Kota Kinabalu, the vibrant capital of Sabah on the island of Borneo in Malaysia, is a coastal paradise blending nature, culture, and adventure. Also known as “KK,” Kota Kinabalu is just a couple of hours away from Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the gateway to Mount Kinabalu, which is dubbed the highest peak in Malaysia. In addition, Sabah, Malaysia, is one of the closest islands to the Philippines.
I have been to Malaysia a lot of times already, but this is my first time visiting Kota Kinabalu, which is just two hours away from Manila by plane. I traveled solo to Kota Kinabalu for 7 days and was so thrilled to see what this city island has to offer!
If you’re planning to explore Sabah soon, then here’s a 7-day travel guide to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia!
Table of Contents
Essential Travel Guide & Tips
- Use Grab (the local ride-hailing app) to get around KK easily, or rent a car if you prefer more flexibility. It’s relatively cheap to take a Grab in Malaysia!
- Don’t miss some local Malaysian dishes like Nasi Lemak, Sabah noodles, Laksa, and fresh seafood.
- The local currency in Kota Kinabalu is Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). Bring enough cash for markets and smaller cafes that may not accept cards.
- Bring enough sunscreen or any other skin protection.
- You can take the bus from Kota Kinabalu to Brunei if you want to visit another Southeast Asian country. You can cross borders via bus if you’re into collecting a lot of passport stamps!
Best Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu
Go island hopping.
Kota Kinabalu is the capital city of Sabah, Malaysia, which is part of the island of Borneo. Thus, it is undeniably true that KK boasts amazing wildlife and marine life. With that, the very first thing that you can do upon arriving in Kota Kinabalu is explore and discover the beauty of its marine diversity and its amazing islands.
You can visit Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (TAR) by going island hopping. You can either do this through DIY or via an organized tour. Personally, I’ve already done island hopping twice in Kota Kinabalu, and I must say that choosing an organized tour for Kota Kinabalu island hopping tours is way better and easier! Everything is arranged and less hassle!
For island hopping tours, you can visit three islands in one day, such as:
- Sapi Island: This is the closest island to the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal. You can do some water activities here, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and seawalking.
- Mamutik Island: I believe that this is also the smallest island among the three islands that I’ve visited. There’s nothing really much to do here aside from doing some water activities.
- Manukan Island: This is the second-largest island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. I must say that this is the best beach island among the three islands I’ve visited. You can do some water sports here if you feel like doing it. I totally enjoyed my time here. The water is so pristine, and the sand is just really fine. I won’t deny the fact that Manukan Island is my favorite island!
Trek to the Signal Hill Observatory Platform.
If you want to see the landscapes of Sabah, Malaysia, you can trek to the Signal Hill Observatory Platform. It only takes about 20 to 30 minutes to reach the peak.
Unfortunately, it was closed during my time of visit!
Try some local food.
As mentioned, I’ve been to Malaysia a lot of times, and I can say that Malaysian cuisine is underrated! I’ve been traveling around Asia, and Malaysian food is one of my favorites! With that, your visit to Malaysia is not complete without trying its local food! I highly recommend trying nasi lemak, laksa, and teh tarik (my FAVEEEEE!).
Visit the Kota Kinabalu Floating Mosque.
Kota Kinabalu Floating Mosque, or Masjid Bandaraya, is a must-visit in Kota Kinabalu. Often called the Floating Mosque, it is one of Sabah’s most iconic landmarks, as the mosque appears to float due to its reflection on the surrounding man-made lagoon. The best time to visit the mosque is during the sunrise or sunset, when the reflections create a mesmerizing sight.
See the sunset at the Tanjung Aru Beach.
Tanjung Aru Beach is one of Kota Kinabalu’s most beloved seaside spots, known for its spectacular sunsets and relaxed atmosphere. This beach boasts soft golden sands and swaying palm trees along its coastline. It’s an ideal spot for a casual day out, whether you’re swimming, enjoying a picnic, or watching the sun dip into the South China Sea. Of course, the best time to visit here is during sunset time!
Visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village.
Located in a lush rainforest setting just outside Kota Kinabalu, this living museum showcases the traditional lifestyles of the Kadazan-Dusun, Rungus, Lundayeh, Bajau, and Murut tribes. Mari Mari Cultural Village offers an immersive journey into the diverse cultures of Sabah’s indigenous tribes.
You can learn about authentic tribal homes, witness traditional dances, try some local delicacies, and observe cultural demonstrations like fire-making, rice wine production, and blowpipe shooting.
This is one of my favorite activities that I did in Kota Kinabalu!
Kota Kinabalu Itinerary for 7 days
Day 1
- Arrival
- Cafe Hopping
- Imago Shopping Mall
Day 2
- Cafe Hopping
- Kota Kinabalu Waterfront
Day 3
- Floating Mosque
- Signal Hill Observatory Tower
- Atkinson Clock Tower
- Cafe Hopping
Day 4
- Island Hopping: Sapi Island, Manukan Island, Mamutik Island
Day 5
- Rest, chill at the hostel.
- Gaya Street Market
Day 6
- Cafe Hopping
- Tanjung Aru Beach
- Kota Kinabalu Waterfront
Day 7
- Mari Mari Cultural Village
- Back to Manila
Seven (7) days is more than enough to visit these places. I practiced slow travel so I didn’t have to maximize my time. But if you want to maximize your 7-day visit to Kota Kinabalu, you can also consider visiting Kundasang, which is just two hours away from the city.
Where to stay in Kota Kinabalu?
- Faloe Hostel
- Homesuite’ Home
- Lintas Platinum Hotel
- Toojou Hostel (MY FAVORITE HOSTEL!)
Snaps from Kota Kinabalu 7-day trip
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days is enough for Kota Kinabalu?
5 to 7 days is the most ideal to explore the beauty of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. You can visit the Floating Mosque, Mari Mari Cultural Village, Signal Hill Observatory, and Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park for snorkeling, diving, and beach time. You can also visit Kundasang as your side trip.
Is Kota Kinabalu worth visiting?
Yes, Kota Kinabalu is definitely worth visiting! This vibrant city offers scenic beauty, cultural richness, and exciting adventures, making it worthwhile for you to explore and discover more of Sabah, Malaysia.
Which month is best for Kota Kinabalu?
The best time to visit Kota Kinabalu is from February to April. During these months, you’ll experience warm, dry weather with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities like island-hopping, hiking, and sightseeing. For the best experience with fewer weather interruptions, aim for the dry season, particularly March and April.
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Hey, my name is Ara Patria—a solo female traveler who is in her quest of traveling the world. I write and learn about life through the lenses of my camera, personal experiences, and adventures. Join me as I unravel the mystery of life through exploring the wanders of the world.
