Add dates

Things to do in Kota Kinabalu

Our most recommended things to do in Kota Kinabalu

Full-Day Snorkeling Adventure from Kota Kinabalu

1. Full-Day Snorkeling Adventure from Kota Kinabalu

Spend the day snorkeling at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, part of the Coral Triangle of Sabah in the South China Sea. Recognised as having the greatest biodiversity of any waters in the world, the Coral Triangle offers a vast range of marine life, including many colorful reef fish. You will sail by fully equipped catamaran to the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman, where you will take 2 different guided snorkeling adventures around the coral gardens. An a la carte lunch will be served during the day at an island café, while refreshments will be available on board the well-equipped catamaran throughout. The exact snorkel locations will be selected on the day of your tour, dependent on sea conditions, as well as your level of experience. For more confident snorkelers, a trip to a remote coral reef will be organized, where you can snorkel directly off the boat. Less experienced snorkelers can relax with the help of a PADI professional guide, who will snorkel with you from tranquil beaches, and help you spot and identify the diverse marine life. See if you can spot an elusive green or hawksbill turtle. And look out for the shy clownfish, fondly known as "Nemo!"

Borneo 3-Dive Scuba Diving Day Trip in Kota Kinabalu

2. Borneo 3-Dive Scuba Diving Day Trip in Kota Kinabalu

Plunge into the waters of the South China Sea with an exciting 3-dive diving tour in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. If you are a certified diver looking to take a trip like none other, this adventure is for you. Enjoy diving off the coast of Borneo into the tropical, sea life-filled waters of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine National Park. The Park, only a short boat ride from central Kota Kinabalu, consists of five islands and a plethora of colorful coral reefs teeming with sea life (including those cute little clown fish, the “Nemo” fish). You will dive between 16 feet and 98 feet (5 meters – 30 meters), ensuring that you will see all sorts of different plant and sea creature life. This is a relaxed tour with a wide selection of dive sites, so it can be tailored to the individual needs of the group. Whether you are an experienced diver, have not gone diving in a while, or are a new diver, your guide will do everything to make sure you have the time of your life. Sabah is located in the Coral Triangle. This stunning area is celebrated for having the greatest biodiversity of any waters in the world. An incredibly diverse range of corals and tropical marine life awaits you off the coast of Borneo, everything from tiny, bright-colored fish to a range of vibrant corals to Green and Hawksbill Turtles. Make sure you are prepared to have your eyes filled with tropical wonders. This tour is dedicated to providing personalized, high quality, safe, educational, exciting, and fun diving experiences. Your boat is one of the best diving boats in Kota Kinabalu and is well-stocked with a full range of safety equipment on board. Plus, small groups ensure personalized attention. The South China Sea is calling for you. Answer it as soon as you can! A typical itinerary for your diving tour looks like: - 9:00h: Meet a member of the Borneo Dream team at the entrance to Jesselton Point Jetty (under the archway). Our team member escorts you to our boat and the boat departs from Jesselton Point, boat transfer to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park - 10:00h: Briefing for first dive. Put on your dive gear and perform buddy checks. Start of the first dive! - 11:00h - Surface interval. Chill out on the sun deck of our catamaran. - 12:00h: Start second dive of the day! - 13:00h: Take a break on land and lunch. Enjoy a relaxed lunch on an island. - 14:30h: Start of the third dive! - 15:00h: Depart for Jesselton Point - 15:30h - 16:00h: Arrive at Jesselton Point

Borneo Full Day Try Dive (2 Dives) for Beginners

3. Borneo Full Day Try Dive (2 Dives) for Beginners

Dive into the South China Sea! The PADI Discover Scuba Diving Experience is the perfect way for non-divers or beginning divers to enjoy the wonders of scuba. Enjoy the clear, clean water and surround yourself with the beauty of a tropical underwater world is a great way to enjoy a try dive and experience the beauty of the tropical underwater world in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, on the island of Borneo. This tour includes a 1-day introduction to scuba diving. It will include two dives, the second of which will go to a maximum of about 40 feet (12 meters). You will dive in sheltered bays and gorgeous coral reefs in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine National Park (TARP) near Kota Kinabalu. The Park includes 5 islands and plenty of crystal blue waters, perfect for new divers to test out their scuba skills. Plus, the state of Sabah is located in the Coral Triangle, meaning you will come across a wide, incredibly diverse range of corals and tropical marine life while underwater. Keep a look-out for charming fish like clown fish (the popular “Nemo”). If you’re really lucky, you just may catch a glimpse of a turtle! A typical itinerary for the PADI Discover Scuba Diving Experience looks like: - 9:00 h: Meet a member of the Borneo Dream team at the entrance to Jesselton Point Jetty (under the archway). The team member will escorts you to your boat, which will depart from Jesselton Point and continue on to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine National Park. - 10:00h: Complete PADI forms and enjoy a short scuba diving education session delivered by your PADI Instructor. - 10:30h: Time to get wet! Complete a confined water skills session and enjoy your first dive of the day, conducted in a shallow, protected bay at one of the Islands in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine National Park. - 12:00h - 13:30h: Take a break on land and lunch. Enjoy a relaxed lunch on either Pulau Mamutik or Pulau Sapi. - 13:30h: Briefing for your second dive. Put on your dive gear and enjoy a second leisure dive with your PADI Instructor. Dive along a coral reef to a maximum of around 40 feet (12 meters). - 15:00h: Depart for Jesselton Point - 15:30h: Arrive at Jesselton Point The PADI Discover Scuba Diving Experience is just that: a true experience. This tour is dedicated to providing high quality, safe, educational, exciting, and fun diving experiences. Plus, small groups ensure personalized attention. Scuba gear, a towel, and refreshments are all included. All you need to do is show up ready to get wet!

Kota Kinabalu: 2-Person PADI Open Water Diver Course

4. Kota Kinabalu: 2-Person PADI Open Water Diver Course

Pick up a new skill on your holiday with this PADI Open Water Diver course in Kota Kinabalu. Discover the joy of exploring the underwater world at a marine park that is teeming with life. Get certified with the most popular dive course in the world, the PADI Open Water Diver course. Take a pre-study session followed by three days of going out on a boat to the lovely tropical waters of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Complete five water skill sessions, 4 open water dives, a swim test, and a float test. Finish the course, and get the ability to dive to 18 meters anywhere in the world. Have a nice replenishing lunch on diving days. During your open water dives, spot marine life like clown fish, parrot fish, lion fish, puffer fish, Barracuda, blue spotted rays, and Hawksbill Turtles.

Frequently asked questions about Kota Kinabalu

What top attractions are a must-see in Kota Kinabalu?

The must-see attractions in Kota Kinabalu are:

Other Sightseeing Options in Kota Kinabalu

Want to discover all there is to do in Kota Kinabalu? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Kota Kinabalu

Overall rating

4.0 / 5

based on 241 reviews

It was a very meaningful time. There were many different fish and numerous coral reefs. The guide was kind and the lessons were great. If you visit again, I will definitely do it again.

The tour was well planned, the boat in good condition. Everything was well organized. No further monetary payments were requested. Gladly given tips

The guides were great, lunch was really good and an overall nice day! :) The free water and biscuits on the boat were also great :)

Great tour, just need the reef to recover. We had three snorkeling stops and were accompanied by the guide at each one.

Had an amazing trip, saw loads of different fish and corals