KOTA KINABALU, MALAYSIA FOR FIRST-TIMERS: Itinerary, Helpful Tips and Budget for Filipinos

Kota Kinabalu: City in Sabah, Borneo Island, East Malaysia
Country: Malaysia
Coordinates: 5.9804° N, 116.0735° E
What to eat/drink: Ngiu Chap (beef noodles), Tuaran Mee, Sang Nyuk Mee (pork noodles), Hinava (raw fish salad), Coconut Pudding
What to do: City sightseeing, island hopping, cultural tours, mountain trekking
Where to stay: Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort, Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu, Gaya Centre Hotel
Weather: Best time is February to April for dry weather, though KK can be enjoyed year-round. Avoid November to January due to monsoon rains. Kota Kinabalu has a tropical climate, so expect warm temperatures year-round.
Language: Malay (Bahasa Malaysia); English widely spoken in tourist areas
Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR); 1 USD ≈ 4.75 MYR (rough estimate)

HOW TO PLAN YOUR PERFECT KOTA KINABALU ITINERARY
1. DETERMINE THE NUMBER OF DAYS YOU’LL BE STAYING
• 1 to 2 Days: Great for a quick getaway! You can focus on a city tour, check out key spots like the City Mosque, Sabah State Museum, and KK Waterfront, or dedicate a day to a cultural experience at the Mari Mari Cultural Village.
• 3 to 4 Days: Perfect for adding day trips! You’ll have time to explore the city, relax on nearby islands, and take a day trip to Kinabalu Park for a taste of mountain views.
• 5 Days or More: This gives you the flexibility to explore at a slower pace or add adventure activities, like island-hopping, white-water rafting, or even a trek to the Kinabalu summit if you’re up for a challenge.
Tip: For a well-rounded experience, two to three days is ideal, but if you have more time, there’s always something more to see!

MARI MARI CULTURAL VILLAGE

2. DETERMINE YOUR HOTEL LOCATION
• City Center (KK Waterfront): Staying here gives you easy access to the waterfront, shopping centers, and dining spots. It’s ideal for first timers who want to be close to the main sights and markets.
• Tanjung Aru: Known for its beautiful beaches and sunset views, Tanjung Aru is perfect if you’re here for relaxation and seaside vibes. It’s a little outside the city center but offers an escape from the hustle and bustle.
• Likas Bay: Located a bit north of the city, Likas Bay has a mix of coastal views and city access. You’ll be near the iconic City Mosque, and it’s a great spot if you want a quieter stay but still within reach of the action.
Tip: KK is compact, and no matter where you stay, most city spots are within a 10-15 minute Grab ride.

BEEF SATAY AT KK WATERFRONT

3. DETERMINE YOUR IDEAL MODE OF TRANSPORTATION
Getting to Kota Kinabalu:
• By Air

Most visitors arrive at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA), with regular direct flights from Manila and other major Asian cities. It’s only a 15-20 minute drive to the city center.
• By Ferry

 If you’re feeling adventurous and have time to spare, ferries connect Sabah to nearby islands like Labuan and Brunei, though flights are usually faster and more convenient.

Getting Around Kota Kinabalu
• Grab

The easiest and most budget-friendly way to get around is by using Grab. It’s widely available, affordable, and convenient for getting between your hotel, sights, and even some day-trip spots.
• Car Rental

If you want more freedom or plan on venturing out to places like Kinabalu Park or Tip of Borneo, renting a car can be a great option. Booking a private car charter via Klook will give you a hassle-free travel.
• Public Buses

 There are also buses available in KK, but they can be challenging to navigate if you’re new to the area. Buses run between major spots, but schedules aren’t always reliable.
Tip: For first-timers, Grab is the easiest way to get around KK. If you’re going to spend time outside the city, then consider a car rental for flexibility.

OUR ITINERARY FOR KOTA KINABALU
Kota Kinabalu was part of our 6D5N trip which included a stopover in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. We started by arriving in Kota Kinabalu, then took a bus to Brunei, where we spent Days 1 through 3. On Day 3, we headed back to Kota Kinabalu, taking Day 4 as a much-needed rest day before fully exploring Kota Kinabalu on Days 5 and 6.

