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Kota Kinabalu

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Asia : Southeast Asia : Malaysia : Sabah : Kota Kinabalu
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Downtown Kota Kinabalu
Downtown Kota Kinabalu

The capital of Sabah, Borneo, this Malaysian city is a growing resort destination due to its proximity to tropical islands, lush rain forest and Mount Kinabalu.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

Kota Kinabalu International Airport IATA: BKI, also abbreviated KKIA, is Malaysia's second busiest airport and the main gateway to Sabah and situated around 7 km from the city centre.

[edit] Peninsular Malaysia

  • Malaysia Airlines [1] and budget carrier AirAsia [2] operate numerous flights daily between Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur. Some flights stop over in Labuan or Sarawak airports.

There are also several flights daily by AirAsia to and from Johor Bahru. Many fly between Kota Kinabalu and Johor Baru en route to Singapore as fares are considerably cheaper.

[edit] Sarawak

  • Malaysia Airlines has several flights daily between Kota Kinabalu and Kuching and Miri and at least one flight daily to/from Sibu direct.

[edit] Within Sabah

  • Malaysia Airlines [4] and AirAsia [5] several flights daily Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan as well as Tawau.
  • MASWing [6] operates rural air services and links Kota Kinabalu with Lahad Datu (4 daily), Sandakan (2 daily) and Tawau (2 daily) using Fokker planes, and Kudat (on Monday, Thursday and Saturday, flights continue to Sandakan with Twin Otters.

[edit] Others

  • Layang Layang Air flies daily between Kota Kinabalu and Layang Layang Island for those booked into the resort there.
  • AirAsia also services connects Kota Kinabalu with many other regional destinations through its extensive regional and international network.

There are ATMs and a currency exchange in Terminal 1 & 2 of the airport but if you're arriving late it will almost certainly be closed and the ATMs are not always working. Make sure you've got some Malaysian ringgit before you arrive as you'll need it for the taxi or the bus.

If you find yourself having just arrived and without any ringgit, you can have a taxi take you to an ATM on the way to wherever you're staying.

[edit] Getting out from the airport

The airport is 7 km away from the city.

[edit] Shuttle bus

Leaves approximately every hour and drops passengers off at the Wawasan Center south of downtown Kota Kinabalu.

[edit] By minibus

Bus 16c stops at terminal 2 (the Low Cost Carrier Terminal), right outside the north-most entrance into the terminal where all cars drops passengers off (there is no bus sign or anything though). The bus cost RM1.50 and goes to the Kota Kinabalu bus terminal, Terminal Wawasan. The bus only goes once an hour or so and the schedule is highly irregular. The last bus leaves at about 5:30-6 PM.

For terminal 1, Minibus No. 17, Kota Kinabalu-Putatan buses, will bring you to the city. Minbuses are available along the main road away from the airport and the bus stop is next to the bridge. Cost RM1.50 each way, will stop you at the south end of the City Centre, at Terminal Wawasan. It is around 1 km to the centre.

From Terminal Wawasan, you can take City Bus into the city center for RM0.50.

[edit] By taxi

These are hired by buying a ticket from the window on the Arrivals level, then presenting ticket to the driver.

The standard rate from the airport to the city is RM30.

[edit] By foot

Walking into town from the airport is possible if you like walking and have 1-2 hr to spare. Pick up a city map in the airport terminal, and you won't have any problem finding your way. You can also stop by the Sabah State Mosque on the way.

Another option is to walk from Terminal 2 into Tanjung Aru by Plaza Tanjung Aru and look for the bus stop, here you can catch van number 16 that goes to the bus station by Plaza Wawasan, from there walk along the waterfront. Cost is RM1.

[edit] By road

All main roads in Sabah radiate out from Kota Kinabalu. The main road to the Sarawak border at Sindumin heads south from the city through the suburbs of Kepayan and Tanjung Aru and goes past Papar, Kimanis, Beaufort and Sipitang. From Sindumin, the road continues to Lawas and on to Brunei and it is possible to travel from Kota Kinabalu to Brunei in a day. Another main road goes north to Kudat via Kota Belud. The main road to the East Coast (Sandakan and Lahad Datu) branches off from this road at Tamparuli. Another main road heading southeast leaves the suburbs of Penampang and Donggongon towards Tambunan, Keningau and Tenom.

[edit] By bus

There are two long-distance bus terminals.

  • South Bus Terminal, is across the road from Wisma Wawasan and serves destinations south of Kota Kinabalu, Beaufort, Sipitang and Lawas.
  • North Bus Terminal, is in Inanam, 10 km to the northeast of the city centre. This terminal serves buses going north and east of Kota Kinabalu, including Mount Kinabalu, Sandakan, Semporna and Tawau.

[edit] Minivans

To neighbouring towns like Papar, Beaufort and Tuaran, and exclusively serve the towns of the West Coast interior like Tambunan, Keningau and Tenom.

  • The main Minibus and Minivan station is opposite Wisma Wawasan Plaza at the southern end of the city. There is no terminal building or similar facilities there, rather a covered area with openings labelled by destination, and surrounded by an unpaved lot full of minibuses. To get there from the Kota Kinabalu North Bus Terminal, regular shuttle buses run between the terminal and the city centre near the state library.

[edit] Heading east

To Sandakan it takes 5-6 hr. Several express bus companies operate buses between the Kota Kinbalu North Bus Terminal and Sandakan.

Semporna is very far so the distance to reach quite long and takes 9-10 hr. Dyana Bus, leaves twice daily from Inanam station around 7:30AM and 7:30PM. Shuttle from Kota Kinabalu city to Inanam is RM1.50, 20 min, departs from bus station on Jalan Padang.

