things to do in kota kinabalu with family

Here are the things that you should not miss out on a family vacation with kids, toddlers, or babies. Reaching the other four and bigger waterfalls requires jungle trekking. Location: Tanjung Aru, 88100, Sabah, Malaysia, Opening Hours: Everyday | 10:00 am 11:00 pm. Entrance fee: Adult- RM 10, Children (2 to 16 years old)- RM 5, FOREIGNERS RM100 per person Adult. Green Connection Aquarium is one of the notable tourist attractions in Kota Kinabalu for its first-class facilities that cant be found elsewhere in the state. from. Class 1 and 2 rapids are suitable for families and a typical experience lasts about 90 minutes on the river followed by lunch. But for people living in other parts of the world, it is probably a new word. Adventure Tours. It houses around 3000 paintings, sculptures, carvings and many other pieces of art. Weve been robbed and needed medical help so insurance is a must for peace of mind and for medical assistance when you need it. Lok Kawi Wildlife Park 10. Its a popular destination for those who would like to take a break from city life to enjoy a tropical vacation in an incredible biodiverse part of the world. Manage Settings Our 3 day itinerary for Kota Kinabalu with kids may look packed BUT it is achievable. For renovation purposes, the tower is temporarily closed till 23rd September 2023. If you visit the Sabah State Museum, dont forget to visit the Sabah Islamic Civilization Museum. The visitors can see the whole mosque from the water with the facility of paddle boat rides. He was shell-shocked by the noise, smells and children begging from us. You will also find the other three waterfalls along the jungle trail. The tower is home to an auditorium, offices, two mini-theatres, a gym, exhibition foyer, research library and a kindergarten. Our kids loved crab-spotting and were captivated by the majestic white egrets that kept crossing our path. Even today it is home to some generations-old family businesses. Its an one-stop dining and entertainment center popular with both locals and visitors alike. I have heard that if you can swing it, a visit here is well worth it. Kota Kinabalu family-friendly accommodation. Keep reading for the in-depth details of our family-friendly Kota Kinabalu with kids 3-day itinerary. You will see various beautiful plaques inscribed with the names of the victims and well-kept lawns surrounding the area. We opted for a Klias River Cruise and absolutely loved it. Things to do in Kota Kinabalu - GetYourGuide This takes a day trip into the Klias Wetlands reserve near Kota Kinabalu. The first three waterfalls can be reached easily within a few minutes. Choose from a variety of local and Western-style breakfasts at Nook, October, Woo and Biru Biru. The clock has been ticking since the last 117 years, and it is one of the main tourist attractions in Kota Kinabalu. Gaya Island, the largest island of the park, is the closest to Kota Kinabalu and is covered with dense tropical forest. The construction covers 14.83 acres of land holding the capacity of 12,000 worshippers. We found it on Airbnb. per adult (price varies by group size) Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park 2 Islands Hopping Tour from Kota Kinabalu. Whether you are a nature lover or an adventurer, Sutera Harbour Resort can fulfill all your touristy needs. You can reach the summit, Lows Peak, with a 2-day and 1-night climb. Girl Power! Your journey will start from Timpohon Gate at Kinabalu National Park. We recommend this tour from Klook its $35 and includes transport. Along with views of Mount Kinabalu and tropical islands, Sutera Harbour Resort offers an unprecedented experience. Reason why, it is also known as the floating mosque. A beautiful island to enjoy snorkelling and hiking. Youll see a variety of tropical fish, eels, rays, black-nosed sharks, jellyfish (the harmless kind), stunning coral and so much more in often clear waters. Besides the art gallery, other galleries cover archaeology, Islamic civilization, history, natural history, ceramics and brassware. Moreover, the fact that the tower had survived the destruction of Kota Kinablu during World War II by its stroke of luck seems like a mystery to many. Its very easy to get around to all the fabulous things to do in Kota Kinabalu. During the wet season, the path is also very slippery. Manukan Island is very popular and often crowded. Next, hop in a Grab car or a taxi to the Sabah Museum (open daily 9 am-5 pm). With a full belly, the kids should have the energy to climb the steep rickety wooden stairs up to the Signal Hill Observation Point. We really enjoyed hiring appropriate clothes to ensure we were dressed properly when we visited. And yes, of course, you and the kids can have a go! Check out Booking.com or Airbnb.com to find the perfect accommodation for your family. