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Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu
Adventure capital of Malaysia, gateway to iconic Mt Kinabalu and the oldest rainforests in the world
Kota Kinabalu: Our Top Things to Do
Go beyond the tourist checklist - into the hidden spots & heartfelt stories
01
Climb Mt Kinabalu, Malaysia's Highest Peak
Mt Kinabalu is one of our fave SEA hikes! The varied views keep things exciting, and the summit feels you're walking on the moon. Beginners can do it with training. Highly recommended!
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02
Explore UNESCO Kinabalu Geopark
If you don't fancy climbing Mt Kinabalu, you can still see the gorgeous UNESCO Kinabalu geopark on a easy day trip. You'll also get to see local villages and get to know Dusun culture.
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03
Spot Probiscus Monkeys + Fireflies at Klias River
This is a surprisingly fun one! Spot cheeky probiscus monkeys (with the long nose), crocodiles and fireflies on a cruise down Klias river. It's chill and adventurous at the same time.
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04
Historic Colonial Train Ride
For train lovers! Ride a historic colonial-era train through Sabah’s scenic countryside for great views. For more adventure, combine it with Padas white-water rafting on the same trip!
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05
Catch sunset from the water!
Kota Kinabalu has some of the best sunsets we’ve ever seen (and it’s even been voted one of the world’s best!). Catch sunset from the water—it’s fiery and stunning!
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06
White water rafting - easy to intermediate!
One of the most fun ways to explore the lush countryside around Kota Kinabalu is by river rafting! The rapids range from beginner friendly to intermediate - so anyone can enjoy them!
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07
Snokelling & Diving at TARP Marine Park
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is popular spot for snorkelling & diving. However it's not well maintained (not much coral + trash), so if you go, try to avoid the more touristed islands
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08
Jungle survival in Ancient Rainforest
For off-grid lovers! Head into the ancient Borneo rainforest with a jungle expert, learn survival techniques, camp and enjoy dinner under the stars. You won't forget this!
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09
Deramakot: Clouded Leopard & Pygmy Elephants
Borneo’s best kept wildlife secret, Deramakot, is a few hours from Kota Kinabalu. Spend 3D2N here and spot clouded leopards, pygmy elephants, flying squirrels, and civet cats!
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10
Maliau Basin: World's Most Untouched Rainforest
Maliau Basin is the world's most untouched rainforest, 130M years old (much older than the Amazon!) and a day's drive from Kota Kinabalu. Spend 3D2N here for hiking & wildlife spotting.
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Start Planning
We handpick every guide and adventure, so you know it's worth your time.
4.9 (54)
|11 hrs
|Up to 8 guests
“Amazing Borneo hike with knowledgeable friendly guide delicious local lunch ”
4.9 (80)
|2D1N
|Up to 30 guests
“Recommend choosing the extra night at poring hot springs”
4.9 (54)
|2D1N
|Up to 20 guests
“Everything was a 1010 from booking to transport”
4.9 (54)
|2D1N
|Up to 11 guests
“It was definitely hard, but it was the best.”
4.9 (23)
|9 hrs
|Up to 4 guests
“Jean was a fantastic tour guide ”
Private trip
4.9 (80)
|2D1N
|Up to 30 guests
“genuinely cares and personally invested in making sure everything is smooth”
see more
4.9 (54)
|11 hrs
|Up to 8 guests
“Amazing Borneo hike with knowledgeable friendly guide delicious local lunch ”
4.9 (80)
|2D1N
|Up to 30 guests
“Recommend choosing the extra night at poring hot springs”
4.9 (54)
|2D1N
|Up to 20 guests
“Everything was a 1010 from booking to transport”
4.9 (54)
|2D1N
|Up to 11 guests
“It was definitely hard, but it was the best.”
4.9 (23)
|9 hrs
|Up to 4 guests
“Jean was a fantastic tour guide ”
Private trip
4.9 (54)
|2D1N
|Up to 20 guests
“My guide Effrey was a legend”
4.9 (80)
|2D1N
|Up to 30 guests
“genuinely cares and personally invested in making sure everything is smooth”
4.9 (80)
|2D1N
|Up to 33 guests
“Unforgettable climb topnotch support breathtaking views ”
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All Kota Kinabalu Adventures
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What other guests say
4.9
|
169 reviews
Great experience, the views were great, we were able to see many animals including couple crocodiles. The food was tasty and everyone was generally happy. I can definitely recommend this.
Michał
Everything was well organised and I was very well looked after. From airport pick up to drop off and meals in between everyone was friendly and helpful. The guide was knowledable and was able to go at my own pace.
Nick
We had a great time at Deramakot thanks to the fantastic LOST Borneo team. Not a typical tourist event, but an insightful and enjoyable experience. Small group size and a deep dive into the jungle wildlife.
Hendrik
Organised really well. Our tour guide was great! Thanks Jimmy! His wife cooked our lunch and we ate at their home. Delicious! 😍 on route up to the summit weather was good but at summit it rained and no view! 😟. Cool on the way down
Nadia
Great trip, organization and guide!
Nicolas
Our guide Jimmy was amazing, he has an incredible knowledge, knowing any single plant or animal along the path. Patient and wise, funny man, he's able to transmit attachment to the land and the village through his speeches. At the end of the day, for lunch, we were hosted by his family and the wife made a delicious lunch for all of us. We did the short trail, but he's able to bring you on top of the mountain if you like! We'll be always satisfied about this experience!
Leonardo Gridelli
The experience was seamless from driver pickup, to meeting your guide, settling into accommodation and induction to the chosen activities
Chris
Olivia was very friendly and patient in responding to our enquiries, overall trip was smooth without any major hiccups. Summit to Mt Kinbalu was enjoyable and our mountain guide was fantastic as well
Fred
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![Your Cheat Sheet to Planning a Mount Kinabalu Climb [2025]](https://d18sx48tl6nre5.cloudfront.net/webp_xl_6216b1e2195faadbe98c8ed92deb406b.webp)
