Fun things to do in Kota Kinabalu: 29 fun attractions and activities

I gave 2 stars because it was the management at fault, not the entertainers'. Dancers and tribe house representatives gave their best. What ticked me off : 1) We arrived at 9.15am yet we were made to wait for 1 hour because they don't have enough tour guide. But the foreigner (read: mat salleh) groups get to go before us when they arrived much later?? Foreigner first policy is it? 2) Our tour guide, Erwin is not well trained. We missed a full tour of the Bajau house, the house is dark and closed by the time we reached. He even gave a disdain look and said he's just a guide, not a runner when we asked if he could call someone to assist for the Bajau house. We asked to try 'sumpit' activity and his answer was 'oh kamu mau try ka?' Dude of course 😅 we paid 100+ and we want the full experience. He should also recognise his group members as some were left behind. And we found the henna activity on our own, some members didn't know there's this activity and was a bit sad they missed out. 3) MOST IMPORTANT : as we know, driver gets complimentary meal. Front desk did not allow our driver to pick us up, citing the van is lowered but there were other vans coming out. Our driver asked several times but was denied entry. We were asked to walk all the way back to the entrance. Ok that's fine but our driver didn't eat at all when there is complementary food for him! And we have to rush to another location! Terrible la you all, to your own people some more. Honestly disappointed to witness this.

Visited Mari Mari Cultural Village and it was such a fantastic experience! We got to learn about the five different houses and see how they used to live, from starting fire and making food out of coconuts to honey harvesting and making fibres from tree bark. Everything was so interesting and well explained. We also got to try two types of rice wine and some snacks during the session, which was a nice surprise. Big shout-out to our guide, Ven, who was super friendly, funny, and really engaging throughout the tour. He made the whole experience even better. Highly recommend checking this place out if you are in Sabah!

I don’t normally do these kind of touristy things but it had been recommended by many people and I had a free afternoon. It was so very well organised. From the very start when I was collected by friendly and chatty Arshad in their minivan to meeting our guide, the charismatic and funny Ven Allen, the whole experience was an excellent experience. They even catered a late lunch and accommodated my vegan diet. Really informative and I learned much about the different cultures. I really believe that their staff enjoy working there as everyone I met seemed to be having a good time. Particularly the dancers at the end performance. One of the best formal tourist attractions I’ve experienced. Be prepared for a long day though. I left my hotel at 1pm and did not get back until 7pm. The evening traffic in KK is so very congested.

Me and My friends visited Mari Mari Cultural Village , and we had an absolutely amazing time! It was so much more than a museum. Every single part of the tour was interactive and engaging, from learning to use a blowpipe (harder than it looks!) to seeing fire made with bamboo and tasting the traditional rice wine. ​A special shout-out to our guide, Clare! She was super energetic and friendly, and her passion for the culture really brought all the stories to life. She made the whole experience incredibly fun and memorable. ​The tour finished with a fantastic cultural performance which was the perfect, high-energy finale. After the show, we had the buffet lunch, and it was awesome, with lots of tasty local dishes to try. A small tip would be to head over as soon as it's ready, as some of the most popular items finished quickly! ​Also, a big tip for future visitors: bring your camera! Every moment is precious, and you'll want to capture it all. A huge thank you to Clare and the whole team. This is a must-do in Kota Kinabalu!

Took my family & friends to get educated on my family's tribe(s)! They enjoyed it and I love watching the immerse into the culture. Tour guides we're very informative & welcomed any questions. Afif did great!

Course to walk in option as we had a car so just turned up before 2pm. I was initially a bit of hesitant about a three hour tour, but the time flew past and it was very informative and entertaining. Tried all of the food options but unfortunately there were no grubs to eat. Meal at the end was tasty.

It is a MUST go tourist spot. They have guides to lead & explain the culture & lifestyle of each tribe group. Add to the experience ~ food, wine & drinks tasting , temporary tattoo & dances performance.

I visited here on July 22, 2025. The main building is still closed, but I could see the railway exhibition and heritage village. I was able to buy souvenirs at a reasonable price at the museum shop. However, the 2 MYR bottled water was not very tasty, so it would have been better to buy a Coke.

17/9/25 : We came here mainly for the Craft Exotica event, which was very interesting and gave us the chance to explore the traditional crafts of North Borneo’s ethnic groups. However, most of the highlights were focused on the Kadazandusun and Bajau communities. Suggestion: It would be great if the event could also feature other indigenous minority groups, so both local and international visitors can appreciate the diversity of Borneo’s rich heritage. The handicrafts sold were beautiful, but the prices seemed more targeted at foreign tourists rather than locals. Still, the cultural dance performances were a nice addition and very enjoyable. A little disappointment: the main museum building is still under renovation. Visitors could only access the old locomotive exhibition and the heritage village. Sadly, these areas also looked a bit neglected and could use better upkeep. Overall, it’s a meaningful event, but there is plenty of room for improvement in showcasing the full range of Sabah’s heritage.

Sad to see the condition of the museum. A lot of tourists came but had to go because it's under renovation. I really hope they speed up the reconstruction and wish to come back to enjoy the beautiful culture of sabah.

Interesting place. The museum located in the main building is closed. The library has been moved about a 30-minute walk away. The train is visible and accessible inside as well; the sample village can be seen and walked through, though some houses are closed. The botanical garden is a tiny walk. The souvenir shop is open. There is no ticket — the whole area is free. Overall, I recommend visiting.

I visited here on July 25, 2025. And the main building is closed for upgrading dunno when finished, but I could see the railway exhibition and heritage village....(Looks like the place not in good care)

I brought my family to the museum, and my son was so excited-only to find out that it was "closed until further notice".. Come on... what kind of government establishment puts up a sign like "closed until further notice"? Can't you at least give an estimated date? What kind of contractor does a job with no completion timeline? This is truly a great failure.. At the very least, put up a big banner at the junction to inform people that it's closed, so visitors don't have to drive all the way there just to be hit with such a huge disappointment.. It wasn't just me-you could see the same frustration on the faces of all the other visitors too.. Absolutely shameful..

The state museum in Kota Kinabalu has been closed for renovations since September 2024, though the official website still misleadingly shows it as open. Upon arriving and discovering the museum was closed, we decided to explore the cultural village located within the same compound. The cultural village, unfortunately, feels neglected and depleted, with many of the structures showing signs of significant wear and tear. Even the pathway leading to the village is broken and poorly maintained, making it less accessible and somewhat unsafe for visitors. That said, Phase Two of the cultural village stands out as being in much better condition, with some areas appearing better preserved. While the cultural village offers a glimpse into the traditional lifestyles and architecture of Sabah’s indigenous communities, its current state of neglect and disrepair makes it a disappointing experience. The broken pathways and depleted structures diminish its appeal, and despite the better condition of Phase Two, the visit feels like a waste of time.

Best spot to enjoy the sunset in Kota Kinabalu. Was first time here in year 2005. After all these years, still giving us the best sunset . Now seeing more and more visitors... Good, but need to have a more organized traffic control. Also need to educate everyone about civic and the need to care for the place...

Beautiful Beach, surprisingly empty during the day (maybe it was too hot), but very crowded before sunset. Also the night market next to the beach was very nice. The water is not deep for a long while, so you can walk with your feet in the water for a long time before reaching a deep point.

In the olden days, local used to come to this beach during the new year eve to take a dip as a so called 'cleansing ritual' to wash away the bad luck for the incoming new year. Nowadays the beach is more for tourists. Good place to witness sunset. Some complaints: 1. Cleanliness is not so good; 2. Some items being sold without price tags which open for price abuse; 3. Parking problem 4. Public toilets problem

Breathtaking sunset. This was one of the highlights of my trip to Kota Kinabalu. You can enjoy the sun slowly setting, changing colors and dip your feet in the water. The only downside is massive crowds at the circle trying to get a ride back home. Make sure you plan ahead for this!

Visited Tanjung Aru Beach during my trip to Sabah. The place was nice for a walk and relaxing by the sea, but personally, I found the food stalls quite expensive. Even sitting on the chairs with umbrellas was chargeable, which was a bit disappointing. I went there hoping to catch the famous sunset, but unfortunately, the weather wasn’t on my side that day, so I couldn’t really see it. Overall, it’s a decent spot to visit once, but be prepared for higher prices and extra charges.

