Kota Kinabalu Itinerary 1 Day

A Day in Kota Kinabalu - Perfect 24 Hours Guide

Kota Kinabalu, which is partly surrounded by turquoise waters of the sea and partly by a dense rainforest, is the capital of the Sabah state of Malaysia. The city was also known as Jesselton earlier. When you spend one day in Kota Kinabalu, you will love this coastal city for its stunning beaches, breathtaking sunsets, sparkling markets, and tasty street food. Not only the beaches but also the mind-boggling views of the Mount Kinabalu are what the city is famous for. See this 1-day Kota Kinabalu itinerary that covers some famous attractions of the city.

How to spend 1 day in Kota Kinabalu?

Morning

Begin your day at the Aquarium & Marine Museum of Kota Kinabalu to gain knowledge about a wide variety of aquatic animals. After spending some insightful time here, you can start driving to the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque on the way of which you will find Menara Tun Mustapha, a 30-story unique glass tower of the city built by a Japanese builder. Located by the lagoon, Kota Kinabalu City Mosque is the most famous building of the city famous for its golden blue dome. You will need at least 45 minutes to admire the mosque and its surroundings. Your next stop will be Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary where you will take meet over 80 bird species in the mangroves.

Afternoon

Only 10 minutes’ drive from this bird sanctuary is Atkinson Clock Tower which is another must-visit for 24 hours in Kota Kinabalu. Also known as the Atkinson Memorial Clock Tower, this is the oldest structure in the city. You can enjoy your lunch at the eateries located in Padang Merdeka. The next place that you would like to visit in the afternoon is the Sabah Museum. You will learn a lot about the archaeological and natural history of the region at this place. Close to it is the Sabah State Mosque that you can access within 5 minutes. The mosque complex can accommodate up to 5000 visitors at a time.

Evening

No evening in Kota Kinabalu could be better than the one spent at the Double Six Monument. The monument and the park were built here in memory of the Double Six Tragedy when the chief minister of Sabah was killed during a plane crash. You will love to enjoy the spectacular views of the sea from the park. Straight from the monument is the 7 Ocean Art Gallery and next to it is the Night Food Market. This market opens in the evening and closes late at night. This market is like Mecca of the Southeast Asian street food. You will find the locally produced food at a cheaper rate in this night market.

Whether it is food, culture, or history, Kota Kinabalu has plenty of things to explore and experience and you will be entertained and mesmerized at every step of your 1-day trip to Kota Kinabalu.