Best Cafés & Coffee Shops in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
1. Gaya Bay Coffee Co.
Located at Gaya Island Resort, this café offers a unique experience with panoramic views of the South China Sea. Sip your coffee while enjoying a serene environment.
- Exquisite Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of the sea and lush greenery
- Relaxing Ambiance: Find tranquility in a peaceful setting away from city noise
- Premium Coffee: Experience high-quality coffee blends, some exclusive to the resort
2. Level Up Coffee
A hidden gem in Kota Kinabalu, Level Up Coffee serves a variety of unique coffee brews and pastries. The casual vibe makes it perfect for digital nomads.
- Unique Brews: Try exotic blends like the Horchata Cold Brew or Lavender Latte
- Cozy Atmosphere: Relax in a cozy, minimalistic environment perfect for work or relaxation
- Affordable Prices: Enjoy great coffee at reasonable prices without breaking the bank
3. Hitchhiker Café & Gallery
This café doubles as an art gallery showcasing works by local artists. Enjoy a cup of coffee while admiring Sabahan creativity.
- Artistic Surroundings: Immerse yourself in the vibrant local art culture
- Quirky Interior: Admire the café's unique, eclectic decor inspired by travel and adventure
- Art Workshops: Participate in workshops led by local artists or simply browse their work for sale
4. Coffee Fellows
A popular chain café offering a wide selection of coffee, pastries, and light meals. The open-air seating area provides a view of the bustling city.
- Wide Selection: Find something for everyone, from traditional brews to specialty drinks
- City Views: Watch city life unfold from the comfort of your seat
- Central Location: Conveniently located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu for easy access
5. Terrace Coffee & Desserts
Located on a rooftop, this café offers stunning views of the city and Mount Kinabalu. Enjoy desserts and coffee while taking in the breathtaking vistas.
- Stunning Views: Take in panoramic views of Kota Kinabalu cityscape and Mount Kinabalu
- Rooftop Seating: Relax on comfortable seating while enjoying the view
- Dessert Selection: Indulge in various sweet treats to complement your coffee
6. Sabah Coffee Culture Museum
Learn about the history and culture of coffee in Sabah at this museum. Sample traditional brewing methods and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee.
- Educational Experience: Gain insight into Sabahan coffee culture and history
- Traditional Brewing: Experience traditional brewing methods that have been passed down for generations
- Coffee Tasting: Sample various coffee varieties grown in Sabah
7. The Roaster's House
A specialty coffee roastery offering a wide range of single-origin and blended coffees. Learn about the coffee roasting process during workshops.
- Coffee Roasting Demonstrations: Watch the coffee roasting process up close
- Expert Tastings: Learn about the nuances of different coffee varieties from knowledgeable staff
- Freshly Roasted Coffee: Enjoy coffee that is freshly roasted and ground for maximum flavor
8. Mile Zero Food Studio
A café with a focus on locally sourced ingredients, offering a unique dining experience. Try their Sabahan dishes paired with specialty coffees.
- Local Ingredients: Savor the flavors of Sabah with dishes made from locally sourced ingredients
- Specialty Coffees: Experience a variety of specialty coffees, some roasted in-house
- Culinary Workshops: Learn about Sabahan cuisine and participate in cooking workshops
9. Tamparuli Coffee House
Located in a picturesque riverside town, this café offers traditional Sabahan dishes and coffees. Take a short trip to experience rural Sabah.
- Riverside Setting: Enjoy a relaxing environment alongside the river
- Traditional Dishes: Taste authentic Sabahan dishes like bamboo rice and river prawns
- Rural Experience: Experience the charm of a small, riverside town in rural Sabah
10. Kinabalu Coffee & Tea House
Located near the base of Mount Kinabalu, this café offers a perfect pitstop for climbers and tourists. Enjoy coffee and snacks with stunning views.
- Mountain Views: Take in breathtaking views of Mount Kinabalu
- Climber-Friendly: Refuel before or after your climb with coffee and snacks
- Relaxing Atmosphere: Unwind in a comfortable setting after a long trek
11. The Café by Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort
Located at the luxurious Tanjung Aru Resort, this café offers a serene environment with views of the South China Sea. Indulge in premium coffee and pastries.
- Luxury Setting: Experience the elegance of Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort
- Premium Coffee: Enjoy high-quality coffee and specialty drinks
- Sea Views: Relax with stunning views of the sea and resort grounds
12. Coffee Club Sabah
A local chain offering a wide variety of coffee and light meals. The spacious seating area makes it perfect for large groups or solo travelers.
- Wide Variety: Find something for everyone, from traditional brews to specialty drinks
- Spacious Seating: Relax in a spacious environment suitable for groups or solo travelers
- Central Location: Conveniently located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu for easy access
13. The Coffee Lab
A café with a focus on artisanal coffee, offering a variety of brewing methods and unique blends. The minimalistic interior provides a peaceful ambiance.
- Artisanal Coffee: Experience expertly crafted coffee using various brewing methods
- Minimalistic Interior: Relax in a sleek, modern environment designed for tranquility
- Unique Blends: Try specialty blends created by skilled baristas
14. The Loaf Bakery & Café
A cozy café offering a variety of freshly baked pastries and coffee. The inviting atmosphere makes it perfect for meetings or solo relaxation.
- Fresh Pastries: Indulge in a wide selection of freshly baked pastries
- Cozy Atmosphere: Relax in a warm, inviting environment suitable for gatherings or solitude
- Convenient Location: Located near popular attractions and accommodations for easy access
15. Sabah Coffee & Tea Gallery
A café housed in a traditional Sabahan longhouse, offering a unique cultural experience. Sample traditional coffee and tea varieties while learning about Sabahan culture.
- Cultural Experience: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Sabah
- Traditional Coffee: Experience authentic coffee brewed using traditional methods
- Longhouse Setting: Discover the charm of a traditional Sabahan longhouse