Top 20 Best Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu
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Top 20 Best Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Tanjung Aru Beachtop_1
    4.8/5
    󰺂7.0
    Kota Kinabalu.Tanjung Aru5.3 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoStand-up paddleboarding now available at Tanjung Aru Beach
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Night Attractions in Kota Kinabalu
    Highlights:
    󰋄World-class sunset & 1.2-mile beach
    󰋄Stunning sunset view | Burning clouds
    󱨠Saved by 838 users󱨠1322 positive reviews
  • Mengalum Islandtop_2
    4.6/5
    󰺂6.7
    Kota Kinabalu58.2 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Night Attractions in Kota Kinabalu
    Highlights:
    󱓊Love & eternity symbolized island
    󰋄Enjoy white sands & island views
    󱨠Saved by 649 users󱨠123 positive reviews
  • Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalutop_3
    4.5/5
    󰺂6.0
    Kota Kinabalu3.7 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 3 of Night Attractions in Kota Kinabalu
    Highlights:
    󱓊Golden mosque reflection at sunset
    󱓊White water mosque with azure skies
    󱨠Saved by 589 users󱨠292 positive reviews
  • Gaya Street
    4
    4.5/5
    󰺂5.7
    Kota Kinabalu.Kota Kinabalu City Center297m from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoGaya Street Sunday Market | Kota Kinabalu
    trip best small logoNo. 4 of Night Attractions in Kota Kinabalu
    Highlights:
    󱓊Sunday market: local life experience
    󱓊Numerous restaurants & snack bars
    󱨠Saved by 404 users󱨠166 positive reviews
  • Mari Mari Cultural Village
    5
    4.5/5
    󰺂5.5
    305
    Kota Kinabalu14.2 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoMari Mari Cultural Village Traditional Culture Experience
    Highlights:
    󱓊Try bamboo cooking & local specialties
    󱓊Visit longhouses & taste delicacies
    󱨠Saved by 276 users󱨠37% positive reviews
  • Manukan Island
    6
    4.6/5
    󰺂5.4
    Kota Kinabalu8.4 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰋄One of five islands
    Parasailing & underwater walks experience
    󱨠Saved by 290 users󱨠33% positive reviews
  • Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
    7
    4.6/5
    󰺂5.4
    Kota Kinabalu8.5 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    Amusement facilities | Snorkeling
    󰋄Night tour: marine nightlife exploration
    󱨠Saved by 201 users
  • Manutik Island
    8
    4.6/5
    󰺂5.3
    Kota Kinabalu7.2 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    Parasailing & island entertainment
    󱓊Underwater walking & scooter adventure
    󱨠Saved by 149 users
  • Filipino Market
    9
    4.5/5
    󰺂5.2
    Kota Kinabalu.Kota Kinabalu City Center752m from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 6 of Night Attractions in Kota Kinabalu
    Highlights:
    Daytime crafts & evening food stalls
    󱓊Open-air market in downtown Kota Kinabalu
    󱨠Saved by 285 users󱨠79% positive reviews
  • North Borneo Cruises
    10
    4.9/5
    󰺂4.9
    Kota Kinabalu.Kota Kinabalu City Center3.1 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 7 of Night Attractions in Kota Kinabalu
    Highlights:
    Blue Sea Star Luxury Yacht Dinner
    󰀆Night party with live band carnival

Best things to do in Kota Kinabalu (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Kota Kinabalu? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Kota Kinabalu offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Kota Kinabalu

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Kota Kinabalu experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Tanjung Aru Beach

• Kota Kinabalu.Tanjung Aru | 5.3 km from downtown

• : World-class sunset & 1.2-mile beach,Stunning sunset view | Burning clouds

Mengalum Island

• Kota Kinabalu | 58.2 km from downtown

• : Love & eternity symbolized island,Enjoy white sands & island views

Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu

• Kota Kinabalu | 3.7 km from downtown

• : Golden mosque reflection at sunset,White water mosque with azure skies

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Kota Kinabalu

If you want to explore attractions just outside Kota Kinabalu, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Kota Kinabalu, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Kota Kinabalu special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Kota Kinabalu

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Kota Kinabalu

Ready to explore the best of Kota Kinabalu? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Kota Kinabalu?
These are all Best Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu:Tanjung Aru Beach, Mengalum Island, Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu, Gaya Street, Mari Mari Cultural Village
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu include:Tanjung Aru Beach:4.8, Mengalum Island:4.6, Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu:4.5, Gaya Street:4.5, Mari Mari Cultural Village:4.5
At what locations in Kota Kinabalu can Best Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu be found?
The Best Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu are mainly located in:Tanjung Aru Beach:Kota Kinabalu, Mengalum Island:Kota Kinabalu, Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu:Kota Kinabalu, Gaya Street:Kota Kinabalu, Mari Mari Cultural Village:Kota Kinabalu
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