Insider Tips
Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu
Adventure capital of Malaysia, gateway to iconic Mt Kinabalu and the oldest rainforests in the world
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Top things to do in Kota Kinabalu
01
Climb Mt Kinabalu, Malaysia's Highest Peak
Mt Kinabalu is one of our fave SEA hikes! The varied views keep things exciting, and the summit feels you're walking on the moon. Beginners can do it with training. Highly recommended!
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02
Explore UNESCO Kinabalu Geopark
If you don't fancy climbing Mt Kinabalu, you can still see the gorgeous UNESCO Kinabalu geopark on a easy day trip. You'll also get to see local villages and get to know Dusun culture.
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03
Spot Probiscus Monkeys + Fireflies at Klias River
This is a surprisingly fun one! Spot cheeky probiscus monkeys (with the long nose), crocodiles and fireflies on a cruise down Klias river. It's chill and adventurous at the same time.
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04
Historic Colonial Train Ride
For train lovers! Ride a historic colonial-era train through Sabah’s scenic countryside for great views. For more adventure, combine it with Padas white-water rafting on the same trip!
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05
Catch sunset from the water!
Kota Kinabalu has some of the best sunsets we’ve ever seen (and it’s even been voted one of the world’s best!). Catch sunset from the water—it’s fiery and stunning!
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06
White water rafting - easy to intermediate!
One of the most fun ways to explore the lush countryside around Kota Kinabalu is by river rafting! The rapids range from beginner friendly to intermediate - so anyone can enjoy them!
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07
Snokelling & Diving at TARP Marine Park
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is popular spot for snorkelling & diving. However it's not well maintained (not much coral + trash), so if you go, try to avoid the more touristed islands
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08
Jungle survival in Ancient Rainforest
For off-grid lovers! Head into the ancient Borneo rainforest with a jungle expert, learn survival techniques, camp and enjoy dinner under the stars. You won't forget this!
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09
Deramakot: Clouded Leopard & Pygmy Elephants
Borneo’s best kept wildlife secret, Deramakot, is a few hours from Kota Kinabalu. Spend 3D2N here and spot clouded leopards, pygmy elephants, flying squirrels, and civet cats!
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10
Maliau Basin: World's Most Untouched Rainforest
Maliau Basin is the world's most untouched rainforest, 130M years old (much older than the Amazon!) and a day's drive from Kota Kinabalu. Spend 3D2N here for hiking & wildlife spotting.
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Start Planning
Choose individual experiences or stack them to complete your trip.
4.9 (68)
|2D1N
|Up to 30 guests
“Recommend choosing the extra night at poring hot springs”
4.9 (46)
|11 hrs
|Up to 8 guests
“Amazing Borneo hike with knowledgeable friendly guide delicious local lunch ”
4.9 (46)
|13 hrs
|Up to 8 guests
4.9 (68)
|2D1N
|Up to 30 guests
“genuinely cares and personally invested in making sure everything is smooth”
4.9 (46)
|2D1N
|Up to 20 guests
4.9 (46)
|2D1N
|Up to 20 guests
“Everything was a 1010 from booking to transport”
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4.9 (68)
|2D1N
|Up to 30 guests
“Recommend choosing the extra night at poring hot springs”
4.9 (46)
|11 hrs
|Up to 8 guests
“Amazing Borneo hike with knowledgeable friendly guide delicious local lunch ”
4.9 (68)
|2D1N
|Up to 33 guests
“Unforgettable climb topnotch support breathtaking views ”
4.9 (68)
|2D1N
|Up to 30 guests
“genuinely cares and personally invested in making sure everything is smooth”
4.9 (46)
|2D1N
|Up to 20 guests
4.9 (46)
|2D1N
|Up to 20 guests
“Everything was a 1010 from booking to transport”
4.9 (68)
|2D1N
|Up to 33 guests
“Lina made our seamless Asia trip a dream come true ”
4.9 (23)
|9 hrs
|Up to 4 guests
“Jean was a fantastic tour guide ”
Private trip
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![Your Cheat Sheet to Planning a Mount Kinabalu Climb [2025]](https://images.prismic.io/seeksophie/8d503ab8-e737-47cf-b196-bf6662eecdd3_Mt_Kinabalu_Jun.jpeg?auto=compress,format)
