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

Kota Kinabalu featuring landscape views and boating

Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.

Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more.

Get an insider's look in what to book before you travel.

Most popular experiences in Kota Kinabalu

Adventure & outdoor

See all 4 activities

quad bike Adventure Ride Park Kampung Kemensah from Kuala Lumpur

Free cancellation available

Wildlife & nature

See all 6 activities

Kota Kinabalu: Kawa Kawa Wildlife River Cruise

Free cancellation available

Cruises & boat tours

See all 10 activities

Kota Kinabalu: Snorkelling & Island Hopping Sapi & Manukan

Free cancellation available

History & culture

See all 16 activities

Kota Kinabalu Half Day City Tour

Free cancellation available

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 family-friendly 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.

Oceanus Waterfront Mall

You can do some window-shopping at Oceanus Waterfront Mall during your trip to Pusat Bandar. Visit the shops and seafood restaurants in this romantic 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.

1Borneo Hypermall

4/5(4 reviews)

During your visit to Kota Kinabalu, you can do some window-shopping at 1Borneo Hypermall. Amble around the area's marina or seek out the local tours.

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.

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 seaside or visit the shops in the area.

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.

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 Anjung Samudera and Centre Point.

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.

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.

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.

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 Sutera Harbour and Imago Shopping Mall, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.