Kota Kinabalu Holidays

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Your Kota Kinabalu Holiday

When a city break is calling, answer it with a holiday package to Kota Kinabalu. The neighbourhood of Downtown Kota Kinabalu, which is great for bars and pubs, dining and markets, makes an awesome base for your adventures. 1Borneo Hypermall, Likas Stadium and Sabah State Mosque are just a few of the many sights you'll want to check out during your trip to Kota Kinabalu. Whoever you're taking a break with and whatever your bank balance, your ultimate Kota Kinabalu holiday is just a few clicks away with Expedia.

Kota Kinabalu Essential Information

Language
Malaysian
Currency
Malaysian ringgits
Local Goodbye
Sampai jumpa lagi
Closest Airport
Kota Kinabalu Intl. Airport (BKI)
Population
457,300
Max Temp Winter
29ºC
Max Temp Summer
29ºC
Top Sights
Kota Kinabalu Esplanade, Lok Kawi Wildlife Park and Sabah State Museum

Our guide on where to stay in Kota Kinabalu

Check out a few of the areas and neighbourhoods we love in Kota Kinabalu Learn more about Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu showing island images, tropical scenes and a coastal town

Downtown Kota Kinabalu

8 out of top 10 points of interest in this area
4/5(38 area reviews)

A noteworthy feature of Downtown Kota Kinabalu is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Oceanus Waterfront Mall and Centre Point.

Find hotels in Downtown Kota Kinabalu

Our pick of the best Kota Kinabalu Hotel Deals

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
5 out of 5
Jalan Datuk Salleh Sulong, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Stay at this luxury hotel in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"I believe this hotel is nearly perfect. If I may offer a suggestion, perhaps the parking lot could be enhanced to reflect a more artistic flair."

Reviewed on 14 May 2024

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu
Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu
5 out of 5
No. 20, Jalan Aru, Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Stay at this luxury resort in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"clogged sink in my room at the Kinabalu View wing"

Reviewed on 5 May 2024

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu
Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu
Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu
5 out of 5
NO. 18 JALAN HAJI SAMAN, Kota Kinabalu
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (122 reviews)
"Good location with shopping Centre and dining around the premises."

Reviewed on 12 Feb 2024

Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu
See all 552 properties in Kota 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.