We just returned from Makukan island and decided to come here to watch the sunset and it was spectacular! This beach was filled with so many people it was really hard to get photos about having people being in the photo ! We walked around the markets bought a few jerseys for my nephews we also decided to have a bite to eat the place was a bit expensive considering obviously where it is ! We wanted to sit at a table and if we wanted to sit at the table to watch the sunset we have to pay money to rent the table which I thought was a little bit too much ! We decided to sit on the side because we were not gonna be there for too long ! We had a long day at the island so we wanted to just stay here and watch the sunset and go back to our hotel ! I would recommend to go here instead of the island if you’re not much of an island hopper but this place was quite busy very busy the waves were high there a lot of surfers it was really a good vibe ! Highly recommended here so make sure you Follow Fauzia to watch the videos that we have uploaded the full content on our YouTube channel and our TikTok !! You can find us on our Instagram and Facebook page to watch our stories and reels! 🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺🌺

Very pretty sunset on the beach, small market nearby to eat and buy clothes/souvenirs, but the place was not clean. The trash cans were overflowing that day, so there was a strong smell.

Another tourism hot spot, re-renovate clock tower

one of the oldest buiding in kota kinabalu. Clock tower completed at 1905. The clock start operate at 19/04/1905. Normally just took a photo after visited gaya street. tourism can study the history of building this clock tower.

This clock tower is worse than Fraser Hill clock tower. Look extremely ordinary. Besides, our tour guide scam us to visit this attraction . Very disappointed.

Think this place is closed. But manage to get a peep. It’s actually quite run down, probably it’s due to the pandemic and things just have not resume back. Hopefully the local authorities get it back soonest to let tourist explore this part of the history.

The tower is gated all around it. I went there alone, so i wasn't able to really appreciate its historical values based only from the information tablet located at the site.

A quick visit and spent time about 20-30 minutes to explore the Atkinson Clock Tower and the surrounding. On top there was a place for car parking. The stairs are so colorful painted.

Atkinson Clock Tower: A Timeless Landmark in Sabah Nestled amidst the bustling city of Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, the Atkinson Clock Tower stands as a timeless testament to the rich history and heritage of the region. This iconic landmark, with its striking design and captivating presence, attracts locals and tourists alike. The Atkinson Clock Tower holds a significant place in Sabah's history. Built in 1905, it served as a vital communication hub during the colonial era, signaling the arrival and departure of trains at the nearby railway station. Despite undergoing recent restoration and being temporarily closed, the tower still stands tall, preserving the memories of a bygone era. While the Atkinson Clock Tower is currently under construction, visitors can still appreciate its architectural beauty from the exterior. The tower's distinctive red bricks and slender structure exude a sense of timeless elegance. As you admire the tower, you can't help but imagine the stories it holds and the role it played in shaping the development of Sabah. One of the most appealing aspects of the Atkinson Clock Tower is that it is free of charge to visit. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll to the tower and enjoy its grandeur without any admission fees. It provides a wonderful opportunity for tourists to immerse themselves in the city's history and capture stunning photographs against the backdrop of this iconic landmark. To reach the Atkinson Clock Tower, you can easily navigate to Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman in Kota Kinabalu. Located near the Signal Hill Observatory Platform, it is within walking distance from many popular attractions in the city center. As you explore the area, make sure to allocate some time to appreciate the charm and historical significance of the Atkinson Clock Tower. In conclusion, the Atkinson Clock Tower stands as a testament to Sabah's rich heritage and serves as a reminder of its colonial past. Despite being under construction, its architectural beauty and historical significance continue to captivate visitors. So, take a stroll to this timeless landmark and soak in the history and charm that the Atkinson Clock Tower has to offer.

Visited Gaya Street Night Market — it’s an interesting spot if you want to see and experience local food and goods. There’s a variety of local snacks and street food to try, but overall, the prices are quite pricey for what you get. It’s also very crowded, and there’s no proper place to sit and eat — no tables, so it’s not that comfortable, especially for tourists who might expect a more convenient dining setup. Still, it’s worth a visit if you just want to soak in the atmosphere, try a few bites, and see what the locals have to offer. Just don’t come too hungry or expect a proper meal spot!

This place is a great spot to visit with family and friends at night. There are many street food stalls, and all the food is very delicious. The prices are also reasonable. There are also entertainers such as live bands, guitarists, sape players, and groups of children singing. All the songs they played were really nice

Best place to find local food & drinks. Accompanied with busker at every corner. Good place to hangout with friends/family. One missing star because lack of trash can nearby.

Some nice eateries, a few interesting shops (such as the Singer "museum"), but otherwise the street is not long, and has too many souvenir shops selling the same made-in-china products. Just come here and eat and go elsewhere.

My better half shared, on her visit to KK. A bustling Sunday morning market which features a lot of livestock, plants, pets, poultry and seafood. Time ro pick your Sunday best!

So we are quite excited to go to the Sunday market on Gaia Street as it’s hailed to be a nice weekend market to go to and I just felt that it was a swap meet I felt like a garage sale and it felt very low class place to go to!! We walked around it was quite big in terms of the size but it was the same products being sold what interested me most was the natural herbs that were being sold they were very good prices ! There was no food stamps per se but there was restaurants on the side that you could go to if you wanted to eat something ! If you want to go here to see it then I would recommend it if not then I will skip it and find something else to go to ! Follow Fauzia for more honest authentic reviews of places in around Borneo and beyond !! You can follow us on our YouTube channel Facebook page click the link in our bio go to our TikTok channel and also check out our Instagram page !! 🥰🥰🥰🥰

Great weekend night (and Sunday daytime) market, lots of options for street food and souvenir shopping. Clearly the place to be during weekend nights in KK, gets very busy so I recommend arriving on foot rather than Grab as you may be stuck in traffic for a while.

The observation platform is permanently closed. Not worth the trip up the hill. You can still take some pictures from the roadside, but the nice view will be blocked by trees, poles & cables and the observation platform itself.

Steep and a bit creepy entrance. The wooden stairs were not well maintained start to fall apart. Some steps were missing and need to be extra careful. Reached the top and found out that it was temporary closed for some renovation. Sneaked in through a small gap and got to see nice view from the top though.

Make sure you wear comfy clothes and shoes as it is quite steep way up. You will enjoy the view and cool wind upon reaching the top. There is a cafe at the top where you can buy coffee, water, ice cream etc.

Finally I managed to visit this place. Although it's night time, the view from above was beautiful despite the haze. You get to see the whole of Kota Kinabalu from up here. There's food and drink stalls for those who feel like having dinner up high with a magnificent view. If you have phobia of heights, just come and sit at the chairs provided. You can still enjoy the view without having to stand close to the edge. If you're driving at night and is not familiar with the road to this location, I suggest you drive slow as its quite dark. Overall, its a nice place to just chill and take pictures.

Sunset view at here with whole kk city and the we able to climb up there with 3 route, we take the 2 nd route which is not much Maintenance and go down with the 1st route with is much more shorter and easy to reach. The view is fantastic and you even can see the sea from top of the observation deck. Great place to visit.

The main tower itself is currently under construction but there are benches by the sidewalk so you can still have a pretty amazing view. The hike up and down should not take more than 10min each way. Some planks are broken, so mind your steps. It's heavily covered by vegetation so it's cooling on a hot day

We are getting there by using a grabcar to the top of the hill. What a beautiful scenery and nice place. After that we are going down through the jungle trekking. We just follow the wooden trail and experience a little adventure, can hear the sound of birds, also feeling so peaceful with surrounds the jungle.

We visited this zoo and were quite surprised – most of the animals don’t look very well, especially the tiger. He looked like he might be drugged or just very old. Honestly, we came here mainly to see the proboscis monkeys, and yes – they are here and they are amazing! I’m not sure if they just didn’t like us or if they’re not very friendly with people, but they didn’t come close. Still, we managed to take a few nice photos. As for the rest of the animals, there aren’t that many, so don’t expect to spend a full day here. You couldn’t anyway – the park is open from around 9:30 am to 1:00 pm, then it closes for lunch and reopens at 2:00 pm. We went in the afternoon. Getting a taxi back was a bit stressful – no one accepted our booking for more than 20 minutes, and since it’s over half an hour by car from Kota Kinabalu, we were worried we’d have to walk! So definitely have a backup plan for transport. The zoo itself is quite small and can be walked through slowly in about an hour. We spent another 30 minutes just sitting and watching the proboscis monkeys. Other animals you can see here include elephants, tigers, bears, different kinds of birds (parrots, toucans – I think – and owls), orangutans (though they were barely visible and not active at all), otters, ostriches, cows, and a few others. Entrance is 20 MYR per person for non-Malaysians. A taxi from Kota Kinabalu costs about 20–35 MYR one way. Overall, is it worth it? Yes – but only for the proboscis monkeys. They are the main highlight. Otherwise, there isn’t much to see, and sadly, many of the animals seem to be in poor condition, possibly because they’re old or not well cared for. On site, there’s a small snack shop with drinks and a souvenir store.

