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Things to see in Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia): 16 places and when to go

Kota Kinabalu is a city in Malaysia with around 528,000 inhabitants, and this site lists 16 places in and around it, mainly Nature (5), Temples (3), Wildlife (2). The best known are Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, Sabah State Mosque and Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. The best time to come is February to April and June to August; also possible: January, May and September to October. There are about 12 h 21 of daylight all year round: this close to the equator the days barely change. Here is what there is, when to go, how to get there and what else is nearby.

Reviewed on 4 min read

In a nutshell

Where
Malaysia · 5.98, 116.11
Population
About 528,000
Places
16 places on this site, in the town and around it.
What people come for
Nature (5) · Temples (3) · Wildlife (2) · History (2) · Beaches (2) · With kids (2)
Best time
February to April and June to August.
Also possible
January, May and September to October.
Nearest airport
BKI Kota Kinabalu, 8.5 km as the crow flies

What to see in Kota Kinabalu

The places in and around Kota Kinabalu, best known first, each with its own page: what it is, when to go and what is next to it. Distances are from the centre, as the crow flies.

When to go to Kota Kinabalu

The best time to visit Kota Kinabalu is February to April and June to August; also possible: January, May and September to October. This comes from its own places: a month counts as the town's best time when it is the best time for half of what there is to see.

  1. JanPossible11:41
  2. FebBest time11:49
  3. MarBest time11:58
  4. AprBest time12:08
  5. MayPossible12:16
  6. JunBest time12:21
  7. JulBest time12:19
  8. AugBest time12:12
  9. SepPossible12:02
  10. OctPossible11:52
  11. NovBetter not11:43
  12. DecBetter not11:39

Best timePossibleBetter notHours of daylight

There are about 12 h 21 of daylight all year round: this close to the equator the days barely change. In February, 16 of the 16 places are at their best.

When to go to Malaysia in general, with its festivals and peak seasons, is in its country guide.

Getting to Kota Kinabalu

The nearest main airport is Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI, Kota Kinabalu), 8.5 km as the crow flies. How to get around Malaysia (train, car, bus) is in its country guide, and what to sort out before you leave is in its checklist.

Where it is (opens in a new tab)Directions (opens in a new tab)

Other towns nearby

And all of Malaysia, in its country guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is there to see in Kota Kinabalu?

The best known: Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, Sabah State Mosque, Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, Atkinson Clock Tower, Pu Tuo Si Temple. In all, 16 places in the town and around it, all on your trip map from day one.

When is the best time to visit Kota Kinabalu?

February to April and June to August; also possible: January, May and September to October. There are about 12 h 21 of daylight all year round: this close to the equator the days barely change.

How do you get to Kota Kinabalu?

The nearest main airport is Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI), 8.5 km away. From there, directions opens the route on the map.

How do I add it to my trip?

Create a trip with Kota Kinabalu as the destination and these 16 places are on your map, each with its category. The ones you like go into a day's plan with one tap, and Kokai reminds you when you pass nearby.

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Data from OpenStreetMap, licensed under the ODbL, from Wikidata, CC0, cities from Natural Earth and airports from OurAirports. Daylight hours are calculated from the latitude. More in credits.