Gateway to the wonders of Sabah, one of Malaysia’s two provinces on Borneo, Kota Kinabalu is a lively tropical city. Perched on the coast close to the island’s north-eastern tip, it’s also an excellent starting point for an adventurous holiday, encompassing both the rainforest and the beach. Accommodation options include restful private villas as well as chic city hotels, with our pick of the best places to stay offering a superb base for couples, friends or families.

Explore Kota Kinabalu with an expert heritage guide, stroll from the Sabah State Museum to the Sabah Art Gallery, and admire the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque. Keen golfers can play a round at the Sutera Harbour Golf & Country Club or the Sabah Golf & Country Club, whilst shoppers will adore the Gaya Street Sunday Market and the bustling Night Market. Venture beyond the city to Kinabalu National Park, for wonderful bird-watching treks, a rewarding hike up 4,905m-high Mount Kinabalu, and beautiful Orchid Gardens. Gaya Island is a lush tropical paradise, whilst the five islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park are brilliant for spotting wildlife above and below the waterline.

The best places to stay in Kota Kinabalu can fill up fast during the school holidays, when Borneo is a popular family trip destination. Book your holiday well in advance!

The Best Places to stay in Kota Kinabalu

For City Style

• The LUMA Hotel promises a stylish city stay, with sleek, design-led interiors featuring natural materials, soothing dark green walls and lots of plants. There's a hip coffee shop and cracking cocktails at JOJO Gastrobar, too. For couples, friends, families or business travellers.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY VILLA

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly to Kota Kinabalu International Airport and continue your journey into the city by car or bus.
• If you're confident driving in Asia, Malaysia is a beautiful destination for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Tropical and humid, Malaysia is a year-round destination. Temperatures hover around 28-33°C for much of the year, with the heaviest rainfall expected between September and November.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Borneo.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in Malaysia.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.