Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu: Top Activities and Must-See Sights

City Mosque in Kota Kinabalu stands as the city's largest mosque, capable of accommodating up to 12,000 worshippers simultaneously! The mosque is surrounded by a man-made lagoon, creating the illusion that the structure is floating, hence earning its moniker "floating mosque". Visitors keen on exploring the mosque's exterior and capturing photos can do so for a fee of RM5, with tickets conveniently available for purchase adjacent to the entrance gate.

For those intending to enter the mosque premises, an additional RM10 fee applies. Given its status as a place of worship, modest attire is required. Female visitors are obliged to wear a hijab, with rental included in the entry fee.

Entrance fee: RM5 (~S$1.40) for exterior, RM10 (~S$2.90) to enter

Opening hours: 8AM – 12PM, 2PM – 3:30PM, 4PM – 5:30PM (Mon – Sun), Closed on Fri

How to get there: 13min Grab ride from Gaya Street (Google Maps)

Sabah is surrounded by seas abundant with diverse marine life, offering an ideal setting for snorkeling or diving excursions. Just 3km from Kota Kinabalu lies Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, a protected national park consisting of five islands. Our group embarked on a half-day snorkeling tour, which featured three designated snorkeling spots along with a lunch break.

Our first stop was Mamutik, boasting exceptional water clarity on the day of our visit. Equipped with a picture chart showcasing common marine species found in the park, our guide facilitated easy identification of the aquatic life we encountered. Within the span of 50 minutes at sea, we observed numerous marine creatures, including a hawksbill turtle, blacktip reef shark, and a reef octopus.

Continuing our snorkeling adventure, we explored Sulug Island and Gaya Island, the largest among the five. Despite encountering less-than-ideal weather conditions during our January visit (rainy season), we were still treated to sightings of various fish and starfish, culminating in a memorable snorkeling experience.

*Pro-tip: February and March mark the whale shark season — these gentle giants, often reaching lengths of up to 12 meters, frequent the area! Remarkably, our guide spotted eight of these magnificent creatures last season. ?

Cost: ~S$67/pax

Tour timing: 8:45AM – 4PM

Meeting point: Jesselton Point Jetty (Google Maps)

Gaya Street serves as the vibrant heart of Kota Kinabalu, situated in the city center and offering a plethora of dining options. Originally named Bond Street during the British colonial era, Gaya Street boasts a rich historical heritage.

The true essence of Gaya Street is revealed during the weekends! Every Sunday, the entire stretch is cordoned off for the renowned Gaya Street Sunday Market, operating from 6AM to 1PM. Here, visitors can peruse an array of goods including fruits, snacks, footwear, local crafts, and more, while also enjoying the talents of street artists and buskers. Additionally, the Api-Api Night Food Market takes place every Friday and Saturday evening from 6PM to 12AM, further enhancing the culinary experience with its diverse offerings.

Opening hours: 24 hours 

How to get there: 6min walk from Todak Waterfront (Google Maps)

Proboscis monkeys, distinguished by their unique pendulous noses in males, are exclusive to Borneo and sadly classified as endangered. To catch a glimpse of these fascinating creatures before it's too late, consider embarking on a wildlife safari tour at Klias Wetland!

Typically shy and preferring the lofty heights of treetops, spotting proboscis monkeys requires patience and keen observation. It's advisable to bring along binoculars, or alternatively, rent a pair for RM10 from the waiting area near the jetty. Keep in mind that wildlife sightings are not guaranteed as these animals roam freely in their natural habitat. Nonetheless, during our 1.5-hour excursion on the water, we were fortunate to encounter three separate groups of monkeys.

*Pro-tip: Keep an eye out for orange specks amidst the foliage and maintain silence to prevent startling the monkeys!

In addition to proboscis monkeys, our tour also afforded sightings of several long-tailed macaques and swiftlets.

Cost: ~S$85/pax incl. dinner
Tour timing: 2PM – 10PM
Meeting point: Hotel pickup at Kota Kinabalu city (2hr drive to Klias Wetland)

Kota Kinabalu's street art scene is rapidly expanding, with numerous buildings adorned with vibrant murals. One standout piece is the prominent artwork on Wisma Sabah, created by Malaysia's renowned street artist, Kenji Chai. Hailing from Sabah, Kenji has left his mark on cities worldwide, including New York, Beijing, Tokyo, and Singapore.

