🏝️ Kota Kinabalu Travel Guide | Attractions + Food + Transportation

Kota Kinabalu is a destination that combines islands, mountains, and the city. Enjoy hiking in the morning, island hopping in the afternoon, and enjoying seafood in the evening—a truly enriching itinerary!

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📍 Must-see attractions in Kota Kinabalu

1. Tunku Abdul Rahman Park (TAR Park)

• Features : Consists of 5 small islands (Manukan Island, Mamudi Island, Sapi Island, Gaya Island, and Sulu Island).
• Editor's recommendation : snorkeling, diving, banana boat, there are many water activities, the sea water is crystal clear.

2. Mount Kinabalu

• Features : The highest peak in Malaysia (4,095 meters), a World Heritage Site.
• Editor's note : If you want to climb to the summit, you must make a reservation in advance, which requires at least a 2-day, 1-night trip. If you don't want to climb, you can also go to Shenshan Park for a walk and enjoy the flowers.

3. Kota Kinabalu City Mosque

• Features : Built on an artificial lake, it is known as the "Floating Mosque" and has beautiful reflections.
• Editor’s guide : Taking photos in the evening at sunset is the most dreamy.

4. Gaya Street Sunday Market

• Features : Kota Kinabalu's busiest Sunday market, selling handicrafts, clothing, and tropical fruits.
• Editor's suggestion : It's best to visit in the morning; it's fun to eat and shop at the same time.

5. KK Waterfront

• Features : The best place to watch the sunset, with many restaurants and bars along the coast.
• Editor's reminder : Be sure to stay and watch the sunset, it's really beautiful!

6. Mari Mari Cultural Village

• Features : Experience the traditional tribal culture of Sabah, visit traditional houses, learn weaving and fire making.

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🍴 Must-try food in Kota Kinabalu

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🚐 Kota Kinabalu Transportation Guide

1. How to get to Kota Kinabalu

• Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI)
  • There are direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Hong Kong and Singapore.
  • The airport is about a 15-20 minute drive from the city center, and you can take Grab or a taxi.

2. Urban transportation

• Grab (ride-sharing app) : The most convenient and affordable.
• Walking : The city is not large and attractions such as Gaya Street and the Seaside Promenade are within walking distance.
• Charter/Group tour : Suitable for visiting suburban attractions such as Mount Kinabalu and Cultural Village.

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💡 My personal 3-day, 2-night itinerary suggestion

Day 1
Arrive in Kota Kinabalu → Enjoy seafood for lunch → Visit Kota Kinabalu Mosque in the afternoon → Watch the sunset at the seaside promenade in the evening → Eat grilled chicken wings at the night market for dinner

Day 2
Day Trip: Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (Snorkeling + Island Hopping) → Dinner: Coconut Pudding + Sabah Laksa

Day 3
Breakfast: Beef offal noodles → Half-day tour of Mount Kinabalu Park/Mari-Mari Cultural Village → Gaya Street Market in the afternoon → Return to the airport

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💬Editor 's thoughts <br>Kota Kinabalu is truly a "seafood paradise + natural wonder" city! Play on the islands during the day, eat lobsters and crabs at night, and even watch the world's most beautiful sunset by the sea🌅. My favorite is the floating mosque , it's so dreamy to take photos with it~