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You're Going to Love Kota Kinabalu
Malaysia's eastern Borneo island location is famous worldwide for its stunning beaches, first class diving, lush jungle scenery and luxury resort accommodation.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Kota Kinabalu
1. Kinbalu Park
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Malaysia's first national parks and has worldwide ecological importance due to its unique flora, fauna and native mammal species.
2. Dalit Beach
There are many unspoiled beaches where you can indulge in water sports and get a bite to eat at one of the many beach restaurants.
3. Poring
This natural hot spring is a popular place among tourists, just 40km outside of the city in Sabah.
4. Kota Kinabalu City Mosque
This mosque is situated around a lagoon and is one of the most photographed sites in the region.
5. Green Connection
This aquarium with hands-on exhibits focuses on environmental protection and education.
A popular activity in Kota Kinabalu
Sandakan Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Center Full-Day Trip from Kota Kinabalu
Top activities in Kota Kinabalu
SeaTango Sunset Cruise in Kota Kinabalu
Duration: 3h
Full-Day Orangutan and Proboscis Monkey Tour from Sandakan or Kota Kinabalu
Duration: 10h
Half-Day North Borneo Railway Train Ride
Duration: 4h
Day Trip to Mount Kinabalu Poring Rainforest
Duration: 9h
Borneo Full Day Try Dive (2 Dives) for Beginners
Duration: 7h
Borneo 3-Dive Scuba Diving Day Trip in Kota Kinabalu
Duration: 7h
When to Visit Kota Kinabalu
Estimated hotel price
Kota Kinabalu in {1}
1 night at 3-star hotel
Prices are not fixed and may vary with time
The best time to visit is May-September after the rainfall season, when the weather becomes more stable and you can view all kinds of turtles and orangutans playing in the wild jungles.
Average temperatures
Celsius (°C)
When the weather is nice in Kota Kinabalu
How to Get to Kota Kinabalu
Plane
Kota Kinabalu International Airport is located 7km outside of the city. One way tickets from London cost roughly MYR2,200.
Train
Sabah State Railway connects to other destinations on the island. A ticket to Beaufort with connections to Tenom costs MYR3.8 and takes 2 hours.
Car
There are 3 highways operating through Kota Kinabalu. Highway 1 runs north and south with connections to Brunei, with 22 and 500 heading east to Ranau, Tambunan and Tenom.
Bus
Currently all long-distance buses operate out of the North Bus Terminal (Inanam) just 10km outside of the city.
Airlines serving Kota Kinabalu
Excellent (22,369 reviews)
Good (3,389 reviews)
Good (26,581 reviews)
Excellent (8,607 reviews)
Excellent (14,528 reviews)
Excellent (10,148 reviews)
Good (6,443 reviews)
Excellent (3,659 reviews)
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Where to stay in popular areas of Kota Kinabalu
Most booked hotels in Kota Kinabalu
How to Get Around Kota Kinabalu
Public Transportation
The Wawasan Bus Terminal is currently under construction, being temporarily replaced by a stretch in front of Waterfront Mall. Single ride tickets cost around MYR2 and can be paid when boarding the bus.
Taxi
Taxi tariffs start at MYR8, with a typical ride in the center costing around MYR15.
Car
Rental vehicles can be picked up from Kota Kinabalu airport with average daily rates starting at MYR130.
Car rental agencies in Kota Kinabalu
The Cost of Living in Kota Kinabalu
Shopping Streets
Kota Kinabalu Handicraft (Filipino) Market offers souvenirs, including textiles, jewelry and local handcrafts for negotiable prices. 1Borneo Hypermall is the largest modern shopping mall in Borneo.
Groceries and Other
The two main shopping markets are City Grocer Supermarket and Giant Supermarket. A dozen eggs costs 4.5 MYR.
Cheap meal
C$ 2.45
A pair of jeans
C$ 102.75
Single public transport ticket
C$ 0.61
Cappuccino
C$ 3.16
Cheap meal
C$ 2.45
A pair of jeans
C$ 102.75
Single public transport ticket
C$ 0.61
Cappuccino
C$ 3.16
Where to Eat in Kota Kinabalu
Suang Tain Seafood Restaurant serves fresh-caught fish and traditional Malaysian food. Meal prices average about MYR25.