Top 5✨ must-visit places at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Kokol Hill Elf 🌻

I recently visited Kokol Hill Elf, and it was an unforgettable experience! The view from the hill is absolutely stunning panoramic scenes of Kota Kinabalu city, the sea, and even Mount Kinabalu on a clear day. It’s the perfect place to catch a beautiful sunset or just enjoy the cool mountain breeze.

The atmosphere is peaceful and refreshing, with well-designed spots for taking photos. Every corner is instagramable! There are cozy seating areas, cute props, and even a few suspension bridges for adventurous photos.

If you’re looking for a relaxing escape from the city or a photogenic spot in KK, I highly recommend visiting Kokol Hill Elf. It’s definitely worth the drive up the hill! Here tips for you guys. Go in the late afternoon so you can catch both daylight views and the sunset.

However, terrain includes stairs, uneven paths, and steep areas, which might not be suitable for elderly visitors or those with mobility issues.

Entrance fee :
Adult RM10
Children RM5

Floating Mosque also known as Masjid Terapung 🌙

I visited the Kota Kinabalu Floating Mosque during a late afternoon trip. At first glance, the mosque looks amazing sits right on a lagoon so it seems to float, with a beautiful blue‑gold dome and minarets. If you don’t wear proper cloth, you need to pay RM5 for the robe/jubah.

Inside, it’s simple and mostly steel‑framed with Quranic calligraphy—but the real highlight is the view from outside. I stayed until sunset, and saw how the lights and mosque reflect on the water very picturesque.

This place quite crowded. Weekdays visit is recommended.

Entrance Fee : FREE

Sabah State Museum 🌺

This place is easy drive from KK city center to Bukit Istana Lama. The architecture is based on a traditional Rungus longhouse, which gives it a local, cultural feel. However, the main area is closed due to maintainence. So I get to explore the heritage village with replicas of various ethnic houses, old vehicles, and a small locomotive gallery. It’s a nice addition to wander through.

Entrance fee : FREE

Anjung Sari🤑

Anjung sari located near waterfront. This place is like a lively outdoor market by the sea. The atmosphere is bustling with seafood stalls, souvenir shops, and lots of hawkers inviting you to choose and cook seafood on the spot. This is the last spot I went for shopping. The price is quite same with all vendors. However, you can find a night market across this anjung sari. you can get cheaper brooch there. RM4 per brooch.

Gaya Street KK😻

This place open on weekend. It’s not fancy, but it’s fun and full of life. Good for families, tourists, and anyone who wants to see a local market in Sabah. I would say, this place is like a long night market. There were so many vendors and they offer varities of foods. There is busker and the tourist and local people get to enjoy night life in Sabah.

Overall, it nice and decent place to visit in Sabah.

#travel #familytravel #museums #localfood #sabah #kotakinabalu