Get to know Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah which is known for housing numerous natural beauty and rich in cultural heritage as well as diverse wildlife. Find yourself stepping on the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, Mount Kinabalu, and enjoy five different islands with five beautiful beaches at Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park nestled inside the rich city of Kota Kinabalu!
Kota Kinabalu offers a wide variety of public transportation that can help you to get around the city and explore many attractions, such as:
One of the most convenient public transportation to get around in Kota Kinabalu is by taxi. It is the most common way to get around, especially if you are moving in groups. Taking a taxi, allows visitors to save time and energy at the same time, as they only need to sit tight in the passenger's seat and wait for the driver to transfer them to the desired designation.Ā
In general, the base fare of the taxi in Kota Kinabalu would start from RM 10, with a price of RM 0.12 per 100m, however, nowadays taxi drivers in Kota Kinabalu generally don't use meters. Instead, they charge fares based on negotiation.Ā
Several types of buses operate throughout Kota Kinabalu, which are Long-Distance Bus that will take you to other major cities in Sabah, Local Bus that will take you to suburban areas, City Bus that operate within the city and AirportĀ Bus that specialise in transferring passengers between KK International Airport and KK City.Ā
The fares of each type of bus would be different based on the distance. The fares can vary from RM 0.40 to RM 100, depending on the bus types you use and the distance.Ā
Another one of the most popular ways of getting around in Kota Kinabalu is by e-hailing services. Several e-hailing services operate in Kota Kinabalu including Grab, which is the most common one, and Maxim which is the cheaper choice out of two. The fares of both of these e-hailing would be around RM6 and more based on the distance to the desired destination.Ā
A living museum that allows visitors to get to know more about the diverse cultures of the indigenous tribes of Sabah. Mari Mari Cultural Village is one of the must-visit places if you happen to get to Kota Kinabalu and looking to explore the cultural aspect of the city.Ā
In this exciting cultural village, you would be able to experience traditional dances, music, and handcrafts, and learn more about other unique customs and traditions that are still held to this fat. Find the traditional houses from many different tribes such as the Dusun, Bajai and Rungus and get to know the daily lives of the people who lived there.Ā
A beautiful beach that is often known for its beautiful backdrop of crystal clear water, breathtaking sunset scenes, white sands and casuarina trees. The beach stretches for around 2 kilometres and houses various water sports and activities like swimming, sunbathing, picnicking and kite flying.Ā
Once you get tired from the day's activities, you can hop on the nearby restaurants and food stalls located along the beach that serve local to international cuisines and satisfy both your stomach and taste buds with delicious delicacies.Ā
The perfect place for those of you who are curious about the history, culture and natural heritage of Sabah, which is the island where Kota Kinabalu is located.Ā
Sabah State Museum of Sabah showcases the rich history of Sabah and houses a diverse range of ethnic groups, each with unique cultures and traditions in the shape of artefacts, and handicrafts.Ā
The Upside Down House of Borneo is a unique popular tourist attraction in Kota Kinabalu where a beautiful real house is completely flipped upside down, creating an illusionary and fun experience for visitors.Ā
Walk into a living room where everything is suspended from the ceiling, including the furniture, decorations and even a chandelier. The same goes with the kitchen, bedroom, and bathrooms where every utility, furniture and decoration is suspended from the ceiling which is supposed to be the floor.Ā
A budget-friendly hotel with beautiful views of Kota Kinabalu and the Islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Hotel Shangri-la Kota Kinabalu is a great place to stay. It offers a wide variety of rooms, with each room well-equipped with modern amenities such as a working desk, television, ironing facility and a private bathroom complete with a heater and shower facilities.Ā
Another hotel that will save a lot of your wallet, Golden Hill Hotel is a one-star hotel known for offering relaxation and comfort during your visit to the Tanjung Aru area in Kota Kinabalu. The hotel offers 4 different rooms Superior Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, Family Rooms, and Suite room, each room is equipped with high-quality in-room amenities that will leave you with a good night's sleep and comfort.Ā
Hotel No.5 is a hotel located in a strategic location, close to Kota Kinabalu International Airport and only a few kilometres away from Jersselton Point which is the meeting point for your ferry that will send you to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Not only does having a perfect location, the hotel is also known for giving out the best service and a wide variety of facilities to make your stay comfortable and unforgettable.Ā
Located right above the One Place Mall shopping centre, Pan Borneo Hotel Kota Kinabalu is one of the most comfortable hotels giving both convenience and comfort during your journey. The hotel is a 4-star hotel with quite a budget price, which allows visitors to enjoy the luxurious facilities of a 4-star hotel at a cheaper price. The facilities that you can enjoy here include an outdoor pool, gym, restaurants and bars as well as a terrace with breathtaking sea views.Ā
Another 4-star hotel that gives out a budget price for visitors who like to enjoy their luxury time in Kota Kinabalu while saving a bit of their money. The Klangan Regency is a great place to stay especially for couples, where they can enjoy a wide variety of facilities provided by the hotel including a restaurant at their 5th level offering a romantic view of the city skyline, and a refreshing swimming pool to spend your leisure time at together.Ā
Ready to be a part of making your romantic moment, Tang Dynasty Hotel offer a moody room with well-equipped furniture and amenities that will accompany you throughout your stay. Having modern architecture, and well-furnished rooms, the hotel is also located close to several tourist spots like the IMAGO shopping mall and Padang Merdeka which can be your next date location.
