Best Travel Guide Kota Kinabalu

Kota KinabaluGuide was updated: 2024-11-20

Kota Kinabalu is the vibrant capital of Malaysia’s Sabah state on Borneo’s northern coast. Surrounded by the stunning waters of the South China Sea, mountains, and ancient rainforests, KK is a bustling city known for its lively markets, modern boardwalk and beautiful beaches. The iconic Kota Kinabalu City Mosque and the nearby Kinabalu National Park, home to the towering 4,095-metre Mount Kinabalu, highlight its unique charm. This gateway to Borneo offers an enticing blend of natural beauty and urban excitement.

Do & See

The centre of town is based around the waterfront area, which is home to a charming mix of old and new: trendy bars, restaurants and hotels line the area, but are contrastingly interspersed with traditional markets, fishing ports and hawker stalls, a great blend.

Sea & Island Tours

If you enjoy cruises, snorkelling, fishing trips, island hopping or diving, SeaQuest Tours & Travel and Borneo Dream Travel Tours Sdn Bhd offer a wide range of activities to choose from. Known for their well-organised tours, they typically include lunch, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.

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Atkinson Clock Tower

The Atkinson Clock Tower is the oldest surviving structure in Kota Kinabalu, dating back to its days as Jesselton. Located just a 10-minute walk from the Filipino Market and the I Love KK sign, this colonial-era landmark is easily accessible and offers a glimpse into the city's historical past.

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Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre

Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre is a 24-hectare mangrove forest that serves as a crucial refuge for local and migratory birds from North Asia. Located in the city, it supports diverse wildlife and marine life, offering visitors a chance to see crabs, lizards, and unique plant species. The Centre also plays a vital role in stabilising sedimentation, storing nutrients, and removing toxins from freshwater supplies.

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Taman Abdul Rahman Island Park

Taman Abdul Rahman National Park, named after Malaysia’s first Prime Minister, consists of five stunning islands. It’s a paradise for tourists and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Enjoy island hopping, snorkelling over coral reefs, and relaxing on white sandy beaches. Activities like windsurfing, parasailing, and kayaking are also available.

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Cap Kuda Coffee Factory (CKCC)

Everything you ever wanted to know about the unique Malaysian caramelised coffee you will discover on a tour of this factory. Cap Kuda Coffee Company (or Yap Yu Sdn Bhd trading as Hock Lee Coffee Powder Factory) was established in the early 1960s and is now one of the largest coffee manufacturers in Sabah.

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Kota Kinabalu City Mosque

The second main mosque in the city is set by a peaceful lakeside. Kota Kinabalu City Mosque at Likas Bay is an extraordinary example of contemporary architecture, resembling the design of the Masjid al-Nabawi (The Prophet's Mosque) in Medina, Saudi Arabia. The prayer room can hold up to 12,000 worshippers at one time and houses three madrasahs (religious schools). The man-made lagoon surrounding the mosque offers a beautiful and dramatic view on a full moon night.

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