Things to do in  Kota Kinabalu

Nestled in the jungle outside Kota Kinabalu, the Mari Mari Cultural Village lets you discover the old lifestyles of five different Borneo ethnic groups. Enjoy traditional food (and rice wine, watch demos of crafts from tattooing to fire lighting, catch a dance performance, and learn about traditional beliefs and building styles.

A scenic option for water-sports fans and wildlife lovers who don’t have time to travel to Mabul or Sipadan, Tunku Abdul Rahman National Marine Park is just a 20-minute speedboat ride from downtown Kota Kinabalu. Comprising five small islands, the park combines white-sand beaches with coral reefs, jungle, and abundant marine life.

Established in 1964, the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre rehabilitates baby orangutans that have been orphaned as a result of illegal logging and deforestation in Malaysia. Visit the center for an opportunity to see this endangered animal in its habitat at scheduled feeding times and in the rehabilitation nursery.

Reigned over by the mighty Mt. Kinabalu—the tallest mountain in Malaysia—Kinabalu National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its biodiversity. A paradise for nature lovers, the park is home to around 5,500 plant species (including varieties of orchids and pitcher plants), about 326 bird species, and more than 100 mammals.

Poring Hot Spring and Nature Reserve is nestled in the jungles of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kinabalu National Park. Poring Hot Springs includes tiled pools used for soaking in sulfurous thermal waters; a suspended jungle walkway; a swimming pool and slide; and an orchid Conservation Center home to more than 1,200 species.

Not only is Kota Kinabalu City Mosque (Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu) the largest mosque in the Bornean capital of KK, but it’s also one of its most stunning landmarks. Because a lagoon surrounds it, the Islamic structure appears to float when looked at from afar, making for fantastic photographs.

The second-largest island in Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, Manukan Island (Pulau Manukan) boasts coral reefs, crystal clear waters, white-sand beaches, and lots of lush vegetation. Head to the island to do some snorkeling and to explore on the network of walking trails.

One of the highest mountains in Southeast Asia, the mighty Mt. Kinabalu (Gunung Kinabalu) attracts climbers from all over. But the 13,435-foot (4,095-meter) summit isn’t the only reason travelers visit Kinabalu National Park. With around 6,000 species of flora, the UNESCO-listed park is recognized as one of the most important biological sites in the world.

The highest point in Kota Kinabalu, Signal Hill Observatory Platform, overlooks the sprawling capital of the Malaysian island of Borneo. From the sci-fi-style platform, you can see modern buildings, Likas Bay, and, on a clear day, the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, fringed by turquoise water. It’s also a prime sunset spot.

Sapi Island (Pulau Sapi is part of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, an underwater wonderland located just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu. Though the second-smallest island of the archipelago, Sapi Island is home to the Coral Flyer Zipline, one of the longest island-to-island ziplines in the world.

With their comically long noses and ginger fur, proboscis monkeys are a highlight of any visit to Borneo. And the Klias Peninsula (Klias Wetlands, an expanse of coastal forest a couple of hours south of Kota Kinabalu, is the perfect place to watch them swing through the trees. After nightfall, fireflies flicker and glitter by the river.

Within easy reach of Kota Kinabalu city center, Sabah Museum (Sabah State Museum) explores the heritage, art, culture, and daily life of Sabah and its people. Along with the main building, the museum comprises a Heritage Village, Ethnobotanical Garden, and Science and Technology Center.

Just a short boat ride from the bustling city of Kota Kinabalu, Gaya Island (Pulau Gaya) is home to diverse people, landscapes, and history. It’s one of five islands that comprise Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, a protected marine reserve, and is renowned for its crystal blue waters, inland rain forests, and luxe hotels—all within easy reach of Sabah’s capital.

One of the most recognizable buildings in all of Sabah, Sabah State Mosque (Masjid Negeri Sabah) combines contemporary architecture with traditional Islamic design. A gold, honeycombed main dome is reigned over by a 215-foot (65-meter) minaret, which was inspired by those found in the Saudi Arabian cities of Mecca and Medina.

As the northernmost point of Borneo—the third-largest island in the world—the Tip of Borneo (Tanjung Simpang Mengayau) is the meeting point of the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea. The significant location of the dramatic headland is marked by a bronze globe and surrounded by rugged coastal scenery.