The Best Things to do in Kota Kinabalu
25 Places to Visit After MCO
Kota Kinabalu officially turns 21 years old today after being declared a city on 2 February 2000. In human years, this would be the year that the city would be allowed to drink alcohol legally and, prior to 2019, would be allowed to legally vote for elections.
All humour aside, 21 years is a very young age for a city considering the growth it has made over the years. While nothing like the metropolitan capital city of Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu was blooming in its own unique and Sabahan way before the pandemic hit.
Watch the KK City Day Celebration speech by DBKK below
Here are the best things this tropical city has to offer so that once we break through this period of restriction, we know exactly where and what to explore.
At a glance: Staycation, cafes, hiking, camping, bicycle tours, island hopping, deep-sea fishing, picnic, workshops, golf, alpacas, gardens, road trips, sports, shopping, fireflies, spas, museums, SUP, ATV, yoga, paragliding and Mount K!
(Warning: you’ll have itching feet and a heart bursting with pride by the end of this article!)
1. Staycation your heart out
Once this blows over, tourism will bounce right back to where it was in 2019 because Sabah has so much to offer.
Wake up to the cold and misty mountains of Kundasang one weekend and then to the sound of waves crashing against the shore the next weekend? Why not! Rates will be low enough for solo or romantic trips and you could even get a bunch of your friends or family to chip in for a luxury 6 bedroom villa!
2. #Sopotlocol and try all the new cafes in town
If you lived in Kota Kinabalu through the Movement Control Order, there is a high chance you’ve heard of, seen or actually been in the line to the Mcdonalds drive through in Bundusan. (Give us a like on Facebook if you have).
But did you know there were several cafes and restaurants that opened just before or during the pandemic? Try something new and go on a foodie hunt, chances are you’ll find your new favourite local spot!
3. Pull up your socks and go on a hike
Hiking is for everyone. No matter what level of fitness, there is a trail for you! You can start small with a trail easily accessible like Bukit Padang or Bukit Kopungit (where the World War II Japanese tunnels are) or go for something a little more adventurous like Bukit Botak and Bukit Sugud Timbango. There are plenty of hiking options in and around KK so with a bit of research, you will find some great treasure spots and possibly new hiking buddies as there are tons of hiking groups out there.
4. Hitch a tent and go camping
This is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, test your primal skills and even bond with loved ones (much needed after isolation). There are different levels of camping, depending on your level of commitment. Some might opt to rent tents and equipment from agencies, some might go all out with full-on gear - cooking stoves and all! There are also a few glamping options now. Where to go? Try this stunning mountain view spot at Hounon Ridge or wake up to roaming deers at Mondikot Deer Camp.
5. Explore the outskirts of the city - by bicycle!
Kota Kinabalu has become increasingly popular for cyclists over the recent years and there is a number of trails of ranging difficulty levels in and around the city. It’s a great way to explore the beauty of Sabah while also getting a good adrenaline rush.
6. Load up the sunblock and get island hopping
If the pandemic did anyone any good, it’s the environment. With a break from human traffic, the ocean and beaches have had a chance to take a breather. It will be a beautiful sight to see but just keep that mind to leave only footprints and take only pictures on these trips. Also, if you haven’t heard, a diving license is the new driving license. It’s a great hobby to explore a whole new world, under the sea.
7. Go deep-sea fishing
Being a coastal city, nearby marinas, jetties and boat charters mean you could be out in the middle of the ocean catching your own lunch by midday.
8. Picnic by a river, in the mountains or by the beach
If hiking, camping and fishing sound too much for you (we get it, we’ve been at home watching Netflix for months too) you can still catch the outdoors with minimal effort! Kota Kinabalu has lots of picnic spots. All you need to do is tapau (takeaway) some lunch and choose a place to enjoy your meal, whether it be beachfront or by a waterfall. Check out this rentable picnic set!
Picnic goer at Sugud Timpango
Picnic goer at Sugud Timpango
9. Keep an eye out for creative workshops
Did you know making art can increase serotonin levels and reduce stress? You don’t have to be Picasso to reap the benefits of a creative workshop and KK city is home to many artistic individuals that frequently host workshops.
