Kota KinabaluFrom WikitravelAsia : Southeast Asia : Malaysia : Sabah : Kota KinabaluJump to : navigation , searchContents [ +] Get inBy planeBy road [ +] By busHeading eastHeading northHeading southHeading to the south - west interior By boatBy train Get aroundSeeDoBuyEatDrink [ +] SleepBudgetMid - rangeSplurge [ +] ContactConsulates Get out Downtown Kota KinabaluThe capital of Sabah , Borneo , this Malaysian city is a growing resort destination due to is proximity to tropical islands , lush rain forest and Mount Kinabalu . [ edit ] Get in [ edit ] By planeKota Kinabalu International Airport ( IATA code BKI , but also abbreviated KKIA ) is the main gateway to Sabah . Peninsular Malaysia : Malaysia Airlines [ 1 ] and budget carrier AirAsia [ 2 ] operate numerous flights daily between KK and Kuala Lumpur . Some flights stop over in Labuan or Sarawak airports . There are also several flights daily by AirAsia to and from Johor Bahru . Many fly between KK and Johor Bahru en route to Singapore as fares are considerably cheaper . Sarawak : Malaysia Airlines has several flights daily between KK and Kuching and Miri and at least one flight daily to / from Sibu direct . MASWings also operate direct flights two or three times a week between KK and the Gunung Mulu National Park , Limbang , Lawas and Miri . Within Sabah : Malaysia Airlines [ 3 ] and AirAsia [ 4 ] several flights daily KK and Sandakan as well as Tawau . Malaysia Airlines subsidiary MASWings [ 5 ] , which operates the rural air service , links KK with Lahad Datu ( four daily ) , Sandakan ( twice daily ) and Tawau ( twice daily ) by using Fokker planes , and Kudat ( on Monday , Thursday and Saturday , flights continue to Sandakan ) with Twin Otters . Other destinations : Kota Kinabalu can be reached by direct flight from Manila through Cebu Pacific airlines www . cebupacificair . com and from Clark ( 2 hours north of Manila ) through Air Asia ; from Bangkok on Thai AirAsia [ 6 ] ; from Singapore on AirAsia [ 7 ] , Silkair [ 8 ] , Tigerairways [ 9 ] and Jet Star [ 10 ] ; from Hong Kong on Dragonair [ 11 ] and Malaysian Airlines [ 12 ] ; from Brunei on Royal Brunei Airlines [ 13 ] ; from Tokyo , Osaka , Taipei , Kaohsiung , Seoul and Manila on Malaysia Airlines [ 14 ] ; from Macau on AirAsia [ 15 ] ; and other cities too . The private Layang Layang Air flies daily between KK and Layang Layang Island for those booked into the resort there . There are ATMs and a currency exchange in Terminal 1 & 2 of the airport but if you ' re arriving late it ' ll almost certainly be closed and the ATMs are not always working , so make sure you ' ve got some Malaysian ringgit before you arrive as you ' ll need it for the taxi or the bus . If you find yourself having just arrived and without any ringgit , you can have a taxi take you to an ATM on the way to wherever you ' re staying . Getting there / away : The airport is 7 km away from the city . A shuttle bus leaves approximately every hour and drops passengers off at the Wawasan Center south of downtown KK . You can also catch minibuses along the main road away from the airport . Minibus No . 17 ( KK - Putatan buses ) will bring you to the city . Taxis ( you have to buy a coupon ) are also available . The standard rate from the airport to the city is RM 30 ( as of July 2010 ) . Walking into town from the airport is possible if you like walking and have an hour or two to spare . Pick up a city map in the airport terminal , and you won ' t have any problem finding your way . You can also stop by the Sabah State Mosque on the way . [ edit ] By roadAll main roads in Sabah radiate out from Kota Kinabalu . The main road to the Sarawak border at Sindumin heads south from the city through the suburbs of Kepayan and Tanjung Aru and goes past Papar , Kimanis , Beaufort and Sipitang . From Sindumin , the road continues to Lawas and on to Brunei and it is possible to travel from Kota Kinabalu to Brunei in a day . Another main road goes north to Kudat via Kota Belud . The main road to the East Coast ( Sandakan and Lahad Datu ) branches off from this road at Tamparuli . Another main road heading southeast leaves the suburbs of Penampang and Donggongon towards Tambunan , Keningau and Tenom . [ edit ] By busThere are two long - distance bus terminals , The South Terminal accross the road from Wisma Wawasan serving destinations south of Kota Kinabalu Beaufort , Sipitang and Lawas , and the other called the ' Kota Kinabalu ' North Bus Terminal ' in Inanam , 10 km to the northeast of the city centre . This terminal serves buses going north and east of Kota kinabalu , including Mount Kinabalu , Sandakan , Semporna and Tawau . Minivans run to neighbouring towns like Papar , Beaufort and Tuaran , and exclusively serve the towns of the West Coast interior like Tambunan , Keningau and Tenom . To get there from the KK North Bus Terminal , regular shuttle buses run between the terminal and the city centre near the state library . The main minibus and minivan station is opposite Wisma Wawasan Plaza at the southern end of the city . [ edit ] Heading eastTo Sandakan it takes 5 - 6 hrs . Several express bus companies operate buses between the Kota Kinbalu North Bus Terminal and Sandakan . . Semporna is very far so the distance to reach quite long and takes 9 - 10 hrs . Dyana Bus , leaves twice daily from Inanam station around 7 : 30 AM & 7 : 30 PM . Shuttle from KK city to Inanam is 1 . 