  • To/from Tawau ~9 hr, RM55. Several express bus companies operate bus between the Kota Kinabalu North Bus Terminal and Tawau.
  • Tung Ma Express ☎ +60 198827334
  • Andisba Express ☎ +60 881 3879 7779
  • Alitopan Express ☎ +60 881 3886 2348, +60 881 9863 4797, +60 888 976 7858. Bus from Kota Kinabalu at 7AM, 8AM, 10AM, 12PM, 2PM.
  • To/from Mount Kinabalu and Ranau 1.5-2 hr, RM25-35. All the above buses pass by the entrance of the Mount Kinabalu National Park, Kundasang and Ranau (for Poring Hot Spring). You can get off or board at these locations. You can also catch buses/minibuses doing the shorter run to Ranau. The journey from Kota Kinabalu to Mount Kinabalu should take about 2 hr.

[edit] Heading north

  • To/from Kudat
  • To/from Kota Belud

[edit] Heading south

  • To/from Lawas:
  • Sipitang Express Bus Sdn Bhd [18] ☎ +60 88213722 or +60 168149332 runs one bus at 7AM daily from the City Centre bus terminal to Lawas in Sarawak. From Lawas, buses depart at 12:30PM The journey takes about 4 hr and costs RM20 one way.
  • Lawas Bus Company also operates an express bus daily to Lawas, departing Lawas at about 8AM and returning from Kota Kinabalu City Centre terminal at 1PM. Both buses go through Beaufort and Sipitang. You can also make the journey by minivans but you may have to change at Beaufort or even at Papar and Sipitang. Catch them from the minivan station opposite Wawasan Plaza. If you are continuing to Brunei, see Kota Kinabalu to Brunei in a day.
  • To/from Beaufort and Sipitang:
  • Sipitang Express Bus [19] departs the City Centre Terminal for Beaufort (1 hr 45 min, RM9) and Sipitang (2 hr 45 min, RM14) at 8:30AM, 12PM and 2:30PM. The 7:30AM bus to Lawas also goes through Beaufort and Sipitang. From Sipitang, buses depart at 8AM, 12PM, 1:30PM (bus comes through from Lawas) and 4:30PM and 1 hr later from Beaufort.
  • Lawas Bus Company's express bus between Kota Kinabalu and Lawas. Again, you can do this do this by minivans throughout the day, although they are more frequent in the morning. You may also have to change at Papar if you cannot get a direct minivan.
  • To/from Menumbok:
  • Sipitang Express Bus [20] runs two buses from the City Centre terminal to Menumbok where there are ferries to Labuan. They depart at 7AM and 1PM. From Menumbok, buses depart at 10:15AM and 3:15PM. One way tickets cost is RM14. Minivans also do the journey although you may have to change at Papar and Beaufort.
  • To/from Papar: Regular minivans run to this coastal town 38 km south of Kota Kinabalu.

[edit] Heading to the south-west interior

  • To/from Tambunan, Keningau and Tenom

Most public transport to this part of Sabah is by minibuses and vans which leave from the minibus station opposite Wawasan Plaza. Again, it's best to get started early. You should be able to catch a direct minibus from Kota Kinabalu to Keningau. Change there for Tenom.

[edit] By boat

Jesselton point Ferry Terminal, Is used by most ferries. A 20 min walk from the centre of town.

  • Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu from the ferry terminal. Regular departures to Manukan, Gaya and other islands. Cost per person is between RM17 and RM40 depending on island. See the park's page for details.

[edit] By train

North Borneo Railway [21] recommenced operations in Feb 2011 using a 134 km network from Tanjung Aru south of the city centre to Tenom in the interior via Papar, Kimanis and Beaufort. Four trains operate daily except for Sunday, when there are only two trains, running between Tanjung Aru station ☎ +60 88254611 and Beaufort, where you change trains if you want to continue your journey to Tenom. Journey time between Kota Kinabalu and Beaufort is about 2 hr, making it more attractive for travellers to take the bus for part of the journey.

Trains for Tenom run from Beaufort once a day at 7:45AM so to take the train to Tenom, you will have to stay over night in Beaufort. Full details on the refurbished.

Beaufort train and schedule are available online [22]

[edit] Get around

[edit] By foot

The city center is quite small, and you can walk from one end to the other in less than 30 min. Safely crossing the street can be an issue, but most streets are at least equipped with sidewalks. You can also walk to and from the airport (1-2 hr each way). Even the highways outside of town usually have a walking path or a wide grassy shoulder to walk on.

[edit] Taxi

Short fares are around RM10, longer trips around RM20. A whole day shouldn't cost more then RM300. Haggling is absolutely vital in order to get a fair price. Many taxi drivers in Malaysia are infamous for raising their fare prices, even after a price has already been determined by thorough prior negotiation. They frequently attempt to manipulate and deceive unknowing tourists by feigning ignorance and delivering tourists to the wrong hotels, which sometimes provide kickbacks to the drivers. Mentioning a call to the authorities may resolve the situation quickly.

[edit] Bus

RM1.50 from Kota Kinabalu International Airport (Petagas) to the city centre, while RM1 from Terminal 2 International Airport (Tg.Aru) to City Centre. These services end at 6-7PM. When they are unavailable you will need to walk away from the airport to access cheap transportation. New City bus service is cheap, clean and reliable(RM0.50 per trip) .

[edit] Car rental

Cars can easily be hired on the spot from the hire car counters in the arrivals hall. Rates can be negotiated so compare the offers. Rental companies do not offer hand-controls for the handicapped.

[edit] Motorbike rental

  • GG Rent A Motorbike [23] Provides scooters and semi automatic motorbikes for tourists at a price of RM20(5 hours) and RM40(whole day). They provide maps and plan your itinerary with you to maximise your schedule and minimise the time.

