How Long to Spend in Kota Kinabalu With Kids?

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.