Kota Kinabalu

About Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu is compact and relaxed, with the Tunku Abdul Rahman marine park islands only a short boat ride from the city jetty.

A 90-minute drive inland takes travellers to Kundasang and the foothills of Mount Kinabalu, where the air is cool and the views are the reason most people come.

This is a good destination for travellers who want nature without extreme trekking, plus local markets and seafood along the waterfront.

Sample content Destination descriptions, highlights and travel facts on this page are sample content written for the prototype. Always confirm current entry requirements and travel advice with official sources before booking.

Highlights

• Tunku Abdul Rahman marine park island hopping
• Mount Kinabalu sunrise viewpoints at Kundasang
• Desa Dairy Farm and the Kundasang War Memorial
• Kota Kinabalu waterfront seafood and the Filipino market
• Optional Poring hot springs, canopy walkway or river rafting

Attractions and experiences

• Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

  A marine park of five islands with beaches, snorkelling and easy walking trails.

• Kundasang

  Highland town on Mount Kinabalu's slopes with farms, viewpoints and markets.

• Kota Kinabalu Waterfront

  Waterfront promenade with seafood restaurants and market stalls in the evenings.

• Poring Hot Springs

  Sulphur baths and a canopy walkway in Kinabalu Park, an optional add-on.

Good to know

Language

Malay, with English and Kadazandusun widely spoken

Currency

Malaysian Ringgit (RM)

Time zone

GMT+8

Best time to visit

March to September for drier weather

Flying time

Domestic – about 2 hours 40 minutes from Kuala Lumpur (sample information)