[edit] Talk

Like most other Malaysian cities, Kota Kinabalu is a melting pot of various cultures. Almost all locals are able to understand and speak at least basic English. There is an emerging community of educated locals who are able to converse in fluent English and, in fact, speak English as their first language. As almost 50% of Kota Kinabalu's residents are of Chinese descent, visitors who speak Chinese will not encounter any language problems. The main dialect spoken by Kota Kinabalu's Chinese community is Hakka, but Mandarin and Cantonese are also widely understood and spoken. Unlike many other Malaysian cities with substantial Chinese communities such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang, the Hokkien dialect is not in common use among Kota Kinabalu's Chinese residents. In addition to English and Chinese dialects, Bahasa Malaysia (Malay) is also widely spoken, albeit with a distinct Sabahan flavour. Some residents also speak the languages of native Sabahan races such as Kadazandusun and Bajau, but these are not commonly used in daily conversation. Additionally, a small number of the younger generation speak limited Korean and Japanese.

[edit][add listing] See

Atkinson Clock Tower
Atkinson Clock Tower
  • Atkinson Clock Tower Built in 1902 in memory of Francis George Atkinson, the first district officer of Jesselton, as Kota Kinabalu was then called. He died of a tropical disease in the same year at the young age of only 28. The tower is on a hill beside Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, just a few min away from the city centre.
  • The Signal Hill Observatory is 10 min walk up hill from the Atkinson Clock Tower and offers a good view of the city center.
  • The Green Connection Aquarium [24] - located 10 min outside the downtown area by taxi. The best place to see the aquatic wildlife of Borneo without leaving the city. Help conserve Sabah wildlife by visiting here. Lots of things to see and do - touch a shark, stroke a snake, watch a turtle. Opportunities for interns & volunteers or simply to dive in the giant tank and feed the fish.
Sabah State Mosque
Sabah State Mosque
  • Sabah State Mosque - located on Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman.
  • State Museum - A quick guide to Kota Kinabalu's history.

[edit][add listing] Do

[edit] Scuba diving & Snorkelling

Try dives, leisure diving, technical diving and snorkelling are all available from Kota Kinabalu.

Several interesting dive sites can be enjoyed as day trips from Kota Kinabalu with nearby World War II wrecks accessible for scuba diving. Some are in the 24-45 m depth range whilst other wrecks are only suitable for technical diving. Advanced and basic diver training courses are run from Kota Kinabalu by several dive centre operators.

[edit] Dive destinations
  • Usukan Bay near Pulau Mantanani, suitable for recreational diving. Located near the fishing port of Kota Belud 30 nautical miles north of Kota Kinabal these dive sites are ideal day trips from Kota Kinabalu. Boat trips north from Kota Kinabalu normally depart from Sutera Harbour Marina or Jesselton Point and take approximately 2 hr. These dives are only suitable for divers that already have PADI Advanced Open Water Diver or similar certification and some previous wreck diving experience is advised. There are three popular wrecks spread over a distance of about one kilometre lying 7 n.m offshore.
  • Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park offers many snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities between 10 and 15 min from Kota Kinabalu by boat. Dive operators depart from the Jesselton Point Jetty and Sutera Harbour Marina.
  • The Gaya wreck lies in 50m of water within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and is a 30 min boat ride from Kota Kinabalu. The wreck is thought to be that of the Japanese ship Nittetsu Maru.
  • Mayne Rock has large white boulders rising 7 m-15 m from the ocean floor and is surrounded by a coral reef.
  • Palau Tiga offers coral reef dives.
[edit] Dive operators
  • Borneo Dream, F-G-1 Plaza Tanjung Aru, Jl. Mat Salleh, ☎ 60 17 811 8149 (, fax: +60 88 244 931), [25]. A boat transfer service is available to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park for snorkelling or diving trips. Over 20 sites for diving and protected areas for snorkelling. Suitable for day trips. Goes to four of the main wreck dive sites on a regular basis. PADI Dive Boat, 10mx4m catamaran and a 9mx3m RIB, SDI resort dive centre, BSAC diver training centre, TDI resort dive centre and IANTD facility. Also offer SCR courses and training certified via the PADI with both a semi closed rebreather diver speciality course and closed circuit rebreather (CCR) training courses.  edit
  • Downbelow Marine & Wildlife Adventures, Lot B-3-12, Kota Kinabalu Times Square, Jl. Coastal, ☎ +60 12 866 1935 (, fax: +60 88 485 300), [26]. PADI 5 Star IDC Dive Centre is based on Gaya Island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. The dive centre offers learn to dive courses, advanced courses from PADI Advanced Open Water Diver up to PADI Master Instructor & PADI Course Director, snorkelling, sea kayaking and jungle trekking. 1 on multi-day diving in the TAR Park and diving Pulau Tiga. Island facilities caters to individuals, groups and corporate events. High staff-to-diver ratios with professional, highly trained & experienced staff and quality, regularly serviced gear and equipment.  edit
  • Sabah Divers, G27, Ground Floor, Wisma Sabah, ☎ +60 88 256483, +6 12 8339901 (, fax: +60 88 255482), [27]. 8:30AM-5:30PM daily. Provide PADI and SSI courses in English, Mandarin and Cantonese. Diving tours to popular dive destinations all over Borneo, such as Sipadan and Layang Layang. SSI (Scuba Schools International) platinum facility. Tunku Abdul Rahman fun dive packages available departing Jesselton Point Jetty including equipment, boat transfers and 2-3 dives.  edit
  • Sensi Borneo Diving Resort & Tours (Diving Live-Aboard ‘Orient Explorer’), ☎ +60 88 788 111, +60 17 402063 (), [28]. Provide scuba diving trips and PADI courses. Also operate the 796 ton, 56.6m motor yacht Orient Explorer as a live aboard and floating hotel off shore from Kota Kinabalu. Originally launched in 1943 it has a dive deck, passenger cabins including family cabins, luxury and economy cabins, a restaurant, bar, lounge and a sick bay. The dive services offer a full range of PADI scuba diving courses from open water, divemaster, technical diving and rebreather courses. Trips to the Usukan Bay wreck dives and many other dive sites are available.  edit

[edit] Deep sea fishing

Kota Kinabalu is also one of the best and cheapest places in Malaysia for exciting deep sea fishing trips. Boats depart from the makeshift jetty next to the Kota Kinabalu Central Market, the boats are to be found behind the small night market/parking lot.

