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When you’re in Sabah, Kota Kinabalu is a place that should definitely be on your itinerary! Kota Kinabalu, or more affectionately known as KK to the locals, is the capital of Sabah, a state of Malaysia in Borneo.
There are things for everyone to do in this city, from shopping and sightseeing to enjoying nature and the outdoors. For travelers seeking hidden gems in Borneo, the surrounding islands and nearby parks offer plenty of surprises. Some of the best beach resorts near Kota Kinabalu you can consider are the Manukan Island Resort and Gaya Island Resort.
Here are 11 of the best things you should do when you’re in Kota Kinabalu:
1.
Enjoy Yourself Fully At The Beach Resorts
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© Photo by Roderick Eime on flickr[/caption]
When you’re in Kota Kinabalu, you definitely can’t miss out on its gorgeous beach resorts.
There are many small islands around Kota Kinabalu housing some of the most beautiful resorts – pristine sandy beaches, amazing sunrise or sunset views, and perfect diving spots in their crystal clear waters.
Not only can you swim in the cool waters, but you can also dive into a whole new world while you surround yourself with beautiful sea creatures underwater. Furthermore, most beach resorts offer a range of recreational activities and facilities you can enjoy. You can even go for a stroll and hike around the island.
Feel free to spend your time outdoors in the tropical paradise or lounge in the comforts of your villa. Either way, it’s a perfect getaway place for families or couples!
Boasting incredible sea views and rich marine life should you choose to dive or snorkel, it certainly will be an unforgettable experience! For those planning a broader trip, these resorts are among the amazing places to include on your Borneo itinerary.
2.
Visit The Floating City Mosque
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© Photo by shankar s. on flickr[/caption]
The Kota Kinabalu City Mosque sits on a man-made lagoon, giving it a picturesque scenery, especially at night when lights illuminate the area. It’s a beautiful landmark not to be missed. The mosque is the second most important in Kota Kinabalu, with three madrasahs and a capacity of 12,000 people.
Non-Muslims may enter outside prayer times. Dress appropriately, or rent robes there for RM5. Entry fee is RM5. This is a great chance to learn more about the religion.
For more ideas, explore the amazing places to include on your Borneo itinerary.
3.
Conquer Mount Kinabalu
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© Photo by johnjodeery on flickr[/caption]
Ever thought of climbing the highest mountain in Malaysia? For anyone with a sense of adventure, climbing up Mount Kinabalu is a thrilling challenge. Easily accessible from Kota Kinabalu, it is around a 2-hour drive away.
Mount Kinabalu is one of the mountains in the world where any healthy and fit adult can trek up, given adequate preparation. The mountain is located in Kinabalu National Park, home to a rich variety of flora and fauna species. Along the way up, various ferns and plants dot the sides of the trail.
There are two hiking trails up the mountain peak, and the trek typically takes at least 2 days and 1 night to complete. All climbers must be accompanied by a guide at all times. When you reach the summit, you’ll be treated with a breathtaking landscaped vista and an overwhelming sense of pride. For those seeking more, this region is full of hidden gems in Borneo to explore after your climb.
Explore Kinabalu National Park
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© Photo by Mike on flickr[/caption]
Similarly, the Kinabalu National Park is also worth a visit. Even if you choose not to climb Mount Kinabalu, the national park has plenty to offer.
Hike along one of the several nature trails and spot some of the rare plant species that live in the park. The Orchid Conservation Centre is one of the places where you get a closer look at them. Fill up your photo albums with all the interesting flora and fauna while strolling down this tropical land – there’s so much that you can snap photos of. Besides natural sceneries, do take note of the birds that may perch on the rocks and insects such as butterflies that blend in with the trees.
For the curious-minded, you may also visit the Kundasang War Memorial as well. There, you’ll learn more about the past during World War II when Sandakan Death March took place. This site is one of the hidden gems in Borneo for those seeking deeper historical context alongside nature.
Soak In The Hot Springs At Poring Hot Springs
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© Photo by Stefan Fussan on flickr[/caption]
Among all the outdoor adventures in or near Kota Kinabalu, you should drop by Poring Hot Springs to refresh yourself. The outdoor Japanese-styled hot springs blend in perfectly with the surrounding thick foliage and nature, giving it a unique experience.
It’s a hotspot for travelers after climbing Mount Kinabalu or exploring Kinabalu National Park because they’re under the same compound. The hot springs is located around 40 kilometers northeast of Parks HQ. You can also get there from Ranau town or Kota Kinabalu.
Besides soaking in the springs, you can go into their cold tubs or sink your feet in the foot pool. There’s a choice for private baths for those who prefer some privacy. Additionally, there’s also accommodation on site for those who plan to stay the night. Note that there’s an entry fee of RM15 ($3.50 USD) for adults (foreigners) into the hot springs park.
Do visit the nearby waterfalls and the canopy walk too! The sights, as well as the walk, will make this experience even more worthwhile. This is one of the hidden gems in Borneo, offering a peaceful retreat after a day of wildlife and history adventures in Borneo.
6.
Get The Best View Of The City From Signal Hill Observatory Tower
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© Photo by shankar s. on flickr[/caption]
Whenever you’re in a new city, it’s always nice to get a bird's eye view of the entire city. In Kota Kinabalu, the Signal Hill Observatory Tower is the place to go.