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Start your first day in Kota Kinabalu exploring the citys historic centre, learn about the history of Sabah, have some relaxation time back at your hotel and sunset at the beach. That said, its quite a small city so as long as youre in that general area then youre not too far from anything. He was absolutely desperate to leave the whole time. Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) is the citys main airport. If youre coming from neighboring countries, you can also take a ferry to Kota Kinabalu from places like Brunei, Labuan, and the Philippines. Packed in between are brand new shopping malls that abut traditional night market, luxury hotels, expansive movie theaters, and trendy clubs. Once you work out what you want to do and the times you can book your tix or return in the morning for tickets. Go down the far end of the beach for a quieter spot. Our children managed really well. Opening Hours: Sunday | 6:00 am 1:00 pm. The official language of Kota Kinabalu is Malay, but English and Chinese are also widely spoken. If you are in Kota Kinabalu for a few days, you might want to know where to stay in this beautiful city. Areas & Neighborhoods in Kota Kinabalu. Tourists tend to avoid it because of the sometimes murky waters, sharp coral fragments washed on to the beaches (ouch!) The long journey is definitely worth it to catch a glimpse of silver-leaf langurs swinging through the trees, sly crocodiles lurking underwater and pairs of hornbills calling through the trees. Visit some cute cafes If youre travelling long-time in the SE Asia region, KK is a wonderful place to settle down and recuperate for a few weeks (or even months). Location: 78, Jalan Asrama, signal hills, 88400, Sabah, Malaysia, Opening Hours: Sun Sat | 8:00 am 12:00 am Closed on Monday. Additionally, weve reviewed some of the Kota Kinabalu tours that weve taken to help you make an informed decision when choosing what to include in your Kota Kinabalu itinerary. We just took a Grab Taxi about 10 minutes out of town to the mosque, hired our clothing and walked up to the mosque. Well, from hiking to sunbathing, scuba diving to rafting; Kota Kinabalu offers everything, that is ecstatic, delightful and enthralling. Borneo Full Day Try Dive (2 Dives) for Beginners. Top 15 attractions in Kota Kinabalu #1 Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park (TARP) 171 A scenic option for water-sports fans and wildlife lovers who don't have time to travel to Mabul or Sipadan, Tunku Abdul Rahman National Marine Park is just a 20-minute speedboat ride from downtown Kota Kinabalu. Family-friendly Kota Kinabalu Itinerary | Kota Kinabalu with kids Although not exactly authentic there are 5 tribal cultures on display in one village the village is educational and gives a good overview of tribes in Sabah. You can go to one island or more but you need to book your boats over and back and any connecting boats in between. Top 30 Things to do in Kota Kinabalu that are fun for the whole family Smaller kids can go tandem with parents and its a dual line so you can go next to your friend or family member. Tanjung Aru Beach 5. If you have kids who are old enough to enjoy it, head to the scenic Kiulu River for white water rafting. You dont need to pay a fee to enter the deck. THE 10 BEST Kota Kinabalu Things to Do with Kids Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu with Kids Enter dates Filters 1 Attractions Traveler favorites All things to do Category types Attractions Tours Day Trips Outdoor Activities Concerts & Shows Food & Drink Shopping Transportation Traveler Resources Types of Attractions Nature & Parks At the right of the entrance, there is a cement walkway leading to the first three waterfalls. This post contains affiliate links. S$179.29. Following your walk through the villages youll watch traditional dance and eat a delicious lunch. Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu with Kids - Mum on the Move With an exclusive private beach and magical sunset views, Shangri-Las Rasa Ria Resort And Spa offers the best accommodation service to those wanting to stay a bit away from the town in a stunning location. KOTA KINABALU: Raising awareness about the importance of marine ecosystems is among the key focus areas of a local diving club that wants to do its part for ocean conservation . Your email address will not be published. The garden was built exactly where the massacre took place and where the victims were initially buried. Tread carefully. Discover the ultimate places for kids in Kota Kinabalu, be it water parks, theme parks, or playgrounds. Located on a hillside, this