All Inclusive Holidays

All Inclusive Holidays

Beach Holidays

Beach Holidays

Family Friendly Holidays

Family Friendly Holidays

Frequently asked questions

Why should I book my Kota Kinabalu holiday with Expedia?
Choose Expedia to plan your next break simply and all in one place. Our top tip for scoring a terrific deal on a Kota Kinabalu getaway? Bundle your flights, hotel and/or car hire into a package holiday. Then throw in a few fun tours and activities. Most bookings also have flexible cancellation policies, so there’s no need to panic if you have to change your travel plans. Round-the-clock help with changing and cancelling your trip is available via our Customer Service Portal link.
When is the best time of year to holiday in Kota Kinabalu?
Kota Kinabalu can get very busy in June, September and October, so if you want to avoid the crowds, pack your bags for January, February and March. With average daytime temperatures of 26ºC, January is the coolest month in Kota Kinabalu. The warmest month is May, when you can expect averages of 28ºC throughout the day. Whatever the weather, you’ll discover a whole lot to keep you busy here.
What are the top hotels for my holiday in Kota Kinabalu?
If you’re planning to stay in the Downtown Kota Kinabalu neighbourhood, Gaya Centre Hotel and Kinabalu Daya Hotel are terrific options. Pusat Bandar is also a popular Kota Kinabalu area. We recommend The Jesselton Hotel or Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu if you choose this end of town.
How do I get a cheap holiday to Kota Kinabalu?
If you love amazing deals, combine your bookings into a Kota Kinabalu holiday. Whether you’re looking for flights, hotels, activities or hire cars, you can browse and book them all in one place. You’ll have loads of choice at your fingertips too. Expedia has over 400 air carriers and 321,000 hotels around the globe to pick from. Fly with who you want, stay in a place you like and save a packet — now that’s the perfect holiday! Learn more about how you can save money on your holiday when you combine your flight and hotel bookings with Expedia.
What should I do on my Kota Kinabalu holiday?
Ensure your holiday in Kota Kinabalu is an unforgettable one by checking out its best attractions. 1Borneo Hypermall, Likas Stadium, Sabah State Mosque and Lok Kawi Wildlife Park are some of the things worth discovering while you’re in the area.
What are the best neighbourhoods to stay in when on holiday in Kota Kinabalu?
For many travellers, Donggongon is at the top of the list. Home to excellent attractions like Lok Kawi Wildlife Park, this area will show you what Kota Kinabalu is all about. Of course, spending your nights in Kampung Sembulan Baru is also worth considering. Sabah State Mosque is one awesome sight to cross off here.
Do I need a visa for my Kota Kinabalu holiday?
Official government websites have all the information you need on visa requirements, application procedures and necessary documentation. Your nationality and reason for travelling, whether it be for tourism or work, will determine if you’ll need a visa for Kota Kinabalu. Also check that your passport is up to date and has a minimum of six months validity remaining beyond your intended date of return. Finalise all your travel planning well in advance to avoid any nasty last-minute surprises.
What should I wear on my Kota Kinabalu holiday?
Do a little research into the types of things people in Kota Kinabalu wear, and maybe even browse social media fashion pages for inspiration. You’ll want to create a versatile travel wardrobe filled with pieces that suit your destination and showcase your unique sense of style. Check the weather forecast so you can pack accordingly. The warmest month in Kota Kinabalu is May, with average daytime temperatures of 28ºC. If you’re on holiday during the coolest month of January, the mercury averages 26ºC during the day.
What does an Expedia Kota Kinabalu holiday include?
It depends on what type of trip you’re thinking about. Kota Kinabalu holiday deals can include car hires, flights and hotels. You can mix and match to find the travel package that fits your needs. You can also add on activities and experiences after you’ve booked to pick up even bigger discounts. Apartments and hotels are two of the most sought-after property types in Kota Kinabalu. Whatever your group size or holiday style, you can rely on Expedia for the freedom and flexibility to customise your next dream escape.
Does Expedia offer Book Now, Pay Later Kota Kinabalu holidays?
Yes, we do. Expedia has partnered with online lender Klarna to help you easily pay for your trip in manageable instalments. Simply click on the payment plan that suits you best during checkout and take away the stress of budgeting for your trip. Be sure to bundle your flights, car hire and hotel with Expedia to get the biggest bang for your buck. Take a look at our flexible payment options below:

  • Pay monthly holidays: Make your holiday dreams come true sooner with Klarna’s easy instalment plans. If paying bite-sized amounts each month sounds right for you, choose this option at checkout.
  • No-deposit holidays: Clicking the “book now” button is much easier with this option. With no deposit required for your escape, you can Book Now, Pay Later and start packing your bags.

Can I choose my airline with a Kota Kinabalu Expedia holiday?
Yes, you sure can. We offer more than 400 partner airlines across the globe, so pick the carrier that matches your budget and travel needs.

Discover the most popular places to visit in Kota Kinabalu

Image for Suria Sabah Shopping Mall

Suria Sabah Shopping Mall

4.5/5(12 reviews)

During your visit to Pusat Bandar, you can do some window-shopping at Suria Sabah Shopping Mall. Amble around the area's marina or seek out the local tours.

Suria Sabah Shopping Mall
Image for Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Kota Kinabalu Esplanade is just one of the places to see in Pusat Bandar, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Discover the beautiful sunsets and shops in this romantic area.

Kota Kinabalu Esplanade
Image for Oceanus Waterfront Mall

Oceanus Waterfront Mall

You can do some window-shopping at Oceanus Waterfront Mall during your trip to Pusat Bandar. Visit the shops and seafood restaurants in this romantic area.

Oceanus Waterfront Mall

Unmissable things to do in Kota Kinabalu

Image for Kiulu River White Water Rafting from Kota Kinabalu

Kiulu River White Water Rafting from Kota Kinabalu

£77
Per adult
Kiulu River White Water Rafting from Kota Kinabalu
Image for Kota Kinabalu by Night and Cultural Dance Show

Kota Kinabalu by Night and Cultural Dance Show

£102
Per adult
Kota Kinabalu by Night and Cultural Dance Show
Image for Klias Wetland River Safari Tour

Klias Wetland River Safari Tour

£107
Per adult
Klias Wetland River Safari Tour
See all activities in Kota Kinabalu

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Flight-inclusive packages are ATOL protected.