Wondering what you can do in Malaysia? Arguably, Malaysia is buzzing as the leading holiday destination for tourists. But Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia has something to entice you. The place will spellbind you in its fairy tale land with its verdant rainforest, picturesque beaches, magnificent scenic charms, and marvelous landscapes.
At the same time, tourists can enjoy hot springs, tracking, ecstatic scuba diving, and more fun activities. One will also get to experience the cultural heritage that it beholds beautifully. Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia has everything that keeps you bound in this enthralling place. Get your Malaysia visa and learn about the best places to visit in Kota Kinabalu.
What is Kotakinablu known for?
Kota Kinabalu is a city in Borneo that is a must-visit location for anyone who enjoys the outdoors and the great outdoors. It offers breathtaking sunsets, a diverse range of cultural experiences, and thrilling outdoor excursions. Travelers from all over the world increasingly seek out Kota Kinabalu. It is known for its amazing natural beauty, rich cultural legacy, and kind welcome. it is also known for its unique blend of cultures, incorporating elements from the native Bajau, Chinese, Malay, and Kadazan-Dusun people.
With its breathtaking scenery, varied animals, and fascinating past, Kota Kinabalu has something to offer travelers of all stripes.
The best time to visit Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu is the ideal destination for those who enjoy mild weather. As a summer bird, you will find it amazing that the year-round temperatures never truly drop below 70 degrees. Nevertheless, Kota Kinabalu experiences a wet and a dry season instead of summer and winter, which alters the timing of your visit
April to October, during the dry season, is the ideal time to visit Kota Kinabalu. This season provides The months of December through March are the busiest for this coastal town in the stunning nation of Malaysia. With only a few days of intermittent rain, the weather is perfect, with long, bright days. Because of the summer vacation, June through August are also very popular travel months. It would be wise to plan outside of these busy months
The best times to go to Kota Kinabalu are around the cultural festivals in May and October if you do not mind the weather and want to learn about the local way of life. You can take part in Diwali and the Sabah Festival during these months. Later on, we will go a little bit more into these festivities!
Things to Explore in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
If you are planning a holiday in Malaysia, you must include a visit to Kota Kinabalu. Here are some fun things to do in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.
A glimpse of Mount Kinabalu
If you are a nature enthusiast, Mount Kinabalu is a must-visit place. This is among the 20 highest mountain ranges in the world. You can walk around for sightseeing or probably climb a 4000-meter-high trek. Here, you get the opportunity to watch its exquisite flora and fauna.
This dense tropical forest is rich in wildlife diversity. Trekking on this mountain would give you the chance to enjoy its scenic beauty and a beautiful botanical garden as well. Mount Kinabalu is not just the highest mountain range globally, it is also the tallest mountain in Southeast Asia.
How to Reach: Various transportation options in Kota Kinabalu include car rentals starting at INR 1951, taxis charging INR 532 to the city center, an airport shuttle bus for INR 89 (adults) and INR 53 (children), and a minibus (number 17) costing INR 35 to Terminal Wawasan, followed by a City Bus ride to the city center for INR 18.
What to do: There are 300 birds and 600 butterflies. You can see the sunrise by hiking. You may also have a Poring hot spring.
Explore the Mari Mari Culture Village
Mari Mari Cultural Village is a definite place to visit in Kota Kinabalu. Tourists here witness the ethnic communities of Sabah, the Murut hunters, Lundayeh fishermen, and Dusun rice farmers. This place is the hub for learning about cultural habits, traditional foods, and custom performances. The place is deeply rooted in traditional lifestyles and modern living. But when you are here, don’t miss the chance to explore the cultural heritage of the village and Sabahan tribes.
How to Reach: You need to pre-book your visit online. There is no public transport available so you need to book private shared transportation.
What to do: You may relax in the huts, learn hunting, and enjoy the tribal food.
Visit the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque
This city mosque is among the famous Kota Kinabalu attractions, situated in Sembulan. The mosque is a majestic example of Islamic architecture and modern marvels. The architectural design is very similar to the Nabawi Mosque in Medina. The manmade lagoons give it a dramatic look and make it more beautiful. It shines brighter like a star in the moonlight. Moreover, this is the biggest mosque present in Kota Kinabalu. Visitors can add this beauty to their sightseeing list when traveling to Malaysia.
How to reach: There are two popular ways – either book a taxi or take bus number 5A from Hotel Shangri-la.
What to do: Enjoy the peace this mosque offers along with the beautiful sceneries and the lake.
Enjoy Retail Therapy at Gaya Street Sunday Market
Gaya Street Sunday Market is a place to indulge in some retail shopping and fill your bucket with some authentic Malaya artifacts, ingredients, seafood, and more craft items. If you are a diehard fan of Malaysian cuisine, the market is heaven for you. You can buy different varieties of food here, especially seafood. However, if you like the art & craft pieces the most, the Gaya Street Sunday market is the best place to buy such stuff. You also get thousands of collectible items to decorate your home.