50 MYR , 20 minutes , departs from bus station on Jalan Padang . To / from Tawau : ~ 9 hrs , 55 MYR . Several express bus companies operate bus between the Kota Kinabalu North Bus Terminal and Kota Kinabalu - Tawau . Tung Ma Express ( Tel : + 60 -( 0 ) 19 - 8827334 Mr Shim ) - Andisba Express -( 013 - 8797779 ) - Alitopan Express - 013 - 8862348 / 0198634797 / 089767858 -( bus from KK at 7 : 00 , 8 : 00 , 10 : 00 , 12 : 30 , 14 : 00 . To / from Mount Kinabalu and Ranau : 1 . 5 - 2 hrs , 25 - 35 MYR . All the above buses pass by the entrance of the Mount Kinabalu National Park , Kundasang and Ranau ( for Poring Hot Spring ) . You can get off or board at these locations . You can also catch buses / minibuses doing the shorter run to Ranau . The journey from KK to Mount Kinabalu should take about two hours . [ edit ] Heading northTo / from Kudat : To / from Kota Belud : [ edit ] Heading southTo / from Lawas : The Sipitang Express Bus Sdn Bhd [ 16 ] ( Tel : + 60 - 88 - 213722 or + 60 -( 0 ) 16 - 8149332 ) runs one bus at 07 : 30 daily from the City Centre bus terminal to Lawas in Sarawak . From Lawas , buses depart at 12 : 30 . The journey takes about four hours and cost RM 20 one way . The Lawas Bus Company also operates an express bus daily to Lawas , departing Lawas at about 8 AM and returning from KK ' s City Centre terminal at 1 PM . Both buses go through Beaufort and Sipitang . You can also make the journey by minivans but you may have to change at Beaufort or even at Papar and Sipitang . Catch them from the minivan station opposite Wawasan Plaza . If you are continuing to Brunei , see Kota Kinabalu to Brunei in a day . To / from Beaufort and Sipitang : The Sipitang Express Bus [ 17 ] departs the City Centre Terminal for Beaufort ( one and three quarter hours , RM 9 ) and Sipitang ( two and three quarter hours , RM 14 ) at 8 : 30 , 12 : 00 and 16 : 30 . The 07 : 30 bus to Lawas also goes through Beaufort and Sipitang . From Sipitang , buses depart at 08 : 00 , 12 : 00 , 13 : 30 ( bus comes through from Lawas ) and 16 : 30 and an hour later from Beaufort . You can also catch the Lawas Bus Company ' s express bus between KK and Lawas . Again , you can do this do this by minivans throughout the day , although they are more frequent in the morning . You may also have to change at Papar if you cannot get a direct minivan . To / from Menumbok : The Sipitang Express Bus [ 18 ] runs two buses from the City Centre terminal to Menumbok where there are ferries to Labuan . They depart at 07 : 00 and 13 : 00 . From Menumbok , buses depart at 10 : 15 and 15 : 15 . one way tickets cost RM 14 . Minivans also do the journey although you may have to change at Papar and Beaufort . To / from Papar : Regular minivans run to this coastal town 38 km south of Kota Kinabalu . [ edit ] Heading to the south - west interiorTo / from Tambunan , Keningau and Tenom : Most public transport to this part of Sabah is by minibuses and vans which leave from the minibus station opposite Wawasan Plaza . Again , it ' s best to get started early . You should be able to catch a direct minibus from KK to Keningau . Change there for Tenom . [ edit ] By boatFerries use the Jesselton point Ferry Terminal , a 20 minute walk from the center of town . The most popular service is to Labuan where there are frequent ferries daily . The journey takes about 3 hours . From Labuan , you can continue all the way to Bandar Seri Begawan in one day if you get an early start . A package ticket to Brunei costs RM 56 . See the Kota Kinabalu to Brunei in a day page for details . Boats also leave for the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu from the ferry terminal . Regular departures to Manukan , Gaya and other islands . Cost per person is between RM 17 and RM 40 depending on island . See the park ' s page for details . [ edit ] By trainDue to repair work and an accident , the North Borneo Railway has temporarily halted operations , track seems to be laid but no information on reopening . The North Borneo Railway [ 19 ] operates a 134 km network from Tanjung Aru south of the city centre to Tenom in the interior via Papar , Kimanis and Beaufort . Four trains daily except for Sunday , when there are only two trains , run between Tanjung Aru station ( Tel : + 60 - 88 - 254611 ) and Beaufort , where you change trains if you want to continue your journey to Tenom . Journey time between Kota Kinabalu and Beaufort is about 2 hours , making it more attractive for travellers to take the bus for part of the journey . You can then change to a train at Beaufort for the more interesting stretch to Tenom . [ edit ] Get around Walk - The city center is quite small , and you can walk from one end to the other in less than half an hour . Safely crossing the street can be an issue , but most streets are at least equipped with sidewalks . You can also walk to and from the airport ( an hour or two each way ) . Even the highways outside of town usually have a walking path or a wide grassy shoulder to walk on . Taxi - Short fares around RM 10 , longer trips around RM 20 . A whole day shouldn ' t cost more then RM 300 . It should be STRESSED that haggling is vital in order to get a fair price . Many taxi drivers in Malaysia are infamous for raising their fare prices , ESPECIALLY upon unknowing tourists . Bus - RM 1 . 