Support your local zoo! ( As long it doesnt abuse the animal) But sadly yes some cage look sad and need to improve. We stumble upon elephant feeding time and it was a good experience to see elephant so near!. At the centre pavi there are small local stall people selling some food and drinks. This zoo really bring back the nostalgic feeling. Hoping there are public transport access to this zoo and there are more activities/festival so more people come to this zoo.

For the price of RM10 for Malaysian Adult, I would certainly give a five stars. The animals are all healthy (Just that the space was a bit small for tiger). Can see around 30++ animals if not mistaken. The animal show at 11.15am was good too! Advise to get a higher seat. Be sure to arrive at 11.00am for goot seats.

I missed the animal show and it could possibly be the highlight of the visit for all I know. There are far too many run down buildings that need clearing and replacing. There is a good sized group of elephants which had two youngsters that I could see. Why are they viewed through bars rather than from a raised platform? Two were obviously bored to death in their enclosure and were just standing swinging their heads from side to side. If you want to see proboscis monkeys, elephants and orangutan there are better setting in Borneo otherwise you could try here. Entry cheap.

Spent some time here with friends. I expected to see lots of animals, but there were only a few. Some of the animals weren’t very active and looked weak. There were also areas where the animals seemed lonely, with just one in a space by itself. I really hope the zoo management can make improvements and add more animals, because honestly, the place felt kinda dull and lifeless 😕. To be honest, I didn’t really enjoy or feel happy seeing the zoo in this condition.

Our experience at the Wildlife Park in Kota Kinabalu was unfortunately quite disappointing. When we arrived, we were surprised to find it closed between 1 pm and 2 pm — something we hadn’t been aware of — and ended up waiting 45 minutes before we could enter. Once inside, it became clear that the park is small and poorly maintained. The walking paths were in bad condition, and many of the animal enclosures looked neglected, which took away from the enjoyment of the visit. On the positive side, we did get to see a few interesting animals, including the sun bear, elephants, and the famous proboscis monkey unique to the region. However, the overall state of the park made it hard to truly appreciate the experience. Unfortunately, the kids didn’t enjoy it much, mainly due to the lack of upkeep and the limited attractions. With better maintenance and care, this park could be so much more — but as it stands, it’s not a place we would rush to recommend.

Hi everyone! My sons (8 and 11) and I visited Lok Kawi Wildlife Park on Saturday afternoon. It took us about 25 minutes from Ming Garden Hotel, I used Grab. The entrance fee to the park is still RM20 for an adult, RM10 for a child. Despite the pouring rain, we had a great time! I would like to point out that the animals look very good! The binturongs, clouded leopard and tiger were sleeping peacefully in the afternoon, we got to the otters at the time when they are being fed, apparently the keeper was late, so the three otters swam up to EVERY visitor and "meowed" 🤣. The gibbon chose to hide in his house from the rain, so we only saw his beautiful tail 🤭 Sun bears, parrots, deer, elephants, proboscis monkey (endemic to Borneo) could not leave us indifferent! 💖 I recommend visiting Wildpark! Don't forget umbrellas or raincoats ☺️

This is a small park right in the heart of the city centre. It has nice landscapes and garden for you to take a break. There is ample street parking but no rain shelter.

It is a small park. It was nice but nothing much to do here. Can be visited if you have a lot of free time or if it is close to where you stay.

There's a cenotaph here to commemorate 13 members of the Australian armed forces in defense of Sabah (British North Borneo).

Good place at the day time .. Very silent place at night .. Did u got what I mean ?? If you a girls me suggest don’t walk here alone.. that very scary place at night ..batter you walk beside the street ..this place so quiet

Not keep need enough..Need more maintenance..Still good though

Small park with memorial to Australian soldiers killed in second world war. There is a second stone globe with water flowing over.

Got some spot smell like urine

We would not deny the beauty of the mosque and finds that there are unique features within the mosque itself. There is a water feature that is at the back of the main hall. And the stairs are uniquely Sabah. There are also small pockets branched out from main hall towards the carpark. These pockets are for toilets and ablution.. we also noticed that these branches are rather stretched out which makes it a bit of a challenge for those less-abled, thus the need to put in more effort to get wudhu and pray. We also observed that there is a vast area to park vehicles. This carpark is a shared space with the Souq beside, which you can check out from our images uploaded. We do feel lines can be drawn/painted to identify Qiblat and avoid mistaken direction during solat. There are preconstructed lines due to design, which is pretty but are less practical. Another improvement that we may need to share is the ladies prayer area, maybe it could be slightly enlarged. This would help our family members come and entice them to the mosque. All in all, the mosque is pretty and has very functional designs. Walk around and let the mosque captivate you with its' beauty.

Came here for Maghrib Prayer. Women area was at upstairs, same goes to Man area ( if im not mistaken ) Also got area for OKU/ Senior Citizen at downstairs. Toilet and Wudu area was very clean. Spacious parking area .

Very beautiful mosque, which makes an impression. In the vicinity of this mosque you can come across a poor district, so this is a trip for someone who is not afraid of that. However, everywhere is very safe, so there is nothing to worry about. If someone has some free time in Kota Kinabalu, you can visit this mosque, but it is not a place from the category of "must have"

Great Islamic architecture with modern touch. The facility for visitor to take rest, refresh with shower.

A big mosque near Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Some parts are under construction. Ample parking. Didn't go inside, just waited at the parking area. Overall looks clean.

The official state mosque of sabah. Centrally located and near the city center. Stunning architecture.

Came here by accident looking for the floating mosque which we found out is the city mosque not the state mosque. However the architecture here is still beautiful. We walked around the mosque for a few minutes then left. Nice building but we aren’t Muslim so we didn’t go in.

We had memorable weekend in Kota Kinabalu. Our guide, Grace was amazing, she’s the star who made the tour alive, combining historical, cultural & heritage commentary during 1 hr train journey to Papar, made the train ride so much fun. She also gave many types of local food sampling & fruit tasting experience during our market walk at Papar. Before the end of our trip, we had best noodle soup for lunch at the oldest noodle shop (now the chef 4th generation). Highly recommended tour during ur visit in BKI. Thank you once again Grace for such beautiful Papar train ride experience.

Wonderful authentic a peri en r on local train to Papar. Grace was a great and knowledgable tour guide who kept us informed on really interesting history and culture of Sabah. We spent time at the local Thursday market in Papar - come hungry as there is a lot of snacking on hand! Light lunch was at a 4th gen Chinese Restaurant and delicious. All in all a great day out and highly recommended! Thanks Grace (she even sent us lovely candid shots taken of us throughout the day)!

Our group of 7 had the most lovely time with Grace as our guide. She is such a passionate lady with an infectious personality ☺️ We started from Tanjong Aru Train Station, took a 1hr ride to Papar Station, and toured around the area before heading back. Throughout the tour, Grace shared much about the history, culture, and interesting facts about Sabah and Papar, and brought us to the wet markets and fruit stalls with lovely food tasting. We had the most tasty lunch as well! We were also very thankful to Grace for helping to capture group photos of us along the way. She also shared an ebook of the cultural and historical tour, with our photos, which together, was a wonderful memory keepsake for us. Highly recommend this tour to everyone! you will enjoy it, and learn much from it ☺️

Our visit to Papar town by the Borneo train was very memorable. Our guide Ms Grace is very knowledgeable so we learnt a lot about the 2nd world war history and all the courageous heroes that defended Borneo . She also treated us with the traditional snacks. Highly recommend to sign up for this trip if you’re in Kota Kinabalu.

