From snorkelling to white water rafting, you'll find it all in Kota Kinabalu

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From snorkelling to white water rafting, these are our top water activities in Kota Kinabalu — a vetted shortlist of the best options to choose from.

Water Activities in Kota Kinabalu: Our Top Picks

Water Activities in Kota Kinabalu

Sunset Kayaking in Kota Kinabalu

Sunset Kayaking at Tanjung Aru with Village Views and Coastal Sights

2-Hr Private Sunset Yacht Sail from KK

Private Sunset Yacht Cruise in KK with BBQ Option

Sunrise & Sunset Paddleboarding at Tanjung Aru

Sunrise or Sunset Paddleboarding at Tanjung Aru Beach

Sail Kota Kinabalu's Islands on a Beautiful Catamaran

Relaxed Snorkelling and Sailing Trip Around Kota Kinabalu’s Islands 

Family-Friendly White Water Rafting in Borneo

Family-friendly rafting adventure on the Kiulu River in Borneo

Sabah's Wild Side: Full-Day Padas Rafting + Jungle Train

Embark on an adrenaline-packed journey through tropical rapids.

Kayaking was a great way for me to experience the sunset at the equator in Kota Kinabalu! I didn’t know how to kayak but they paired me with the guide and taught me how. We kayaked for a while took some breaks and then waited for the sunset. It was a little bit of exercise, a little bit chill and a great experience. They also had group gender showers which was nice to rinse off after being in the water.

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Kayaking was a great way for me to experience the sunset at the equator in Kota Kinabalu! I didn’t know how to kayak but they paired me with the guide and taught me how. We kayaked for a while took some breaks and then waited for the sunset. It was a little bit of exercise, a little bit chill and a great experience. They also had group gender showers which was nice to rinse off after being in the water. 

This trip is amazing!! The guides are absolutely lovely and could not be more accommodating. The snorkelling was so fun and we saw so many fish, with all equipment provided. The lunch provided was also delicious. Couldn't recommend enough!

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This trip is amazing!! The guides are absolutely lovely and could not be more accommodating. The snorkelling was so fun and we saw so many fish, with all equipment provided. The lunch provided was also delicious. Couldn't recommend enough!

It’s true when they say Sabah has some of the nicest views in the world. We visited an island for snorkeling and paddle boarding, and ended the day with the most beautiful sunset. Watching the sunset horizon over the sea was such an incredible experience. Since we were the only ones on the island, it honestly felt like we had our own private island. The scenery and sunset were absolutely magical.

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It’s true when they say Sabah has some of the nicest views in the world. We visited an island for snorkeling and paddle boarding, and ended the day with the most beautiful sunset. Watching the sunset horizon over the sea was such an incredible experience. Since we were the only ones on the island, it honestly felt like we had our own private island. The scenery and sunset were absolutely magical.


Went on the Mawali sailing experience for the sunset view and it ended up being one of the most peaceful parts of the trip. We did some paddle boarding while the sun was setting and it honestly felt so private and quiet — there were literally no other boats around except us.

The captain and crew were also incredibly warm and welcoming from the moment we got on board, which made the whole experience feel even more special and comfortable. It didn’t feel crowded or touristy at all, just calm, intimate and really memorable. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a more peaceful and unique experience.

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Went on the Mawali sailing experience for the sunset view and it ended up being one of the most peaceful parts of the trip. We did some paddle boarding while the sun was setting and it honestly felt so private and quiet — there were literally no other boats around except us.

The captain and crew were also incredibly warm and welcoming from the moment we got on board, which made the whole experience feel even more special and comfortable. It didn’t feel crowded or touristy at all, just calm, intimate and really memorable. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a more peaceful and unique experience.

Kota Kinabalu has always been known for its beautiful sunsets. So, when we got experience the sunset on a yacht while being out in the ocean, it was safe to say it was a magical experience.

What made it better was the amazing team that was onboard and created a comfortable journey. Captain Joel and team was professional and attentive. They prepared small bites and drinks for us which was nice as we got to just enjoy the sailing experience being carefree.

We got to experience stand-up paddle boarding which was exciting and see the beautiful Gaya island up close.

If you’re a lover of sunsets and the ocean, this is the experience to get.

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Kota Kinabalu has always been known for its beautiful sunsets. So, when we got experience the sunset on a yacht while being out in  the ocean, it was safe to say it was a magical experience.

What made it better was the amazing team that was onboard and created a comfortable journey. Captain Joel and team was professional and attentive. They prepared small bites and drinks for us which was nice as we got to just enjoy the sailing experience being carefree.

We got to experience stand-up paddle boarding which was exciting and see the beautiful Gaya island up close.

If you’re a lover of sunsets and the ocean, this is the experience to get.

The sunset was beautiful. I also liked that everything was well-prepared for us, paddleboards, life jackets, and even snacks. The boat was clean too.

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The sunset was beautiful. I also liked that everything was well-prepared for us, paddleboards, life jackets, and even snacks. The boat was clean too.


Excellent trip, loved every minute. The beautiful river, the gentle rapids, the swims in between the rapids. 
 Thanks for the fabulous trip.

Excellent trip, loved every minute. The beautiful river, the gentle rapids, the swims in between the rapids. 
Thanks for the fabulous trip. 

Thanks so much for such a unique experience. We were able to paddle out way further than the paddleboarders/ others at sea to get a completely serene and beautiful view of sunset. Thanks for the gorgeous photos you took too!

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Thanks so much for such a unique experience. We were able to paddle out way further than the paddleboarders/ others at sea to get a completely serene and beautiful view of sunset. Thanks for the gorgeous photos you took too! 