50 from Kota Kinabalu International Airport ( Petagas ) to the city centre , while RM 1 . 00 from Terminal 2 International Airport ( Tg . Aru ) to City Centre . Hire Car - cars can easily be hired on the spot from the hire car counters in the arrivals hall . Rates can be negotiated so compare the offers . Motorbikes for hire ! - GG Rent A Motorbike provides scooters to semi auto ' s for tourist and at a price of RM 20 . 00 . They provide maps and plan your itinerary with you to maximize your schedule and minimize the time . For more info visit their official website at www . gogosabah . com . [ edit ] [ add listing ] See Atkinson Clock TowerSabah State MosqueEntrance to Lok Kawi Wildlife ParkHall of Skulls at Monsopiad Cultural VillageAtkinson Clock Tower - built in 1902 in memory of Francis George Atkinson , the first district officer of Jesselton , as KK was then called . He died of a tropical disease in the same year at the young age of only 28 . The tower is on a hill beside Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman , just a few minutes away from the city centre . The Green Connection Aquarium - located 10 min outside the downtown area by taxi . The best place to see the wildlife of Borneo without leaving the city . Sabah State Mosque - located on Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman . State Museum - A quick guide to KK ' s history . [ edit ] [ add listing ] Do Lok Kawi Wildlife Park Located near the small town of Lok Kawi a short distance south of Kota Kinabalu . It features Orang - Utans , Proboscis Monkeys , Gibbons , a Sumatran Rhinoceros , some tigers , local deer , various birds in a large aviary , elephants , and other animals . A reptile section will be opened soon . A good alternative to visiting the nature reserves around Sabah for those on a tight schedule , as well as giving you the chance to see the animals much more up close than you would in the jungle . Entrance fee : RM 20 for adults , RM 10 for children , half - price for Malaysians . It is a little difficult to get to as there is no public transportation that goes right to the park , and it is about 10 minutes drive outside of Lok Kawi ( and about half an hour outside of Kota Kinabalu ) . Take a 17 B or 17 C bus to Lok Kawi town at RM 3 a head , then a local taxi for around RM 12 - 15 to the park . It is advisable to get the phone number of the taxi driver or arrange pickup from the park at a set time to go back to Lok Kawi as there are no taxis or buses at the park . Alternatively pay some RM 80 - 100 to have a taxi take you there from Kota Kinabalu and back . Monsopiad Cultural Village [ 20 ] Located about half an hour south - east of town , this small park shows the traditional way of life of the Kadazan ethnic group and tells the story of Monsopiad , a Kadazan warrior who lived some 300 years ago and who killed 42 men who attacked his village . The 42 skulls can be viewed in the Hall of Skulls . Entrance fee is RM 50 for adults , RM 10 for children ( prices for non - Malaysians ) . To get there you can hire a taxi from Kota Kinabalu and arrange to be picked up some hours later . The rate should be around RM 80 , or RM 20 one - way . Golf Academy Borneo , 1 st Floor , Likas Golf Driving Range , Jalan Istiadad , 88400 , ☎ + 60 14 334 - 3565 ( info @ golfacademyborneo . com ) , [ 21 ] . Private golf lessons with British PGA - accredited professional golf tutors , short game clinics , kids golf clinics and a Junior Programmes . edit bike , blade , and board - [ 22 ] - extreme sports community group in Kota Kinabalu . Eco and Natural Tour [ 23 ] - Explore the rich and diversified treasure of nature on the island . Trinity Self - Defence - Learn some self - defence skills at a Kota Kinabalu Mixed Martial Arts ( MMA ) Gym ! Classes include Brazilian Jiu Jitsu , CMB , Judo and Shootfighting . Trainers in training Stephen , Fresh and Genn are very friendly and experienced . Contact Fresh at trinityselfdef @ gmail . com . Address : Lot 12 1 st Floor Likas Plaza Phase 1 Mile 4 1 / 2 Jalan Tuaran 88400 Kota Kinabalu Sabah . Shop Shop Shop - Lots of Shopping Centres great for picking up bargains . Eat Eat Eat - Kota Kinablu is a cultural melting pot . Here Chinese meet Malays and Bruneis , Javanese , Filipinos and even a couple of Europeans , all of whom have brought along their own cuisine . Try out the many specialties offered at the various kedai kopi ( often in buffet form making it easy to order ) and shun fast food chains ! [ edit ] [ add listing ] Buy Exchange Rate : US $ 1 . 00 = RM 3 . 