Search Kota Kinabalu hotels

Top reasons to visit Kota Kinabalu

• Stunning Beaches: Enjoy beautiful coastlines and pristine waters perfect for relaxation and water sports.
• Mount Kinabalu: Experience breathtaking views and thrilling treks at one of Southeast Asia’s highest peaks.
• Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in local customs, visit vibrant markets, and explore historical sites.
• Outdoor Adventures: Dive into diverse activities like trekking, biking tours, and marine exploration.
• Family-Friendly Attractions: Discover a range of activities suitable for both families and solo travellers.

Find great hotels in Kota Kinabalu

Discover a diverse array of accommodation options in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, perfect for every type of traveller. Whether you seek a family-friendly hotel, a relaxing spa retreat, or a business-themed stay, you'll find the best lodgings that cater to your needs. With a blend of guesthouses and star-rated hotels, Kota Kinabalu offers a welcoming experience for all visitors eager to explore this vibrant destination.

• Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu: Nestled along the stunning coastline, Shangri-La Tanjung Aru offers an exquisite blend of luxury and relaxation. This 5-star resort features direct beach access, making it perfect for those yearning for a sun-soaked getaway. Guests can indulge in a full-service spa, where treatments such as BodyWraps and Reflexology await. The expansive pool area provides a serene space for unwinding, ensuring that every moment spent here is one of tranquillity and indulgence.
• Hyatt Regency Kinabalu: A family-friendly haven, Hyatt Regency Kinabalu is where luxury meets comfort. This 5-star hotel caters to families, offering essential amenities like babysitting services, a children’s pool, and complimentary cribs. Located conveniently within Kota Kinabalu, guests can easily explore nearby attractions. The hotel’s spacious accommodations and attentive service make it an ideal choice for families seeking a memorable vacation experience.
• The Pacific Sutera Hotel: A golfer’s paradise, The Pacific Sutera Hotel combines leisure and family fun in a stunning resort setting. This 5-star property features golf-themed activities, catering to both seasoned players and beginners. Families can take advantage of the children’s amenities, including a supervised play area, arcade room, and a dedicated kids’ pool. With a commitment to ensuring a delightful experience for guests of all ages, this hotel creates the perfect environment for family bonding and recreation.

Where to stay in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu offers a vibrant mix of family-friendly attractions and romantic spots, perfect for any traveller. Explore the bustling town centre with its friendly atmosphere, or indulge in luxury resorts nearby. Don't miss the stunning coastal views and local markets, where you can immerse yourself in the culture. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, Kota Kinabalu and its surroundings provide the ideal backdrop for an unforgettable holiday experience.

• Pusat Bandar: Nestled in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, Pusat Bandar is a vibrant village that offers a unique blend of urban and local experiences. Travellers flock here year-round, with peak visits in August and December to January. This area is perfect for families, business trips, and city-themed adventures. You can explore shopping centres and bustling public markets, all while being close to local landmarks such as the marina and various parks. The lively atmosphere and accessibility make Pusat Bandar a must-visit for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the local culture.
• Downtown Kota Kinabalu: As the bustling core of the city, Downtown Kota Kinabalu captivates visitors with its dynamic energy and rich offerings. Like Pusat Bandar, it sees a steady influx of travellers, particularly during peak months in August and December to January. This neighbourhood is ideal for family outings and business engagements, with numerous shopping centres and markets at your fingertips. Notable attractions nearby include picturesque parks and scenic lookouts, providing a perfect backdrop for a leisurely day out. The blend of urban facilities and local charm makes Downtown a highlight of any visit.
• Tanjung Aru: Known for its stunning sunsets and outdoor activities, Tanjung Aru is a delightful neighbourhood that offers a refreshing escape from the urban hustle. With peak visitor numbers in April, July, and September, this area is popular for family outings and city exploration. Enjoy the luxurious resorts and private clubs, or take a leisurely stroll through the nearby parks and marina. Tanjung Aru combines relaxation with adventure, making it an excellent choice for those seeking both leisure and excitement during their stay in Kota Kinabalu.

Things to do in and around Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu offers a fantastic mix of activities perfect for families, business travellers, and city explorers. You can indulge in shopping at vibrant malls and private clubs, while outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy trekking around Sabah, exploring the underwater wonders with Downbelow Marine, or joining a bike tour. There’s something for everyone in this lively destination.