Learn the art of pottery at Tao Art Studio.
10. Golf - Not just for the pros!
If you're looking for a new hobby, golf could be it. You can start off by renting equipment and hitting 100 balls for RM10 at one of the city driving ranges. Once you get the swing of it, you’ll be addicted!
Fore! Hit some balls at the Likas Driving range
Fore! Hit some balls at the Likas Driving range
11. Pet an alpaca
A little drive up to the chillier region of Kundasang, there’s a magical little home for alpacas. They’re fluffy, friendly animals that love to be fed and pet and your kids will love them too.
Book your visit to The Alpaca Club
Book your visit to The Alpaca Club
12. Try the freshest ice cream and cheese in KK
Got milk? Desa Farm, a little drive up from KK and into Kundasang, does! It’s a locals favourite spot to get away from the heat of the inner city and enjoy a delightful cup of fresh ice cream or cheese (try it on their pizza). You can even feed the moo cows too, they’ll love it.
13. Go on a garden spree
If you’ve always wanted a pet but couldn’t commit to a puppy, a plant would be a safer choice. Plus they look pretty and filter your air! Take an afternoon stroll through one of the plant nurseries in town.
14. Set out on a road trip
In every direction from the city centre, there are road trip destinations worth making the journey to. Head North to the Tip of Borneo, Kudat for a beach getaway or wind uphill to the higher regions for a misty and cooler experience.
15. Don’t like running? No excuses!
There are many ways to stay active and get your heart pumping so don’t resort to running if it’s not your jam. Likas Sports Complex is the sports hub of Kota Kinabalu where you can swim, play basketball, badminton or even rock climbing and skateboarding.
16. Find special gifts for a special someone (or yourself) at the local tamu!
The Gaya Street Sunday Market was once a vibrant melting pot of local vendors selling cultural crafts and even pets and vegetables. There was also the Filipino Night Market, Jesselton Artisan Market at Riverson The Walk, JAM at Goodang and the occasional pop-up artisanal market.
17. Be dazzled by fireflies on chartered wetland boat tours
The fastest way to step into another world is to go on a tour. Right in the city of Kota Kinabalu, you can take a wetland boat tour and marvel at the sight of trees lit up by fireflies at night.
18. Need some TLC? A spa day is in order
Kota Kinabalu is a place where people come to relax. Take advantage of any promotions and get yourself a massage once it is safe to.
19. Get immersed in history and culture
How much do you really know about Kota Kinabalu or Sabah? The Sabah State Museum and Monsopiad Cultural Village may hold some secrets for you to discover.
20. Sups up
While there are some surfers in the area, waves in KK are a little more on the calmer side and more welcoming to Stand Up Paddle boards (SUP). Other water sports are popular too like kayaking, parasailing and wakeboarding!
21. ATV and Off-road tours
Another fun way to explore the city is by ATV. Check out ATV Borneo Adventure or Borneo Quad Biking for a joy ride around the hilly Sabah exteriors.
22. Saddle up and try horse riding
Do you enjoy long walks on the beach? Why not step it up a notch and try it via horseback? You could be an equestrian for a day by visiting Rasa Ria Resort or Borneo Trails and Tours in Sepanggar.
23. Zen out at a yoga or meditation retreat
This is probably the most relaxing option on this entire list so if you’re feeling overwhelmed so far reading this article, here’s one for you. Pre covid times, 3 hours away from the city, 9 huts on a hill was a yogi haven with packages that included daily yoga, meditation, scuba diving and bike rides along with all-inclusive meals. There are also retreats up in the mountains too.
24. Paraglide with your head in the clouds
Paragliding at Kokol hill is an irreplaceable experience if you ever have the chance to try it. You will get unbeatable, breathtaking 360 degree views of the coastal city and spiralling down at 50 mph will literally take your breath away, in the best way possible.
25. Climb to the highest peak of Malaysia
Climbing Mount Kinabalu should be on every KK-en’s bucket list. In between MCOs last year, stellar package deals made the adventure more accessible than ever before. Watching the sunrise from the highest peak in Malaysia is a sight you will definitely never forget.
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