Find hotels in Kota Kinabalu from CA $22

Top reasons to visit Kota Kinabalu

• Stunning Beaches: Enjoy the beautiful beaches of Kota Kinabalu, perfect for relaxation and water activities.
• Mount Kinabalu: Experience the majestic Mount Kinabalu, a must-visit for trekking enthusiasts and nature lovers.
• Cultural Richness: Explore local mosques, urban parks, and vibrant markets to immerse yourself in the rich culture.
• Adventure Activities: Engage in thrilling activities like scuba diving and trekking in Sabah's stunning landscapes.
• Diverse Accommodations: Choose from budget guesthouses to luxurious hotels catering to every type of traveller.

Find great hotels in Kota Kinabalu

Discover a diverse selection of accommodations in Kota Kinabalu, ranging from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious 5-star hotels. Whether you're seeking a family-friendly getaway, a business trip, or a lavish retreat, the city offers something for every traveller. With a variety of amenities and themes, including Business, Family, and Luxury, you'll find the perfect place to relax and explore the stunning beauty of Sabah.

• Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu: Embrace the ultimate beach getaway at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, a luxurious 5-star resort that caters to families, golf enthusiasts, and beach lovers. The resort offers direct access to stunning beaches, allowing guests to soak up the sun and enjoy the gentle waves. Families will appreciate the extensive children’s amenities, including a mini-golf course, free cribs, and safety features like corner and bed guards. With its beautiful surroundings and top-notch golf facilities, this resort is ideal for both relaxation and recreation.
• Hyatt Regency Kinabalu: Hyatt Regency Kinabalu is a sophisticated 5-star hotel that seamlessly blends business and leisure. Perfect for families and business travellers alike, it features a full-service spa where guests can unwind with massages and sauna treatments. Children’s amenities include a pool designed just for them, free cribs, and babysitting options for added convenience. The hotel also includes a meeting room, making it an excellent choice for corporate guests. With its prime location and excellent facilities, it’s a great spot to recharge after a busy day.
• The Magellan Sutera Resort: Experience a tropical paradise at The Magellan Sutera Resort, a luxurious 5-star resort that welcomes families and golf aficionados. With direct beach access and scenic views, guests can indulge in sun-soaked days and fun-filled nights. The resort features an arcade game room and a shared playground for children, ensuring that little ones are entertained. For those looking to enhance their stay, the resort also offers golf facilities. With its family-friendly atmosphere and breathtaking surroundings, it’s the perfect retreat for everyone.

Where to stay in Kota Kinabalu

Discover the charm of Kota Kinabalu, a vibrant city perfect for family vacations and romantic getaways. Explore the bustling Kota Kinabalu town, relax on stunning beaches, and immerse yourself in the friendly atmosphere. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, this destination offers diverse experiences for every traveller. Enjoy a holiday filled with cultural richness and natural beauty, making Kota Kinabalu an unforgettable vacation spot in Malaysia.

• Downtown Kota Kinabalu: Nestled in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, Downtown is a vibrant neighbourhood that serves as the city’s commercial hub. Visitors flock here year-round, with peak seasons in August and December to January. The area is perfect for families and business travellers alike, offering a diverse range of shopping centres and local markets. Highlights include the scenic marina and lush parks, providing a perfect backdrop for leisurely strolls. Whether you're indulging in retail therapy or enjoying a meal with a view, Downtown Kota Kinabalu promises an engaging urban experience.
• Pusat Bandar: A charming village within Kota Kinabalu, Pusat Bandar captures the essence of local life while providing modern conveniences. Like Downtown, it witnesses a steady flow of tourists, especially during peak months in August and December to January. This area is ideal for families and city explorers, featuring bustling shopping centres and public markets. Notable landmarks include the marina and nearby parks, where visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture. Pusat Bandar blends the familiar comforts of city living with the warmth of a close-knit community.
• Tanjung Aru: Renowned for its stunning beaches and outdoor activities, Tanjung Aru is a must-visit neighbourhood for those seeking adventure and relaxation. Peak travel months occur in April, July, and September, attracting families and outdoor enthusiasts. The area boasts luxurious resorts and private clubs, making it a perfect retreat. Visitors can explore beautiful parks and the picturesque marina, ideal for picnics or sunset views. Tanjung Aru offers a unique blend of city life and natural beauty, ensuring an unforgettable holiday experience.

