Since we traveled with our parents, this Kota Kinabalu Travel guide is a chill trip with packed activities with downtime to unwind.

About Kota Kinabalu

Dive into the vibrant heart of Borneo at Kota Kinabalu, fondly nicknamed “KK” which is strategically located on the west coast of Sabah.

Explore Mount Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s tallest peak. Unwind on islands with vibrant coral reefs and marine life. Immerse yourself in KK’s rich culture. Explore museums and art galleries, and witness breathtaking sunsets and lively cultural villages.

Indulge your taste buds in a culinary adventure. Enjoy regional Asian flavors, from seafood to noodles and street food!

Whether you’re seeking historical landmarks, local markets, or mosques, KK offers something for everyone.

Flight Details and Accommodation

Finding the Cheapest Flights

I always use Skyscanner to scout for the most affordable flights. We were able to score our round-trip tickets at just around Php 6,000 each on AirAsia which was the cheapest flight at the time we were booking.

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

We were pleasantly surprised by the abundance of budget-friendly hotels right in the heart of the city. After comparing, we opted for the Hyatt Regency Kinabalu through booking.com. While known for its luxurious accommodations, we managed to get a great deal that fit our budget. Plus, the hotel’s central location is within walking distance of Suria Sabbah Shopping Mall, Gaya Street, and a lot of restaurants and cafes.

Additionally, Hyatt Regency Kinabalu offers rooms with and without breakfast. To strike a balance between enjoying hotel amenities and experiencing the local food scene, we opted for selective breakfast inclusions for three guests only.  This freed us up to discover local supermarkets, bakeries, and cafes.

Travel Requirements

Kota Kinabalu does not require many documents if you’re from the Philippines.

Essential Travel Requirements

• Valid passport: Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity remaining from your arrival date.
• Roundtrip plane tickets: Proof of onward travel is necessary for immigration purposes.
• Travel Itinerary: The Philippine Immigration Officer usually requests this. This helps them understand your travel plans and ensure you have a place to stay during your visit.
• Hotel Booking: Having this readily available demonstrates your confirmed accommodation and strengthens your immigration application.
• Visa (if applicable): If required, have your visa documents handy. Filipino citizens can enter Kota Kinabalu visa-free for up to 90 days. You can check if your country is on the visa-free list on the official Malaysian Immigration Department website.

Additional Travel Documents To Prepare

• Travel insurance documents (optional): While travel insurance is optional, having your policy details readily available can save you time and stress in case of unexpected events during your trip. I always get my travel insurance at Pacific Cross. You can explore and compare plans from other insurers to find the perfect fit for your travel needs.
• Certificate of Employment: While not always required, some immigration officers may request proof of employment. Sometimes they also ask for sufficient funds for your trip. This can help demonstrate your financial stability and travel purpose.

Stay Connected in Kota Kinabalu

There are a few ways to stay connected in Kota Kinabalu:

1. Portable WiFi: pre-order your portable WiFi on Klook and pick it up before your flight. Get this for as low as Php 490 per day on Klook.
2. eSIM: save yourself the hassle of removing and inserting sim cards on your phone by getting an eSIM. Got ours via Klook for as low as Php 394 for 1GB of data.
3. Sim Card: you can buy this at the airport once you arrive in Kota Kinabalu. We bought the Digi SIM card for RM 20 only.
4. Globe One Promo: avail of promos by accessing their app for flexible options starting at Php 399 valid for 1 day. While pricier than the previously mentioned alternatives, they offer convenience without needing an eSIM, additional SIM swapping, or carrying a portable Wi-Fi device.

Solo travelers seeking the most affordable option can snag a local SIM card upon arrival at the airport. Groups of up to 4 might find a portable WiFi device more cost-effective, offering shared data and convenience.

Storytime: I forgot to pick up our portable wifi (booked through Klook) before boarding the plane to Kota Kinabalu. Unfortunately, there are no portable wifis you can rent at Kota Kinabalu airport so your only option would be buying a SIM card. Luckily, I was able to refund my Klook payment (thank you Klook!).

Best Time to Visit Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu is a year-round destination but the city has two sets of rainy seasons.

