My Wishlist
1.800.557.2841or Contact Your Travel Advisor
Aerial view of Kota Kinabalu city on Sabah Malaysia, Borneo
Home/Destinations/Asia/Malaysia/Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu Tour Packages and Vacations

Kota Kinabalu
Explore MalaysiaClose

Overview

Take a trip to Kota Kinabalu on your Malaysia Vacation

Kota Kinabalu is the capital city of Sabah State, in East Malaysia. Situated on the island of Borneo, on the northwest coast, Kota Kinabalu is Borneo’s largest urban centre when on Malaysia vacations.

Establishing small colonies throughout North Borneo in the late 1800s, the British North Borneo Company helped find Kota Kinabalu in 1899. Developed into a major trading post, the city was known as Jesselton, named after Sir Charles Jessel, the Vice Chairman of the Company at the time. After being destroyed during World War II, Kota Kinabalu was rebuilt by the British Crown and has since been one of the fastest-growing cities in Malaysia, even after its independence.

Kota Kinabalu is named after Mount Kinabalu, situated about 50 km east-northeast of the city. It is the highest mountain in the Malay Archipelago and features a rich collection of wildlife to be enjoyed on a Malaysia tour.

One of the major industrial and commercial centres of East Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu is a major tourist destination and gateway to Borneo and Sabah. Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is a park off the coast of Borneo in Malaysia and is made up of five islands featuring rocky coastlines, coral reefs, and white, sandy beaches.

Kota Kinabalu faces the South China Sea and tourists on Malaysia vacations can find first-class holiday resorts, a world-class sailing marina, beautiful golf courses, snorkeling, diving, deep sea fishing, wonderful seafood restaurants, and plenty of hospitality.

At a Glance

Languages

Malay[e]

Currency

Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)

What do the experts say?

Harpreet Litt

Harpreet Litt

Destination Specialist
Learn More About This Expert
I love Malaysia's delicious food. The country is also incredibly affordable, and visitors' easy access to public transit is a great way for them to experience local life.
Learn More About This Expert
Brent Morris posing for a photo while on vacation

Brent Morris

Destination Specialist
Learn More About This Expert
If you want to get out of the capital city, Kuala Lumpur, then you should visit Malacca. The history of this ancient port city is well worth the trip.
Brent Morris posing for a photo while on vacation

Brent Morris

Destination Specialist
Learn More About This Expert
I absolutely love travelling through Malaysia by train. It is incredibly scenic. I also love Kuala Lumpur's amazing skyline and Malacca's old Portuguese and Dutch buildings.

Travel Stories

Get Inspired About Your Trip to Malaysia

Unlock more by subscribing to our newsletter

With our newsletter, you’ll get access to regular communications that inspire you and help you explore the world your way
Exclusive Savings
Insider Benefits
Trending Stories
Newsletter signup visual
Follow Us On
Contact UsCustomer ServiceGeneral Inquiries
As seen on
Travel + LeisureAfarForbesSmithsonian
BC Reg. #833-0; TICO Reg. #1543989; CST #2070685-20Offices located in CA, US, AUS© Copyright 2025. Goway Travel