Hotels in Kota Kinabalu

Discover Kota Kinabalu: Where Vibrant Islands Meet Majestic Nature

Kota Kinabalu, nestled on the western coast of Malaysian Borneo, is a captivating blend of vibrant city life and breathtaking natural beauty. Explore the stunning islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, where crystal-clear waters invite snorkeling and sunbathing. Discover the majestic Mount Kinabalu, an UNESCO World Heritage site, perfect for trekking enthusiasts. Stroll through Padang Merdeka and immerse yourself in local culture at bustling markets. With its lush parks, scenic marinas, and rich biodiversity, Kota Kinabalu offers an unforgettable escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike, making it a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia. For the best hotel rates in Kota Kinabalu, be sure to check out Hotels.com's Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window on travel.

Top locations to stay in Kota Kinabalu

Some of the best places to stay in Kota Kinabalu are Karambunai, Kampung Air and Alamesra. Kota Kinabalu offers diverse attractions, with Karambunai known for its pristine beaches and luxury resorts, perfect for relaxation. Kampung Air showcases vibrant local culture and waterfront experiences, ideal for immersing in authentic Malaysian life. Alamesra is more suburban, offering a mix of modern amenities and local charm. For first-time visitors, Kampung Air is the best choice to experience the local lifestyle. Accommodations vary from luxury hotels to boutique options, ensuring a comfortable stay for every traveler. Here are some of our travelers' favorite hotels in Kota Kinabalu:

1. KarambunaiOpens in a new window: Karambunai is an excellent destination for those seeking a mix of beach relaxation and outdoor activities. With its beautiful coastline and proximity to shopping centers like Imago Shopping Mall and 1Borneo Hypermall, visitors can enjoy both leisure and shopping. The area is well-suited for families, sports enthusiasts, and business travelers. Consider staying at Nexus Resort & Spa KarambunaiOpens in a new window, a 4.5-star hotel offering direct beach access, meeting rooms, and amenities for children such as a playground and arcade game room. Another option is Borneo Beach VillasOpens in a new window, a 4.0-star hotel that also provides beach access along with business services. For a more luxurious experience, Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota KinabaluOpens in a new window is a 5.0-star resort featuring adventure sports, golf activities, and beachfront accommodations.
2. Kampung AirOpens in a new window: Kampung Air is a vibrant area perfect for families and adventure seekers. The location is bustling with shopping options like Suria Sabah Shopping Mall and the Gaya Street Sunday Market, making it ideal for those who enjoy exploring local culture. For your stay, Le Meridien Kota KinabaluOpens in a new window is a top choice, a 5.0-star hotel with business facilities and adventure sports nearby. Another excellent option is Hilton Kota KinabaluOpens in a new window, which offers luxurious accommodations and services for families. Hyatt Regency KinabaluOpens in a new window is also a standout, providing business amenities and childcare services, ensuring a comfortable stay for families traveling with children.
3. AlamesraOpens in a new window: Alamesra is a convenient business hub located near several shopping centers, including Imago Shopping Mall. This area is perfect for business travelers looking for accessibility and amenities. Courtyard Hotel @ 1BorneoOpens in a new window is a reliable 3.0-star option, featuring business facilities like meeting rooms and a business center. For a more varied experience, YYK 1Borneo CondominiumOpens in a new window offers dining options, recreational activities, and entertainment amenities. Grand Borneo HotelOpens in a new window, a 3.5-star hotel, provides guests with dining options and fitness facilities, making it a comfortable choice for both business and leisure travelers.

Things to do in Kota Kinabalu for first time

Kota Kinabalu is a paradise for nature lovers, offering stunning beaches, lush forests, and majestic mountains. Over three days, travelers can enjoy boating, diving, snorkeling, and hiking in natural parks, along with vibrant shopping experiences. Its diverse landscapes make it an unforgettable destination for adventure and relaxation. Here's a quick itinerary to make the most of your trip to Kota Kinabalu:

