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
Downtown Kota Kinabalu
7 out of top 10 points of interest in this area
A noteworthy feature of Downtown Kota Kinabalu is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Centre Point and Kota Kinabalu Central Market.
Tanjung Aru
Beaches and abundant dining options are well-reviewed features of Tanjung Aru. Make a stop by top sights like Tanjung Aru Perdana Park while you're exploring the area.
Kampung Air
Unique features of Kampung Air include the shopping and restaurants. Make a stop by Kompleks Asia City or Sedco Square while you're exploring the area.
Karambunai
Karambunai is popular for its pristine beaches, and you might make a stop by Nexus Golf Resort Karambunai, a top place to visit in the area.
Alamesra
While Alamesra may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like 1Borneo Hypermall and Likas Stadium.
Top hotels in Kota Kinabalu
Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu
NO. 18 JALAN HAJI SAMAN Kota Kinabalu
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
2.869.885 ₫
3.163.536 ₫ total
1 Sept - 2 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens Kota Kinabalu Sabah
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
2.370.218 ₫
2.623.895 ₫ total
4 Sept - 5 Sept
includes taxes & fees
9/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"The hotel location is fantastic. We had a sea facing room and had a wonderful view of the ocean and mountains in the background, as well as fishing boats. The gym is also well equipped - multiple stationary bikes, treadmills, exercise machines. The only down side is that there is a strong odor of ..."
Reviewed on 30 Jul 2026
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
Jalan Datuk Salleh Sulong Kota Kinabalu Sabah
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
2.425.974 ₫
2.684.112 ₫ total
10 Sept - 11 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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
Photo by Iqbal Selamat
Imago Shopping Mall
8.6/10 (662 reviews)
Kota Kinabalu's largest shopping complex offers four levels of international brands and local treasures. Catch daily performances of the traditional Magunatip bamboo dance while exploring upscale dining options.
Photo by Jim Teo
Suria Sabah Shopping Mall
8.4/10 (503 reviews)
Suria Sabah Mall combines international brands with local boutiques along Kota Kinabalu's waterfront. Visit the upper-level food court for panoramic views of the South China Sea while sampling diverse cuisines.
Kota Kinabalu Esplanade
8.0/10 (87 reviews)
Stroll along this waterfront promenade featuring a dolphin monument and stunning South China Sea views. Visit at sunset when the wooden platform offers the perfect vantage point for breathtaking coastal colours.
Sutera Harbour
8.2/10 (291 reviews)
This waterfront resort combines two luxury hotels with a championship golf course and marina overlooking the South China Sea. Guests can sail, tee off, or unwind at the Mandara Spa while enjoying Mount Kinabalu views.
Gaya Street Sunday Market
8.2/10 (478 reviews)
Every Sunday, Gaya Street becomes Kota Kinabalu's vibrant marketplace with local handicrafts and Sabahan delicacies. Arrive early to browse colourful stalls of batik fabrics and handmade jewellery before midday heat.
Kota Kinabalu Central Market
7.8/10 (375 reviews)
Dive into Kota Kinabalu Central Market's vibrant maze of stalls offering fresh seafood and tropical fruits. Engage with friendly vendors while sampling exotic delicacies for an authentic glimpse into Sabahan daily life.
Sabah State Mosque
8.2/10 (150 reviews)
After visiting Sabah State Mosque, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Kampung Sembulan Baru. Amble around the area's marina or seek out the local tours.
Centre Point
7.8/10 (402 reviews)
Centre Point Sabah stands as Kota Kinabalu's landmark shopping destination with a mix of retailers. Browse fashion boutiques, dine at diverse eateries, or enjoy the cinema and bowling alley.
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?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine your airfare and accommodation: Once you've settled on your dates and duration, book the ideal Kota Kinabalu holiday package for you.
