There are many great places to visit in Kota Kinabalu. At the top of the list is Mount Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s tallest mountain and a magnet for nature lovers. Up next is the Kinabalu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which has a remarkable biodiversity, and the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park for aquatic activities like snorkeling and diving.

If you’re itching to explore the city’s cultural facets, you can visit the Filipino Market, Mari-Mari Cultural Village, and Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, which is a grand mosque that is partially surrounded by a human-made lagoon.

You also wouldn’t want to miss a trip to the Tanjung Aru Beach, one of the most popular beach in KK, or the Kota Kinabalu Waterfront, a bustling area in the city where you can drink, dine, and shop.

A stay of 3 to 5 days is typically sufficient to explore the highlights of Kota Kinabalu, including climbing Mount Kinabalu, visiting cultural attractions, enjoying island adventures, and experiencing the local cuisine. This allows for a well-rounded experience in this captivating city.

The best time to visit Kota Kinabalu is between January and March, when the weather is dry and sunny, making it perfect for exploring the tourist attractions in the city.

You can reach Kota Kinabalu by flying into Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI), which is well-connected to major cities in Malaysia and other Asian destinations. Multiple airlines operate regular flights to this airport, making it the most convenient way to access the city.

Kota Kinabalu is known for its delicious and diverse cuisine. Some of the must-try dishes include seafood such as grilled fish, prawns, and squid, as well as local specialties such as Hinava, a raw fish salad, and Tuaran Mee, a type of noodle dish. Other popular dishes include Nasi Lemak, a fragrant rice dish with coconut milk, and Soto, a spicy soup made with chicken or beef. Visitors should also try the local fruits such as rambutan, mangosteen, and durian, which are abundant and delicious.