2026 guide ยท Sabah
Last updated 31 October 2026 ยท 7 places
โก Quick answer ยท Last updated 31 October 2026
Top picks in Kota Kinabalu: Tunku Abdul Rahman Park (Islands), Gaya Island Resort (Luxury Resorts) and Tanjung Aru Beach (Beaches).
๐๏ธ Islands ยท Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik, Sulug, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Five islands a short boat ride from KK, great for snorkelling, short hikes and beach time. Manukan and Sapi are the most popular, so go early.
Don't miss: Snorkelling at Sapi and Mamutik
๐บ Luxury Resorts ยท Pulau Gaya, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Villas on stilts over a bay inside Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, with a marine centre and mangrove boardwalks. Only 15 minutes by boat from Kota Kinabalu, but it feels a world away.
Don't miss: Marine centre turtle programme and mangrove walk
๐๏ธ Beaches ยท Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
KK's most famous sunset spot, a wide stretch of sand beside the city with a lively food-stall strip. Bring a picnic or grab satay and ikan bakar while the sky turns orange over the islands.
Don't miss: Sunset with Mount Kinabalu's silhouette on clear evenings
๐๏ธ Museums ยท Bukit Istana Lama, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
A hilltop museum complex with a Heritage Village of traditional Sabah houses, a vintage steam locomotive and the Sabah Islamic Civilisation Museum. The big longhouse-style Main Building has been closed since September 2024, so plan around the outdoor village and the other galleries.
Don't miss: The Heritage Village of traditional Sabah houses
๐ฎ Night Markets ยท Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Waterfront market area with grilled seafood, handicrafts and pearls. Expect bargaining and fresh grilled fish by the sea.
Don't miss: Grilled seafood and pearl stalls
๐ฆ Waterfalls ยท Inanam, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
A multi-tiered fall near KK with a plunge pool that is a popular weekend swim. The first tier is easy to reach; higher tiers need a trek.
Don't miss: Swimming at the base of the first big tier
๐๏ธ Boutique Hotels ยท City Centre, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
A colonial-style heritage hotel in the heart of Kota Kinabalu city with an old-world feel. Close to Gaya Street market.
Don't miss: High tea in the heritage lounge
Nothing here matches your filters. Clear a filter to see more.