Peak season is from August to September where you can enjoy more sunshine as these months offer minimal rain and perfect beach weather. Shoulder season is from June to July where you can enjoy tropical warmth with occasional rain. You can also enjoy fewer crowds compared to peak season.

Their off-season or rainy season is from November to April. This was the time we went. Luckily, were able to enjoy the sunny weather at the beach with a few rain showers in the afternoon. Expect rainy and cold temperatures when going to highlands like Mt. Kinabalu and Kundasang. There are places that you cannot enjoy if it’s raining. The Alpaca Farm does not allow visitors if it’s raining. You can’t take photos at the Happy Garden if it’s raining. So, make sure to check the weather forecast before and during your trip so you can plan accordingly.

Going Around Kota Kinabalu

Exploring Kota Kinabalu’s vibrant downtown is easy! Booking through Grab is affordable and easy. Many hotels are located at the center and offer convenient walking access to key attractions.

There are also other public transportation such as buses and trains. But if convenience is what you are looking for, just book through Grab.

Another way to enjoy attractions in Kota Kinabalu beyond the city limits like Mt. Kinabalu and Mari-Mari Village is by booking a private car via Klook. They have available cars for 1-3 passengers or a van for up to 9 passengers. Please note that Mari-Mari Village may seem near the city center but it would be a bit hard to book a Grab from that location. Renting a private car or joining a group tour would be your best bet.

Traveling with the whole family can be a handful, so we opted for convenience: Hiring a tour guide and private car through Klook was the best thing I did! It took the stress out of navigation and looking up locations allowing me to truly relax, enjoy the sights, and do my thing — take photos and videos! Our tour guide was also helpful with our questions especially about what and where to eat like a local.

Exchanging Currency

The local currency in Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR/RM). To avoid hassles, consider exchanging some cash (USD or your country’s currency) before your arrival. You can also withdraw cash at ATMs in Kota Kinabalu airport. Just make sure that your ATM card is Visa-enabled for international transactions.

Besides ATMs, you can also get Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) easily at nearby currency exchangers. We found it super convenient to exchange ours at the mall located right beside the Kota Kinabalu Regency Hotel, near the entrance. Super time-saving!

Applications and Websites to Use

• Skyscanner: scans airlines worldwide to bring you the most affordable flights.
• Booking.com or Agoda: to book the right hotel for you.
• Klook: they offer unbeatable discounts on tours, activities, SIM cards, and even hotels. Use my code TEYBOLFORWAN5OFF for an extra 5% off hotels and 3% off activities (valid twice!).
• Google Maps: to navigate your way through Kota Kinabalu.

Buying Souvenirs

Whenever I travel, I love diving into local supermarkets to discover what everyday products locals use.

• Sabah Tea: Sip on the local blend and taste the Sabah’s unique flavors.
• Tenom Coffee: Our tour guide emphasized that we should look for Tenom Coffee which is a Sabah’s specialty.
• Malaysian Delicacies: Explore exotic snacks, sauces, and spices to bring home a taste of Malaysia.
• Handicrafts, keychains, t-shirts, and other souvenirs: Hunt for unique souvenirs like artwork, textiles, and wood carvings at Gaya Street Market (Sunday market) or Nabalu Market. The Filipino market is also famous in Kota Kinabalu but our tour guide told us to be cautious if we are planning to go there. Always make sure to be mindful, and practice safe shopping habits if you are planning to go to any markets.
• Chocolates: Head to Cocoa Kingdom for a Willy Wonka-esque haven of unique chocolate flavors. We especially love their Cheese Tiramisu and Strawberry Yogurt. DON’T MISS THIS OUT!
• Beryl’s Chocolates: Although Beryl’s Chocolates are available in the Philippines and are originally from Kuala Lumpur, we were able to snag (great deals) on unique flavors. We especially love their Tiramisu Almond Greent Tea Chocolate and Sea Salt Dark Chocolate.

Pro tip: When buying at local markets, bargaining is a common practice. So, don’t forget to bargain with a smile!

5 Days and 4 Nights Kota Kinabalu Itinerary

This itinerary will be your guide, but remember, it’s just a starting point! Feel free to adapt it to your own interests and energy levels. We travelled with our parents so ease and convenience are our top priorities here. We also have different interests so I made sure that there’s something for everyone to look forward to every day.

