World by City

Malaysia Malaysia

Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu is the largest city on Borneo and the capital of Malaysia's Sabah state. You can enjoy both cityscapes and seaside views, from the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque to Gaya Island.

Updated August 15, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Kota Kinabalu
Gateway airport
Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI)
Best season
Feb–Mar
Time zone
Asia/Kuala_Lumpur
Sights covered
24 places

Sights worth seeing

See all 24 →
Kota Kinabalu City Mosque

Temples & religious sites

Kota Kinabalu City Mosque

This mosque in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, is one of the city's leading Islamic places of worship. It offers a glimpse into the local religious culture.

Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park

Parks & gardens

Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park

This national park off the coast of Kota Kinabalu consists of five islands, with much of its total area made up of sea. Separated from the mainland since the end of the last ice age, the islands create an exotic landscape.

Sabah Museum

Museums & galleries

Sabah Museum

The state museum representing Malaysia's Sabah, it sits on a spacious site in Kota Kinabalu. You can take your time exploring and get acquainted with the culture of the Sabah region.

Gaya Island

Nature

Gaya Island

Gaya Island lies off the coast of Kota Kinabalu within Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Its ridgeline rises to about 300 meters, making it a great spot for trekking with ocean views.

Sabah State Mosque

Temples & religious sites

Sabah State Mosque

The Sabah State Mosque in Kota Kinabalu was completed in 1974. It's a wonderful place to admire the beauty of Islamic architecture.

Tun Mustapha Tower

Views & landmarks

Tun Mustapha Tower

This 30-story, 122-meter skyscraper rises above downtown Kota Kinabalu. Named in honor of former Sabah governor Mustapha, it's a landmark that offers great views over the city.

Atkinson Clock Tower

Views & landmarks

Atkinson Clock Tower

This clock tower is considered the oldest structure in Kota Kinabalu. Standing alone atop Signal Hill, it offers a sweeping view of the Sabah state capital.

Tanjung Aru

Shopping & districts

Tanjung Aru

A roughly 2km-long beach in Kota Kinabalu, known for sunsets beautiful enough to be ranked among the world's top three. It's close to the Shangri-La resorts, drawing many travelers.

How many days do you need?

Routes grouped by travel distance so each day stays comfortable.

Average temperature by month

5-year average

26° Jan
26° Feb
27° Mar
27° Apr
28° May
27° Jun
27° Jul
27° Aug
27° Sep
26° Oct
26° Nov
26° Dec

Getting there

Check flights to Kota Kinabalu first

Pick a departure airport and date to jump straight to results for Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI).

Check fares and seat availability on the flight search site.

Getting around the city

Book transport

Fares and timetables change often, so we don't list them here. Check the operator or the booking site for current prices and schedules.

Kota Kinabalu Tours & Experiences Booking

Book local tours, tickets, and experiences in advance to enjoy without waiting. Check available products and prices now.

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

Local data

Get an eSIM for Malaysia before you go

Activate mobile data with a QR code instead of swapping SIM cards. Buy it before departure and switch it on the moment you land.

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

Where to stay

See all stays →

Pick your dates — we'll search Kota Kinabalu hotels for you

Choose dates and guests, and the buttons below will open search results with your criteria. Prices differ between sites, so compare before you book.

Hotel membership

Staying at Accor hotels often? ALL Accor+ Explorer

A paid annual membership. It includes two free nights a year across Asia-Pacific, 30% off dining and 15% off drinks, and 15% off stays at more than 4,500 hotels worldwide.

Explore the membership

Visit stories: Kota Kinabalu

See all →

Have you been to this city?

Share your visit story with photos you took yourself. Once checked, it goes into the Magazine.

Share your visit story

Guides by theme