Honestly, Kota Kinabalu and Semporna are perfect overseas destinations for family trips with kids

Here's what I want to share about traveling with kids in Kota Kinabalu and Semporna.

⭐ There's a large Chinese community in Sabah, and most locals can speak basic Mandarin, making it very easy for first-time international travelers to adapt.

⭐ Kota Kinabalu boasts one of the world's top 3 most beautiful sunsets. Pick a nice afternoon to visit Tanjung Aru Beach for an absolutely breathtaking sunset view.

⭐ No need to worry about food compatibility in Kota Kinabalu - local cuisine suits Chinese tastes well. Must-try dishes include laksa, satay, rojak, and bak kut teh.

⭐ Don't miss taking your kids to Kawa for a mangrove forest adventure - take a boat to spot proboscis monkeys and fireflies.

⭐ Semporna is ideal for snorkeling and island hopping - its crystal-clear jelly-like waters are absolutely stunning.

⭐ Hotel location in Semporna is crucial as it directly affects your island-hopping experience. Prioritize hotels near the jetty and restaurants. Good water villas in Semporna are scarce - during peak seasons especially summer vacation, book water villas at least 2 months in advance or you'll have limited options.

⭐ Don't miss the fresh, delicious seafood in Semporna! The key is to bargain - you'll find prawns as long as half your arm, lively Australian lobsters, fresh abalones...

⭐ Allocate at least 2 days for island hopping - 1 day is too rushed and not enough. For snorkeling, I recommend the [Mataking Three Islands] + [Mabul Island] route.

Post by Ariana Cox | Jun 18, 2025