It was a very enjoyable and useful trip with dear Grace, she is a wonderful tour guide who spares no effort in providing information and assistance to her companions. The hour-long local train ride was enjoyable and accompanied by a detailed and good explanation of the history of the Papar region and the detailed events of the people's history. Then we went on a fun trip to the local markets of Papar with a variety of street and local food experiences in the area. Then we sat in one of the local restaurants to eat local recipes and famous desserts of the area and then returned by the same train. This whole tour was accompanied by a detailed explanation from Grace of everything we saw and everywhere we went. We had a lot of fun. Thank you Grace

Our journey on the North Borneo Train was an absolutely unforgettable experience, and the highlight was undoubtedly our guide, Grace. The train ride itself was a charming trip back in time, with stunning views of the countryside, villages, and coastline that you just can't get from the road. What truly made the day special was Grace's exceptional guidance. She was incredibly warm, knowledgeable, and full of fascinating stories about the history of the railway and the local culture. Her passion and wonderful sense of humor brought the entire tour to life. Thanks to Grace, it felt less like a tour and more like an adventure with a dear friend. We can't recommend this trip enough!

I think this is a very good joint program between the Sabah Tourist Guide Association, Jabatan Keretapi Sabah, and the local cultural association. Allan and Grace made every effort to ensure that every guest felt comfortable throughout the journey. At RM130 per person, the package is truly reasonable compared to others I found online. It includes a return train ticket, brunch, local delicacies/food tasting, a guided tour of the Tamu, and the Heritage Walk—plus two very practical and down-to-earth souvenirs (which you can discover for yourself ^^). However, for those with mobility issues, do think twice before joining, as you may need to walk and stand for more than an hour. We got to try some local delicacies—the RM3 murtabak was really awesome! Due to the uncertainty of the return train to Tanjung Aru, the guides suggested we take a bus back to KK town. The good thing is, Grace and Allan accompanied us to get a Grab ride back to the train station to retrieve our car. We were not charged for either the bus fare or the Grab—both were covered. I have nothing to complain about this tour. I truly feel that the guides are genuinely passionate about sharing their culture with visitors, while also supporting the local community and the state's economy. I think this is something that other states, including the Sarawak government and tourism board, could learn from.

Great place to chill and enjoy the sea-view

The view can be good obviously depending on the weather. Some seating available and doesn't seem to get too busy. The decking is getting a bit shabby in some areas.

Such a beautiful place to have a drink, food and watch the sunset.

If you wanna get a good picture. You have to take a picture in this place. Sunset is really beautiful. 노을이 예술이에요.

amazing sunset view. Provides dock for picture space. Reasonable seafood for many restaurants.

The place is so dilapidated. Non Sabahans should not be allowed to develop such prominent places in town

Beautiful sunset spot.

We had a really tasty dinner here and overall enjoyed it, but we struggled with the prices. You definitely need to negotiate as the original price quoted for most food is really high. Once you agree on a reasonable price, it might be better to pay before eating - we paid after and then had to negotiate all over again after the prices seemed to go back up ... felt stressful and like a bit of a scam. Again though the food was delicious and it's a really fun atmosphere. Lots of seating so we had no trouble getting a table. You can buy fruits, vegetable, meats, seafood etc. to prepare at home as well as cooked meals.

Great spot for affordable local food like grilled seafood, smoked chicken, fried rice, fruit juices, and more. For just RM 50, we got grilled squid, a medium-sized fish, and fried rice with chicken on top. You can also try haggling for the seafood prices. It can get crowded with tourists, but there are plenty of tables and chairs available.

I really like (night) food market for they people, colors and cents (sometimes "smells"). It's like have the essence of the place condensed in single spot. I normally to buy from the straps, especially the things I don't know. Food stalls are convenient but be aware from scums (weight, hidden prices, ...). Hygiene is not at first place, so if you are picky type, look for a proper restaurant.

Great excursion for a seafood dinner. Lots of local vendors with fresh or of the water fish, prawns, lobster and other shellfish. Simply prepared over coals or cooked to order. There are many many vendors here so look around before picking one. They have clear pricing and price lists. Especially looked Rahina Seafood Haven right near the end. Friendly service and good food.

Nice selection, great place for seafood and fresh fruit. Keep in mind many of the prices are per 100g so be sure to ask upfront to avoid surprises! I paid 80 ringgit for some grilled prawn with a side of rice and kang kong, quite pricey but it’s a touristic spot. Some stalls accept cards

Went there for grilled fish and others. Ikan merah is Rm28, sotong is Rm18, udang besar is Rm20. Fast service.

The Night Market in Kota Kinabalu offers a vibrant and lively atmosphere with an amazing variety of street food. From grilled satay skewers to fresh seafood and sweet coconut pancakes, the culinary options are abundant and affordable. Engaging with friendly vendors adds a personal touch, connecting you to local culture. While it can get quite crowded, especially on weekends, the energy and excitement make it worthwhile. Overall, the Night Market is a must-visit for any foodie seeking an authentic taste of Kota Kinabalu.

We leisurely meandered through the KK (Kota Kinabalu) Handicraft Centre, also referred to as the Filipino Market or Anjung Kinabalu, on a Saturday. The market boasts a vast array of souvenirs, including Sabah pearls in various shapes and sizes. We even bought a T-shirt for RM 40. There were stunning batiks for sale, along with fresh fruits, vegetables, dried snacks, and everything else you'd expect at a market. Notably, along the front of the market, male tailors were busy at work with their sewing machines, adding a unique touch to the vibrant atmosphere. It was easy to visit, as our apartment was in The Shore, just across the road. The market operates daily from around 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Had a great experience when buying dried fishes and snacks here in particular when dealing with the shopkeeper, Khabib. His service was second to none! He was friendly and easy to deal with. He gave good discounts and free gifts if buy more ! One of the best experience I've had when did my shopping here. Definitely a nice place to buy sabahan snacks and dried seafoods because of the choices they offer. Most of the stalls offer relatively the same prices but each stores have different packages of discounts and promotions so happy shopping! He can even pack for you the items in boxes for easy carry when going back home via plane.

A good place to go if you’re a tourist and wish to get souvenirs or local food stuffs from Sabah. They have lots of stalls here and the whole area is divided into a souvenir and food section. Most of the stall sell fairly similar items and bargaining is encouraged. Do take note to watch your belongings closely and be aware that the whole area is quite hot and humid especially during day time. Taking e-hailing is highly recommended as parking is very difficult around these areas.

My opinion is, know what you want to buy, study the price and try to nego with the sellers as low as you can. Item such as amplang, kerepek cincin, ikan bilis, pearl brooch, you can buy here. But for item such as T-shirt, kaftan etc just go to normal shop around KK or accross this market. For the sellers, I think they’re all so friendly & can nego. They Even can packup your bought item in a box.

An indoor bazaar made up of a potpourri of a hundred different smaller vendors hawking everything under the Sun (and then some). Expect your standard market produce, local snacks, dried goods… and also handicrafts, homewares, souvenirs, accessories, clothes, and occasionally some really bizarre artefacts. This is retail therapy at its most rugged, and the vibe is guaranteed to put you in a good mood. Gentle side note of caution: the aisles in here are narrow and it can get crowded certain times of the day and certain days of the week. Be very aware of your personables at all times.

Great place for souvenirs made in China. Every stall sells the same, so there's really no need to stroll the market. I was very disappointed as I was hoping for an authentic, handmade souvenir.

Aka Filipino Market. Not even the locals visit this place too often, but it’s got its fair charm. The seafood market will be full of people trying to get you the freshest seafood there - big crabs, fancy fish, etc. - and it’s fairly Filipino immigrant local, but cleanliness and hygiene is not a guarantee! The snacks shop are full of Malay ladies and aunties who are selling the same thing. There’s near zero diversity or differentiation between stalls. The wet raw fish market for buying whole seafoods, not for on the spot cooking and consumption, is a fun walk and experience! 7/10 overall. A lot of fascinating dishes should your stomach dare. Hinava, sea grapes, parrot fish, all for cheap!

Kota Kinabalu Wetland is a peaceful and serene escape into nature, offering a refreshing break from the city's hustle and bustle. The lush mangroves and natural surroundings provide a calming environment, making it a great spot for those who love to reconnect with nature. While the place could benefit from further improvements to enhance its facilities and overall visitor experience, its charm lies in its simplicity and untouched beauty. The boardwalks and trails allow you to explore the wetland at your own pace, giving you a chance to spot birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat. For nature enthusiasts and anyone seeking tranquility, this is definitely a place worth visiting in Kota Kinabalu. With a bit of care and development, it has the potential to become an even more amazing destination for eco-tourism.