20 Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market [ 24 ] is next to the waterfront . Formerly known as " Pasar Filipino ", it is always synonym with pearls , local handicrafts , home decorations and even crystals lately . Don ' t forget to bargain for good prices , the attendants here are very friendly and they will always greet you with warm smile . You can also find souvenirs such as keychains , t - shirts with Sabah themes , carved wooden statues , batiks and sarongs , rattan handicraft and floor mats , Islamic caligraphies , brooches etc . Some of the items are imported from Austria and others from neighbouring Asian countries such as the Philippines , Indonesia , Thailand and Korea , and there is little actual Sabah handicraft available , but it is a very colourful place that will stay in your memory as a ' souvenir ' from Sabah . Gaya Street Tamu : KK ' s Sunday Market - everything from Malaysian delicacies , ground coffee , t - shirts , handicrafts , hardware and anything in between at bargain prices . Held every Sunday morning , 6 AM - 1 PM , along Jalan Gaya right in the heart of town . [ edit ] [ add listing ] Eat For meals , head to the outdoor food stalls fronting the sea or coffee shops along the streets . The less adventurous could make a beeline for fast food outlets in the Centrepoint shopping center while those with deeper pockets could try the pier - side restaurants just after the open air fish market . The promenade restaurants between the Philippino Craft Market and the fish market are poor value and only frequented by tourists . Try SEDCO Square in the evening for top value . @ mosphere , Menara Tun Mustapha , tel . 088 - 425 - 100 , [ 25 ] . Revolving restaurant in Borneo ' s tallest building serving predictably generic " Pacific Rim " cuisine . Open throughout the day and for drinks at night . Anjappar , Asia City Complex ( facing Api Api centre , diagonally across the street from CentrePoint ) tel . 088 - 227969 , [ 26 ] . Chettinad ( North and South Indian ) cuisine . Serves authentic Indian food such as banana leaf meals , biriyani , naan & roti , tandoori dishes , and dosai . Prices range from RM 3 . 50 to RM 10 . 00 . Working hours : 10 . 30 AM to 3 . 30 PM and 5 . 30 PM to 10 . 00 PM . Anjappar is an Indian franchise with branches in Kuala Lumpur , Singapore , Dubai , Abu Dhabi , Sri Lanka and Canada . Bella Italia , 69 Jalan Gaya – right under the Jesselton Hotel in KK ' s business area . Phone 088 313 366 . Fabulous Italian restaurant that pops up unexpectedly . Chefs Maurizio and Michele produce some of the finest pizzas and pastas anywhere – not just in Malaysia – and if you get there early there are big discounts . If you like Italian , don ' t miss it ! Grazie Ristorante - Italian Restaurant ' - at Wawasan Plaza Complex , next to Tang Dynasty Hotel , tel : + 6019 821 6936 [ 27 ] . Serves no pork . * Cozy , affordable , nice music & clean . Ferdinand ` s Italian restaurant , Magellan Sutera harbour hotel , tel . 088303900 . Italian restaurant an Sutera Harbour hotel , next to the international airport . Jeff De Corner Grd Flr , Luyang Ph 6 , Shophouse , approximately 15 minutes from the city . Vast range of dishes incl Lamb & Beef Steak , Oxtail soup , lamb shank , BBQ Lamb and the exclusive Wagyu Beef Steak . Please call for reservation . Tel : 6019 - 881 - 8427 Jothy ' s Fish Head Curry and Banana Leaf Restaurant - Api Api Center . An eat - with - your - hands restaurant . A chicken dish RM 8 , a mango lassie RM 4 . Also , try the fish head curry , fish cutlets , fried fish pieces , chicken nasi biryani , assam soup and dried bitter gourd . Not the best Banana Leaf restaurant in Malaysia , but not bad . They ' ll bring you a spoon and fork , which you should politely decline . Ask for a banana leaf ( for additional 50 cents ) and eat with your hands . English menu . Kohinoor , tel . 088 - 235160 , [ 28 ] . North Indian food by the waterfront . Claims to have invented the " Chicken Cheese Tandoori Tikka ". Indoor and alfresco seating . Man Tai Restaurant - Located in Likas , Dah Yeh Villa . They are famous for their Beaufort - style Fried Noodles . They serve Chinese style a - la carte dishes as well . Mario ' s Pizza , 1 Borneo Hypermall , Jalan UMS , Kota Kinabalu - Mario ' s Pizza at 1 Borneo C - 702 Lower Ground serves authentic Italian Pizza Slice or " Pizza al Taglio " so good and yummy at an unbeatable price . ( http : / / www . mariospizzakk . webs . com / ) Pete ' s Corner - Located in Asia City in the heart of Kota Kinabalu , Pete ' s Corner is a Western breakfast place which specializes in " Cheap but good " Western style dishes . The shop mainly caters for steaks and other western dishes at reasonable prices ( RM 10 - 18 ) . The meal in itself isn ' t huge , but it gets the job done . If your lucky , you might see theo owner himself . Pirates Rib Shack Diner - Located in Asia City in the heart of Kota Kinabalu , Pirates Ribshack Diner provides the best pork and lamb ribs in town , together with steaks , burgers and seafood , on Sunday they hold a weekly BBQ Pork roast . The Stonebridge Galley provides all day English Breakfast . Halal food and drink is available at Charles Cafe outlet Salim - Situated in Lintas Square , approximately 20 minutes drive from the city , Salim has proved to be a highly popular supper spot for many local Sabahans both young and old . Specialising in many local " mamak " foods and delicacies , the most popular meals would be the Malaysian roti styled bread which is cooked over an open flat iron skillet which is bathed in oil . The meal along with a nice cup of Teh Tarik Madras would range at around RM 5 - 8 . Yu Kee ' s Bak Kut Teh - Located along the famous Gaya Street , its a Chinese operated restaurant that serves pork dishes . A small single dish cost about RM 4 , soup top up is free . All types of pork meat & organs served with special Chinese herb soup . A MUST TRY ! Yuit Cheong Coffee Shop , 昌 悅 , located at the heart of the city 50 , Jalan Pantai . Famous for its Satay and cozy environment . Slurp ! Slurp ! Seafood in Kota Kinabalu is very popular , so getting a dose of it is a must . Here are some places to try : Kampung Nelayan Floating Seafood Market Restaurant - Located 10 mins drive away from KK city , this seafood restaurant is built within a botanical park / lake using Malay architecture . There is a nightly cultural performance with a fire show performed during the weekends . Highly recommended for tourists . ( Tel : 088 - 231003 ) New Gaya Seafood Restaurant , Tel : 088 - 385020 . one of the most visited seafood restaurant by locals . Price are fixed and 20 % - 30 % cheaper than city ' s seafood restaurants . Captains are helpful . Must try their deep fried crabs with egg yolk & butter prawn . Its located next to Gaya Sports Recreation Centre ( Tel : 088 - 426075 ) , Inanam . 20 minutes by Taxi , highly recommended for visitors who have spare time . Ocean Seafood Restaurant - Right next to the Promenade Hotel and Parkson Grand . The restaurant faces the coastline . You can take a pick on your seafood orders by the fishtanks , or if you prefer , you can let the waiters recommend at your table . Portview Seafood Restaurant - There are 2 branches of this in K . K . one of them is right opposite Centrepoint Shopping Centre , called The Waterfront . This one is quite new , a very popular place for tourists and orders can be taken either way similar to Ocean Restaurant . This restaurant is nestled amongst other popular nightlife hangouts , mostly bars and clubs , but also cafes like CoffeeBean . The other older one is nicely set in front of a pier , within walking distance to banks such as HSBC and Standard Chartered , and some supermarkets stocking imported goods . Salut Seafood Restaurant - It takes about 20 minutes car journey from the city center to Salut where the restaurant is located near the Sepanggar Bay and Telipok . It is a famous place for cheaper seafood dishes as the prawns are bred by the restaurant owner . Sutera Rimba - 7 PM to midnight . [ edit ] [ add listing ] Drink Pirates Bar - Located in Asia City in the 3 colour T food Court accross the road from Centrepoint behind the Mercedes Bendz Dealer . Features the largest outdoor bar in Kota Kinabalu with prices from RM 25 + for 5 cans of house beer . Live sport including AFL , NRL , Rugby , Cricket . Live music at weekends Cock & Bull Bistro - Winner of Best Entertainment Outlet Awards for Night Spot Experience 3 times in a row ( 2005 , 2007 , 2009 ) . Located on the waterfront facing the South China Sea with cool sea breezes and a beautiful view of the sunset . Featuring a live band , 2 projector screens and an American Pool Table . Shenanigan Fun Pub - Located at ground floor of the Kinabalu Hyatt Regency . Shamrock Irish Bar - The Waterfront Lot 6 . Pint of Tiger or Guinness RM 20 +. The usual Irish fare , with outdoor seating . Add 16 % tax . Cocoon - one of KK ' s most notable nightspots . It is a relaxed bar in the day and a lively bar / club by night , with the action carrying on into the small hours . Bee Kim KTV - Located at Sadong Jaya around Karamunsing area . Strawberry KTV - Located near segama and central market . Razz - Ma - Tazz - Located just outside the central business district along Jalan Tuaran , it is one of the largest and most popular nightclubs in the city . Features two rooms , the larger one , Z ' Razz , features a live band rotated with DJ spinning mainly hip - hop tracks . The smaller room , Zuave , plays mainly house , trance , and other dance tracks . Bed - located on the Promenade near the night markets . one room with a cover band , Pool table and DJ . Beach Road Pub and cafe , live band , pool . Firefly Bar & Grill , live band - KK Times Square . Hot place to hang out , dance and chill . [ edit ] [ add listing ] Sleep Kota Kinabalu has accommodation in all price brackets . For lodgings on and around Mount Kinabalu , see the Mount Kinabalu article . [ edit ] Budget Akinabalu Youth Hostel , [ 29 ] , Jalan Gaya . Two computers with free internet access , TV and DVD , and free breakfast . RM 56 for a fan room for two with shared bathroom . Safe and clean with friendly staff . Alpinehomstay [ 30 ] , tel . 60 88 237727 . They are located 5 minutes from the airport and city centre . Fully furnished . Modernly decorated . Free pickup from and to the airport . Free shuttle to the city centre . Asia Adventure Lodge , tel . + 60 138929995 , [ 31 ] , [ 32 ] . Smaller hostel with a friendly family feel located right in the heart of town next to Internet cafe , banks , travel agents , supermarkets and nightlife , plus the colourful and deliciously diversified Sunday Market . Dorms RM 17 ( fan ) or RM 22 ( aircon ) ; Aircon Singles / Doubles RM 40 / RM 58 . Free Wi - Fi too ! Borneo Adventure Center & Lodge , tel . + 6 ( 088 ) 241 515 , [ 33 ] , Email : Borneoadventurecenter @ yahoo . com . Borneo Adventure Center & Lodge is a budget hotel & lodge that offer backpackers rates . It has rooms for double , triple as well as backpackers dormitory beds . All rooms have fan , air - conditioning at night and either a common or an ensuite shower room with hot water shower . Facilities includes a self service kitchen equipped with refrigerator , microwave oven , stove , toaster , coffee making facilities , CCTV security , electronic card access system , in - house laundry service , Cable TV at the lobby , Wifi and Internet access . Rates inclusive of simple Breakfast ( Toast with coffee / tea ) too . Rates : Dorm . - RM 21 per Person , Twin or Dbl Bed Room - RM 55 . 