How long to spend in Kota Kinabalu with kids
It’s tempting to skip through KK on the way to the rainforest or beach but a couple of days in this relaxed and affordable Malaysian city are well worth it. The city centre is a delightful mix of modern and traditional buildings with a focus on culture, food and nature. Kids will love the heritage village at the Sabah Museum and especially the ‘lansaran’ – a bamboo section of bouncing floor that was used in longhouses for rituals and celebrations.
The Atkinson Clock Tower is the oldest building in KK and a reminder of its role as the capital of North Borneo. It’s a short taxi, Grab or bus ride from the hotel and a great spot for photos.
The Klias River Wildlife Sanctuary is the best place to see floppy-nosed proboscis monkeys swinging through the trees and dazzling nighttime fireflies. There are also silver-leaf langurs, crocodiles and pairs of hornbills. During your stay, don’t forget to pack insect repellent. Malaysia is a malarial zone so be careful and cover up as much as possible. Safety is another consideration – pavements often have unmarked drains, rotten wooden steps and planks so tread carefully.