Kota Kinabalu Wetland Ramsar Site is a picturesque mangrove park that is a green oasis in the heart of the city. It is a place of great ecological importance, full of diverse fauna and flora, including over 90 species of birds and rare mangrove plants. Walking along the wooden walkways allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of this ecosystem and observe wildlife in its natural habitat. Problem with cleanliness Unfortunately, despite its charm, the park is struggling with the problem of pollution. Rubbish, which is brought by the sea during high tides, often remains in the park and is not regularly cleaned. This means that a place that could be a real paradise for nature lovers loses some of its charm. Is it worth visiting? Despite these inconveniences, the park is still a pleasant escape from the heat and hustle and bustle of the city. A walk among the mangroves provides a moment of respite and allows you to appreciate the uniqueness of this ecosystem. If you are a nature lover and want to see the last remaining mangrove patch in Kota Kinabalu, it is worth taking the time to visit this place. However, it is good to be prepared to see trash and be aware that the park needs more care to keep it clean.

I have to preface this by saying I actually didn’t pay to enter—but only because I waited at the counter for quite some time and no one was there to attend to me. So, I just went in anyway. Even after I finished walking around and returned to the counter, there was still no one there. The place is nice enough—not sure what more you’d expect from a mangrove forest. Some parts are unkempt, though: the signs look moldy and worn, and trash (bottles, worn sandals, plastic bags) was scattered around the forest—probably brought in by flooding. Even the boardwalks felt sketchy, like they could give way at any moment. There’s an observation deck as well, but the trees have overgrown it, so you can't really see much from the top. Fortunately, I did see a few birds, but most were probably scared off by visitors. The forest is also surrounded by housing areas, a golf range, and a sports centre, so it’s not particularly inviting for birds or other wildlife. You are likely to find tree climbing crabs everywhere in the forest though. The whole walk likely takes about an hour—or more if you’re stopping to watch birds and the like. You might want to bring binoculars, as some of the birds are deeper in the forest and hard to spot with the naked eye. I think you can also walk into the swamp if you have the proper gear? Not too sure about it though.

Underrated attraction. If you want to see mangrove forest right at the heart of KK, this is the place to go. You don't even need to go far There is an abundance of wildlife inside the mangrove forest but birds are quite limited, Maybe it is just the wrong timing The ticket price is RM10 for Malaysian (Adult)

If you've been in more mangroves over the world, it would surprise you that this one costs money. The entrance fee is very expensive, 20 RM for foreigners (it's ridiculous that this parks has different prices for tourists and locals) and 15 RM for children. I could accept this costs if you'd feel you are helping to maintain this part of the mangrove. But the path is terribly maintained and there's a lot of plastic in the mangrove. I understand they do their best to filter the garbage out of the river coming from the illegal housing. But there's still so much rubbish in the mangrove itself that I don't understand why a staffmember wouldn't remove it. Especially with tourists paying that much. It's also weird to read about how to take care of the environment, but they don't remove the trash here. Also, you have to rent binoculars or rubber boots! This should be included in the high entrance fee if someone wishes to use them. So, the mangrove was very disappointing. Not because of the mangrove forest itself, because it's exactly like a mangrove should be. But because of the rubbish, bad condition of the boardwalk and the high fee. So, it's absolutely not worth your money. It would have been fine for no fee at all or a lower fee like the locals.

After reading several reviews mentioning the scattered rubbish, I was initially hesitant to visit. While there is some litter, it’s not overwhelming. A few of the boardwalk planks do need replacing, but this shouldn't deter you from exploring. This place is a hidden gem where you can easily spend an hour observing crabs and various birds. Although there's a visitor center, I didn't spend much time there. It's a great escape from the city.

Beautiful, peaceful place. If you love nature it’s a really nice escape close to the city centre. Although some of the boardwalk is a bit sketchy this adds to the experience. Staff were very friendly and helpful too.

Perfect for couples or small groups seeking a peaceful escape, it combines cool mountain air, nature, and a whimsical vibe. Facilities are basic but charming. Best to visit during dry weather. A great spot for relaxation and Instagram-worthy moments!

The sceneric hillside view on top of KK for sunset🤌 I went with my friends and we took Grab which cost us but for once it's worth of penny!

Ticket is RM10/pax. Plenty of photo spots. Really refreshing scenery with the greeneries and fresh air.

Aesthetic place to visit in KK. Road to visit not very extreme to drive. Hv toilet. Ticket also reasonable ✅

The journey from KK city takes more than an hour. It is advisable to depart early to allow sufficient time to settle in and wait comfortably for the sunset.

Good view, but too expensive -90Rm/pex…you can go 3min by car from there to restaurant with better view, and normal prices, coffee 10Rm. the name of this restaurant is hillside.

Must visit place for OOTD. The view is so fascinating. You can view KK city from here.

Our visit to the Floating Mosque in Kota Kinabalu was truly memorable. The mosque is beautifully surrounded by water, giving the impression that it is floating gracefully above the sea — an impressive sight even before stepping inside. Its architecture is stunning, and the serene setting makes it a peaceful place to visit. Inside, the design is just as captivating, with intricate details that reflect both beauty and spirituality. The guides were friendly and very knowledgeable, sharing fascinating insights about the mosque’s history, construction, and cultural significance. It was a wonderful family outing, and even the kids appreciated the calm and unique atmosphere. The combination of breathtaking views, interesting information, and warm hospitality made this visit well worth it. A must-see if you’re in KK.

Such a beautiful mosque in the heart of Kota Kinabalu. You can choose to explore either the inside or just admire it from the outside. I chose to stay outside since I wasn’t sure what to do inside a mosque. The heat was intense, and because the location is a bit far from the city center, it took longer than usual to hail a Grab or taxi. I had to look for shade while waiting. I stayed for about 5 to 10 minutes—just enough time to take a photo—then headed back.

Beautiful mosque and very well worth the visit. It only cost 10 Ringgit or $2.38 US to enter which includes a rental of traditional clothing for both men and women. The mosque is quite small and very limited for exploration because they have a school in the mosque and the school area is restricted. Also some parts of the mosque is restricted to only worshippers.

Interesting visit, pay 10 MYR to go in to the mosque. This includes the Muslim clothing provided. The entry is to the none prayer areas.

🕌 Embracing Heritage and Culture at Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu Arrived around 5:20 PM via GrabCar, just in time to visit the outer grounds of Masjid Bandaraya before it closed at 6 PM. Entry for foreigners is RM5 (cash), with locals entering free by showing a Malaysian IC. Tickets are numbered and hole-punched, a clear sign that the process is properly tracked. Since we arrived late, we didn’t get to visit the main worship hall, which closes earlier and requires a separate ticket. Visitors may also be asked to wear a robe based on their attire, a small gesture that reflects deep respect for Islamic tradition. The staff were polite and informative, even pointed out Mount Kinabalu’s peak 🌄 and patiently explained how to identify it in the distance, a thoughtful touch that made the visit feel personal. 🧕🏽Pro tip: Wearing modest clothing may let you skip robe rental, but even if not, the fee is not a huge number, a small price to gain insight into Muslim customs and step into sacred space respectfully. Take it as a chance to learn, not just enter. Respect goes both ways. I spoke kindly and clearly, and was met with genuine warmth. If RM5 feels “too much,” maybe it’s not the mosque that needs questioning, but the attitude and mentality of our own.

Also known as floating mosque. Beautiful mosque with stunning architecture. Entrance fee is 5 Malaysian ringgit. Additional 5 ringgit if you avail to wear traditional Muslim outfit.

Amazing floating Mosque, must see even though they charge 5 MYR to even take a photo from the outside viewing area.

The gallery was not up to standard. The creation was a joke. A tourist area with the designed interior with less artwork. Only the ceiling window are nice. Air condition are comfortable. What can teenager learn from here. Bad artwork with poor display from better artist and very bad for segment the art display. It should have more art display of wood, steel, electronic and more but only drawing may not attract more guest. Very sad to see. So many cultural art can used but what we have is children art with nothing about tourism. How can tourist take great photo and story to share. Kid drawing share in their country. Please do more effort for tourism. Display children art is not great enough. Muzik instruments with art designed and many more.

Visited Sabah Art Gallery today—three floors of art to explore, with a mix of Chinese and local pieces. Not much to do besides viewing, but it’s a peaceful spot to appreciate and learn about local art. Worth a visit if you’re into visual arts!