Things to do in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu offers a diverse range of activities perfect for families and business travellers alike. Enjoy shopping at local malls and private clubs, or unwind at a spa. Adventure seekers can embark on trekking excursions around Sabah or explore the underwater wonders through scuba diving. With its vibrant city life and stunning natural beauty, Kota Kinabalu is an ideal destination for a memorable vacation.

Shopping

Kota Kinabalu offers a vibrant shopping experience. Visit KK Plaza for a mix of family and entertainment vibes. Don't miss the Gaya Street Sunday Market for local treasures and crafts. If you're up for a drive, explore Downbelow Adventure Centre for unique outdoor gear and souvenirs.

Recreation

Nexus Golf Resort Karambunai offers a rejuvenating experience with its stunning golf course set amidst lush landscapes. For a touch of luxury, Dalit Bay Golf & Country Club provides exclusive amenities and a tranquil atmosphere. Likas Stadium is perfect for sports enthusiasts seeking an active vibe close to the city.

Adventure

Experience thrilling adventures at Zip Borneo, located 25.7km from Kota Kinabalu, where you can soar through the treetops on an exhilarating zipline and tackle an exciting ropes course. For a scenic hike, explore Bukit Padang in Kota Kinabalu, where stunning views await you amidst lush greenery.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu offers several ways to save money during your visit. Enjoy free activities at Imago Shopping Mall, Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, and Gaya Street Sunday Market. For transport, consider using buses or Grab cars to keep costs low. The best months to visit for cheaper rates are March, May, and November, while booking about a month in advance typically yields the best hotel prices. Look for Saturday stays, as they are generally cheaper. Use Expedia's tools to find last-minute deals and package discounts on accommodations, flights, and activities for additional savings.

• 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 August and December to January, 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 specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily arrange your results to display accommodations from the lowest price to the highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you can refine your selection by hotel type; for instance, by checking the "Eco-certified" filter, you will be presented with sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel booking in Kota Kinabalu with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

Find the best attractions in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu is a fantastic destination for family, business, and city-themed vacations. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions such as mosques, urban parks, and the vibrant harbour, all while seeking cultural, outdoor, and urban experiences. Don't miss the stunning Mount Kinabalu, along with some of the best resorts in the area, making your trip truly memorable.

• Sutera Harbour: Experience the stunning views and relaxing beach vibes at Sutera Harbour, where you can enjoy a variety of water sports, dine at seaside restaurants, or simply unwind on the sandy shores while taking in the beautiful sunsets.
• Sabah State Mosque: Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Sabah at the Sabah State Mosque, known for its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere. Visitors can appreciate the intricate designs and learn about the local Islamic traditions.
• Mari Mari Cultural Village: Discover the diverse cultures of Sabah at Mari Mari Cultural Village, where you can engage with traditional customs, crafts, and cuisine through interactive experiences that showcase the heritage of various indigenous groups.

Best time to go to Kota Kinabalu

Visitor numbers in Kota Kinabalu is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. 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	Average	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	Slightly Low	Average
July	81.5°F (27.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
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	Slightly High

The nearest major airports for your trip to Kota Kinabalu

Flying into Kota Kinabalu, you have the convenience of Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI), situated 6.4km from the city centre. Excellent lodging options nearby include the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, a luxurious 5-star resort located 3.2km from the airport, offering shuttle transfers. The Magellan Sutera Resort, another 5-star option, is 4.8km away and provides easy access to the airport. Additionally, the Hilton Kota Kinabalu, 6.4km from BKI, features a range of transportation services, including a 24-hour airport shuttle and fee-based transportation options for guests. These hotels ensure a seamless travel experience for your visit to beautiful Sabah.