There is probably a chance you don’t associate Kota Kinabalu with Malaysia. Sharing the Borneo region with Indonesia and Brunei, this paradise is still pretty hidden but not undeveloped! Here you can find the same infrastructure you see everywhere in Malaysia, plus great opportunities for snorkeling, climbing, and watch wild life.
This post might contain affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you book through them. If this guide was useful for you, I appreciate your support!
How to Get to Kota Kinabalu: Your Gateway to Borneo
Reaching Kota Kinabalu is easier than you might think. The city is served by the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI), the second busiest airport in Malaysia. It’s a major hub with excellent connectivity. You’ll find direct international flights from key Asian cities like Singapore, Seoul, Tokyo, Taipei, Hong Kong, Manila, and Bangkok. Recently, a direct flight from Denpasar, Bali, is also serving the destination.
From within Malaysia, frequent and affordable domestic flights operate daily from Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, and Kuching, often taking less than three hours. If you’re already in Sabah, the airport is also the main link to smaller towns like Sandakan and Tawau.
How to Get Around Kota Kinabalu
Once you land, getting to the city center (a mere 6-8 km away) is a breeze. The most convenient and cost-effective option is using the Grab ride-hailing app, with fares typically under RM 20. Official airport taxis operate on a fixed coupon system, while budget travelers can opt for the Airport Bus (serving stops like Padang Merdeka). For those with pre-booked tours, most operators include airport or hotel transfers. If you’re arriving by sea, the Jesseltown Point Ferry Terminal connects KK to nearby islands and even Labuan, which has ferry links to Brunei.
When to Go to Kota Kinabalu
The city enjoys a tropical climate year-round, with temperatures hovering between 25°C and 32°C (77°F – 90°F).
The best time to visit Kota Kinabalu is during the dry season, from March to October. These months promise the most sunshine, minimal rainfall, and calm seas. The peak tourist months are typically June to August, so booking accommodations and tours in advance is wise.
The monsoon or wet season runs from November to February, with the heaviest rains usually in December and January. While you can still visit (rains often come in short, intense bursts), this season can bring rougher seas, leading to occasional cancellations of island trips and boat tours. However, the upside is fewer crowds and potentially lower prices.
Regardless of when you visit, pack for humidity, bring a lightweight rain jacket, and always check short-term weather forecasts for your planned outdoor activities.
Where to Stay in Kota Kinabalu
Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu: for a luxury choice.
The LUMA Hotel: if you love well-designed places!
PINAY Home: for budget with comfort, also great for longer stays.
Your 3-Day Kota Kinabalu Itinerary
Day 1: Island Hopping
Take a Snorkel Trip to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. This is the main attraction here, so I recommend you to not skip it!
This cluster of five islands is just a 15-20 minute speedboat ride from Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal. For the best snorkeling, head to Manukan or Sapi Island. The water is clear, shallow, and full of colorful coral gardens and friendly fish.
Expect to find crowds of tourists though! Another thing that bothered me a little is that in some points they require you to wear a life jacket, which makes it less enjoyable for snorkeling. Still, the corals were very beautiful and not deep at all.
I booked an early morning island-hopping tour to beat the crowds and enjoy the calmest seas. Don’t forget your reef-safe sunscreen!
Back in the city, head to the KK Waterfront. This area is the perfect spot to watch a Borneo sunset with a drink in hand. You can find a place to have dinner around there, specially if you are into seafood. If you are vegetarian like me, go with Indian food!
Day 2: Proboscis Monkeys, Indigenous Tribes & Fireflies
In the morning, take some time to explore the city. If it’s a Sunday, don’t miss the Gaya Street Sunday Market—an exciting bazaar selling everything from local handicrafts and souvenirs to exotic fruits and street food. On other days, visit the Filipino Market and the adjacent Handicraft Market for pearls, wood carvings, and woven baskets. It’s a fantastic place for ethical souvenir shopping and local atmosphere.
In the afternoon, take a safari tour to the Klias Wetlands or Kawa Kawa area. These riverine ecosystems are the best places near KK to spot the iconic, big-nosed Proboscis Monkeys in the wild. Join an afternoon river safari cruise; as the sun begins to dip, these unique and endangered primates become active, coming to the riverbanks to feed.
When it turns dark, your river safari transforms into a magical experience. The same mangrove trees often light up with thousands of fireflies, creating a natural light show that feels straight out of a fairy tale. Most tours include a simple local dinner before or after the cruise. Unfortunately nothing of this can be captured on camera!
Remember to bring insect repellent and a light jacket.
Day 3: Visit an Indigenous Cultural Village
Visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village or Borneo Cultural Museum to learn more about the local culture and Borneo’s roots. Mari Mari offers an immersive half-day tour where you walk through replica villages of five different Sabah tribes (like the Kadazandusun, Bajau, and Murut). See traditional house-building, try blowpipe shooting, and sample authentic rice wine and snacks. It’s educational highly rewarding.
In the afternoon, go for any last-minute shopping at the Suria Sabah or Imago shopping malls, or to revisit a favorite local café.
Days 4-5 Option 1: Island trip
If you are into snorkeling, or just like paradise beaches overall, I highly recommend you take a tour for one of the farther islands: Mantamani, Mengalum, or Dinawan. It is a bit far and more expensive than other tours, but totally woth it!
I took the tour to Mantamani Island and it was one of the best experiences I ever had!
Days 4-5 Option 2: Climbing Mount Kinabalu
This is no easy task, though! If you are an experienced hiker and climber, Kota Kinabalu has one of the best experiences for you. You will need to stay overnight and get the right permission in advance, so evaluate and plan in advance if you think this experience is for you!
Kota Kinabalu is probably much more than you expect! I hope this guide was useful, and if so, let me know!
Check other Malaysia posts:
Your Perfect 3-Day Kuala Lumpur Itinerary