First time going to this place, its a good place to visit. Lots of art from local artist. The space is large and got bench to sit. Got lif and toilet. Got a parking space and very attractive place to take picture. 1 hour is enough to visit here. Its have fee to enter the gallery, can see it at the website. Can be paid and qr available for cashless people. For kid, its a good place to visit. But not have any activity or things that attract children. But its a art gallery so its understandable for the lack of kid activity. Place to visit while in Kota Kinabalu - recommeded 👍

I visited over the weekend. There weren’t that many people when I arrived around 2 p.m. Most of them seemed to be taking selfies around the art gallery. The person at the counter was really nice and friendly. Tickets cost RM5, but I believe that’s only for Malaysians—tourists might have to pay more. There were photos displayed on the first floor, while artworks were hung on the second floor. I really liked the ambiance of the place. The automatic lights were a bit finicky and would turn off at odd times. Overall, it was a pretty nice visit.

For this time, im not really enjoy the exhibition because there are 1 level full of school level arts ( but it good lah to appreciate the student) just some of the art piece not really pleasent to the eye hehehe. I can say immature art lah. I want to see more mature art with deep meaning. Nevertheless i enjoy je visiting here ( already come here several time) if you are student dont forget to bring your id card. There are surau, toilet and souvenir shop.

Visited Sabah Art Gallery after six years away from the art scene. The collection of artworks, especially by local artists, was deeply inspiring and thought-provoking. It’s remarkable to see the talent and creativity within our own community. The gallery’s unique architecture adds to the experience. A truly enriching visit that reignited my passion for drawing.

We visited the Kinabalu Geopark Gallery as part of our day tour around the area, and it was the last stop of the day. Our tour included a viewpoint of Mount Kinabalu with a local market, observing Rafflesia in bloom, the pouring hot springs with a canopy walk, a butterfly park, and the Kinabalu Park Botanical Garden. While we agreed that as an isolated visit, it wouldn’t be worth it, we were glad it was included in the tour. The gallery mainly consisted of pictures and written information about the local culture and traditions, the flora and fauna unique to the area, and a 3D model of Mount Kinabalu, including rock samples. There were physical displays of musical instruments, weapons, rattan weaves of hats and baskets, and decorations. Examples of nests, hives, seeds, coral, and even a few insects under pins were also showcased. The highlight for us, however, was the huge glass displays containing bad taxidermy.

Best to bring kids around, there is simple cafe around the corner and lots of plants and tree for sale. Young kids and toddler need to be monitor all the time there is fish pond where can easily be easily reach by young kids. There's small rabbit cage where children can pet it. Main attraction is the huge big fish tank. Where you can see lots of river monster fish inside it. Staff is helpful and kind enough to explain to you nicely. Place is always clean and maintained. During endemic season they still keep their standard operating procedure up to standard. Definitely recommend this place for those love to see the huge Arapaima fish worth the visit and worth waiting. Fish feeding is every 3pm. Kids will definitely enjoy it. Thumbs up.

Previously known as Green Connection, it is now "Aquascape Center", still under the commercial subsidiary of YSG Bioscape Sdn Bhd. Admission fee seems to have raised from previous rate, after the facility improvements.... Besides the giant Arapaima Gigas (one of world largest freshwater fish), feeding show, guinea pig, vats and farm... the center also sells plants, herbs and fruit trees, besides doing landscaping

Good for kids under 10 .rabbit petting little play ground . Trampoline, Big fresh water tank good cafe...good distraction for kids for around an hour

i believ that this place is so amazing but i think a few points should be upgraded .peoples who havent tried better go there

Kids will loved it. A place which kids can connect to the green. Snake, frog, tortoises, rabbits, and a lots of fish. There's a cafe which full of local fruits and pastries. Worth a visit.

Big fish tanks. They do have time for fish feeding. Rabbit farm. Koi fish pool. And others reptiles.

Alrighty! Peaceful, and beauty combined. Aquarium place to visit.

Tour was good - food was totally inedible and both of us as guests got very bad food poisoning from it, tackling it even days after still. Please improvise on the food or scrap it fully from your offering

my favorite place. go for KKIA seafood, have a chill with mount kinabalu on the water view

(Translated by Google) 2025/05/13 pm KKDAY tour guide A Zong can speak Mandarin! There were 11 of us in the whole trip. The port is quite close to Shangri-La Rasa Ria. When we arrived at the boatman, we had afternoon tea first and then made Malay snacks by ourselves, which were really delicious. The second program was batik, which took 30 minutes and was easily completed. Next we cruised the river, looked out over Mount Kinabalu, set up crab traps, saw lots of long-tailed monkeys, and if we were even luckier, we even saw a crocodile. Next we enjoyed the sunset and the iron flower, and then went to see the fireflies. The boatman brought a special light, which really attracted a lot of fireflies to respond. Finally I used a small fishing net to catch blue tears, and there really were some, just not many. On the way back, we went to get the two crab pots we had set out, but we only caught one and released it. This itinerary is really rich and I recommend you to buy it. (Original) 2025/05/13 pm KKDAY 導遊阿宗會說國語哦！全程帶著我們11人，港口距離香格里拉莎利雅蠻近的，到了船家，先吃個午茶，再親手做馬來小點，真的可以吃的。第二個節目是蠟染，花了30分鐘，很容易就完成了。接下來就是遊河了，遠眺神山，放捕蟹籠，看到很多長尾猴，更幸運的是還看到鱷魚。再來是欣賞落日及打鐵花，然後去賞螢火蟲，船家拿了個特殊的燈光，還真的引起不少螢火蟲回應。最後拿了小魚網撈藍眼淚，還真的有，只是不多。回程時去取我們放的兩個捕蟹籠，就只抓到了一隻，把它放生了。這個行程真的是非常豐富，建議大家可以購買。

(Translated by Google) The mangrove estuary with a southern style (Original) 很有南洋風的紅樹林河口

(Translated by Google) Very ordinary environment, two unknown sweets, plus a coconut pudding. The coconut pudding is okay, but the sweets are fine. (Original) 很一般的环境，两块不知名的甜口，加一个椰子布丁，椰子布丁还行，甜口就算了

Arriving at the quaint Jesselton Point Ferry terminal or as it is also known Jesselton Waterfront, was easy with a grab. I was travelling to Gaya Island Resort, very good pre-booked service at their office to check in with my luggage. Here you can take the boat to other various outlying Islands around Kota Kinabalu and is the terminal for Labuan bound travellers. There are Plenty of food vendors, cafes and shops along the boardwalk, to find something to eat or drink whilst you wait for your departure. Check out the red telephone kiosks!! I also walked to Jesselton duty free shopping mall just a few minutes away by foot. Here you can purchase perfumes, cosmetics and Durian products! Returning to the ferry terminal I then easily boarded the boat, 10 mins later I arrived at Gaya Island.

Approved tourist place for island hopping. Prices have been increased to rm45,55,65. Best to get snorkels and life vest at the jetty for a fixed price before going to islands, if you were to go snorkelling. Total local price for 2 islands would be around rm85.

As per May 2025, the parking is not available, but you can park opposite the old parking entrance. RM10/entry. Or you can park in the mall beside the jetty. Food & beverage prices are okay. "Long Beach" company provides the earliest trip. Make sure you are there by 7.30 so you can enjoy the island before a lot more people are coming.

Very busy at peak times as everyone meets outside particular restaurants before setting off on diving and island hopping day trips. Be careful when it rains, as it can also get very slippery (especially for those in flip flops!)

Such a busy place, luckily I booked my Island day tour with an agency 2 days before so I had someone expecting me over there, I booked the Manukan Mamutik and Sapi Islands tour with Karya travel adventure and it was such a lovely day, they pick u up and leave you at the firsts island for 2 hours just a free time for swimming and chilling on the beach than they come after to pick up ti the next island again stay there for 2 hours and to the next one Advice: pack ur own launch with you cause there is few options on the islands

No parking space. Just got scammed parked outside the jetty, and paid rm15 to the security guard. Beware of security guard nearby the jetty. He give me wrong spot parking and claimed that was the parking. Asking RM15. But actually that is private property. The food at jetty also bit pricey. If compare to jetty at Langkawi, the boat here small and also very bumpy to ride.