00 per room . Borneo Backpackers , tel . + 6 ( 088 ) 234 009 , [ 34 ] , Email : info @ borneobackpackers . com . Centrally located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu , Borneo Backpackers has already attracted the attention of discerning travellers from around the world . Some guests have already made return visits , and many more have vowed to return . While guests originally come for the facilities on offer , such as clean bathroom , toilets , pantry area , internet facility , laundry , cosy lounge area , roof garden deck , 24 hours security , and a tour information counter . They return for the service from our friendly , helpful and knowledgeable local staff . Rooms available include airconditioned or fan Large Dormitory ( 10 Beds ) , Medium Dormitory ( 4 - 6 Beds ) and Private Rooms . Each room has small storage compartment for personal items and has a fan or is air - conditioned . Rates from US $ 7 per person per night . Borneo BeacHouse Backpackers , tel . + 6 ( 088 ) 218 331 , [ 35 ] , [ 36 ] . Enjoy the only BeacHouse ( friendly , relaxed atmosphere ) which offers the ideal vacation home to the leisure seekers and busy executives with abundant eco and nature sites . Details visit website Borneo Gaya Lodge , tel : + 6088 242 477 . [ 37 ] , Email : info @ borneogayalodge . com . New Lodge at Gaya Street ( the famous street - sunday market in the central of K . K ) is just started in the end of year 2008 . New bed sheet & linen , towel , and hot & cold drinking water are free here . A spacious living ( carpeting floor ) with LCD ( Astro Channel ) , wireless internet access , books , a small kitchen with refrigerator , tour information and our friendly staff will make you feel warm here . No Curfew and 24 hours Security with CCTV and computerized lock door . Rates for fan & air - con room start from RM 23 per bed . Private Dorm , Twin / Double Bedroom and Family Room with common toilet are available . Soon Twin / Double & Family Bedroom with private toilet will set up in the coming of Feb 2009 . Booking online at website [ 38 ] Century Hotel Inanam , tel . + 6088 380222 , 012 8380268 ; Located at Inanam . [ 39 ] Spacious rooms , with TV and hot shower provided . 5 minutes drive from the city centre , KK . The owners also operates their chicken rice right below the hotel . Serves Hainan chicken rice and other varieties of food and beverage throughout the day . Globetrotters Lodge ( formerly New Horizon ) , tel . + 6088 272796 , [ 40 ] , [ 41 ] . Small , opposite British Council , just off Gaya Street , street market every Sunday morning , lots of cheap restaurants and banks nearby . Details visit website Hamin Lodge , tel . + 6 ( 088 ) 272008 [ 42 ] , [ 43 ] . Hamin Lodge in Kota Kinabalu is a unique boutique budget Hotel in the heart of Kota Kinabalu City . Services include Borneo Deco Hotel rooms in Kota Kinabalu , Exciting Borneo Tour packages , a Traditional Massage Spa , Restaurant and Bar . Fully air conditioned for comfort , rooms range from budget Hostel types of rooms suitable for backpackers to deluxe rooms with ensuite . Hotel Holiday , tel . + 6 ( 088 ) - 213116 , [ 44 ] . one of the best budget hotels in the city center . Offer 1 mb wireless internet / hotspot , laundry , friendly staff , closed to tourist attractions . Room with air - con & private bathroom . Standard / Deluxe / Family Room at RM 95 / RM 105 / RM 130 . SMS reservation mobile phone number + 6012 - 6909 - 888 Kinabalu Backpackers , tel . + 6088 - 253 385 , [ 45 ] , [ 46 ] . Centrally located in Australian Place , Kinabalu Backpackers offers Dorms for RM 25 , Doubles ( Sleeps 2 ) for RM 65 a night -- all rooms have Air Cond . Free Breakfast , Free Coffee or Tea all day and Free Internet + Wifi , Airport pickup service . Lavender Lodge , tel . + 6088 - 217119 , fax + 6088 - 218077 , [ 47 ] . This newly opened hotel is in the central business district of the city , within short walking distance to shopping malls , restaurants and entertainment outlets . The exceptionally clean and comfortable rooms , friendly staffs and affordable prices make the lodge favourites among international travellers . Details visit website Megah D ’ Aru Hotel , No . 2 , Jalan Kinabalu , Tanjung Aru Township , 88100 Kota Kinabalu , Sabah , Malaysia ( located in the heart of Tanjung Aru Township ) , ☎ + 6088 239 666 ( mdaru 2 @ streamyx . com ) . checkin : 2 . 00 p . m . ; checkout : 12 . 