Opposite Todak Waterfront, along the Hyatt Regency's exterior, lies a series of 16 striking murals. These artworks, completed in collaboration with local artists, commemorate the hotel's 40th anniversary in 2019 and showcase facets of Kota Kinabalu's rich heritage. Among them, a personal favorite depicts Mount Kinabalu, featuring Timothy scaling the majestic peak.

Opening hours: 24 hours
How to get there: All the murals above are located within a 10min walk from Gaya Street (Google Maps)

A brief stroll from Todak Waterfront leads you to the Handicraft Market, a bustling hub offering an array of souvenir options. Rows of shops line the market, showcasing a diverse range of items including t-shirts, handmade bags, magnets, and keychains — making it the ideal destination to pick up some mementos!

In addition to the usual souvenirs, the market also boasts an abundance of affordable pearl jewelry, ranging from earrings and necklaces to bracelets. Given Sabah's proximity to the ocean, pearls are a prevalent feature of the region. They not only serve as exquisite gifts but also serve as a cherished reminder of your time in Sabah. During our visit, we couldn't resist purchasing two pairs of pearl earrings for a total of RM100.

*Pro-tip: Bargaining is welcome and almost expected.

Handicraft Market
Opening hours: 8AM – 10PM
How to get there: 7min walk from Todak Waterfront

Right beside the Handicraft Market lies a Food Night Market, where there’s tons of seafood eateries selling mostly zi-char style dishes like grilled fish, squid and chicken wings.

Food Night Market
Opening hours: 5:30PM – 11:30PM
How to get there: 1min walk from the Handicraft Market

Situated just a 15-minute drive from the city center, Tanjung Aru Beach stands as Kota Kinabalu's most renowned coastal destination. Renowned for its breathtaking sunsets, it's no wonder that the beach becomes bustling with crowds as evening approaches.

For those seeking to savor the golden hour without contending with the masses, here's a savvy solution: embark on a stand-up paddle tour! Following a brief lesson, participants paddle out as a group along the coastline to reach a sandbar, offering a more secluded vantage point to admire the sunset against the backdrop of Tanjung Aru Beach. Not only is this activity relatively low in exertion, but it also serves as a delightful way to conclude the day.

Cost: ~S$28.40/pax (min. 2pax) — both sunrise and sunset tours are available
Tour timings: 5:30AM – 8:30AM, 4:30PM – 6:30PM
How to get there: 15min Grab ride to (Google Maps)

Sabah offers a plethora of exciting outdoor activities beyond the renowned Mount Kinabalu climb, such as white water rafting along the Kiulu River! With its gentle grade one and two rapids, this river is perfect even for beginners.

Following a comprehensive safety briefing, participants are transported to the starting point of the 7km-long route. This exhilarating rafting journey typically takes around 1.5 hours to complete, contingent upon the conditions of the rapids. Rest assured, you'll be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide every step of the way, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.

Cost: From ~S$59/pax (age limit 5 to 65 years old), incl. lunch
Tour timings: 8:30AM – 1:30PM, 11:15AM – 6PM
How to get there: Hotel pickup in Kota Kinabalu City (1.5hr drive to Kiulu River

After a day filled with exploration, there's no better way to unwind than indulging in a well-deserved massage. Kama’A Rejuvenation and Wellbeing Spa stands out as one of Kota Kinabalu's premier spa destinations. Conveniently situated in the same mall as Welcome Seafood's largest outlet, visitors have the flexibility to schedule a visit either before or after dinner.

The spa exudes a pleasant ambiance and cleanliness, offering a diverse selection of massage and spa treatments to cater to various preferences. Opting for a 60-minute foot reflexology session priced at RM78, we found it to be the perfect remedy after a day of snorkeling.

Cost: From RM78 (~S$21.90) for a 1hr massage
Opening hours: 10AM – 10PM (reservations are recommended)
How to get there: 8min Grab ride from Gaya Street (Google Maps)