Hotel 7 Suria is a modern hotel built with the theme of simplicity, that is known for giving out excellent service, friendly staff that is always available to help, and clean also well-maintained hotel room, creating a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere which is perfect for families who are looking for a relaxing holiday in Kota Kinabalu.Ā
Looking for a luxurious stay with favourable prices? Sabah Oriental Hotel is the answer.Ā
It is a 4-star hotel that offers a great price for those of you who are quite conscious of budget. The hotel is known for having a comfortable room, complete with modern amenities like air conditioning, and a heater and even provides a connecting room for families who are looking forward to spending quality time together. Not only that, but the hotel also provides a restaurant that serves international cuisine to local cuisines, as well as a cafe and bars to cater to all visitor's needs and preferences.
Another hotel that is ready to give you the utmost experience is a budget hotel that gives out excellent service and facilities to give an unforgettable experience to any guest staying.Ā
Sky Hotel Kota Kinabalu is a stylish and modern 3-star hotel perfect for families who are looking for a relaxing stay during their holiday to Kota Kinabalu, The hotel rooms are known to be clean and well equipped with modern facilities like air conditioning, as well as a free-to-visit relaxing swimming pool as wella s restaurant ready to make you satisfied during your stay.Ā
Considered to be the most beautiful resort in the Karambuai area, Borneo Beach Villas is known for offering stunning views of the crystal clear ocean, as well as a beach where visitors can do various water activities like swimming, or simply walk along the serene beach.Ā
Not stopping there, the resort itself is known for housing luxurious amenities like a spa, a refreshing pool, a gym, a private steam bath Jacuzzi in the Spa suite, and many other relaxing and rejuvenating facilities that can be experienced in this exceptional resort.Ā
Located surrounded by the stunning lush tropical rainforests while also overlooking the breathtaking Karambunai Bay, The Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai is a heaven come to earth with amenities that will let you experience relaxation, rejuvenation and tranquil escape from the hectic of daily life.Ā
The resort is known for offering world-class facilities including an exclusive private beach, refreshing outdoor pools, a Spa with various kinds of treatments and massages, a fitness centre, a wide variety of water sports, a golf course, and even a childrenās club for the young ones to socialize and have their own fun.Ā
If you have already known several resorts located along the beautiful ocean, now it is time to introduce you to a resort located on top of a hill allowing visitors to become one with nature and fully indulge themself in the beauty of nature. Kokol Haven Resort is a comfy resort nestled among the lush greenery of Kokol hill which is known for having a cool and refreshing image perfect for those looking for a serene and relaxing getaway.Ā
A first budget hotel located close to Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Casuarina Hotel is located only a 10-minute drive from the airport and is known for offering modern amenities, comfortable rooms, several dining options as well as great services and facilities that can be enjoyed throughout your stay, including air conditioning, shower with a heater, and television for each room, and even an airport transfer that will allow you to move to the airport easier.Ā
A beautiful boutique hotel nestled in Kota Kinabalu Malaysia located only 1.63km away from Kota Kinabalu International Airport. The same goes with many other boutique hotels in the whole world, The Atelier Boutique Hotel is known for offering well-furnished elegant rooms complete with modern amenities, allowing visitors to have a comfortable stay. It also has a rooftop pool where you get to see the stunning sight of the Kota Kinabalu skyline and have leisure time in the relaxing pool.Ā
Last but not least of the hotel list close to the airport today is Homesite Home @ Aeroipos SOVO. As the name implies, the hotel tends to be more focused on giving the most comfortable stay for every visitor who comes to stay with the hotel. It has a modern design with well-furnished rooms, complete with all the basic amenities youāre going to need throughout your stay in Kota Kinabalu.Ā
Booking in advance is always recommended for those of you who have already planned to go for a holiday. Besides it will save a lot of your time from booking on-site, booking hotels in advance also often be much more cheaper, especially if there are any discounts, deals, or promos that are available.Ā
Some airlines or travel agencies offer bundled deals that can save a lot of your money. Some of them also involve bundling your hotel accommodation and activities like island hopping or wildlife tours where you can enjoy two different things under one price which is often cheaper than booking each of the accommodations and activities one by one.Ā
If you are looking for more economic and local experience with potentially lower cost of accommodation, then consider booking homestays or guesthouses to save more of your money. An apartment is also another option if you plan to stay for a longer time period.
Consider visiting during the off-peak season, when the price tends to be cheaper compared to the peak season, the same goes for accommodations, attractions and activities price throughout the city.Ā
Each of the accommodation might have or have not some hidden fees that havenāt been include on the booking ticket that you booked. For example, some hotels would ask you for an extra charge for breakfast or other services like airport transfer or Spa services.Ā
To make sure which fees are included in your booked ticket and which are that are not included on your booked ticket, you need to read the details more thoroughly or ask for customer service to make sure everything is going as you wish.
Now that you have known a lot about many budget hotels available in Kota Kinabalu, it is time to plan your next holiday to Kota Kinabalu with Traveloka!
Take advantage of various promotions and offers that Traveloka has, including āJOMJALANā for new users which gives additional discounts of up to RM 250 that can be applied through many variables offered by Traveloka from accommodation, flight tickets, and attraction tickets!
Popular Area | Tanjung Aru, 1Borneo |
Popular Hotel | 1 City Hotel, Promenade Service Apartment |
Popular Landmark | Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, Jesselton Point Waterfront |