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Things to do in Kota Kinabalu

26 experiences — hand-picked & rephrased

Top 25 things to do in Kota Kinabalu

  1. Mantanani Island Snorkeling Tour, Kota Kinabalu01

    1. Mantanani Island Snorkeling Tour

    8 hoursFrom₹14,432/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmation

    Find out what is hidden beneath the sea around Mantanani Island with confidence. This programme is suitable for those who are not very comfortable in the water or has no snorkeling experience. It will allow you to learn snorkeling and some basic safety skills in shallow water before venturing out to deeper water.

  2. Kota Kinabalu Klias River Cruise with Dinner and Fireflies Tour, Kota Kinabalu02

    2. Kota Kinabalu Klias River Cruise with Dinner and Fireflies Tour

    7 hoursFrom₹6,459/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmation

    Enjoy a memorable evening on the Klias River, where the beauty of nature meets local cuisine. Start with a scenic drive to the Klias Forest Reserve, arriving at the jetty for a delightful cup of coffee or tea paired with traditional Malay treats. As the sun sets, cruise the river for a chance to spot proboscis monkeys, exotic birds, and crocodiles in their natural habitat. After a traditional Malay buffet dinner, witness the enchanting display of fireflies illuminating the riverbanks, making for a magical end to your night. - Experience the magic of fireflies illuminating the riverbanks at night - Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, dinner, and afternoon tea - Search for wildlife during the evening river cruise - Perfect for nature lovers and families looking for an immersive experience

  3. Sunset E-Foil Experience in Tanjung Aru Beach, Kota Kinabalu03

    3. Sunset E-Foil Experience in Tanjung Aru Beach

    5.0· 10 reviews2 hoursFrom₹6,173/ person
    Free cancellation

    This e-foil experience is Malaysia's first and only e-foil experience. Couple that with the infamous sunset at Tanjung Aru Becah and you have one of the world's most unique and exciting activities on water.

  4. Kota Kinabalu City Tour Cultural & Heritage Tour with Lunch, Kota Kinabalu04

    4. Kota Kinabalu City Tour Cultural & Heritage Tour with Lunch

    5.0· 9 reviews4 hoursFrom₹6,173/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmation

    Start your tour with a visit to the impressive Yayasan Sabah Tower, a striking architectural landmark offering panoramic views of the city skyline. Continue to the Kinabalu Tower, the Sabah state administration building, and learn about the city's development and regional importance. Step into the calm and spiritual atmosphere of the Puh Toh Tze Temple, home to intricate Buddhist statues and rich cultural heritage. From there, head to the Floating Mosque, known for its grand structure and beautiful reflection across thesurrounding lagoon. Explore Anjung Kinabalu Market, a local favorite with views of the sea and city, offering a glimpse into the everyday rhythm of local life. Stroll through Padang Merdeka, a historic field that played a role in Sabah's path to independence, and go through Australia Lane and the popular Gaya Street, filled with shops, markets, and street scenes. Tour ends with a delicious local lunch No inside visit of mosque on Fridays due to prayers. Only outside.

  5. Mari Mari Cultural Village Tour with Transport, Guide and Lunch, Kota Kinabalu05

    5. Mari Mari Cultural Village Tour with Transport, Guide and Lunch

    5.0· 5 reviews5 hoursFrom₹6,173/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmation

    Discover the rich heritage of Sabah at the Mari Mari Cultural Village, a living museum showcasing the traditions of five major ethnic tribes: Dusun, Rungus, Lundayeh, Bajau, and Murut. Engage in hands-on activities such as fire-making, blowpipe shooting, and rice wine brewing while savoring traditional snacks. Enjoy a vibrant cultural performance featuring tribal dances and music, followed by a traditional Sabahan lunch served in a communal setting. This engaging experience is perfect for families, students, and curious travelers eager to learn and participate in local customs. - Duration: 5 hours, starting at 9:00 AM with hotel pick-up - Guided tour through traditional houses and interactive cultural demonstrations - Includes a traditional Sabahan lunch and expert photography from the guide - Ideal for families and those interested in cultural experiences - Includes entry ticket, guide and round trip transfer from your hotel

  6. Half-Day Mari Mari Cultural Village from Kota Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu06

    6. Half-Day Mari Mari Cultural Village from Kota Kinabalu

    5.0· 5 reviews4 hoursFrom₹8,776/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmation

    Learn about traditional Sabahan life and the daily routines of Borneo’s ethnic groups at the Mari Mari Cultural Village. Watch a variety of demonstrations including blowpipe making, fire starting, and tattooing. Eat Sabahan delicacies during a buffet lunch and enjoy some wine tasting. You're accompanied by your guide to this open-air museum, with hotel transport by minivan from Kota Kinabalu. Choose from Tour Option   09:00 am / 1:00 pm / 5:00 pm.

