Skip to main content
A calm sea with a boat anchored near a small island.

Kota Kinabalu Holidays

Book a Hotel + Flight or Car together to unlock savings

Where to stay in Kota Kinabalu

Find the best Kota Kinabalu areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Kota Kinabalu
Learn more about Kota Kinabalu
A mosque with a large dome and minarets, reflecting in a calm body of water.
Photo by Aileen Adalid
Open Photo by Aileen Adalid

Downtown Kota Kinabalu

City centre Kota Kinabalu delights travellers with its stunning South China Sea views and golden sunsets along the waterfront Esplanade. The vibrant Gaya Street transforms weekly into a colourful Sunday Market full of local treasures and Malaysian street food. Colonial shophouses house charming cafes and boutiques beneath distinctive covered walkways. Seafood restaurants line the harbour where fishing boats bob against the backdrop of island silhouettes. Explore the Handicraft Market for authentic Bornean crafts and batik textiles. The compact district offers easy exploration by foot with ferry terminals nearby for island-hopping adventures.

A sunset over a calm sea with palm trees and a small island in the distance.
Photo by Mango Yip
Open Photo by Mango Yip

Tanjung Aru

Tanjung Aru captivates visitors with its golden beaches and legendary sunset views along the South China Sea. The area balances resort luxury with authentic Malaysian coastal charm. Stroll the scenic waterfront promenade or relax in Prince Philip Park's manicured gardens. Beyond the beachfront, discover local seafood warungs serving grilled fish and satay for authentic flavours. Tanjung Aru offers a peaceful retreat with swimmable waters and tropical landscapes. The evening atmosphere remains relaxed, perfect for sunset cocktails rather than late-night revelry.

A coastal city with a marina, boats, and a large hotel.

Karambunai

Karambunai wraps visitors in tropical luxury where pristine beaches meet lush mangrove forests. This secluded coastal retreat offers upscale resorts with championship golf courses and stunning sunset views. Nature lovers can explore the wetland boardwalks where proboscis monkeys swing through the canopy. The calm waters invite swimming while resort amenities cater to relaxation seekers. Dining options feature Malaysian fusion cuisine in beachfront settings. Though removed from Kota Kinabalu's bustle, resort shuttles make city excursions easy for those craving urban adventures.

A mosque with a large dome and three minarets by a body of water.
Photo by Michaela Prades
Open Photo by Michaela Prades

Kampung Air

Kampung Air offers a rare glimpse into Malaysian maritime culture where traditional stilt houses rise above emerald waters. Indigenous Bajau sea gypsies maintain their authentic way of life in this water village connected by wooden walkways. The gentle sounds of lapping waves and boat building create a peaceful atmosphere unlike anywhere else. Visitors can arrange homestays with local families or explore the neighborhood's simple craft displays. Fresh seafood prepared in traditional Bajau style costs just a few ringgit. Water taxis provide the main transport, perfectly matching the rhythm of this unique floating community.

Kepayan

When in Kepayan, you can plan a visit to Sutera Harbour and Imago Shopping Mall, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Discover the most popular places to visit in Kota Kinabalu

A river with boats, a bridge, and flags of Malaysia and the USA.
Photo by Iqbal Selamat
Open 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.

Kota Kinabalu Hotel Deals

Lobby

My Inn Hotel Inanam Kota Kinabalu

My Inn Hotel Inanam Kota Kinabalu
3.0 star property
8.5 km from Kota Kinabalu
The price is 539.500 ₫
711.422 ₫ total
includes taxes & fees
18 Jul - 19 Jul
My Inn Hotel Inanam 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.
See all properties 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.

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