10 TOP Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu (2025 Activity Guide)

Kota Kinabalu featuring landscape views and boating

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Most popular experiences in Kota Kinabalu

Tours & day trips

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Traditional Bali Massage Lulur & Spa Treatment 2 Hours

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Water activities

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Full-Day Guided Snorkelling Tour from Kota Kinabalu

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Wildlife & nature

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Full-Day Guided Snorkelling Tour from Kota Kinabalu

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Adventure & outdoor

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quad bike Adventure Ride Park Kampung Kemensah from Kuala Lumpur

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What to do in Kota Kinabalu

Popular places to visit

Suria Sabah Shopping Mall

4.5/5(12 reviews)

During your visit to Pusat Bandar, you can do some window-shopping at Suria Sabah Shopping Mall. Amble around the area's marina or seek out the local tours.

Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Kota Kinabalu Esplanade is just one of the places to see in Pusat Bandar, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the beautiful sunsets and shops in this romantic area.

Kota Kinabalu City Mosque

4/5(4 reviews)

You can find out about the history of Likas with a trip to Kota Kinabalu City Mosque. Wander the marina and beautiful beaches in the area.

Imago Shopping Mall

4.5/5(8 reviews)

During your trip to Kota Kinabalu, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Imago Shopping Mall. Amble around the area's marina or seek out the local tours.

Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal

4/5(14 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Pusat Bandar with a trip to Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal. Stroll along the beautiful beaches or visit the shops in the area.

Gaya Street Sunday Market

4/5(7 reviews)

During your visit to Pusat Bandar, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Gaya Street Sunday Market. Amble around the area's marina or seek out the local tours.

Sutera Harbour

4/5(6 reviews)

Explore the waterfront in Kampung Sembulan Baru with a trip to Sutera Harbour. Discover the area's shops or seek out its local tours.

Centre Point

4/5(9 reviews)

During your visit to Pusat Bandar, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Centre Point. Stroll along the marina or seek out the local tours.

Kota Kinabalu Central Market

4/5(13 reviews)

During your trip to Pusat Bandar, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Kota Kinabalu Central Market. Stroll along the marina or seek out the local tours.

Areas of Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu showing island images, tropical scenes and a coastal town

Downtown Kota Kinabalu

4/5(38 area reviews)

A noteworthy feature of Downtown Kota Kinabalu is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Centre Point and Kota Kinabalu Central Market.

Tanjung Aru

3.5/5(5 area reviews)

Beaches and abundant dining options are well-reviewed features of Tanjung Aru. Make a stop by top sights like Tanjung Aru Perdana Park while you're exploring the area.

Kampung Air

Unique features of Kampung Air include the shopping and restaurants. Make a stop by Kompleks Asia City or Sedco Square while you're exploring the area.

Karambunai

Karambunai is popular for its pristine beaches, and you might make a stop by Nexus Golf Resort Karambunai, a top place to visit in the area.

Alamesra

While Alamesra may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like 1Borneo Hypermall and Likas Stadium.

Kepayan

When in Kepayan, you can plan a visit to Tanjung Aru Perdana Park and Sabah State Mosque, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

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