Make your booking early during non-peak hour (late noon) or 1 day earlier as the place can be quite chaotic when it is crowded. Most of published prices at the tour kiosks can ge negotiated (30-60%). Avoid having drinks at most of the kiosks here (fruit juices, coffee as the quality is quite bad - don't waste your money). Parking at the moment not available - need to park at the opposite small parking bay (myr 5/car collected in the morning most of the time. No collection in the afternoon). This jetty need a digital signboard announcing departures time of each operator to make the experience going to the islands more systematic & pleasant (this however may be difficult to be done at the moment as some tour operators resouces-pool to maximise the usage of their boats or facilities). Same chaotic arrangement on the islands (the same as the jetty departure point).

Place needs a little more maintenance. However, still a nice place for a stroll or a jog. Lights could be a bit brighter since it's open until 10 pm. Playground is worn down and taped off but didn't stop a few children from playing. Hopefully it's still safe to do so.

All in One. The Safest and Best recreational area in Kota Kinabalu. One of it’s main attraction is the beautiful colourful synchronised melody water-fountain in the middle of the lake which start at 7pm local time. At night, the place is very bright and mesmerising with the fountain dance. Cool place. Huge parking space and the Entrance with car will cost you RM1. If u want the receipt, u may ask for it. Amenities: well maintain. Toilet: cost you RM1. However, no other amenities like shower or gym room. Great playground for kids. Well taken care of. 3 tracks for jogging Outer (near to fence asphalt track) Middle (the red and rubberised asphalt track) Inner coarse cement track (next too the lake ) It is safe for single runner to come and jog at night. A couple of shops open here too. I would recommend u to come at night.. as it is the most beautiful time. The pictures doesn’t give any justice. Let the pictures talk.

You can not use the playground but on the way to Tanjung Aru Beach you can take a rest under the trees, it's windy, fresh and green. At night there's light show I the fountain starting at 7, every 30 minutes till 9. At 9 the park closes. I was there around 7:30 on a weekday, and saw the show with the water changing colors along with the music.

Very well maintained, clean and beautiful park. Good jogging tracks and fitness equipment. There are many turtles in the pond. Many people just enjoy the beauty of the lake. The musical fountain is the zest of the park. Starting at 1900LT. Parking costs 1 ringit

Park is nice for morning walk and jogging. Parking fee is RM1 with lots of vacant parking during weekend Should build more fitness corners with pull up bar, dip bar etc to attract youngsters come for exercise

Rm1 per entry. Ideal for jogging, outdoor exercises/family time and just chilling by the huge lake. There's a playground, cafe, benches, store, and free drinking water. Background music constantly on play. Musical fountain starts at 7pm. One of the best places to be, in my opinion.

Too crowded during weekend as people came to see sunset. People parked cars everywhere they liked like the road belong to their grandparents blocking main road. No traffic control at all. Don't come here. Go see sunset somewhere else

Interesting Temple. There was a Lunar moon event on while we were there and a worker explained it all.

It is a moderately sized temple with lots of greenery and has a very serene atmosphere. The temple is nice. Unfortunately, we went without a guide to explain the history and meaning of the building and statues, and thus, we were not able to appreciate the temple better. We finished the visit in less than 20 minutes.

The temple was so peaceful and clean. They had feee distribution of books on Lord Buddha. Souvenir shop was also great. MUST VISIT if you are in KK

Puh Toh Si Temple in Kota Kinabalu is a notable Chinese temple just a 5-minute drive from the floating mosque. It has several giant statues of Buddhist origin.

Beautiful view, very peaceful and well maintained. There are many details on the walls and throughout the temple. The restroom is clean and this place is a little hidden sanctuary. Look out for signs and be respectful and follow the rules. You would need to take off your shoes prior to entering the sacred area with Buddha or other deities. A great place to explore to recharge your soul and mind.

Dropped by this Temple while on our way to Kundasang from Kinabalu. Its quite a big Temple where u come walk around. Currently going through some renovation at some sections. Well managed and maintained place. Worth spending some time to visit this Temple.

Lovely, serene place to recolle t your thoughts. Toilets were clean too.

I went there on Kaamatan Day 31.05.2025. It was full of people and quite hot too. There a lot of booths selling food and drinks. I visited the cultural house as well but packed of people, i think the best time to go there during Kaamatan is in the morning. About parking, yeah we parked at Kedai Kopi Wan Wan and we walk like 200m. Super hot, please wear comfortable attire.

We recently rented three units during my daughter's wedding there, namely Hamin Tambunan, Ranau, and Kuala Penyu. We were accused of stealing eight (8) blankets and four (4) towels and were forced by the staff to pay a penalty of RM210. Those towels and blankets were not even in the house in the first place, especially in the double-decker beds in Hamin Tambunan, there were none at all. (PLEASE REFER TO THESE UPLOADED PICTURES. CAN YOU SEE ANY BLANKET & TOWELS???) We have witnesses who can confirm the absence of those items in Hamin Tambunan from Day 1. However, the staffs kept insisting that we pay and claimed they had checked the CCTV, which they said showed that only we were there during that period. However, they have failed to prove us with a CCTV recorded video, showing that we stole those items. None. I will never pay for something that was not our fault in the first place, even though my wife has already paid the penalty just to avoid escalating the matter further. I did not agree actually. To anyone planning to stay at any of these homestays, be cautious of this scam !! Thank you very much.

You need to come during the month of Kaamatan in May every year from 6pm onwards to catch the crowd and aramaiti. Great place to learn of one of the indigenous tribes here in Sabah.

Nice to visit the traditional houses. The staffs and guide are all fun to be with Fee is reasonable and the place is easy to get to. Thank you very much.

Wonderful experience here in KCV! The guided tour was incredible.. the staffs are friendly, welcoming and passionate about sharing their culture. What I really enjoyed was the interactive experience, you don’t just look at the houses, but also get to try traditional activities, games and instruments! 100% Recommended & Must Visit!

Bring your portable fan and umbrella if you're not fond of the heat and sun.

Great place to know more about different races/cultures in Sabah. We had a great time here. We dance, play the musical instrument, jumping at the jump platform (in the past, this is the celebration after winning head hunting) , try the blowpipe (hit the baloon in single try) and learning how to produce fire using bamboo. Truly great learning experience for the whole family. From thewhitehairedguyandfamily.

Exploring the local day market is always a treat. I arrived right when it opened at 6 a.m.—some vendors were still setting up, but the energy was already in the air. The mix of aromas, the chatter between locals, and the bustling atmosphere made it all come alive. It’s fascinating to see how the community interacts and to get a glimpse of what’s in season. The variety of spices caught my attention—you can definitely tell spicy food is part of their daily life! There were several types of mangoes on display, though overall, the fruit selection was smaller than I expected. Still, it was a fun and eye-opening peek into everyday local life.

KK Central Market offers a wide selection of fresh seafood (at the back of the market), produce, and local snacks. It’s a lively place to experience the local vibe and pick up ingredients straight from the source. A must-visit if you want to see where the freshest catches in KK come from. The best part is you can buy seafood from the market and bring it up to the 2nd floor to get it cooked (加工) right on the spot. A fun and authentic way to enjoy super fresh seafood in KK.

The market in KK is amazing — it really immerses you in the life of the city. We had dinner there twice, trying seafood dishes, fruit, and nasi/mee goreng. Everything was delicious. You can pay in cash or via Alipay.

Vibrant local market with a great selection of spices, vegetables and fruits. I enjoyed walking through the clean hallways while observing the daily life of locals.

Accessible via grab. Went here to explore local produce. Still no durian when we visited Aug 2025 Lots of fruits and veggies to choose from, also local spices. 2nd floor is where the clothes shop are, a little farther is the food place. We ate in a local restaurant called Gerai Makan Alrafa. Some staff know how to speak tagalog which made the dealing easier. We bought fresh seafoods from the other section of market behind the main building and have them cooked them. It was a gastronomic experience and the dishes were amazing particularly the chili crab. Their staffs are polite and friendly as some are our kababayan. Will come back whenever I visit KK again. Thank you very much.

Very authentic. I feel very much like a turist being here. Nice place to buy fruit and vegetables

Can get lots of fresh products with good quality and cheap price. Good place to see the culture.

Hands down the best cinema in town — where the popcorn is caramel-coated happiness and the halls are so clean you’d think your mom cleaned them! Sound system? Boom boom pow! You’ll feel every explosion like you're in the movie. 10/10 would come again (and again)!

left my stuff behind at cinema, staff gsc help me keep it. Thank you very muchh!!

