travel far beyond Kota Kinabalu, check your government's travel advice first.
- Island tours and the marine park often charge separate entry or conservation fees. Check whether they are included in the tour price.
- Cover shoulders and knees in mosques and temples; women may be lent a headscarf.
- The sun is very strong, so use sunscreen and a hat and drink water often. Drink bottled water rather than tap water.
- Seafood restaurants often charge by weight. Check the price per kilo and cooking fees before ordering.
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