Tips for Traveling with Kids in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu, Travel Planning & Tips Pages, Tips for Traveling with Kids

Tips for Traveling with Kids in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

1. Sabah Forestry Department's Taman Negara Sabah

Explore the diversity of Borneo's flora and fauna at this vast nature reserve. Kids can enjoy educational guided tours.
  • Educational Experience: Provides opportunities to learn about local wildlife and ecosystems.
  • Guided Tours: Offers guided tours that cater specifically to kids, making learning fun and engaging.
  • Borneo's Diversity: Hosts a wide variety of native Borneo species not found anywhere else.

2. Kota Kinabalu City Mosque (Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu)

A beautiful mosque with a park and lake for kids to play around. It's also a great place for learning about Islamic culture.
  • Learning Opportunity: Provides an opportunity to learn about Islam and its cultural practices.
  • Beautiful Architecture: Features stunning Islamic architecture that's captivating for both kids and adults.
  • Outdoor Spaces: Surrounded by a spacious park and lake, offering plenty of room to run around and play.

3. Lok Kawi Wildlife Park

A large wildlife park featuring animals native to Borneo. Kids will enjoy the close encounters with orangutans and proboscis monkeys.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Offers unique opportunities for kids to observe and learn about Borneo's wildlife.
  • Spacious Park: Provides ample space for exploration and play, with paths that are stroller-friendly.
  • Orangutan Sanctuary: Features an orangutan sanctuary where visitors can observe these magnificent creatures up close.

4. Marine and Environmental Education Centre (MEEC)

Explore marine life at this educational center with interactive exhibits. Kids can participate in fun activities like feeding the fish.
  • Interactive Learning: Provides hands-on learning experiences about marine ecosystems and conservation.
  • Feeding Activities: Offers fun activities like feeding the fish, which kids love.
  • Marine Conservation: Focuses on marine conservation and promotes awareness about the importance of protecting our oceans.

5. Kota Kinabalu's Waterfront (Jesselton Point)

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront with various food options and playgrounds for kids.
  • Leisurely Stroll: Offers a relaxing walk along the water, taking in the sights and sounds of the city.
  • Food Options: Features numerous food stalls offering local Malaysian cuisine for snacking.
  • Playgrounds: Has several playgrounds scattered throughout the area, providing entertainment for kids.

6. Gaya Island National Park

An island park offering hiking trails, beaches, and opportunities to observe local wildlife.
  • Hiking Trails: Features a variety of hiking trails suitable for different age groups and fitness levels.
  • Local Wildlife Observation: Provides opportunities to observe local wildlife, such as long-tailed macaques and hornbills.
  • Beaches: Offers several pristine beaches where kids can play and swim.

7. Kinabalu Park

A UNESCO World Heritage site offering hiking trails, a canopy walkway, and opportunities to observe local flora and fauna.
  • UNESCO Site: Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it showcases the rich biodiversity of Borneo.
  • Canopy Walkway: Features a canopy walkway that offers a unique perspective on the rainforest.
  • Hiking Trails: Offers hiking trails of varying difficulty levels, catering to different age groups and fitness levels.

8. Filipino Market (Pasar Filipino)

A bustling market offering souvenirs, food, and a glimpse into Filipino culture in Kota Kinabalu.
  • Cultural Experience: Provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in Filipino culture and shop for unique souvenirs.
  • Delicious Food: Features a wide variety of delicious food options, including Filipino favorites.
  • Souvenir Shopping: Offers unique souvenirs that make great mementos of your trip.

9. Gaya Street Sunday Market

A vibrant market offering local food, handicrafts, and live performances.
  • Local Food: Features a wide variety of delicious Malaysian street food.
  • Handicrafts: Offers unique handmade items, making it an ideal place for souvenir shopping.
  • Live Performances: Features live performances showcasing local music and dance.

10. Lynn's Farm

A farm offering animal encounters, a petting zoo, and educational activities for kids.
  • Animal Encounters: Offers close encounters with various animals, including goats, chickens, and rabbits.
  • Petting Zoo: Features a petting zoo where kids can interact with the friendly farm animals.
  • Educational Activities: Provides educational activities that teach kids about farming and animal care.

11. Mission Stella Maris Church

A beautiful church with a playground and garden area for kids to play.
  • Religious Experience: Offers a peaceful environment to reflect, pray, or learn about the Catholic faith.
  • Playground: Features a playground where kids can burn off some energy.
  • Garden Area: Has a beautiful garden area that's perfect for relaxing and enjoying the scenery.

12. Sutera Harbour Marina & Golf Resort

A luxury resort offering a kid-friendly pool, playground, and kids' club.
  • Luxury Accommodation: Offers top-notch luxury accommodations for a comfortable stay.
  • Kids' Club: Features a kids' club offering supervised activities and entertainment for kids.
  • Family-Friendly Amenities: Has a kid-friendly pool, playground, and family-friendly dining options.

13. Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa

A luxurious resort with a kids' club, swimming pool, and playground.
  • Luxury Accommodation: Offers top-notch luxury accommodations for a comfortable stay.
  • Kids' Club: Features a kids' club offering supervised activities and entertainment for kids.
  • Family-Friendly Amenities: Has a kid-friendly pool, playground, and family-friendly dining options.

14. Megamall Kota Kinabalu

A large shopping mall with a cinema, food court, and kids' play areas.
  • Shopping Experience: Offers a wide variety of shops for all your shopping needs.
  • Cinema: Has a cinema showing the latest movies.
  • Kids' Play Areas: Features designated play areas for kids to have fun while parents shop.

15. Imago Tropical House Borneo

An indoor rainforest experience with various exhibits of tropical fauna and flora.
  • Indoor Rainforest Experience: Offers a unique, indoor rainforest experience for kids to explore.
  • Educational Exhibits: Features educational exhibits that teach kids about tropical fauna and flora.
  • Climate-Controlled Environment: Provides a climate-controlled environment, making it a comfortable visit regardless of the weather.