Kota Kinabalu tourist guide
Sprawling Kota Kinabalu is the capital of the East Malaysian state of Sabah and the gateway to exploring the region. KK, as it is often referred to, was largely destroyed during Second World War bombing so little of its past colonial majesty remains today, largely replaced by gargantuan shopping complexes and office blocks. But the city has its charms and it a nice place to while away a few days eating fresh seafood before hitting the coast or inland national parks.
Many people come to Kota Kinabalu for the superb diving opportunities off the northern Borneo coast, and there is an enticing variety of sunken Japanese wrecks plus colourful coral and submerged boulders to explore. At 4,101 metres high, Mount Kinabalu is half the height of Everest and Malaysia’s highest peak. Climbing it is a relatively straightforward if exhausting trek which rewards visitors with superb views of the jagged inland countryside.
 | Attractions & activitiesMuch of Kota Kinabalu's historic legacy was destroyed by Second World War bombing, but it is through the natural world that the town thrives with trekking, diving and diverse wildlife...more |  | Hotels & resortsThere is a broad variety of accommodation options in Kota Kinabalu ranging from five star resorts by private beaches to inexpensive backpacker hostels in the city centre...more |
 | Restaurants & barsSeafood is the top choice for great cuisine in Kota Kinabalu and this can be found in classy waterfront bistros or cheap local foodcourts. Plus expat-run eateries serve up international flavours...more |  | TransportationGetting to Kota Kinabalu is easy with the international airport having cheap flights to KL and all over the Southeast Asian region, plus bus and ferry services reach outlying areas as well...more |
Kota Kinabalu guide - gateway to stunning Sabah
Kota Kinabalu is a pleasant town where visitors often spend longer than they anticipated wandering through bustling markets and shopping for batik cloth, pearls and other local handicrafts. There is a good range of hotels in the city centre that cater for business travellers, luxurious resorts by the coast and backpacker hostels in crumbling colonial buildings.
There are plenty of decent restaurants in Kota Kinabalu with a surprisingly good variety of Italian eateries run by experienced chefs. Chinese and Indian fare is also extremely well prepared in KK, although fresh seafood is the undoubted star of the culinary show. Avoid the touristy promenade between the fish and Filipino markets which is full of overpriced restaurants, and mix with locals at SEDCO Square or the chic waterfront.
The town is not blessed with the most hedonistic of nightlife scenes although there are a smattering of decent expat pubs and bars where cold beers can be supped and live sport watched on the telly. There is also a range of activities which can be enjoyed from Kota Kinabalu including white water rafting, trekking and nature walks.
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