airy deck will offer you the gorgeous views of Kota Kinabalu including Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and further. It is a recreational area offering a wide range of activities and eateries. The boat companies will also try to persuade you to rent snorkel gear, beach mats and join activities. Kids under 5 are free. #totstravel, Your email address will not be published. Like any city, keep your valuables close when walking through crowded night markets and take extra care at night. We had a special dinner here in the sand it was amazing. You can snorkel although sadly, the reef near the shore is mostly dead. For anyone looking for things to do in Kota Kinabalu with family, a visit to the Mari Mari Cultural Village will be an authentic cultural and traditional experience. Witness the magic of a Borneo sunsetat Tanjung Aru Beach, the Sunset Bar at Shangri-las Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa or Sutera Harbour. Things To Do in Kota Kinabalu (2023) - SabahTravel.com It is near Gaya Street, and several local bars and restaurants including Little Italy. This place is a feast to the eyes of every art enthusiast. *This post is brought to you in partnership with Expedia.co.uk. 17 Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu | Activities, Extras + More in 2023 The best tours in Kota Kinabalu are: Malaysia: eSIM Roaming Mobile Data Plan. Location: Jalan Menteri, Karamunsing, 88100. Should you click on a link to purchase, it is at no extra cost to you, but I get a small commission that goes towards the running of World for a Girl. Read why you need one here. Perfect Kota Kinabalu Itinerary For 2 - Dive Into Malaysia Now, its unbelievable that the tower was a navigation landmark as the high-rise commercial buildings have covered its view to the sea. It was the hub of several major business activities of former Jesselton, present Kota Kinabalu. Hands down our favourite thing to do in Kota Kinabalu is the Mari Mari Culture Centre you can read our review here. We visited on our recent family holiday to Borneo . Its even a double zipline so guests can see a stunning view of marine life from above, side-by-side, over the 250m journey. Learn how to make local Sabahan dishes starting with a trip to the markets to source food from locals and then cook up a delicious meal. Sabah diving club to raise awareness on ocean conservation Poring Hot Springs Situated at Ranau, this nature-oriented place has attracted tourists with their gardens, waterfalls and the famous hot springs. Katie Dillon is the managing editor of La Jolla Mom. Though Kota Kinabalu itself may seem like any other ordinary city, peppered with Chinese shop houses, shopping malls, restaurants and traditional night markets that never stopped expanding, it has a distinctive character that makes it worthy of attention. We recommend this tour from Klook its $35 and includes transport. You only have 24 hours in Kota Kinabalu with the kids. The Night Market is quite overwhelming for small children so its a good idea to anticipate your childs reaction. The place isnt very popular and thus allows you to enjoy a peaceful time away from the crowd. and the strong waves. Join in the watersports over on the islands or like we did at the Shangri La. Its one of the best things to do in Kota Kinabalu with kids. Eat Malaysian Food 6. in Kota Kinabalu, Click Here. Popularly known for its unique biodiversity, the mountain can be reached easily by anyone with good physical condition and without any hiking equipment. Theres also a western supermarket on Jalan Gaya just down from the Mercure should you be craving any Aussie or western delicacies. Go Snorkeling 2. It also has the best bar and sunset viewing spot. We used CoverMorefor years and Ive just found Southern Cross Travel Insurance which is excellent (and cheaper). The Sabah Art Gallery hosts several art exhibitions featuring works of local and international artists. Being the highest point in the city, the platform is used to having a large number of visitors during sunset. If you want to explore Chinese architecture in Kota Kinabalu, Pu Toh Si Temple is the perfect place. KK offers some great cafes, restaurants and bars serving international and local cuisine. Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu 6. The best thing about the accommodation was the park area on top of the apartment block complete with lawns, a play area and a swimming pool. TOP TIP: Biru Biru is also a great dinner option with yummy cocktails on happy hour! We completed it ourselves with a four and six-year-old! However, Mount Kinabalu, Atkinson Clock Tower, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, and Tanjung Aru beach should be at the top of your priority list. 30 artists have utilized their talent on the 30 pillars. Opening Hours: Tuesday Thursday | 9:00 am 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm 4:00 pm Friday | 9:00 am 11:30 am, 2:00 pm 4:00 pm Closed on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Do you know what Orangutans are? Night market 4. The heritage village includes many replicas of traditional bamboo structures from around Sabah. This spectacular location is also a notable place for the photographers. Take a cycling tour around Kota Kinabalu's attractions and historical places, or go for adrenaline-pumping activities such as tree climbing and abseiling in Kiulu. If youre staying at the Shangri La Tanjung Aru then you can arrange a boat with their Star Marina, and they will even pack you lunch. So, get a room on the upper floors. Its easy to book a car to pick you up at the top of the hill if the kids dont fancy the walk back down the staircase. Located in the northeast of the island of Borneo. BUT. There is also a jungle walk through the interior. FAMILY FRIENDLY HOTELS IN KOTA KINABALU: Choose from the famous Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort, which has a forest reserve within the property, private beach as well as its own 18-hole golf course.Or stay at Shangri-La's sister property, Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa, which provides breath-taking views of the ocean.Other kid-friendly options are Nexus Resort and Sutera Harbour Resort. Friday, 14 Jul 2023. Kota Kinabalu is a small city so dont be too concerned if you only have one day. Things to do With Family In Kota Kinabalu Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort & Spa started the Orangutan Care Project to heal orphaned and rescued orangutans before releasing them back into the wild. You can read our review here. A stroll around the walkways is a relaxed way to start your final day in Kota Kinabalu. The rest of Borneo is divided up between Brunei, Indonesia and the Malaysian state of Sarawak. The main concerns for families visiting Kota Kinabalu with kids are probably health and safety issues. Stay in a Luxury Hotel 1. Right by the waters edge, this huge market is a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds and definitely smells. Kota Kinabalu: Malaysia/ Asia eSIM Roaming Mobile Data Plan. 10 Fun Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu July 2023 | Expedia Popularly known as the Chinatown of Sabah, Gaya Street is a street Sunday Market filled with a number of Chinese coffee shops and restaurants. 2. It is located about 7 km from the city center and is easily accessible by taxi or shuttle bus. There are beautiful islands are just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu and its easy to organise a visit yourself. Sabah awaits you with numerous interesting adventures, and Go Rural Tourism offers a choice of tour packages for you to experience Sabah's rural lifestyle. Required fields are marked *, World for a Girl Family Travel Blog is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Moreover, there are discounts for family and school groups at the Green Connection Aquarium. As mentioned, we live in Malaysia so if youre visiting West Malaysia please head over to our Malaysia section to find out more about this wonderful and diverse country. In fact, both properties are so lovely that you may find it hard to leave but you should because youre in Borneo! Sapi Island a favourite with backpackers. The city is also known for its delicious seafood, bustling night markets, and cultural attractions such as the Sabah State Museum and the Mari Mari Cultural Village. The mall is on an 11-acre land and consists of a 4-site hotel alongside retail space, food outlets and entertainment areas. This is a long half-day excursion and involves a round-trip of 2 hours each way in a mini-van. Watch out for broken slates and slippery leaves! Looking out for what can you do with kids and family in Kota Kinabalu? Theres also a Herbal and Ginger Garden at the park that can give you a very tranquil feeling. Sutera Sanctuary Lodges at Mount Kinabalu (Laban Rata Resthouse) 4.2 . The area near the lily pond with a traditional Chinese temple is particularly lovely. Kota Kinabalu is famous for its stunning natural beauty, including Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Southeast Asia, and the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, a group of five islands with crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. Just call a grab taxi to take you. From here its a quick 15 minute taxi ride to the city centre, and a little longer if youre staying at a five star resort in Tanjung Aru like the Shangri La Tanjung Aru (which we love!). We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. It