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The places to visit near Kota Kinabalu include highland farms, forest trails, island reefs, and quiet villages rooted in Sabah’s culture. You can explore coral-rich waters just 20 minutes from the city or head inland to see Mount Kinabalu rising over the valleys. In some areas, monkeys move along riverbanks at dusk, and in others, traditional longhouses open their doors to daily life. These places are close enough for short trips, but each one offers a different setting. If you want to explore beyond the city, this is where to begin.
Top 10 Places To Visit Near Kota Kinabalu
These places to visit near Kota Kinabalu are known for their natural landscapes, cultural sites, and wildlife. Each one offers a different side of Sabah, just outside the city.
1. Kinabalu Park
Photo: Ben Koorengevel / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Recognised as Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kinabalu Park sits in the Crocker Range, surrounded by cool mountain air and thick montane forest. The park has more than 4,500 plant species, including unique orchids, pitcher plants, and ancient trees you won’t find elsewhere. The walking trails vary in difficulty, from easy paths like Silau-Silau Trail to longer routes that cut through mossy forest. You don’t need to climb Mount Kinabalu to enjoy the setting, and many visitors explore the gardens, hike low-altitude paths, or visit the Mountain Garden to learn about endemic plants. Rangers can guide you through the forest, pointing out rare insects and birds.
Distance From Kota Kinabalu: 85 km
Timings: 9 AM – 4 PM
Cost: RM 3 / ₹60 for Malaysians & RM 15 / ₹300 for non-Malaysians
Major Attractions: Mount Kinabalu trails, botanical gardens, canopy walkway, nature galleries
2. Poring Hot Springs
Photo: Stefan Fussan / Wikimedia Commons
If you’re heading inland from the city, Poring Hot Springs offers a very different experience from forest hikes or coastal stops. The spring pools are filled with warm, sulphur-rich water that flows straight from underground volcanic sources. You can soak in public baths or rent private cabins for more privacy. Above the pools, a canopy walkway stretches through the treetops, giving you a clear view of the surrounding rainforest. The walkway is suspended high and narrow, so you’ll need a steady step, but it’s worth it. Not far from the entrance, Kipungit Waterfall offers a short hike and a shady spot to rest.
Distance From Kota Kinabalu: 125.1 km
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Cost: RM 3 / ₹60 for Malaysians & RM 15 / ₹300 for non-Malaysians
Major Attractions: Hot sulphur springs, canopy walk, butterfly farm, Kipungit Waterfall
3. Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Photo: Mx. Granger / Wikimedia Commons
The five islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Manukan, Sapi, Mamutik, Gaya, and Sulug each offer a different kind of day trip from Kota Kinabalu. The boat ride from Jesselton Point takes less than half an hour, making it easy to plan around. Manukan has the most developed facilities, with cafes, shaded huts, and long stretches of sand. Sapi, on the other hand, is smaller but perfect for snorkelling close to shore, and there’s also a zipline connecting Gaya and Sapi for those who want something active. If you prefer quieter spots, Sulug is less visited and feels more remote. For water-based places to visit near Kota Kinabalu, this marine park is the most convenient option.
Distance From Kota Kinabalu: 13 km
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Cost: RM 3 – 23 / ₹60 – 470
Major Attractions: Snorkelling, scuba diving, island hopping (Manukan, Sapi, Mamutik, Gaya, Sulug)
4. Kundasang
Kundasang lies in Sabah’s highlands and is best known for its working dairy farm set against the slopes of Mount Kinabalu. The area is best known for Desa Dairy Farm, where you can see rows of grazing cows with Mount Kinabalu in the background. You’ll also find fresh milk, yoghurt, and ice cream sold on-site. Not far from the farm, the Kundasang War Memorial tells the story of World War II prisoners who lost their lives during the Sandakan Death Marches. The gardens here are beautifully kept and divided into different themes of Australian, English, and Borneo.
Distance From Kota Kinabalu: 92.7 km
Timings: 24*7
Cost: Varies
Major Attractions: Desa Dairy Farm, Kundasang War Memorial, panoramic valley views
5. Mari Mari Cultural Village
Photo: Satria Setiawan / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Located in a forested area just outside the city, Mari Mari Cultural Village introduces you to the traditional lifestyles of Sabah’s main ethnic groups. The experience is not staged as a museum but set up as a live village where each house represents a different community: Dusun, Rungus, Lundayeh, Bajau, and Murut. You move from one house to the next with a guide, watching how food is prepared using bamboo, how fire is made without matches, and how locals use blowpipes for hunting. Most sessions include a cultural performance with music, dance, and stories that reflect village traditions. There’s also a hands-on section where you can try out some of the tools and crafts.