Pro tip: We always bring snacks and drinks so no one gets hungry!

Day 1: Arrival, Dinner & Rest

• 6:30 PM – Arrival at Kota Kinabalu
• 8:00 PM – Arrival at Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
• 8:15 PM – Dinner at KFC near the hotel and buy snacks at 7/11
• 9:30 PM – Rest at hotel

Day 2: Island Hopping

• 8:00 AM – Travel to Sutera Harbour Marina Jetty
• 8:45 AM – Manukan Island (lunch)
• 12:00 NN – Mamutik Island
• 1:15 PM – Sapi Island
• 3:00 PM – Back to Hotel (rest)
• 5:00 PM – Suria Sabah Shopping Mall
• 5:30 PM – Early Dinner at Fatt Kee Seafood Restaurant
• 6:30 PM – Grocery Shopping
• 7:30 PM – Back to Hotel

Day 3: Kundasang and Mt. Kinabalu Farm Day

• 6:30 AM – Hotel Breakfast
• 7:00 AM – Hotel Pick up
• 8:30 AM – Nabalu Town (buy souvenirs)
• 10:15 AM – Desa Dairy Farm
• 11:20 AM – Hooga Cafe
• 1:00 PM – Alpaca Club
• 2:00 PM – Happy Garden (but skipped since it was raining)
• 2:30 PM – Mt. Kinabalu Park (took photos only)
• 3:40 PM – Cocoa Kingdom (buy pasalubong!)
• 4:40 PM – Yee Fung Laksa
• 5:30 PM – Gaya Street Night Market (foodtrip)
• 6:50 PM – Chill at the hotel

Day 4: City Tour

• 8:15 AM – Breakfast at Nook Cafe
• 9:40 AM – Mari-Mari Village (with lunch buffet)
• 1:30 PM – City Mosque (Floating Mosque)
• 1:45 PM – Sabah State Mosque
• 2:00 PM – Sabah State Museum and Heritage Village
• 3:40 PM – Imago Shopping Mall
• 4:00 PM – Nando’s Peri-Peri Chicken
• 5:50 PM – Tanjung Aru Beach (picture only)
• 7:00 PM – Chill at the hotel’s bar and rest

Day 5: Food Trip and Departure

• 7:30 AM – Hotel Breakfast
• 9:00 AM – Sunday Mass
• 10:20 AM – Back to Hotel
• 12:00 NN – Hotel Checkout
• 12:15 PM – Lunch at Sin Kee Bah Kut Teh
• 1:00 PM – Old Town Coffee
• 2:00 PM – Travel to airport
• 6:55 PM – Flight back to Manila
• 10:00 PM – Arrival in Manila

Kota Kinabalu Budget

Pre-travel Expenses

• Round trip ticket from Airasia – Php 5,725.48/person
• Additional baggage allowance – Php 2,640 (two 20kg baggage)
• Pacific Cross Travel Insurance – Php 513/person
• Travel Tax – Php 1,620/person
• Private Van with Tour Guide (booked via Klook) – Php 10,036 for 7 pax (for Kundasang and Mt. Kinabalu Tour)
• Island Tour (booked via Klook) – Php 1,011 /person for 3 islands (boat transfers only)
• Private Van with Tour Guide (booked via Klook)  – Php 9,417 for 7 pax (for City Tour)
• eSim – Php 665
• Mari-Mari Village with Lunch Buffet (booked via Klook) – Php 1,186/pax
• Desa Dairy Farm entrance fee (booked via their website) – RM 5/pax

Don’t forget to use my code TEYBOLFORWAN5OFF on your Klook activities!

5 Days Expenses

• SIM Card – RM 20
• Food & Transpo – approx. RM 100 per person
• Entrance Fees – RM 42 per person
• Pasalubong – approx. RM 100 per person

Estimated Total Expenses

Overall, we spent approximately Php 16,000 per person excluding hotel accommodation.

Ready to embark on your own Kota Kinabalu adventure? Use this Kota Kinabalu travel guide to start your planning today! Lastly, on’t forget to share your experiences, ask questions, and inspire others to experience the beauty of Kota Kinabalu.

Disclaimer: Information on this Kota Kinabalu Travel Guide may change over time so, make sure to double-check requirements before flying to Kota Kinabalu.
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