Trips of all kinds can be arranged with the charter operators. Popular options include day trips that go for prices that start from around RM 2,000/boat and 2D/1N or 3D/2N trips (you sleep on the boat) that go from RM 3,000/boat. Most boats take around 10 persons per trip. Locals usually head to the Mengalum and Mantanani islands or near some oil rigs that are all a few hours away from Kota Kinabalu. Beginners can also opt for shorter trips to fish in a shipwreck off Gaya Island. For the very adventurous and advanced anglers, there are also several fishing competition held annually. The most popular one is the Labuan IGFA Competition which is usually held around the Layang Layang island (Swallow Reef) area. The trips for this competition last for almost 1 week and cost at least RM 15,000/boat.

The boats are mostly pretty rudimentary medium sized wooden fishing vessels, don't expect any luxury or too much comfort for those prices. Basic toilets are available on board, but you won't be able to shower for the duration of the trip. Basic meals are also usually available and included in the hire price. Rental of fishing equipment can also be arranged by most of the boat charter providers. Do ensure that life vests are provided for all occupants well before setting out.

If you want to check out the boats before you head out, just drop by the open air parking lot near the Central Market and Hyatt Hotel, most of the for hire fishing boats are parked there. You can also see some of the catch for yourself when the boats return from their trips at around 2PM. You will probably see more boats coming and going on Sunday or Monday.

  • 7 star fishing, [29]. A more expensive option but the website has some nice pictures and videos to give you a glimpse of what you can expect from a fishing trip in Kota Kinabalu  edit
  • Mr. K.K. Law, ☎ +60 16 826 4588 (). A budget friendly option popular with the locals. The boat owner himself will be happy to come on the trip himself or help you arrange for more people to fill up the boat if your group doesn't have enough people. From RM2,000.  edit

[edit] Parks, walks and traditional village visits

  • Lok Kawi Wildlife Park [30]. Located near the small town of Lok Kawi a short distance south of Kota Kinabalu. It features Orang-Utans, Proboscis Monkeys, Gibbons, a Sumatran Rhinoceros, some tigers, local deer, various birds in a large aviary, elephants, and other animals. A reptile section will be opened soon. A good alternative to visiting the nature reserves around Sabah for those on a tight schedule, as well as giving you the chance to see the animals much more up close than you would in the jungle. Entrance fee: RM20 for adults, RM10 for children, half-price for Malaysians. It is a little difficult to get to as there is no public transportation that goes right to the park, and it is about 10 min drive outside of Lok Kawi (and about half an hour outside of Kota Kinabalu). Take a 17B or 17C bus to Lok Kawi town at RM3 a head, then a local taxi for around RM12-15 to the park. It is advisable to get the phone number of the taxi driver or arrange pickup from the park at a set time to go back to Lok Kawi as there are no taxis or buses at the park. Alternatively pay some RM80-100 to have a taxi take you there from Kota Kinabalu and back.
Hall of Skulls at Monsopiad Cultural Village
Hall of Skulls at Monsopiad Cultural Village
  • Monsopiad Cultural Village [31]. Located about half an hour south-east of town, this small park shows the traditional way of life of the Kadazan ethnic group and tells the story of Monsopiad, a Kadazan warrior who lived some 300 years ago and who killed 42 men who attacked his village. The 42 skulls can be viewed in the Hall of Skulls. Entrance fee is RM50 for adults, RM10 for children (prices for non-Malaysians). To get there you can hire a taxi from Kota Kinabalu and arrange to be picked up some hours later. The rate should be around RM80, or RM20 one-way.
  • Eco and Natural Tour [32] Explore the rich and diversified treasure of nature on the island.

[edit] Sports

  • Golf Academy Borneo, 1st Floor, Likas Golf Driving Range, Jl. Istiadad, ☎ +60 14 334 3565 (), [33]. Private golf lessons with British PGA-accredited professional golf tutors, short game clinics, kids golf clinics and a Junior Programmes.  edit
  • b3 (bike, blade, and board), [34]. Skateboarding, Inline Skating and BMX stunts with extreme sports community group in Kota Kinabalu.  edit
  • Trinity Self-Defence, Lot 12 1st Floor Likas Plaza, Phase 1, Mile 4 1/2 Jl. Tuaran 8. Learn some self-defence skills at a Kota Kinabalu Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Gym classes include Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, CMB, Judo and Shootfighting. Experienced trainers. (trinityselfdef@gmail.com).
  • Ultimate (Frisbee), Tue & Thu: 1st Beach Tanjung Aru & Sun; Tanjung Aru Rugby Field (On the beach and field near KKIA Terminal 2 in Tanjung Aru), ☎ +60 12 829 7881 (), [35]. Tue & Thu: 6:30PM-8PM, Sun 4PM- 6PM. Frisbee for all ages and abilities. Show up with enthausiasm and a basic knowledge of Ultimate rules and enjoy a game with the Ultimate players of Sabah. Free. (5.94806,116.04941) edit

[edit][add listing] Buy

  • Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market (Next to the waterfront). Formerly known as "Pasar Filipino". Synonymous with pearls, local handicrafts, home decorations and lately crystals. Don't forget to bargain for good prices. The attendants here are very friendly and will always greet you with a warm smile. You can also find souvenirs such as keychains, t-shirts with Sabah themes, carved wooden statues, batiks and sarongs, rattan handicraft and floor mats, Islamic calligraphy and broaches. Some of the items are imported from Austria and others from neighbouring Asian countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and Korea, and there is little actual Sabah handicraft available, but it is a very colourful place that will stay in your memory as a 'souvenir' from Sabah.
  • Gaya Street Tamu, Kota Kinabalu's Sunday market with everything from Malaysian delicacies, ground coffee, t-shirts, handicrafts, hardware to anything in between at bargain prices. Held every Sunday morning, 6AM-1PM, along Jl. Gaya right in the heart of town.

