What to Do in Kota Kinabalu | Trekking, River Cruises & Cultural Activities

It’s almost as fun to say “what to do in Kota Kinabalu” as it is to discover all the things to do in Sabah State‘s capital. Located on the island of Borneo in Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu is a magical seaside paradise surrounded by blue ocean on one side and the luscious Mount Kinabalu region on the other. Kota Kinabalu also is home to a number of historical landmarks and mosques, cultural activities and the Klias River, where cruises take tourists through winding channels and unbelievably beautiful rainforests.

1. Mount Kinabalu

Serving as an awesome backdrop to the city, Mount Kinabalu is a hiker’s heaven and a nature lover’s paradise. Two trails take trekkers to the summit of the mountain, which stands at 13,435 feet (4,095 meters). Most visitors choose Ranau Trail, which is a two-day hike that takes hikers six kilometers up the mountain the first day. Guests stay in mountainside huts and complete the hike the following morning. This hike is perfect for beginner hikers who are fairly fit, as the pathway is lined with man-made steps and staircases with handrails. Advanced hikers may want to seek permission to hike the mountain’s other trail, Kota Belud. While this trek does require special permits, hikers who have gone before say the experience is totally worth the effort.

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2. Klias Wetlands River Cruise

One of the better day trips from Kota Kinabalu is a cruise down the Klias River. This winding wonder swerves its way through Padas Damit Forest Reserve, part of the Klias Wetlands, giving passengers close-up views of amazing natural habit and wildlife. Tourists have reported spotting monkeys, colorful birds and dancing patches of fireflies while on a Klias Wetlands river cruise. The entrance to the river is about an hour and a half west of Kota Kinabalu.

Where to book a Klias Wetlands river cruise

• Klias River Cruise, Kampong Kota Klias, 89800 Beaufort, Sabah, Malaysia
• Klias Wetland Adventures, Jalan Beaufort – Menumbok, Kampong Kota Klias, 89800 Beaufort, Sabah, Malaysia

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3. Kota Kinabalu City Mosque (Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu)

This stunning religious site is built on a lagoon in the harbor area of Kota Kinabalu. Because of its location, Kota Kinabalu City Mosque (Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu ) is a majestic place to take photos at sunrise, and visitors won’t want to miss a nighttime view when the mosque is illuminated and appears to float on the water. Visitor should be aware that Kota Kinabalu City Mosque is a working mosque, so worshipers may be coming and going. The mosque can accommodate about 12,000 worshipers at a time, so it’s often a busy place!

Hours: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM, and 4:00 PM 5:00 PM daily
Entrance fee: 5 MYR for international visitors

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4. Mari Mari Cultural Village

The cultural experiences never end at Mari Mari Cultural Village, where tourists can experience a day in the life of Sabah State’s five local ethnic communities. Visitors will get to tour customary homes, learn how to make blowpipes and traditional tattoos and taste foods only found in Sabah. Mari Mari Cultural Village covers the history and traditions of the Bajau, Lundayeh, Murut, Rungus and Dusun people groups. Nowhere else on earth can travelers have an experience like this!

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5. Tanjung Aru Beach

Tanjung Aru Beach is gorgeous strip of sand popular for watersports activities and sunset photographs on the shore. The area is a perfect place to spend an entire day, as it is equipped with beach chairs, food stalls and all the sun and shade you need. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking, parasailing and a variety of other watersports. Visitors can book activities on the beach or arrange specialty services, like PADI scuba diving and snorkeling courses, through nearby beachfront hotels.

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Where to stay in Kota Kinabalu

• Tanjung Aru – this harborfront area is a great place for families and business travelers staying in Kota Kinabalu. Guests have access to Tanjung Aru Beach and Kinabalu Golf Course.
• Karamunsing – the most central neighborhood in Kota Kinabalu is within walking distance of Imago Shopping Mall, Oceanus Waterfront Mall, KK Waterfront restaurant and Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market.
• Waterfront District – travelers who love nightlife will want to stay in the Waterfront District, where all the best oceanfront bars and restaurants are located.
• Likas – for travelers looking for cheap bungalows and a local experience, Likas is the best neighborhood in Kota Kinabalu.

Borneo Beach Villas

Jesselton Cabin

Seven Boutique Hotel

The Klagan Regency Hotel

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