Where to stay in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu, usually shortened to KK, is the capital of Sabah, on the northern tip of Borneo. It's a relaxed, seafront city and the starting point for climbing Mount Kinabalu, snorkelling in the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park and spotting orangutans and proboscis monkeys further afield.

Most of the places we list are compact city hotels and hostels in the walkable centre, close to Gaya Street, the waterfront markets and the ferry terminal, with a few further south towards Tanjung Aru, the railway station and the airport.

Airport
Kota Kinabalu International, around 20 minutes from the centre
Island boats
From Jesselton Point to Sapi, Manukan and Mamutik islands
Mount Kinabalu
Kinabalu Park is about two hours away by road
Markets
Gaya Street on Sunday mornings; waterfront night market daily

Places to stay in Kota Kinabalu

16 hotels

Hotel in Sutera, the museum and Tanjung Aru

Borneo Inn

Comfortable rooms between the museum and the markets

  • air-conditioning
  • free Wi-Fi
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Hotel in City centre and waterfront

Qlio Hotel

Contemporary rooms close to the waterfront

  • air-conditioning
  • 24-hour front desk
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"Our order" puts hotels we have fully written up first. Commission doesn't affect the order.

Kota Kinabalu, area by area

KK's centre is a compact grid between the waterfront and Signal Hill. The coast road runs south past Sutera Harbour to Tanjung Aru and the airport.

City centre and waterfront

Best for markets, food and island boats

The centre is walkable and packed with places to eat. Gaya Street hosts a huge market every Sunday morning, selling everything from fruit to handicrafts, and the waterfront has a handicraft market (often called the Filipino Market) and a busy night market where seafood is grilled to order.

Jesselton Point ferry terminal, for boats to the islands, is at the northern end of the centre, and Signal Hill's observatory looks out over the city and sea.

Sutera, the museum and Tanjung Aru

Best for sunsets, the railway and the airport

South of the centre, the Sabah State Museum and Heritage Village show traditional longhouses from the state's many ethnic groups. The North Borneo Railway's heritage steam train leaves from Tanjung Aru station, and Tanjung Aru Beach is the city's favourite spot for sunset.

This side of the city is closer to the airport and has some newer, quieter hotels.

Questions about staying in Kota Kinabalu

Where should I stay in Kota Kinabalu?

The city centre is best for first visits, with markets, restaurants and the island ferries close by. Tanjung Aru is quieter and closer to the airport and the city's best sunset beach.

How do I visit the islands?

Boats leave from Jesselton Point to the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, such as Sapi, Manukan and Mamutik, about 15 to 20 minutes away. Island-hopping packages are popular.

Can I climb Mount Kinabalu from KK?

Yes, but the climb requires permits, a licensed guide and accommodation on the mountain, usually booked well ahead. Kinabalu Park is about two hours from the city.

When is the Gaya Street market?

Every Sunday morning, from early until around midday.

Where can I see orangutans?

The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is near Sandakan, on the east coast, a short flight or long drive from KK. Closer to the city, the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park has orangutans and other Bornean animals.

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