00 noon . Located in Tanjung Aru Township , less than 5 - minutes drive south of Kota Kinabalu City centre , and north of the Kota Kinabalu International Airport . Its 72 rooms are well equipped , and the rates reasonable . RM 128 - RM 188 . edit Stay In Lodge , tel . + 6088 - 272986 , [ 48 ] . Clean and comfortable . Located right on Gaya Street , where the famous street market is held every Sunday . Step - in Lodge , tel . + 6088 - 233519 , [ 49 ] . Painted in a zany combination of purple and bright green , this is a cozy little hostel in the middle of the city , with very friendly staff . Toilets and shower stalls are immaculate . Rates start from RM 25 per person for a dorm , air - con double RM 80 , including a simple continental breakfast . Details visit website Summer Lodge , [ 50 ] . Convenient central location with a nice lobby , free internet / wifi , free breakfast , and very helpful staff . Clean , decent bathrooms , however dorm rooms leave a bit to be desired ( cramped , bed frames falling apart ) . As of July 2008 : All rooms have aircon ; 22 MYR / night mixed dorm ; 28 MYR / night male or female only , plus private rooms . Tropicana Lodge , Room start from RM 25 per person Tune Hotels Kota Kinabalu , [ 51 ] Recently opened no - frill hotel located within 1 Borneo , East Malaysia ' s largest shopping complex . Far from city but free shuttle bus is available daily . online booking only . Rate might as cheap as RM 1 ++ Velvet Lodge & Lounge , tel . + 6088 212196 , [ 52 ] , [ 53 ] . Located in the heart of the city this clean new hostel offers Internet / wi - fi , laundry , friendly staff , simple breakfast and a funky patio lounge serving great meals and cold beer . Details visit website ( Velvet Lodge closed down in mid 2008 ) X - plorer Backpackers , 1 st Floor , 106 / 108 , Jalan Gaya , 88000 Kota Kinabalu , Sabah , ☎ + 60 - 88 - 538780 ( info @ xplobackpackers . com , fax : + 60 - 88 - 538781 ) , [ 54 ] . checkin : 1400 ; checkout : 1300 . Centrally located in the heart of town along the popular Gaya Sunday morning street market . Reservations can be made by phone , online or by SMS text message to mobile phone : + 6012 - 8399328 . Complimentary breakfast , free wifi , all rooms are air - conditioned . Dormitories , private rooms , family rooms available . Some ensuite rooms with attached bathrooms were recently upgraded . Rates start from RM 20 . 00 . edit Hotel Kotajaya and Back Packers Contact No . + 6088 222715 , [ 55 ] . Located near Sinsuran Complex , short distance to Centre Point , Api - Api Centre , Kompleks Asia City , and Waterfront bars . Budget rooms with private bathroom are available . Friendly host . Impiana Mutiara Hotel KAMPUNG AIR , No . 12 , Jalan Perpaduan , Kampung Air , 88000 Kota Kinabalu . ( in the heart of Kota Kinabalu City Center ) , ☎ + 6088 231 991 / 232 992 ( info @ impianamutiarahotel . com ) , [ 56 ] . A budget hotel with 27 rooms . Every room comes with an attached bathroom with hot and cold shower , individual air - con unit and TV with cable channels . Reservations can be made online . Promotion rate starts from RM 65 . edit [ edit ] Mid - range King Park Hotel Kota Kinabalu , Jalan Masjid Lama , Bandaran Berjaya 88000 ( in the heart of Kota Kinabalu City Center ) , ☎ + 6088 270 500 ( reservations @ kk . kingparkhotel . com . my ) , [ 57 ] . checkin : 2 . 00 p . m . ; checkout : 12 . 00 noon . One of the newest 3 star hotel located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu ( Bandaran Berjaya ) that provides friendly service , convenient facilities and clean and affordable accommodation for leisure travelers or business people . This 14 - storey Hotel features panoramic views of Kota Kinabalu city and Tunku Abdul Rahman Park from the upper floors . Offers online reservations . RM 128 - RM 198 . edit The Pacific Sutera , ☎ 60 88 318 888 ( sutera @ suteraharbour . com . my ) , [ 58 ] . The resort ' s indulgent living spaces are classified into Deluxe Golf View , Deluxe Sea View , Pacific Club Golf View , Pacific Club Sea View , Junior Suite , Executive Suite , Pacific Club Junior Suite , Pacific Club Executive Suite , and Presidential Suite . A 5 - star resort that rests on the breezy seafront of Sutera Harbour . Rates start at MYT 400 . edit [ edit ] Splurge Grand Borneo Hotel ( formerly Mercure KK ) , Grand Borneo Hotel , Tel : + 60 88 526 888 , mailto : info @ grandborneohotel . com , http : / / www . grandborneohotel . com . Grand Borneo Hotel , a fast growing home - grown brand , makes its debut in the pulsating tropical wonders of Kota Kinabalu . This 325 - room property of modern chic deluxe class forms an integral part of the largest mall in Sabah - 1 Borneo Hypermall ; an entertainment complex with over 400 stores of leisure , entertainment and culinary delights . This international class hotel caters to business travelers as well as holiday makers . Sutera Harbour Resort ( formerly Pan Pacific ) , Sutera Harbour Blvd , Kota Kinabalu , tel . + 60 88 318 888 , [ 59 ] , [ 60 ] . The resort property of Sutera Harbour Resort , features a city - style hotel in The Pacific Sutera and a resort - style hotel The Magellan Sutera . The property also features a 27 - hole golf course , a fully equipped marina , 2 spas , sports facilities like squash , badminton and tennis courts and various other sport and leisure activities . About a RM 10 taxi ride to town , or a 20 minute walk ( if you ' re in good shape ) . The rooms are top notch with either a sea view or golf course / Mount Kinabalu view in Pacific Sutera Theor a garden / sea - view from The Magellan Sutera . You can easily book trips to the islands , starting at RM 35 . The Resort has a free shuttle bus going to town every hour until 21 : 00 , as well as an internal shuttle that ferries guests between facilities . Cross - signing facilities mean that if you stay in one hotel , you have