is considered as one of the best sunset spots as no blockage is seen and sun seems to drop smoothly into the sea. To be honest I was never a place that was on my radar and we love travel but it is certainly one im adding to it now. So, if you are looking for outdoor activities in Kota Kinabalu, Ulu Kionsom Waterfall is the place for you. And you get all of it at a cheap price. Its also handy to have transport included. Petagas War Memorial Garden bears testimony to the heart wrenching sacrifice of 176 Sabahan guerillas during World War II. All this makes it the perfect destination for a family holiday. The center comprises 20 wetlands and is an important refuge and feeding ground for many resident and migratory bird species. The centre opens at 8 am and youll be likely to see more wildlife if you get there earlier in the day. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu - Tripadvisor 8 Best Islands In Kota Kinabalu That Are Just A Boat Ride Away From The City These islands located off the coast of KK are perfect for some sun, sand, and adventure. Yep, its a little late for sunbathing but going now gives you time for a pleasant stroll along the beach and neighbouring gardens in slightly cooler weather. Following your walk through the villages you'll watch traditional dance and eat a delicious lunch. Guests visit traditional tribes and not just see how they lived, but try things for yourself like food and drink, dart blowing, traditional games AND you get to meet a shaman, real tribal descendants and get a henna tattoo. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Tour operators also offer a variety of water sports including parasailing,banana boat rides, wakeboarding, waterskiing and SUP which is another way to experience the beauty of the South China Sea. The tour runs for two hours but can go longer depending on the pace of the group. Weve also stayed at the budget Borneo Backpackers which is also centrally located but most hostel-like than hotel. Security is very strict but day guests have generally been accepted for a day by the pool and drinks at sunset at the incredible Sunset Bar. We were fortunate to have 3 days in Kota Kinabalu this time and found it ideal so below weve written up our 3 day Kota Kinabalu itinerary. If you have an unlocked phone and buy SIMSs on arrival like me then the best one for the island is DIGI. Here is the class we will join next time we are in KK. If you want to enjoy the best sight of Kota Kinabalu, head to the Signal Hill Observatory Platform. This tour is awesome because it stops at the gong town where weve been you can read all about it here and the honey farm where we also stopped. 21 Best Things To Eat, See, & Do In Kota Kinabalu 2022 The Sabah Museum may be a little dusty around the edges but its a great place to spend 45 minutes in the cool air-conditioning learning a little about the head hunters of Sabah, the sad death in May 2019 of Tam (the last Sumatran rhinoceros in Borneo) and little ones will be amazed by the huge whale skeleton in the entrance hall. Full-Day Snorkeling Adventure from Kota Kinabalu. Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu with Kids - Tripadvisor Note that it isnt quite up to par with many western zoos, but many families enjoy it. Our Guide of Top Things to do in Kota Kinabalu - Family Travel Blog But the park has five islands in total: Gaya, Mamutik, Manukan, Sapi and Sulug. The place is educational, and children can learn about marine life and different plants from here. Children will love clambering in and out of the houses. We stayed in an apartment in the Imago Mall complex. Its usually busy down the beach at sunset. The bees dont sting! They offer boat trips out to the islands there are four to chose from: Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik and Gaya (reached from Sapi). If you like our content wed love to keep in touch! Its the perfect resort for families with multiple swimming pools, waterslides, a water play area and lots of grass and activities. Apart from enjoying the natural view, activities like kite flying, playing volleyball, and enjoying snacks from the stalls are also done by the tourists. But if you want to increase your knowledge, you might need a few hours. We rarely get the chance to do something like this so we were pretty excited. Entrance is 15RM (less for MyKad and i-Kad holders). The Mari Mari Cultural Village is a fascinating cultural centre to visit with children. Watch the latest release at the cinema 8. The park also houses an outdoor cafe and several restaurants. Please note, if like us you are concerned about animal welfare you may find these markets upsetting in certain areas where pets are sold.

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