• Day 1: Kick off your adventure at Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, a stunning marine park that offers pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. After soaking in the beauty, head to Pantai Pulau Mamutik, one of the park's islands, where you can unwind on the sandy shores or take a dip in the ocean. Finish your day with a visit to Mamutik Island, where you can explore the vibrant underwater life through snorkeling or simply relax as the sun sets over this tropical paradise.
• Day 2: Your day begins at Sapi Island, renowned for its stunning beaches and vibrant coral reefs, perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts. After exploring, make your way to Dalit Beach, where you can enjoy the tranquil surroundings and perhaps indulge in some beachside dining. Conclude your day at the Tuaran Crocodile Farm, where you’ll have the chance to learn about these fascinating reptiles and even witness live feeding sessions, making for an unforgettable experience.
• Day 3: Start your morning at the Upside Down House, a quirky attraction that offers fun photo opportunities and a unique perspective on interior design. Next, venture to the Shangri-La Rasa Ria Nature Reserve, where you can immerse yourself in nature with guided walks that introduce you to the local flora and fauna. Wrap up your day at the Tamparuli Suspension Bridge, where you can enjoy breathtaking views and capture some stunning photos of the surrounding landscape.

5 tips to find a great Kota Kinabalu hotel deal

1. Book for the cheapest times: The most affordable time to visit Kota Kinabalu is during February, March, and November, when hotel rates are significantly lower. If you're traveling internationally, it's advisable to book your flight at least eight months in advance to secure better prices. For the best experience and to fully enjoy the main attractions, it's recommended to plan for at least 2-3 days. Kota Kinabalu offers great value for money with its stunning islands, beautiful marina, and lush natural parks, making it a budget-friendly destination worth exploring.
2. Look for last-minute deals on Hotels.com: If you're looking for last-minute hotel deals in Kota Kinabalu, explore the DealsOpens in a new window or Last-Minute DealsOpens in a new window section on Hotels.com. Here, you could find great availability and discounted rates on nearby accommodations as your travel date approaches. To maximize your chances of snagging the best offers, consider enabling email alerts or push notifications from Hotels.com. This way, you'll stay informed about flash sales and exclusive promotions, helping you compare room rates and potentially save on your stay in this beautiful destination.
3. Be flexible with dates: Prices can fluctuate based on factors like the hotel's location, star rating, and the time of year. Therefore, if you're flexible with your travel dates, you may save on hotel expenses in Kota Kinabalu.
4. Consider your location: Staying in the city center and close to local attractions in Kota Kinabalu is usually more expensive. If you opt for accommodations farther from the city center, you can take advantage of transportation options like buses, taxis, or rideshare services to explore the area, which can help you save money.
5. Upgrade with One Key: Join Hotels.com's free One Key program and book your next stay in Kota Kinabalu. As a member, you can earn and use rewards points for hotel bookings. Progress through Blue, Silver, Gold and Platinum tiers to unlock various benefits like room upgrades when available, special discounts, and exclusive deals for members. Sign up today.

What to eat in Kota Kinabalu

Here are some top-rated dishes in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia:

• Nasi Lemak: Often considered Malaysia's national dish, nasi lemak features rice cooked in coconut milk, served with sambal (spicy chili paste), fried crispy anchovies, peanuts, boiled egg, and cucumber. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any time of day and often reflects local variations, with some vendors adding fried chicken or rendang.
• Laksa: A spicy noodle soup, laksa comes in several regional variations, with Kota Kinabalu showcasing its unique take. Typically made with rice noodles, coconut milk, and a rich, aromatic broth, it’s often topped with shrimp or chicken, making it a hearty, flavorful meal that embodies the region's culinary creativity.
• Satay: These skewered and grilled meats, usually served with a rich peanut sauce, are a popular street food in Kota Kinabalu. Satay is often enjoyed with cucumber and rice cakes, making it a perfect dish for social gatherings, allowing for casual dining and sharing among friends.

Best time to go to Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu experiences its lowest average temperature in February, at 79.9°F (26.6°C), while May is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 82.6°F (28.1°C). January is usually the wettest month. January, July, and August are the peak travel months in Kota Kinabalu, attracting a higher number of tourists. During this peak period, the weather is mostly sunny, with light to moderate rainfall. On the other hand, April, May, and November tend to be quieter times to visit, marked by light to moderate rainfall and mostly sunny to mostly cloudy conditions.

Kota Kinabalu Travel Information