[edit][add listing] Eat

Kota Kinablu is a cultural melting pot. Here Chinese meet Malays and Bruneis, Javanese, Filipinos and even a couple of Europeans, all of whom have brought along their own cuisine. Try out the many specialties offered at the various kedai kopi (often in buffet form making it easy to order) and shun fast food chains.

For meals, head to the outdoor food stalls fronting the sea or coffee shops along the streets. The less adventurous could make a beeline for fast food outlets in the Centrepoint shopping center while those with deeper pockets could try the pier-side restaurants just after the open air fish market. The promenade restaurants between the Philippino Craft Market and the fish market are poor value and only frequented by tourists. Try SEDCO Square in the evening for top value.

  • @mosphere, Menara Tun Mustapha, ☎ +60 88 425100, [36]. Revolving restaurant in Borneo's tallest building serving predictably generic "Pacific Rim" cuisine. Open throughout the day and for drinks at night.
  • Anjappar, Asia City Complex (facing Api Api centre, diagonally across the street from CentrePoint) ☎ +60 88 227969, [37]. Chettinad (North and South Indian) cuisine. Serves authentic Indian food such as banana leaf meals, biriyani, naan & roti, tandoori dishes, and dosai. Prices range from RM3.50-RM10.00. Hours 10:30AM-3:30PM and 5:30PM-10PM. Anjappar is an Indian franchise with branches in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sri Lanka and Canada.
  • Bella Italia, 69 Jl. Gaya. (Under the Jesselton Hotel in Kota Kinabalu's business area). ☎ +60 88313366. Italian restaurant serving pizzas and pastas and if you get there early there are discounts.
  • Borneo 1945 Museum Kopitiam,[38] No. 24, Jl. Dewan. (Under Borneo Backpackers). ☎ +60 19 883 3829. They serve the best coffee in town. Malaysian food is available. Great price for bike rentals to tour around city. It is also has a museum with a focus on the the Second World War on Sandakan Death March. Contains many pictures and antiques.
  • Grazie Ristorante, Wawasan Plaza Complex, (Next to Tang Dynasty Hotel), ☎ +60 19 821 6936 [39]. An Italian restaurant. Serves no pork.
  • Ferdinand`s Italian restaurant, (At the Magellan Sutera Harbour Hotel). ☎ +60 88 303900. Italian restaurant an Sutera Harbour hotel, next to the international airport.
  • Jeff De Corner Grd Flr, Luyang Ph 6, Shophouse, approximately 15 min from the city. Dishes include lamb and beef steak, oxtail soup, lamb shank, BBQ lamb and the exclusive Wagyu beef steak. Please call for reservation. ☎ +60 19 8818427
  • Jothy's Fish Head Curry and Banana Leaf Restaurant, Api Api Center. An eat with your hands restaurant. A chicken dish RM8, a mango lassie RM4. Fish head curry, fish cutlets, fried fish pieces, chicken nasi biryani, assam soup and dried bitter gourd. They'll bring you a spoon and fork if you wish. Ask for a banana leaf (for additional 50 cents) and eat with your hands. English menu.
  • Kohinoor ☎ +60 88 235160, [40]. North Indian food by the waterfront. Claims to have invented the "Chicken Cheese Tandoori Tikka". Indoor and alfresco seating.
  • Man Tai Restaurant - Located in Likas, Dah Yeh Villa. Beaufort-style Fried Noodles. They serve Chinese style a-la carte dishes as well.
  • Mario's Pizza [41] 1 Borneo Hypermall, Jl. UMS. Mario's Pizza at 1 Borneo C-702 Lower Ground. Serve Italian pizza slice or Pizza al Taglio.
  • Pete's Corner, Located in Asia City in the heart of Kota Kinabalu. A breakfast place which specialises in steaks and other western dishes for RM10-18.
  • Pirates Rib Shack Diner [42]. In Asia City. Pork and lamb ribs, steaks, burgers and seafood, on Sunday they hold a weekly BBQ Pork roast.
  • The Stonebridge Galley Provides all day English Breakfast.
  • Charles Cafe Halal food and drink.
  • Salim Lintas Square. (Approximately 20 min drive from the city) Supper spot specialising in many local "mamak" foods and delicacies including the Malaysian roti styled bread, cooked over an open flat iron skillet which is bathed in oil. The meal along with a cup of Teh Tarik Madras would range at around RM5-8.
  • Yu Kee's Bak Kut Teh, Located along the famous Gaya Street, its a Chinese operated restaurant that serves pork dishes for dinner time only (usually opens after 4pm until night time). A small single dish costs about RM4, soup top up is free. All types of pork meat and organs served with special Chinese herb soup.
  • Yuit Cheong Coffee Shop, 昌悅, [43] 50, Jl. Pantai. Satay and cosy environment.

Seafood in Kota Kinabalu is very popular, so getting a dose of it is a must. Here are some places to try:

  • Kampung Nelayan Floating Seafood Market Restaurant, ☎ +60 88 8823 1003. 10 min drive away from Kota Kinabalu city, this seafood restaurant is built within a botanical park/lake using Malay architecture. There is a nightly cultural performance with a fire show performed during the weekends.
  • New Gaya Seafood Restaurant, ☎ +60 88 8838 5020. One of the most visited seafood restaurant by locals. Prices are fixed and maybe 20%-30% cheaper than some city seafood restaurants. Deep fried crabs with egg yolk & butter prawn. Its located next to Gaya Sports Recreation Centre. ☎ +60 88 88426075, Inanam. 20 min by taxi, highly recommended for visitors who have spare time.
  • Ocean Seafood Restaurant, Right next to the Promenade Hotel and Parkson Grand. The restaurant faces the coastline. You can take a pick on your seafood orders by the fishtanks, or if you prefer, you can let the waiters recommend at your table.
  • Portview Seafood Restaurant, There are 2 branches of this in Kota Kinabalu. One of them is opposite Centrepoint Shopping Centre, called The Waterfront. This one is quite new, a very popular place for tourists and orders can be taken either way similar to Ocean Restaurant. This restaurant is nestled amongst other popular nightlife hangouts, mostly bars and clubs, but also cafes like CoffeeBean. The other older one is in front of a pier.
  • Salut Seafood Restaurant, It takes about 20 min car journey from the city center to Salut where the restaurant is located near the Sepanggar Bay and Telipok. It is a famous place for cheaper seafood dishes as the prawns are bred by the restaurant owner.
  • Sutera Rimba, 7PM-12 midnight.