  7. Kota Kinabalu Snorkeling Tour at Manukan and Sapi Island, Kota Kinabalu07

    7. Kota Kinabalu Snorkeling Tour at Manukan and Sapi Island

    5.0· 1 reviews7 hoursFrom₹8,776/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmation

    Explore the stunning beauty of Kota Kinabalu on a snorkeling adventure that takes you to Manukan and Sapi Islands. Begin with a scenic speedboat ride to Manukan Island, where nature trails invite exploration or relaxation on pristine beaches. After, dive into the vibrant coral reefs of Sapi Island, perfect for snorkeling and swimming. Enjoy a delicious lunch on the sandy shores, followed by leisure time or a short jungle walk for those seeking a bit of adventure. - Full-day snorkeling tour of Manukan and Sapi Islands - Includes hotel pickup and drop-off for convenience - Enjoy a tasty lunch on Sapi Island's sandy beaches - Explore nature trails and vibrant coral reefs at your own pace

  8. Kota Kinabalu: Catamaran, Paddleboard, Kayak, Snorkeling Tour, Kota Kinabalu08

    8. Kota Kinabalu: Catamaran, Paddleboard, Kayak, Snorkeling Tour

    5.0· 1 reviews5.5 hoursFrom₹7,840/ person
    Instant confirmation

    Set sail on a catamaran adventure exploring the stunning Gaya and Sepanggar Islands, where you can swim in crystal clear waters and engage in snorkeling, kayaking, or paddleboarding. As you glide through turquoise seas, taking in the breathtaking sights of coastline. With the guidance of an experienced captain, discover vibrant coral reefs and exotic marine life, including the chance to spot sea turtles.. Uncover hidden gems with the help of an insightful captain that knows the area well. Recharge with a delicious lunch on board, then relax, swim, and soak up the suns before return to your hotel with beautiful cruise memories. This tour is perfect for small groups, ensuring a personalized experience that combines relaxation with adventure - Duration: 5 hours and 30 minutes of fun-filled activities including transfer - Includes hotel pickup and drop-off for convenience - Engage in various water sports with provided equipment - Ideal for families and groups seeking marine exploration

  9. Private Airport Transfer in Kota Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu09

    9. Private Airport Transfer in Kota Kinabalu

    5.0· 1 reviewsFrom₹1,975/ person
    Free cancellationInstant confirmation

    Arriving in Kota Kinabalu becomes effortless with this private airport transfer service. Your experience begins as your professional driver greets you at the arrival hall, holding a sign with your name. From there, enjoy a seamless journey in an air-conditioned vehicle directly to your hotel or chosen destination in Kota Kinabalu. Skip the hassle of long taxi lines and ensure a pleasant start to your Sabah vacation, whether you're traveling alone, as a couple, or with family. This service guarantees comfort, convenience, and personalized attention throughout your ride.

  10. 2D1N Mount Kinabalu Climbing, Kota Kinabalu10

    10. 2D1N Mount Kinabalu Climbing

    4.9· 539 reviews2 daysFrom₹89,714/ person

    Mount Kinabalu is the Borneo’s highest peak in Sabah and it is renowned world heritage site. It stands 4,095m Height with breathtaking views. Find ideal mount kinabalu package with best rates and get tips to climb mount kinabalu from our experts. Climb with us with private arranged Mount Kinabalu Climbing Tour

  11. Leisure Diving | Fun Dives | 3 Dives in TARP, Kota Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu11

    11. Leisure Diving | Fun Dives | 3 Dives in TARP, Kota Kinabalu

    4.9· 105 reviewsFull dayFrom₹11,263/ person
    Free cancellation

    Are you a Certified Scuba Diver? Then this is the trip for you. Spend the day with Borneo Dream, exploring the underwater world of our local marine park. With over 25 dive sites in the park, we can always find one that is suitable to dive. The dive sites are very simple in terms of difficulty level, with generally no currents and depths of 8 to 25m. Our guides are all Insured and Teaching Status RAID Professionals. During the day, you will do two dives before lunch and one after lunch. Lunch is served on a tropical island with a choice from a menu. Vegetarian options are available. At the end of the day, you will be dropped back at DBKK Jetty at around 16:00. What are you waiting for? Book today!

  12. Kota Kinabalu Leisure Scuba Diving Trip (3 Dives), Kota Kinabalu12

    12. Kota Kinabalu Leisure Scuba Diving Trip (3 Dives)

    4.9· 49 reviews8 hoursFrom₹12,345/ person

    *For certified divers only.* 1. You’ll enjoy a full-day scuba diving adventure at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, located just 15 minutes from Kota Kinabalu city center. Please meet our dive team at 8:15 AM at Jesselton Quay for registration. We will depart around 8:30 AM, and the trip ends around 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM. 2. You’ll be guided by a professional PADI instructor with over 10 years of experience diving in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Your safety will be their top priority throughout the dives. 3. The price includes: ✔ Full set of scuba diving equipment ✔ À la carte lunch ✔ Bottled drinking water ✔ Marine park entrance fee ✔ Diving permit ✔ Conservation fee ✔ Jetty fee ✔ Boat transfers

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The activities ranked above are sorted by traveller rating and review count — start with the top 3 if you're short on time. Kota Kinabalu is strongest on heritage walks, food tours and outdoor day trips; the listicle covers all three categories. Most experiences are 3–6 hours and can be combined with a morning visit to a landmark.

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