Distance From Kota Kinabalu: 17.1 km
Timings: 10 AM – 1 PM & 2 PM – 5 PM
Cost: RM 100 – 180 / ₹2020 – 3700
Major Attractions: Traditional houses, tribal performances, fire-starting demos
6. Tuaran Crocodile Farm
Photo: Jean-Paul Wettstein / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
If you’re searching for places to see near Kota Kinabalu that give you access to wildlife in a more raw and open setting, Tuaran is a straightforward choice. For those curious about Sabah’s reptile species, Tuaran Crocodile Farm is the largest of its kind in the region and houses more than a thousand crocodiles in open enclosures. The farm is divided into sections, including breeding ponds, juvenile tanks, and a crocodile show arena where handlers demonstrate feeding techniques and explain crocodile behaviour. Most demonstrations focus on safety, habitat, and conservation. Beyond crocodiles, the park also has a mini zoo with snakes, monkeys, birds, and a petting area for younger visitors.
Distance From Kota Kinabalu: 31.7 km
Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Cost: RM 10 / ₹200 for Malaysians & RM 20 / ₹400 for non-Malaysians
Major Attractions: Over 1,000 crocodiles, feeding shows, mini zoo, fish pond
7. Klias Wetlands
Photo: RobinBaker49 / Wikimedia Commons
Klias Wetlands is located about two hours southwest of Kota Kinabalu, in the Beaufort district. The main reason to visit is to see proboscis monkeys in their natural mangrove habitat. Boat cruises usually begin around 4:30 PM from the Klias jetty. The wooden boats are narrow and roofed, with open sides for viewing. As you move through the river, the guides help spot wildlife in the trees. You can find proboscis monkeys with their distinctive noses, long-tailed macaques, and sometimes even crocodiles near the muddy banks. By 6:30 PM, the sun sets, and the trees along the river begin to flicker with fireflies.
Distance From Kota Kinabalu: 109.9 km
Timings: 3 PM – 8 PM
Cost: RM 80 – 150 / ₹1600 – 3000
Major Attractions: Proboscis monkeys, fireflies, river cruises
8. Tampakan Village
Photo: Walter Frehner / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
In the northern district of Kudat lies Tampakan Village, home to one of the few preserved Rungus longhouses that remain actively used. For those interested in tourist attractions near Kota Kinabalu that offer a direct look into Sabah’s tribal culture, this village is a rare and valuable stop. The longhouse is made entirely of bamboo and raised on stilts, stretching across a narrow ridge. When you enter, you’re shown how the interior is divided into separate family rooms, with a shared corridor for gathering and meals. Local women often sit along the platform, weaving intricate beadwork or traditional garments, both of which are available for sale directly.
Distance From Kota Kinabalu: 77 km
Cost: RM 20 – 30 / ₹400 – 600 (with guide)
Major Attractions: Rungus longhouses, traditional beadwork, cultural dance performances
9. Mantanani Islands
Photo: Eddie Yip / Wikimedia Commons
If you’re looking for quiet attractions near Kota Kinabalu that still offer active water experiences, the Mantanani Islands are worth the travel effort. These Islands are located off the coast of Kota Belud and are known for calm turquoise waters, fine white sand, and healthy coral reefs close to shore. Most day trips start early with a drive to Kuala Abai Jetty in Kota Belud, followed by a speedboat ride that takes just under an hour. The main island, Mantanani Besar, has a simple setup with beach huts, hammocks, and small dive centres. Snorkelling is the main activity, with excellent visibility and a good chance of spotting blue-spotted rays, clownfish, and even sea turtles near the reef.
Distance From Kota Kinabalu: 106 km
Timings: 24*7
Cost: RM 250 – 350 / ₹5000 – 7000
Major Attractions: Crystal-clear snorkelling spots, sea turtles, beach relaxation
10. Lok Kawi Wildlife Park
Photo: Pangalau / Wikimedia Commons
For families or anyone with limited time, this is one of the few places to visit near Kota Kinabalu where you can learn about Borneo’s native wildlife and plants without leaving the city’s outskirts. Lok Kawi Wildlife Park sits south of Kota Kinabalu and combines a zoological park with a botanical garden. It was developed to give easier access to native Bornean species without requiring long travel into the interior. You’ll see orangutans, Bornean pygmy elephants, sun bears, and hornbills in spacious enclosures designed to reflect their natural habitats. There’s also a reptile house and a children’s mini-zoo where younger visitors can interact with tame animals like deer and goats.
Distance From Kota Kinabalu: 20.9 km
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Cost: RM 10 / ₹200 for Malaysians & RM 20 / ₹400 for non-Malaysians
Major Attractions: Orangutans, pygmy elephants, aviary, botanical garden
The places to visit near Kota Kinabalu show how diverse Sabah is. Within hours, you can see fireflies on the Klias River, soak in hot springs, snorkel clear island waters, or visit a traditional Rungus longhouse. Each destination offers something unique—culture, wildlife, or calm views. They’re easy to reach and full of character. Ready to explore more beyond the city? Plan your trip with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Hussan Amir / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