[edit][add listing] Drink

  • Pirates Bar [44], Located in Asia City in the 3 colour T food Court accross the road from Centrepoint behind the Mercedes Benz Dealer. Features the largest outdoor bar in Kota Kinabalu with prices from RM 25+ for 5 cans of house beer. Live sport including AFL, NRL, Rugby, Cricket. Live music at weekends
  • Cock & Bull Bistro [45], Winner of Best Entertainment Outlet awards for Night Spot Experience 3 times in a row (2005, 2007, 2009). Located on the waterfront facing the South China sea with cool sea breezes and a beautiful view of the sunset. Featuring a live band, 2 projector screens and an American pool table.
  • Shenanigan Fun Pub, Located at ground floor of the Kinabalu Hyatt Regency.
  • Shamrock Irish Bar, The Waterfront Lot 6. Pint of Tiger or Guinness RM20+. The usual Irish fare, with outdoor seating. Add 16% tax.
  • Cocoon Restaurant & Bar, One of Kota Kinabalu's most notable nightspots. It is a relaxed bar in the day and a lively bar/club by night, with the action carrying on into the small hours.
  • Bee Kim KTV , Sadong Jaya around Karamunsing area.
  • Strawberry KTV , Segama and Central market.
  • Razz-Ma-Tazz, Just outside the central business district along Jl. Tuaran, it is one of the largest and most popular nightclubs in the city. Features two rooms, the larger one, Z'Razz, features a live band rotated with DJ spinning mainly hip-hop tracks. The smaller room, Zuave, plays mainly house, trance, and other dance tracks.
  • Bed. Located on the Promenade near the night markets. One room with a cover band, pool table and DJ.
  • Beach Road, Pub and cafe, live band, pool.
  • Firefly Bar & Grill, Live band in Kota Kinabalu Times Square. Hot place to hang out, dance and chill.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Kota Kinabalu has accommodation in all price brackets. For lodgings on and around Mount Kinabalu, see the Mount Kinabalu article.

