Kota Kinabalu District

City · Sabah, 🇲🇾 Malaysia

Area 347 km²

Time zone Asia/Kuching

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CEphoto, Uwe Aranas / CC BY-SA 3.0

Kota Kinabalu's Absolute Essentials

Kota Kinabalu serves as a gateway to Sabah’s diverse heritage and natural landscapes. This collection highlights the "floating" Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, the five tropical islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, and the Sabah State Museum’s tribal artifacts. Discover the local lifestyles of five ethnic groups at Mari Mari Cultural Village or browse traditional handicrafts at the Filipino Market. For panoramic views, visit the Signal Hill Observatory Tower or enjoy the sunset at the city's lively Waterfront.

8 places

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

Kota Kinabalu Hidden Gems

Explore Kota Kinabalu beyond the main tourist trail with a visit to the 24-hectare mangrove forest at the Wetland Centre and the Signal Hill Observatory for views of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Discover Sabahan heritage at the Mari Mari Cultural Village, which showcases the traditional dwellings and customs of five local ethnicities. The Filipino Market offers fresh seafood and regional handicrafts, while the Borneo Art Gallery features contemporary works by local artists available for purchase.

5 places

Princet700 / CC BY-SA 4.0

Significant Religious Sites

Kota Kinabalu's religious landscape showcases a blend of Islamic, Christian, Buddhist, and Hindu traditions. This collection features the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, famous for its "floating" design on Likas Bay, and the Puh Toh Tze temple, which displays traditional Chinese architecture and large deity statues. The city's spiritual diversity is further represented by the Sacred Heart Cathedral and various denominational churches and community suraus located throughout the region.

15 places

Dcubillas / CC BY-SA 3.0

Nature and Viewpoints

Kota Kinabalu’s landscape ranges from the 24-hectare mangrove remnants at the Wetland Centre to the multi-tiered Kiansom Falls. Coastal vantage points like Signal Hill and the Waterfront offer views of the South China Sea and the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. The list also includes the sandy shores of Pulau Mamutik and secluded beaches on Gaya Island, alongside the landscaped gardens of the Sacred Heart Cathedral and clear views toward Mount Kinabalu.

10 places

Alexander Synaptic / CC BY-SA 2.0

Shopping and Dining Delights

Kota Kinabalu’s retail and dining landscape centers on the waterfront and major commercial hubs. The Filipino and Handicraft markets are essential for Sabah pearls and textiles, while Gaya Street hosts a significant Sunday market. Modern retail is concentrated in malls like Imago and Suria Sabah. The city’s culinary profile is defined by fresh seafood at specialized restaurants, traditional Malay steamed rice dishes, and established Chinese eateries known for Peking duck.

20 places