Kota Kinabalu Holidays

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Our guide on where to stay in Kota Kinabalu

Find the best Kota Kinabalu areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu Holiday

Things to do in Kota Kinabalu

Shopping

Kota Kinabalu offers vibrant shopping experiences. Imago Shopping Mall and Suria Sabah Shopping Mall are excellent for entertainment and family vibes. For a unique experience, check out Gaya Street Sunday Market, filled with local crafts and street food. If you're up for a drive, consider visiting nearby shopping centres for more options.

Recreation

Likas Stadium offers a vibrant atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, perfect for jogging or group fitness sessions. Nexus Golf Resort Karambunai provides a serene golfing experience amidst stunning landscapes, ideal for relaxation and recreation. Likas Sports Complex features various facilities for sports activities, promoting wellness through physical engagement.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the Sabah Indoor Climbing Centre, where you can challenge yourself on various climbing walls in a vibrant sports atmosphere. For a scenic adventure, hike the Bukit Padang trail, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Don't miss the excitement of the Sinilou Kibambangan Water Park, perfect for family fun and adventure.

Nightlife

Kota Kinabalu's nightlife is vibrant, with lively bars and nightclubs. Visit the Waterfront for stunning views and energetic crowds. For a relaxed vibe, check out the Shamrock Irish Pub. If you're in the mood for dancing, head to the popular Naza Night Club for an unforgettable night out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu offers a fantastic blend of attractions for families, business travellers, and city explorers alike. Visitors can immerse themselves in local culture by exploring beautiful mosques, relaxing in urban parks, and enjoying the scenic harbour. For outdoor enthusiasts, a trek to Mount Kinabalu is a must, providing breathtaking views and a memorable experience in nature. Whether you seek culture, city life, or adventure, Kota Kinabalu has something special to offer every traveller.

  • University of Malaysia Sabah: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of a modern educational institution. The university's stunning architecture and lush surroundings offer a unique blend of city vibes and natural beauty.
  • Tanjung Aru Perdana Park: Enjoy a delightful outdoor experience in this urban park, perfect for families. With its scenic views and recreational facilities, it's an ideal spot for picnics, leisurely walks, and soaking in the local ambience.
  • Mari Mari Cultural Village: Step into the rich cultural tapestry of Sabah at this cultural village. Engage with traditional crafts, performances, and local cuisine, experiencing the diverse heritage of the indigenous tribes.

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.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January80.1°F (26.7°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
February79.9°F (26.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
March80.4°F (26.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
April81.7°F (27.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May82.6°F (28.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June82.2°F (27.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
July81.5°F (27.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
August81.9°F (27.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September81.5°F (27.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October81.3°F (27.4°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November81.3°F (27.4°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December81.0°F (27.2°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage

Tips to save on your trip to Kota Kinabalu

  • Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Kota Kinabalu.
  • Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically March, May and November) for more affordable package holidays to Kota Kinabalu.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Our pick of the best Kota Kinabalu Hotel Deals

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

5 out of 5
Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens Kota Kinabalu Sabah
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$236 per night from 11 July to 12 July
NZ$236
11 July - 12 July
includes taxes & fees
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"14樓及15樓,非常棒,房務清潔非常的乾淨,值得推薦"

Reviewed on 6 July 2026

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu

5 out of 5
Jalan Aru, Tanjung Aru, 20 Kota Kinabalu Sabah
The price is NZ$703 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
NZ$703
2 Aug - 3 Aug
includes taxes & fees
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"Clean property, just felt some things could use an upgrade and better amenities. The spa was fantastic though!"

Reviewed on 30 June 2026

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

5 out of 5
Jalan Datuk Salleh Sulong Kota Kinabalu Sabah
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$339 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
NZ$339
2 Aug - 3 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Kota Kinabalu attractions

What to do in Kota Kinabalu

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Kota Kinabalu holiday package cost?
Offering great value package deals on Expedia, you'll be thrilled with how little a holiday to Kota Kinabalu costs! Our packages mean less travel planning for you and greater savings.
What are the cheapest months to go to Kota Kinabalu?
You can typically find reduced prices and greater availability in April, May and November. Browse our cheap Kota Kinabalu holiday packages and you could get some great off-season deals.
How many days is enough for Kota Kinabalu?
Dedicate around 3 days for your Kota Kinabalu holiday if you're hoping to take in everything that makes this place unique. Wander around popular neighbourhoods, including Downtown Kota Kinabalu and Pusat Bandar. Then head to the major sights such as Sabah State Museum and Signal Hill Observatory Platform. With a clever itinerary, you can keep busy with room for some relaxation too. Want to travel beyond Kota Kinabalu? Consider fitting in an excursion or two.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Kota Kinabalu?
Whether you want to explore major sights such as Imago Shopping Mall and Suria Sabah Shopping Mall on your Kota Kinabalu holiday, or coming for its great shopping, markets and coastal beaches, there's something for everyone here. With so much to see and do, you'll soon find out why so many families think Kota Kinabalu is a good holiday destination.
How to find the best Kota Kinabalu package deals?
Finding a cheap Kota Kinabalu package deal is easy with Expedia. Once you've entered your trip dates and destination under our "Packages" tab, set your budget, apply some filters and see what's available. You can fine-tune your search by "Area," "Amenities," "Property type" and more. Order the results by "Price: low to high" to discover the most affordable Kota Kinabalu package deals. Want a simple trick to score the biggest savings? Have some flexibility with your departure dates and consider going away on a weekday, when prices are typically lower.
Is it cheaper to book a Kota Kinabalu holiday as a package?
An Expedia holiday package could save you hundreds of dollars when compared to booking stays and flights separately. Better still, you can tailor your Kota Kinabalu escape to fit your exact needs. Choose your preferred flight time, select the hotel type and add a car rental. Browse our great deals to see how much you can save.
When to book a holiday package to Kota Kinabalu?
If you're planning an impromptu Kota Kinabalu adventure, browse our last-minute deals that can be booked up to a week before you go. Prefer not to wait until the last minute? You can score awesome deals on your hotels and flights by booking ahead.
How to plan a trip to Kota Kinabalu?

  1. Choose when to get away: Check your diary and get packing. Your preferred time of year and the type of activities available will also help you decide when to holiday in Kota Kinabalu.
  2. Budget wisely: As well as the cost of your hotel, you'll need to factor in other expenses too. These include flights, transportation and food. Also, put aside a little extra for unexpected expenses that could arise during your trip to Kota Kinabalu.
  3. Decide how long to go for: Now that you know more about Kota Kinabalu, you can figure out the right length of your holiday. Put together a rough itinerary and allocate enough time to cover everything you want to do.
  4. Combine your airfare and accommodation: Once you've settled on your dates and duration, book the ideal Kota Kinabalu holiday package for you.

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* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.