access to the entire resort . An internal shuttle takes guests between the properties , the marina and the golf club . Berjaya Palace Hotel , 1 Jalan Tangki Karamunsing , tel . + 60 - 88 - 211911 . The hotel blends old architecture with modern facilities . Hilltop location , 15 minutes drive from the airport . Jesselton Hotel , www . jesseltonhotel . com 69 , Gaya Street , 88000 Kota Kinabalu , Malaysia . Tel : ( 6088 ) 223333 . Fax : ( 6088 ) 240401 Jesselton was the initial name for Kota Kinabalu during the British colony . And this boutique hotel should not be missed . Built in the early 1920 s , it has been one of the longest remaining quality hotels in Kota Kinabalu . Set right in the middle of Gaya Street , a street thriving with local shops and cafes , and walking distance to the local cinemas - sets off the charms of the local atmosphere . The Pasar Malam ( ' night market ') and Sundays on Gaya Streets are a must - see . Many hawkers will set up shops along Gaya Street to sell their wares - food , toys or pets . Lots of vibrant colors and scrumptious smells along the strip . This hotel is within the city center district . Hotel has their own limousine , which is a British cab imported from the UK . Email : jesshtl @ po . jaring . my Hyatt Regency Kinabalu , Jalan Datuk Salleh Sulong , 88991 ( in the city centre ) , ☎ + 60 8 822 1234 ( reservation . hrkinabalu @ hyattintl . com ) , [ 61 ] . A 3 - 4 star International hotel but still has that exclusive feeling once you walk through the doors . Right in the heart of the city centre , a perfect choice for business men who just want to eat , sleep and work . This hotel has an impressive choice of restaurants , from their coffee shop serving Malaysian food , a Chinese restaurant with ' dimsum ' or ' yum cha ', a Japanese restaurant with Teppanyaki and a fresh bakery . Close to shopping centers , fast food outlets , and cafes . edit Shangri - La Rasa Ria Resort - 5 star - excellent facility , beautifully located on beach . Quality 18 hole golf course , excellent kid ' s club and has an orang - utan sanctuary where guests can see young orang - utans up relatively close . An excellent family resort , great pools with small but good water slide equipment . Excellent service , but drinks did take a little while to arrive . Good watersports activities . Coast Restaurant ok but on beautiful beachside setting . A 90 RM taxi ride from the airport - takes about 40 minutes by taxi . Shangri - La Tanjung Aru Resort , tel . + 60 - 88 - 225800 , [ 62 ] . This is one of the oldest , grandest but possibly the most comfortable hotels in Kota Kinabalu . A 5 star hotel , the rooms in the old wing are confined inside the building and looks out to the pitch - and - put golf course . A tiny jungle is built in the middle of the corridor leading towards the hotel rooms of the old wing . Although as old as it may sound , the rooms are impressively larger than the new wing . The new wing , on the other hand , overlooks the sea or the swimming pool and is a bit more secluded for those who enjoy lazing out in the sun . A taxi ride from the Terminal 2 is about RM 10 , but to the city center is RM 15 . Shuttle from the airport to the hotel is available upon request . Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu , Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens , tel . ( 60 ) 8832 2222 . 　 306 rooms . Gym , seaview pool . Nexus Resort Karambunai , 30 km northeast of Kota Kinabalu . 485 rooms , eight restaurants , golf course , spa . Promenade Hotel , Sdn Bhd 88000 , tel . 60 - 88 - 265 555 , fax 60 - 88 - 246 666 . Features 451 rooms , swimming pool , gym , beauty salon and health spa . Also features two restaurants ( specializing in local and Asian cuisine ) , two cafes , a lobby lounge , promenade floor lounge and a karaoke bar . Close to shopping centers , fast food outlets , hawker stalls , nightlife and cafes . Magellan Sutera Resort , tel . 60 88 318 888 , [ 63 ] . The natural beauty that envelopes this 5 - star resort is rivalled only by the luxury it offers . [ edit ] Contact [ edit ] Consulates Australian Consulate , Suite 10 . 1 , Level 10 , Wisma Great Eastern Life , 65 Jalan Gaya , Kota Kinabalu , ☎ + 6088 267151 , [ 64 ] . edit Bruneian Consulate , Lot No . 8 - 4 , 8 th Floor , Menara MAA , Api - Api Centre , Kota Kinabalu , ☎ + 6088 236113 . nicexa edit Finnish Consulate , c / o Uli Motors SDN BHD , Jalan Miniyak , Off Mile 5 . 5 , Jalan Tuaran , Kota Kinabalu , ☎ + 6088 431336 / 431337 . edit Consulate General of Indonesia , Lorong Kemajuan , Karamunsing , Kota Kinabalu , ☎ + 6088 218600 / 218258 / 218518 / 219110 . edit Consulate General of Japan , Wisma Perindustrian 18 F , Jalan Istiadat , Likas , Kota Kinabalu , ☎ + 6088 254169 . edit Honorary Consulate of Sweden , Jalan Minyak off Jalan Tuaran , Mile 5 1 / 2 , Inanam , Kota Kinabalu , ☎ + 6088 431336 . edit [ edit ] Get out Visit the islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park just off the coast of KK . Head to the Mount Kinabalu National Park 80 km east of KK and hike the 8 . 9 km to the summit . Head to the cities of Sandakan , Tawau , Lahad Datu and Semporna in the East Coast , either by plane or by bus , for wildlife and world - class diving . Fly to Layang Layang Island in the disputed Spratly Islands for diving .