How to Reach: Feasibly accessible via cab. It is recommended to take a walk and avoid traffic.
What to do: Shopping and trying different foods as per budget.
Check Out Atkinson Clock Tower
Atkinson Clock Tower is the iconic landmark of Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia. Walking to the Atkinson Clock Tower is a worthwhile endeavor if one has an hour or two to spare in the afternoon. It is a pre-war building close to the former police station on a cliff along Signal Hill Road. Though the area around the clock may not be particularly exciting, if you climb the stairs next to it, you can find a higher road that leads to some really nice views over the valley.
This tower is located at the top of a striking hill. Visitors can reach this beautiful place after an alluring trek. The surrounding hills and magnificent views of the city make this a perfect place to enjoy vacations.
How to Reach: Either take a walk or a cab
What to do: Climb the stairs and enjoy the breathtaking view it offers.
Sabah Tea Garden
Sabah Tea Garden is a stunning tea plantation where guests can have a refreshing cup of native tea and discover the tea-making process Sabah Tea Garden Estate is bordered by a river, a hill, and a forest. These are immaculate and well-maintained and offer visitors a fantastic opportunity to explore nature. Sabah Tea Garden is home to a wide variety of insects and birds Due to their ability to host a variety of group activities, games, and treks on their property, Sabah Tea Garden is also a great location for corporate off-sites and team-building trips. Sabah Tea Garden is a fantastic getaway for individuals of all ages and personalities, and it is well worth a visit.
How to Reach: Take a twenty-minute drive from Ranau town.
What to do: Shop for tea gifts and get a view of the Mt. Kinabalu
Suggested Read: Things to do in Melaka and Best Restaurants to Visit
Take a Train Ride at North Borneo Railway
The North Borneo Railway is an exciting place to visit. Travelers can take the train journey from Tanjung Aru Station to Papar Town. The train passes through enthralling jungle scenery and mountains worth watching. Travelers can enjoy the lush scenery along the route, including expansive rice fields and traditional stilt-built villages. Traveling through gorgeous scenery on the North Borneo Railway is a classic steam train experience.
How to Reach: Take bus 17 or a cab. It is located a five-minute drive from Kinabalu
What to do: Explore Tien Shi temple and buy souvenirs.
Go white water rafting
The Kiulu River is an amazing place to enjoy river rafting. If you plan to do something crazy and adventurous in Malaysia, whitewater rafting is excellent. It might surprise some to learn that whitewater rafting is a well-liked activity in the Kota Kinabalu area, and there are plenty of locations to get out on the water to experience heart-pounding rapids. Two options are available: the powerful Padas River outside Tenom, which is a two-hour journey away, or the lovely Kiulu River in Tamparuli, which is approximately an hour distant from the city center. If you do not mind taking a little longer to get there, the Grade 3 and 4 rapids at Padas River are the main draw here, over the Kiulu River. They promise a wilder ride. The place also holds scenic beauty and offers Grade 3 & 4 rapid water rafting. The river is in Tamparuli, just an hour away from Kota Kinabalu.
Image Credit : https://riverbug.asia/
What to do: Enjoy the rafting available for different levels and lengths as per difficulty.
Have an Adventurous Time at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is a great place for snorkeling and scuba diving. This is one of the biggest water sports areas to enjoy water activities. This adventure park covers five islands, such as Pulau Gaya, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Sapi, Pulau Sulug, and Pulau Mamutik. Scuba diving takes you to a new underwater world to explore beautiful creatures. Additionally, this marine park provides a PADI diving course for beginners and advanced scuba divers. This is why it is the best place to enjoy fun activities in Kota Kinabalu.
How to Reach: You can take a speedboat from Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal
What to do: Scooba diving, jungle trekking, snorkeling, soccer fields.
Suggested Read: Malaysia Travel Tips for First Time Visitors
Explore Tabin Wildlife Reservoir
The spot is perfect for wildlife photography activities in Kota Kinabalu. You get an opportunity to watch Mother Nature and catch a glimpse of the sunset. Tabin Wildlife Reservoir is bounded by greenery and wildlife creatures. If you are fond of hearing the chirping sound of birds and taking pictures of the flying birds, the place is a must-explore. Not only do you see birds, but you also get to see various animal activities. The place is extraordinary for wildlife lovers.
How to Reach: Fly to Lahad Datu from Kota Kinabalu, then take a scheduled transfer or drive approximately 75 minutes to Tabin Wildlife Reserve.
What to do: Mud volcanoes, treks and trails
Conclusion
Malaysia is truly an amazing country to explore and enjoy holidays. So, next time you travel to Malaysia, do not forget to visit Kota Kinabalu to have an amazing experience of sightseeing and adventurous activities. However, the place has many more exciting locations to explore, such as the night market, waterfront, etc. Take your Malaysia visa and be ready to take a glimpse of this beautiful place.