[edit] Budget

  • Akinabalu Youth Hostel, [46], Jl. Gaya. Two computers with free internet access, TV and DVD, and free breakfast. Safe and clean with friendly staff. RM56 for a fan room for two with shared bathroom.
  • Alpinehomstay, [47] ☎ +60 88 237727. They are located 5 min from the airport and city centre.Fully furnished. Contemporary styled. Free pickup from and to the airport. Free shuttle to the city centre.
  • Asia Adventure Lodge, ☎ +60 13 8929995, [48], (asiaadventurelodge@yahoo.com.my). Smaller hostel with a friendly family feel located right in the heart of town next to Internet cafe, banks, travel agents, supermarkets and nightlife, plus the colourful and deliciously diversified Sunday Market. Free wifi. Dorms RM17 with fan, or RM22 with A/C; A/C singles/doubles RM40/RM58.
  • Borneo Adventure Center and Lodge, ☎ +60 88 241515 [49], (Borneoadventurecenter@yahoo.com). Double, triple as well as backpackers dormitory beds. All rooms have fan, A/C at night and either a common or an ensuite shower room with hot water shower. Self service kitchen equipped with refrigerator, microwave oven, stove, toaster, coffee making facilities, CCTV security, electronic card access system, in-house laundry service, cableTV at the lobby, wifi and Internet access. Rates inclusive of simple breakfast (toast with coffee/tea). Rates: Dorm RM21 per person, twin or dbl bed room for RM55/room.
  • Borneo Backpackers, ☎ +60 88 234009, [50], (info@borneobackpackers.com) In central Kota Kinabalu. Clean bathroom, toilets, pantry area, internet, laundry, cosy lounge area, roof garden deck, 24 hr security, and a tour information counter. Friendly, helpful and knowledgeable local staff. A/C or fan rooms. Large dormitory with 10 beds, medium dormitory 4-6 beds and private rooms. Each room has small storage compartment for personal items. From US$7/person per night.
  • Borneo BeacHouse Backpackers, ☎ +60 88 218331, (borneo.beachouse@gmail.com), [51]. Fairly shabby hostel located near Terminal 2 and a fairly nasty beach. Located far outside the city. Staff are friendly but not very knowledgeable. Only worth staying at if you have an early flight or are in transit, or if you don't mind dirty sheets and broken toilets. Located near some hawker stalls where you can get cheap Malay food for RM5-6. 4 bed dorm RM20.
  • Borneo Gaya Lodge, Gaya St. ☎ +60 88 242477. [52], (info@borneogayalodge.com) Nearby to Sunday street-market in central of Kota Kinabalu. First opened 2008. New bed sheet and towel, free hot & cold drinking water. Spacious carpeted living area with LCD TV (AstroChannel), wifi, books and a small kitchen with refrigerator. No curfew and 24 hr security with CCTV and computerised door lock. Rates for fan and A/C rooms start from RM23 per bed. Private dorm, twin/double bedroom and family room with common toilet are available, also twin/double and family bedroom with private toilet. Online bookings available. Friendly staff. Tour information available.
  • Century Hotel Inanam, ☎ +60 88 380222. Located next to the Inanam Bus Terminal (North) Inanam. Spacious rooms, with TV and hot shower provided. 15 min drive from the city centre. Varieties of food and beverage nearby the hotel.
  • Globetrotters Lodge, (Formerly New Horizon), ☎ +60 88272796, (globetrotterslodge@gmail.com), [53]. Small, opposite British Council, just off Gaya St, street market every Sun morning, lots of cheap restaurants, banks nearby.
  • Hamin Lodge, ☎ +60 88 272008 [54], (info@haminlodge.com). Boutique budget hotel in the heart of Kota Kinabalu City. Borneo tour packages, traditional massage, spa, restaurant and bar. Full A/C. Budget hostel rooms suitable for backpackers to deluxe rooms with ensuite.
  • Hotel Holiday, ☎ +60 88 213116, [55]. Budget hotel in the city centre. 1Mb wifi, laundry, friendly staff. Room with A/C and private bathroom. Standard RM95, deluxe RM105, family room RM130.
  • Hotel Sadong 88, Lot 4, 5&6, 1st-3rd Floor, Block A, Sadong Jaya,Karamunsing, ☎ +60 88 268699 (). Single RM55, twin RM77, family room RM98.  edit
  • Kinabalu Backpackers, ☎ +60 88 253385, email. info@kinabalubackpackers.co, [56]. Centrally located in Australian Place. All rooms have A/C. Free breakfast, free coffee or tea all day and free wifi, airport pickup service. RM25, doubles (sleeps 2) for RM65/night.
  • Lavender Lodge, ☎ +60 88 217119 , (Fax:+60 88 218077), [57]. Hotel in the CBD and in short walking distance to shopping malls, restaurants and entertainment outlets. Clean and comfortable rooms, friendly staff
  • Lucy Backpackers (Lucy's Homestay), Lot No.25, Lorong Dewan, Australia Place, ☎ +60 88 261495, [58]. Look behind a stamp-makers shop for this nice little house with two dorm rooms available at a competitive rate. B&B. Friendly owner, friendly cat. Free, secure wifi. Nice and central. Safe lockers available. Dorm: RM23/single: RM48/double: RM58. (5.983213,116.077833) edit
  • Megah D’Aru Hotel, No. 2, Jl. Kinabalu, Tanjung Aru township (In the heart of Tanjung Aru Township), ☎ +60 88 239666 (), [59]. checkin: 2PM; checkout: 12 noon. Less than 5 min drive south of Kota Kinabalu city centre, and north of the Kota Kinabalu International airport. 72 rooms. RM128-RM188.  edit
  • Stay In Lodge, Gaya St, ☎ +60 88 272986, [60]. Where the famous street market is held every Sun. Clean and comfortable.
  • Step-in Lodge, ☎ +60 88 233519, [61]. Painted in a zany combination of purple and bright green, this is a cosy little hostel in the middle of the city, with very friendly staff. Toilets and shower stalls are immaculate. From RM25 per person for a dorm, A/C double RM80, including a simple continental breakfast.
  • Summer Lodge, [62]. Convenient central location with a nice lobby, free wifi, free breakfast, and very helpful staff. Clean, decent bathrooms, however dorm rooms leave a bit to be desired (cramped, bed frames falling apart). All rooms have A/C. RM22/night mixed dorm; RM28/night male or female only, plus private rooms.
  • Tropicana Lodge, From RM25 per person
  • Travellers' Light Backpackers Lodge, [63], Two computers with free wifi, TV and DVD. Safe and clean with friendly staff. CCTV, large free lockers, open 24 hr. RM24 for dorm room with fan and shared bathroom.
  • Tune Hotels Kota Kinabalu, [64] No-frills hotel located within 1 Borneo, East Malaysia's largest shopping complex. Far from city but free shuttle bus is available daily. Online booking only. Rate might as cheap as RM1++ but understand that all requirements provided are likely to be charged as extra costs.
  • X-plorer Backpackers, 1st Floor, 106/108, Jl. Gaya, ☎ +60 88 538780 (, fax: +60 88 538781), [65]. checkin: 2PM; checkout: 1PM. Near Gaya Sunday morning street market. Reservations can be made by phone, online or by SMS text message to mobile phone ☎ +60 128399328. Complimentary breakfast, free wifi, all rooms are A/C. Dormitories, private rooms, family rooms available. Some ensuite rooms with attached bathrooms were recently upgraded. From RM25.  edit
  • Hotel Kotajaya and Back Packers, ☎ +60 88 222715, [66]. (Sinsuran Complex), Short distance to Centre Point, Api-Api Centre, Kompleks Asia City and waterfront bars. Budget rooms with private bathroom are available. Friendly host.
  • Impiana Mutiara Hotel, No.12, Jl. Perpaduan, Kampung Air (Kota Kinabalu City Center), ☎ +60 88 231991 (), [67]. Budget hotel with 27 rooms. Every room comes with an attached bathroom with hot and cold shower, individual A/C and TV with cable channels. Reservations can be made online. Promotional rates from RM65.  edit

[edit] Mid-range

  • King Park Hotel, Jl. Masjid Lama, Bandaran Berjaya (City Center), ☎ +60 88 270500 (), [68]. checkin: 2PM; checkout: 12 noon. Clean, 14-storey 3 star hotel. Features panoramic views of the city and Tunku Abdul Rahman Park from the upper floors. Online reservations available. RM128-RM198.  edit
  • Myne Hotel, Lot 21, 1st Floor, Block A, Warisan Square, Jl. Tun Fuad Stephens (Hotel reception is on the 1st floor of Warisan Square shopping paradise in Kota Kinabalu City Center), ☎ +60 88 448787 (), [69]. New 5-storey boutique hotel with 72 rooms. Online reservations. Waterside location. LCD colour TV, AstroTV, IDD phone, free wifi, tea and coffee making facilities, room safe. RM150-RM480.  edit