Shopping

For a vibrant shopping experience, visit Imago Shopping Mall, offering entertainment and family-friendly vibes. Don't miss the Gaya Street Sunday Market for local crafts and city atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, check out Downbelow Adventure Centre for unique souvenirs and adventure gear.

Recreation

At Likas Stadium, immerse yourself in a vibrant sports atmosphere while enjoying various fitness activities. Nexus Golf Resort Karambunai offers outdoor recreation with stunning landscapes, perfect for golf enthusiasts. Meanwhile, Dalit Bay Golf & Country Club provides a luxurious setting just 20.9km from the city, ideal for a relaxing day on the greens.

Adventure

The Sabah Indoor Climbing Centre offers an exhilarating climbing experience right in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, perfect for thrill-seekers. For hiking enthusiasts, Bukit Padang provides scenic trails surrounded by lush nature. Zip Borneo, located 25.7km from the city, delivers an adrenaline-pumping zipline adventure through stunning landscapes.

Nightlife

Kota Kinabalu’s nightlife buzzes with energy, featuring vibrant bars like the Waterfront and Shantique. For a laid-back vibe, check out the lively pubs at Gaya Street. Don't miss the night markets for local delicacies and a taste of the local culture under the stars.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Kota Kinabalu

To save money on your trip to Kota Kinabalu, plan your visit during the cheaper months of March, May, or November. Take advantage of the free attractions like Sutera Harbour and Mari Mari Cultural Village. For transport, using buses or Grab cars can be more economical than taxis. Book your accommodation about a month in advance for the best rates, especially on Saturdays, and consider using Expedia for package deals that combine flights and activities. Don’t forget to check for last-minute hotel deals and filter for eco-friendly options to save even more.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Kota Kinabalu are March, May and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to January and July to August, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel in Kota Kinabalu about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Kota Kinabalu is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay in Kota Kinabalu is Monday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your ideal location, and much more. You can easily arrange your search results by price, from the least expensive to the most costly, ensuring you see the most affordable accommodation options first. Additionally, you have the option to narrow down your choices by hotel type. For instance, if you select the Eco-certified filter, you'll discover a range of sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels ready for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save some cash by combining your Kota Kinabalu hotel reservations with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

Find the best attractions in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu is perfect for family, city, and business vacations, offering a blend of culture and outdoor experiences. Key attractions include stunning mosques, vibrant urban parks, and the picturesque harbour. Don't miss a trip to Mount Kinabalu for breathtaking views and adventure. Additionally, explore some of the best resorts in the area for a relaxing stay while immersing yourself in the local culture and natural beauty.

• Sutera Harbour: Experience the stunning seaside vibes at Sutera Harbour, where you can relax on the beach and soak in the picturesque scenery. The harbour offers a blend of luxury and nature, perfect for unwinding.
• Kota Kinabalu Esplanade: This vibrant tourist precinct is ideal for families, featuring lush outdoor spaces and a lively atmosphere. Enjoy leisurely strolls, vibrant markets, and local eateries, all while taking in the beautiful coastal views.
• Tanjung Aru Perdana Park: A perfect urban park for family outings, Tanjung Aru Perdana Park boasts expansive green spaces and recreational facilities. Enjoy the fresh air, picnic spots, and spectacular sunsets that make this park a local favourite.

Best time to go to Kota Kinabalu

The best time to visit Kota Kinabalu can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Kota Kinabalu falls in May, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature in Kota Kinabalu falls in February, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	80.1°F (26.7°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
February	79.9°F (26.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
March	80.4°F (26.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
April	81.7°F (27.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Average
May	82.6°F (28.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
June	82.2°F (27.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
July	81.5°F (27.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
August	81.9°F (27.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Slightly High
September	81.5°F (27.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	81.3°F (27.4°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
November	81.3°F (27.4°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
December	81.0°F (27.2°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average

The nearest major airports for your trip to Kota Kinabalu

When planning your trip to Kota Kinabalu, you can conveniently fly into Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI), which is situated approximately 6.4km from the city centre. Recommended accommodations nearby include the luxurious Hilton Kota Kinabalu and Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu, both offering excellent amenities and transport services such as airport shuttles. The Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort, located 3.2km from the airport, also provides transfers and shuttles for easy access. With these options, your arrival in Kota Kinabalu will be smooth and hassle-free.