MY · Sabah · 5.98°N 116.07°E

kota kinabalu

Island hopping by day, waterfront sunsets, Kinabalu on the horizon.

Best time
Any time of year; February to April is usually driest.
How long
3–4 days
Getting there
About 2.5 hours' flight from KL.
MY · Sabahkota kinabalu5.98°N 116.07°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Island hopping by day, waterfront sunsets, Kinabalu on the horizon.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingKota KinabaluMY, Sabah

Sabah's capital on the South China Sea: a busy waterfront, a marine park of islands 15 minutes offshore, and Mount Kinabalu a couple of hours inland.

Makan

  1. The waterfront seafood marketPick your fish and have it grilled at the night market by the sea.
  2. Tuaran meeSpringy egg noodles fried with char siu and greens.
  3. Sang nyuk meePork noodles in soup or dry, a KK speciality.
  4. HinavaRaw fish cured in lime with chilli and ginger, a Kadazan-Dusun dish.
  5. Ngiu chapBeef noodle soup, best at breakfast.

Things to do

  1. Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine ParkIsland hopping to Manukan and Sapi, 15 minutes by boat.
  2. Gaya Street Sunday marketFood, plants and crafts every Sunday morning.
  3. Tanjung Aru beachSunset over the sea.
  4. Kinabalu Park and KundasangCool mountain air, gardens and dairy farms with views of the mountain.
  5. Mari Mari Cultural VillageThe traditions of Sabah's ethnic groups.

Where to stay

In the city centre near the waterfront, or at Tanjung Aru for the sunsets.

Good to know

  • Climbing Mount Kinabalu needs a permit and a licensed guide, booked well ahead.
  • Kundasang gets cold at night. Pack a layer.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.