[edit] Splurge

  • Grand Borneo Hotel (Formerly Mercure Kota Kinabalu), Grand Borneo Hotel, ☎ +60 88 526888, (info@grandborneohotel.com), [70]. 325 rooms. Part of the largest mall in Sabah, 1 Borneo Hypermall; an entertainment complex with over 400 stores of leisure, entertainment and culinary delights.
  • Novotel Kota Kinabalu 1Borneo, 1Borneo Hypermall, Jl. UMS. ☎ +60 88 529888, (info@novotel1borneo.com), [71]. Part of 1 Borneo Hypermall, the largest mall in Sabah. 263 rooms, an outdoor pool and jacuzzi on the 7th floor and a business centre.
  • The Palace Hotel (formerly Berjaya Palace Hotel), 1 Jl. Tangki Karamunsing, ☎ +60 88 211911. Blends old architecture with modern facilities. Hilltop location, 15 min drive from the airport.  edit
  • Jesselton Hotel, www.jesseltonhotel.com 69, Gaya Street. ☎ +60 88 223333, (Fax:+60 88 240401 jesshtl@po.jaring.my) Jesselton was the initial name for Kota Kinabalu during the British colony. Boutique hotel built in the early 1920s. Hotel has their own limousine, a imported British cab.
  • Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, Jl. Datuk Salleh Sulong (In the city centre), ☎ +60 88221234 (), [72]. Recently renovated 5-star resort hotel. Good for business people who just want to eat, sleep and work. This hotel has an impressive choice of restaurants and a coffee shop serving Malaysian food, a Chinese restaurant with 'dim sum' or 'yum cha', a Japanese restaurant with teppanyaki and a fresh bakery. Close to shopping centres, fast food outlets and cafes. From around US$100.  edit
  • Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu, Jl. Tun Fuad Stephens, ☎ +60 88 322222. 306 rooms. Gym, seaview pool. Next to Centrepoint shopping complex.
  • Nexus Resort Karambunai, (30 km northeast of Kota Kinabalu). 485 rooms, 8 restaurants, golf course, spa.
  • Promenade Hotel, Sdn Bhd. ☎ +60 88 265555, (fax:+60 88 246666). 451 rooms, swimming pool, gym, beauty salon and health spa. 2 restaurants specialising in local and Asian cuisine, 2 cafes, lobby lounge, promenade floor lounge and a karaoke bar.
  • Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort 5 star hotel located on beach. 18 hole golf course, excellent kid's club and has an orangutan sanctuary where guests can see young orangutans up relatively close. A resort suitable for families, pools with small but good water slide equipment, watersports activities. Coast restaurant is beachside. RM90 taxi ride of about 40 min from the airport.
  • Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort ☎ +60 88 225800, [73]. An older, grand and comfortable 5 star hotel. The rooms in the old wing are confined inside the building and look out to the pitch-and-put golf course. A tiny jungle is built in the middle of the corridor leading towards the rooms of the old wing and the rooms there are larger than the new wing. The new wing overlooks the sea or the swimming pool and is a bit more secluded for those who enjoy lazing out in the sun. A taxi ride from the Terminal 2 is about RM10, but to the city center is RM15. Shuttle from the airport to the hotel is available upon request.
  • Sutera Harbour Resort (Includes the 5* Pacific Sutera hotel and the 5* Magellan Sutera resort hotel (formerly Pan Pacific)), Sutera Harbour Blvd, Kota Kinabalu (A RM10 taxi ride to town, or a 20 min walk (if you're in good shape)), ☎ +60 88 318888 (fax: +60 88 317777), [74]. 27-hole golf course, fully equipped marina, 2 spas, squash, badminton and tennis courts and various other sport and leisure activities. The rooms are of a high quality with either a sea view, a golf course or a Mount Kinabalu view at the Pacific Sutera. The Magellan Sutera has views of the garden or a sea-view. You can easily book trips to the islands, starting at RM35. The resort has a free shuttle bus going to town every hour until 9PM. Cross-signing facilities mean that if you stay in one hotel, you have access to the entire resort. An internal shuttle takes guests between the properties, the marina and the golf club. From RM 400.  edit

[edit] Stay Safe

Kota Kinabalu is a very safe city by Malaysian standards. The crime rate is lower than in the likes of Kuala Lumpur or Johor Bahru, or any city of similar size in Peninsular Malaysia. Violent crime is especially rare, and it's generally safe to roam the streets at night, though of course it's still best to remain alert as you would in any other city.

[edit] Contact

[edit] Consulates

  • Australian Consulate, Suite 10.1, Level 10, Wisma Great Eastern Life, 65 Jl. Gaya, Kota Kinabalu, ☎ +60 88267151, [75].  edit
  • Bruneian Consulate, Grace Square, Kota Kinabalu, ☎ +60 88 236 113. Moved from Menara MAA in the city to Grace Square next to Grace Park in Sembulan.  edit
  • Finnish Consulate, c/o Uli Motors SDN BHD, Jl. Miniyak, Off Mile 5.5, Jl. Tuaran, Kota Kinabalu, ☎ +60 88 431336, +60 88 431337.  edit
  • Consulate General of Indonesia, Lorong Kemajuan, Karamunsing, Kota Kinabalu, ☎ +60 88218600, +60 88218258, +60 88 218518, +60 88 219110.  edit
  • Consulate General of Japan, Wisma Perindustrian 18F, Jl. Istiadat, Likas, Kota Kinabalu, ☎ +60 88 254169.  edit
  • Honorary Consulate of Sweden, Jl. Minyak off Jl. Tuaran, Mile 5 1/2, Inanam, Kota Kinabalu, ☎ +60 88 431336.  edit

[edit] Get out

  • Visit the islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu. Boats depart from Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal or possibly use one of the dive operators boats if going there on a dive trip from Kota Kinabalu. The islands also have dive services based there in the park.
  • Head to the Mount Kinabalu National Park 80 km east of Kota Kinabalu and hike the 8.9 km to the summit.

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!
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