1st Day: Kota Kinabalu DIY City Tour
We decided to go for a self-guided tour around the city’s top spots. Most of these highlights are easy to reach on foot, or you can use Grab (the local ride-hailing app) to get around quickly and comfortably. Alternately, booking a Kota Kinabalu Half-day Tour via Klook would be a better option if you prefer a hassle-free trip.

We started the day with a scenic view from Signal Hill Observatory, which offers a panoramic look over Kota Kinabalu and the surrounding sea. This is a great first stop to get a sense of the city layout and capture some morning photos before the day gets busier.

Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu (City Mosque)
After Signal Hill, we visited the City Mosque, a stunning building surrounded by a lagoon that mirrors its golden domes and intricate designs. This spot is especially beautiful in the morning light, making it a favorite for photos.

Sabah State Museum
Next, we visited the Sabah State Museum to get a deeper understanding of Sabah’s rich history and cultural diversity. The museum features interesting exhibits, from ethnographic displays to artifacts showcasing Sabah’s indigenous groups and modern influences.

MASJID NEGERI

SUNSET AT KK WATERFRONT

Masjid Negeri Sabah (Sabah State Mosque)
After the museum, we headed to the Sabah State Mosque, easily recognized by its sleek, silver dome and gold accents. The architecture blends traditional and modern styles, creating a serene atmosphere.

Filipino Market & KK Waterfront
We wrapped up the day at KK Waterfront, a lively area lined with restaurants and bars. Watching the sunset over the sea was the perfect way to end our first day.

For the next day, we booked a guided tour of the Mari Mari Cultural Village Half Day Tour via Klook, located about 30 minutes from Kota Kinabalu. The tour took us through five traditional homes, each representing one of Sabah’s indigenous tribes, including the Bajau, Lundayeh, and Murut people. We were able to witness traditional dances, try bamboo cooking, and even attempt some traditional hunting techniques with a blowpipe! This immersive experience included a lunch, and by the end, we felt like we’d gained a real appreciation for Sabah’s cultural heritage.

HELPFUL TIPS
• Transportation: Grab is widely available in Kota Kinabalu, making it easy to get around. Booking a private car charter via Klook will give you a hassle-free travel. Public buses are also available but can be tricky for non-locals. 

• Currency: Bring Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) with you, but ATMs are also available in the city. Credit cards are accepted in most places, but having cash on hand is useful for markets and small shops.
• Language: Malay is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, so you’ll have no trouble communicating.

DAY 5: KOTA KINABALU CITY TOUR
ACTIVITY	TIME	2 PAX IN A GROUP				NOTES
		EXPENSE IN MYR/BND		PHP (PER PAX)	USD (PER PAX)
		GROUP	PER PAX
Breakfast						Included in hotel
Hotel to Masjid Bandar Aya Kota Kinabalu (City Mosque)		MYR 15.00	MYR 7.50	PHP 90	USD 1.88	Via Grab Car
Masjid Bandar Aya Kota Kinabalu (City Mosque)			MYR 5.00	PHP 67.50	USD 1.25
Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu to Sabah State Museum		MYR 15.00	MYR 7.50	PHP 90	USD 1.88	Via Grab Car
Sabah State Museum			MYR 15.00	PHP 180	USD 3.75
Sabah State Museum to Masjid Negeri Sabah (Sabah State Mosque)		MYR 15.00	MYR 7.50	PHP 90	USD 1.88	Via Grab Car
Masjid Negeri Sabah (Sabah State Mosque)			MYR 5.00	PHP 67.50	USD 1.25
Lunch			MYR 15.00	PHP 180	USD 3.75
Filipino Market/KK Waterfront
Dinner			MYR 15.00	PHP 180	USD 3.75
Rest
DAY 5 TOTAL:			MYR 77.50	PHP 945	USD 19.39

 

DAY 6: MARI MARI CULTURAL VILLAGE TOUR
ACTIVITY	TIME	2 PAX IN A GROUP				NOTES
		EXPENSE IN MYR/BND		PHP (PER PAX)	USD (PER PAX)
		GROUP	PER PAX
Breakfast						Included in hotel
Lunch			MYR 15.00	PHP 180	USD 3.75
Accommodation to KKIA			MYR 10	PHP 160	USD 2.50	Via Grab Car
Dinner			MYR 15.00	PHP 180	USD 3.75
Flight back to Manila
DAY 6 TOTAL:			MYR 40	PHP 520	USD 10