Best cinema in KK been going for years. Now equipped with modern machines whereby almost everything is handled by self-service kiosks (except for getting your food) 😂. Food availability is decent, popcorn is so gooooooood. Never have any bad experiences so far and I've been going to the same cinema for more than a decade I feel like!

The location is around Suria Mall opposite Hyatt Centric Hotel on 23thfloor spectacular sunset view. Jesselton duty free mall. Merdeka mall(local) Hyatt Regency Hotel 5mins near the waterfront walkway and sunset viewing.

I'm happy to see the reviews everyone is happy, you happy, me happy because that what I'm expecting. But when I go there it junk waste RM33 of my money and waste my time. I buy a ticket on the machine, we clearly checked the senior is included a student, and when we take the ticket and wait literally 40 minutes, we are about to go in but the staff stopped us and said senior is for elders, HOW!?? HOW!!!!?? it a waste of money, we asked for a refund but the women on the entrance said "it done you can't refund" RM33!!!! for THAT MUCH OF MONEY!!!! I AM NOT HAPPY, I went there expecting everything went well and then I end up with a WASTE OF MONEY AND TIME!!!

The GSC Cinema at Suria Sabah Shopping Mall is a great place to catch the latest movies. The sound system is impressive and delivers an immersive experience that's hard to beat. However, one thing to keep in mind is that the cinema can get quite cold during night shows. If you're planning to catch a movie in the evening, be sure to bring a sweater or a jacket to stay warm and comfortable. Despite the temperature issue, the cinema is a top-notch venue for moviegoers in the area. The comfortable seating, high-quality picture, and fantastic sound system make for an unforgettable viewing experience. Overall, if you're a fan of movies, the GSC Cinema at Suria Sabah Shopping Mall is definitely worth checking out. Just remember to bring a sweater, and you're sure to have a great time watching your favorite films in this modern and well-equipped cinema.

Ticket price is quite expensive, Aircond not cool, seat very hard and narrow. Overall, not comfortable. However, popcorn taste good.

Had a great time on the North Borneo Cruise! The crew was incredibly welcoming and attentive throughout the trip. Special thanks to Manager June, who was very attentive to us the entire time and gave us lots of great tips—like heading to the deck early to avoid the crowd and catch the best sunset views. Although a thunderstorm rolled in, we still managed to catch a glimpse of a stunning purple-orange sunset. Overall, it was a fun and memorable experience—definitely worth the money. A must-visit when you're in Kota Kinabalu

I highly recommend NBC to anyone looking for a relaxing, enjoyable, and well-organized cruising experience. The combination of top-notch service, engaging activities, and stunning destinations makes it a perfect choice for families, couples, or solo travelers alike. Great thanks to Mr. Safri from Amazing Borneo for the excellent assist 👏🏻

It was a very lovely cruise and dinner. There was a wide variety of food to cater to all. The cruise is clean and comfortable, and we were blessed with beautiful sunset and weather. The staff were also extremely nice and it was nice to have a live band. But i think the band is too loud, can afford to be softer. If you like energetic, groovy, lively music then this is for you! They also sing songs in many languages which is a nice touch! I expected a bit of commentary about the sights but there was none of that. Also it was a very rocky ride so take note if you are sensitive to that.

I came with my parents for my father’s birthday :-) Everything in the cruise was just perfect for us! Father told me that it was the most touching thing in his life. Thanks for everything, and thanks Jonathan for his awesome service :-) thanks

Our cruise experience was absolutely wonderful! From the moment we boarded the service on board was outstanding! Every crew member we met was friendly, professional, and genuinely cared about making our journey safe and special. The space were clean and comfortable, the food was amazing (especially the crab), and the entertainment was top-notch. Everything was well-organized (Special thanks to Mildred, Nathelie and June). We truly felt relaxed throughout the trip. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a memorable sunset cruise.

Nora helped to book me a good table. Table 4 had great sunset views. Thanks very much Nora!!

North Borneo Cruise – A Great Experience! Had an amazing time on the North Borneo Cruise. The staff were super friendly and made us feel really welcome. The weather was nice with a breezy wind, perfect for a relaxing evening out at sea. The buffet was awesome – lots of yummy options like salad, soup, fish, kuih Melayu, sushi, etc. There was something for everyone! The live performance was a nice touch too! They did a great job with their music selection and really knew how to engage with the guests — it made the whole vibe more lively and fun. We got to see the full sunset right until it went down, which was absolutely beautiful. At night, the city lights lit up the view and made everything look even more magical. The ship was in great shape – clean, well-kept, and comfy throughout the trip. Overall, it was a really fun and chill experience. Would definitely recommend it if you’re in town!

A tourist trap. The vendors were quite aggressive in approaching potential customers and the food itself is significantly more expensive than anywhere else in Kota Kinabalu. My bill here is more expensive than hotel bar & grill and dinner buffet. Taste wise it wasn’t anything special. Would skip the seafood night market all together and there isn’t anything lost if one didn’t go here. Go instead to Welcome Seafood Restaurant (near Hilton Hotel) for seafood fixings.

Bought some large prawns and meaty crabs at the market. Most of the seafood here is treated with preservatives ('ubat') to maintain a fresh appearance. Unfortunately, you can taste the 'ubat' when cooking the seafood. Avoid buying seafood here. Not sure if the authorities conduct routine checks on the level of preservatives used, or whether the amount used is within permitted limits.

The seafood was fresh from the sea. It was so delicious, yet the price was affordable. Recommended to try the lobster and crabs, with coconut juice. We came to this market around the sunset and the scenery was so picturesque and beautiful.

Lots of seafood, pastries, knick knacks and beverage here for a good meal. We stop by Stall "Welcome to Kinabalu Seafood 2" for dinner. Select your favourite seafood , tell the server your cooking choices...dinner is served !! The seafood is fresh, service is good and price is reasonable. Happy to have a great meal at this stall.💗

Don't go there ordered 2 dishes grilled lobster and grilled tiger prawn was 280 Ringgit don't go there rip off merchants!

Bustling seafood market in the heart of KK; many varieties of seafood to choose from. There are stalls at the back where you can order and eat the freshest seafood at a reasonable price, but it can get very hot as the ventilation is bad so do bring your portable fans there

Here you can find a large selection of fresh seafood. The market is not expensive, you can haggle, but mostly the price is the same at all stalls. Each stall has its own restaurant where they prepare the food you have chosen. It is very crowded in the evening. Payment by cash only. Must to visit.

Informative museum mainly about Sabah's islamic history but also section for pre-islam. Lots of space and I was visiting on lunch time museum and there was maybe 5 people besides me. Took me about 90 minutes. Some artifacts could use better display lighting since they were very difficult to see. 15RM for foreigners, ticket valid for nearby Sabah State Museum and Agnes Keith House at Sankaran(!) on a same day.

The Islamic Museum in Kota Kinabalu offers a fascinating journey into the rich history, culture, and art of the Islamic world, with a special focus on Sabah’s local heritage. While the museum’s architecture is not particularly unique or unusual, apart from a small green dome at the front, the building itself is a modern structure without distinctive Islamic characteristics. However, the treasures it holds inside more than make up for its modest exterior. The museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts, ranging from ancient times to more recent periods. One of the highlights is the display of swords and daggers, showcasing the craftsmanship and significance of these items in Islamic culture. Equally intriguing is the section dedicated to megalithic culture, locally known as menhir, which provides rare insight into the early traditions and spiritual practices of the indigenous people of Sabah. This exhibit stands out for its uniqueness, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the region’s pre-Islamic history. The museum’s quiet atmosphere enhances the experience, and during our visit at 2 PM, we had the entire place to ourselves, allowing us to explore at a relaxed pace. Admission is reasonably priced at RM 15, making it an affordable and enriching activity for history and culture enthusiasts.

Everything’s closed! 👎 The blue notice says the museum is open, but no it’s closed too! Everything but the train galley is closed, but even the train thing you can finish in 5 minutes! No information regarding this mass closure is available on their website - only found it out when I got here. Terrible! 👎👎👎

Very friendly staffs, very accommodating as well. They also promoted that they can do booths for schools and there will be no fee. I think it is a must to get them for any educational events that requires booths.

In this museum, you can learn about Islam history and Malaysia histories about islam. In here, students with their uniform can come here for free. This museum is also cheap if you wanted to visit, it only cost you RM2😍😍😍

Very tired and sad museum - recommended not visiting. Poor story telling and simply a collection of poorly labelled dusty exhibits

History of Islamic civilization. Good experience.