You’ll have to hike up the steps up the hill for a short while before you reach your destination. There are circular platforms that extend further out from the cliffs.
The observatory tower deck has one of the best vantage views of the sunset, where splashes of vivid orange and red blend against the cityscape. The deck is a good spot to unwind and lose yourself in your thoughts.
Additionally, you can visit the Atkinson Clock Tower nearby. The clock tower is the oldest building in Kota Kinabalu, situated along Signal Hill Road. It’s a historical structure that ships in the past used as a point of reference. For more off-the-beaten-path sights, check out other hidden gems in Borneo.
Go Souvenir Hunting At Gaya Street Sunday Market
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© Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas on Wikimedia Commons[/caption]
Bustling with activity, the Gaya Street Sunday Market draws both tourists and locals hunting for local products. The open market sells food, drinks, apparel, jewelry, ceramics, and souvenirs. With so many choices, you can easily spend up to 2 hours there, immersing yourself in local culture. Visit early in the morning to avoid large crowds.
Pro-tip: Check tags or stickers to see where a product is made if you’re only keen on buying Borneo products. For those planning a broader trip, the market is a great stop among other amazing places to include on your Borneo itinerary.
8.
Visit Mari Mari Village
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© Photo by oldandsolo on Wikimedia Commons[/caption]
Just 25 minutes away from Kota Kinabalu, Mari Mari Village is a cultural village and museum in the forested countryside. It preserves five ethnic cultures of Borneo: the Murut, Rungus, Lundayeh, Bajau, and Kadazan-Dusan tribes. Visitors learn how indigenous tribes lived in the past, their unique histories and trades, and can sample local cuisines in the houses. It’s an enlightening journey back in time, unlike other attractions in Kota Kinabalu. Entry fee is RM98 per adult. For those planning a broader trip, this is one of the amazing places to include on your Borneo itinerary.
Mari Mari Village Tour
A guided tour runs at 10 am, 2 pm, and 6 pm. The tour includes visiting each of the traditional houses while learning about the history of the tribes, plus demonstrations of bamboo cooking, windpipe playing, and fire-making, as well as a traditional dance performance. The 6 pm session adds a fire show.
The village can arrange transport to and from your hotel. Prices start from RM170 per adult (RM150 per child) and vary by session and group size. This tour is one of the hidden gems in Borneo and a great addition to your list of amazing places to include on your Borneo itinerary.
9.
Take A Ride On The North Borneo Steam Railway
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© Photo by Neil Young on flickr[/caption]
All aboard the oldest running steam train in Borneo! The North Borneo Railway lets you relive the era of steam travel, perfect for train enthusiasts and scenic-view lovers alike.
The train runs twice a week (Wednesday and Saturday) from Kota Kinabalu to agricultural Papar Town. The journey lasts around 4 hours, including the return. Passengers enjoy scenic coastal and rural landscapes, with a stop in Kinarut Town to visit Tien Shi Temple and traditional shops. The trip includes a Continental breakfast and Tiffin Colonial lunch.
Price: RM358.50 ($85 USD) nett per adult and per child over 4; children under 3 ride free. For those seeking hidden gems in Borneo, this railway offers a unique glimpse into the region’s heritage.
10.
Appreciate Local Art In Art Galleries
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If you fancy a more quiet afternoon and love the arts, why not check out Kota Kinabalu’s art galleries? The Sabah Art Gallery and Ensera Art Gallery are the places to go to!
Sabah Art Gallery
The Sabah Art Gallery holds both permanent and time-limited exhibitions promoting artworks by local and international artists. It also hosts events such as the Sabah Annual Art Selection to expand the gallery’s collection.
The building’s distinctive octagonal and funnel-like architecture makes it a landmark itself. Inside, a long spiral central staircase is complemented by subtle traditional Sabahan design in the rest of the interior.
For non-Malaysian adults, the entry fee is around RM10.
Fun Fact: The art gallery holds the title of being the first “Green” building in Borneo, featuring solar panels, a rainwater harvesting system, and movement sensor lights.
Ensera Art Gallery
The Ensera Art Gallery is for you if you’re curious about Dayak Art. The gallery’s exhibition tells stories of Borneo through their antiques and artworks such as wood carvings, colorful beads, and more. Additionally, the gallery also hosts beading workshops.
All in all, it’s a place to visit if you want to explore the wonders of ancient and cultural Borneo. It’s one of the hidden gems in Borneo, offering a quiet dive into local heritage away from the beach crowds.
11.
Shop Until You Drop At Imago Shopping Mall
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© Photo by Imagokkts on Wikimedia Commons[/caption]
The Imago Shopping Mall is in the heartland of Kota Kinabalu, and one of the most famous shopping malls in Kota Kinabalu.
Whether you’re a shopaholic or need a rainy day plan, this mall has something for everyone. It offers food and beverages, fashion retail shops, and entertainment like cinemas and karaoke. It’s also a great hangout away from a sweltering afternoon, or just a place to dine.
Final Thoughts
Although the above list doesn’t cover everything you can do in Kota Kinabalu, they are great starts for any travelers who want to get to know Sabah or the city of Kota Kinabalu itself.
If you’re planning on traveling out of Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, do check out our guide for the things you can do in Sabah—including hidden gems in Borneo and amazing places to include on your Borneo itinerary.
