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Kota Kinabalu

Luxury Travel to Kota Kinabalu made for you

Immerse yourself in culture and nature

The entry city to Borneo’s countryside, coral islands & beaches

A clean and bustling city with a pretty waterfront from which to enjoy the sunset, Kota Kinabalu has much to offer visitors. Most travellers use the city simply as an entry point to Borneo, spending their time exploring the surrounding countryside instead.

However, the historic Gaya Street and the bustling night markets on the waterfront are worth a visit for those with a little more time. Outside the city, visit former headhunters at the Monsopiad Cultural Centre for a glimpse into Borneo’s tribal past and spend a day in Kinabalu Park for the diverse bird species, orangutans and carnivorous plants.

Adventure enthusiasts can climb Southeast Asia’s highest peak, Mount Kinabalu; go white water rafting; try the world’s longest island-to-island zip-line, the Coral Flyer; and go on treetop canopy walks. Those seeking relaxation can explore Sabah at a leisurely pace by bicycle, spend time on peaceful Gaya Island beaches or enjoy a cruise around the coral islands just off the coast.

  • Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, Borneo, East Malaysia.
  • A wooden boardwalk leading over shallow turquoise coral reefs toward a small tropical island and blue sky.

From our experts

Experiences picked by our Kota Kinabalu specialists

Soak up the sunset views

Cruise around Kota Kinabalu at sunset

Take to the water for an adventure

Go whitewater rafting on Kiulu River

Taste pineapple buns on a street food tour

Enjoy a guided street food tour, tasting traditional pineapple buns and refreshing pandan coconut drinks.

Follow the Silau-Silau trail

Hike the Silau-Silau trail in the foothills of Mount Kinabalu, marvelling at an array of flora: mosses, ferns and orchids.

Dive through coral gardens

Explore the underwater world of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, diving through lush coral gardens.

A word from one of our experts

Kota Kinabalu is full of adventure and culture. My favourite experiences here include climbing Southeast Asia’s highest peak, Mount Kinabalu, and tasting local delicacies on a street food tour.

Charlie Morris Travel Designer

Luxury accommodation in Kota Kinabalu

There are many incredible places to stay in Kota Kinabalu. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:

Why book with Jacada?

  • Personalised design

    We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

  • Authentic experiences

    Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

  • Responsible travel

    Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.

Trip inspiration

Get inspired with our Borneo example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure

12 days From $10,784

Borneo Family Adventure

Explore Borneo’s rainforests and spot wildlife in their natural habitat, including the island’s renowned orangutans. Our experts have paired canopy walks with…

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Ready to plan your adventure?

Whatever you want from your Kota Kinabalu adventure, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

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Where to go in Borneo

Meet your Asia team

When to visit

The best time to visit beautiful Borneo is when the warm weather arrives in March through to October and the island is hot and dry. It’s perfect for climbing Mt Kinabalu, searching for whale sharks, turtles and seeing endangered orangutans in the wild.

Hiking and trekking

April - August

Wildlife spotting

May - August

Diving and snorkeling

April - September

When Is the Best Time to Visit Borneo?

Borneo travel guides

The Best Time to Visit Asia

Asia is an incredible continent with a diverse range of climates across its many regions. Here, you’ll find snowy scenes, rainy seasons, blooming wildflowers a…

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Plan your trip to Kota Kinabalu

Whatever you want from your adventure in Kota Kinabalu, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

Start Planning

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Your trip, your story

We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.

Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.

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