Often referred to by its abbreviation KK, the intriguing city of Kota Kinabalu and its mountainous inland have fascinated both international and domestic visitors for decades. From stunning mountain peaks to crystal clear beaches, Kota Kinabalu (and its highland hill station of Kundasang) has a wide range of natural wonders to captivate even the most seasoned adventurer. Join us while we explore the top things to do in Kota Kinabalu and Kundasang.
Date visited: Nov-2022
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Kota Kinabalu (Sabah, Malaysia)
Located on the northwest coast of Borneo facing the South China Sea, Kota Kinabalu is the state capital of Sabah, Malaysia. With a population of 500,000, the city lies ~90km west of Mount Kinabalu.
The city has its roots in the 19th century when the British North Borneo Company (BNBC) first set up a settlement in the area. It was named “Jesselton” after Sir Charles Jessel, then the vice-chairman of BNBC.
Jesselton was destroyed by the Japanese during World War II. Rebuilding efforts started shortly after the war. By 1946, the British Crown had declared Jesselton the new capital of North Borneo.
After the formation of Malaysia in 1963, North Borneo was renamed Sabah. Subsequently, Jesselton was renamed Kota Kinabalu in 1967, Kota being the Malay word for City and Kinabalu after the nearby Mount Kinabalu.
With an elevation of 4,095 m, Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in both Borneo and Malaysia. It is also the third-highest peak of an island on Earth.
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Top things to do in Kota Kinabalu and Kundasang
Below is the top things to do in Kota Kinabalu and Kundasang, listed in chronological order of our visit.
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#1: Desa Dairy Farm (Kundasang)
Located at the foothill of Mount Kinabalu, this operational cattle farm is extremely popular with tourists looking for postcard views of the majestic mountain. The farm also retails its dairy products (e.g. ice cream, milk, yoghurt) onsite and offers visitors the chance to feed the cattle.
Entrance fee:
- Adult (13 years and above) RM 5
- Child (7-12 years) RM4
- Online booking required for tickets.
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#2: Hooga Cafe (Kundasang)
The most famous and best (we’ve tried!) cafe in Kundasang. Along the route to Desa Dairy Farm and Sosodikon Hill.
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#3: Sosodikon Hill (Kundasang)
Small viewing platform that offers a panoramic view of Mount Kinabalu and the surrounding hills. Due to its popularity, the platform gets crowded during peak periods. There is a limit of 5 minutes for viewing during such times.
Two routes lead to Sosodikon Hill and both are in bad condition. Do seek local advice before driving there. Along the route to Desa Dairy Farm. Just after Hooga Cafe.
Entrance fee:
- Adult (13 years and above) RM10
- Child (7-12 years) RM5
#4: Kokol Haven Resort Cafe (Kota Kinabalu)
Resort with a cafe that offers a splendid bird-eye view of Kota Kinabalu city.
Entrance fee:
- RM10 per pax (comes with 1x standard drink)
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#5: Island Hopping Tour (Kota Kinabalu)
Island hopping tour is one of the must-do activities while in Kota Kinabalu. There are several small islands just off the coast of the city.
All tours depart from Jesselton Point Jetty. You could purchase tickets directly from the jetty’s main counter. No booking is required. You could also rent snorkelling equipment and make bookings for water activities at the same counter. The tours typically start between 8 to 9 am. Thus, do reach the jetty by 8 am to purchase the tickets.
There are tour options for visiting 1 to 4 islands. But it is advisable to stick to a maximum of 2 due to time constraints. Once you’ve purchased the tickets, the staff at the main counter will assign you to one of the authorised tour operators to brief you on the tour details (e.g. timing, boat) and collect your rental equipment (if any). Each tour operator will start a boat once enough people fill it. Most tour operators will schedule a last return trip from the islands by 4.30 pm.
The tours does not include meals. However, food outlets are available on the islands.
Price:
- 1 Island Price: Adult RM35, Child RM30
- 2 Island Price: Adult RM45, Child RM40
- 3 Island Price: Adult RM55, Child RM50
- (Prices inclusive of Terminal Fee, but excludes Sabah Parks Conservation Fee)
- (Sabah Parks Conservation Fee: Adult RM20, Child RM15. To be paid on the island)
Islands we’ve visited:
- Manukan Island
- Mamutik Island
Sea activities we’ve tried:
- Parasailing (~RM100 per pax)
- Sea Walking (~RM280 per pax)
- Banana Boat (~RM50 per pax)
- Snorkelling (free)
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#6: Welcome Seafood Restaurant (Kota Kinabalu)
Being a coastal city, it is unsurprising that Kota Kinabalu is a seafood hub. Food establishments in the city are known for serving fresh seafood at great prices.
With three outlets in the city, Welcome Seafood Restaurant is one of the biggest seafood restaurant. With both halal and non-halal sections. Surely a must-visit.
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#7: Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort (Kota Kinabalu)
With a wide and clean shoreline, Pantai Dalit (Dalit Beach) is one of the most stunning beaches in Kota Kinabalu. The beach is approximately 30km from the city centre and hosts the luxurious Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort at its northern end. Much of the area in the southern part of the beach is undeveloped and lacks properly paved roads for access. Thus, visitors are adviced to access the beach via the resort. The resort is open to the general public and even provides free parking.
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Related posts:
Other related posts (Malaysia):
- Malaysia: Sipadan/Mataking
- Malaysia: Sarawak
- Malaysia: Pulau Tenggol
- Malaysia: Genting Highlands
- Malaysia: Johor
- Malaysia: Tioman
- Malaysia: Penang/Ipoh
- Malaysia: Langkawi
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