Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Malaysia

Ascend Southeast Asia's highest peak Mount Kinabalu or dive into pristine coral gardens teeming with tropical marine life.

Currency Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)

Language Malay (Bahasa Malaysia), English widely spoken

Time Zone MYT (UTC+8)

Best Time to Visit Dec–Apr

Typical Duration 14-37 nights

Price Range $1,330–$91,950 per person

Port Type Port of Call

Tender Port No

Gateway to Borneo's natural wonders, offering access to Mount Kinabalu, pristine rainforests, and rich indigenous cultures in Malaysian Sabah.

Cruises that visit Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Build Your Day in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 7:00 PM

Usually about 11 hours ashore

My ship arrives around: Getting around:

Imago Shopping Mall Nice variety of shops, from small stalls to luxury brands. Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 19k Closed · Opens 10 AM

Centre Point Sabah A variety of small boutique at very affordable price Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 15k Closed · Opens 10 AM

Tanjung Aru Beach Lots of activities to do such as paragliding and paddleboard. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 14k Closed · Opens 10 AM

Handicraft Market Some of the crafts are hand made by locals. Tourist attraction · ★ 4 · 14k

Suria Sabah It has a superb range of goods and services to pamper the shoppers. Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 13k Closed · Opens 10 AM

Gaya Street Market An immersion and sensory experience awaits! Market · ★ 4.4 · 9k Closed · Opens 5 PM Fri

Karamunsing Shopping Complex A lot of choices and selections.. Especially clothins and PC wares Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 9k Closed · Opens 10 AM

Kota Kinabalu Central Market Prices are reasonable, and the quality of goods is excellent. Market · ★ 4.2 · 7k Open · Closes 6 PM

Ikan Bakar Sabah Great service, delicious food, and a wonderful atmosphere. Seafood · ★ 4.8 · 7k Closed · Opens 11 AM

KK Garden Seafood Restaurant • Sedco The food was delicious—fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Seafood · ★ 4.9 · 6k Closed · Opens 11 AM

City Mall Shopping Centre It has many shops that sells clothes, shoes, handbags, cinema and many more. Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 6k Closed · Opens 10 AM

Sabah State Museum There is 2 part, indoor museum and outdoor the cultural house and park. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 5k Temporarily closed

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park Time spend: 2-3 hours depending if you join the activities or not. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.1 · 4k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM

Mari Mari Cultural Village So many interactive activities and interesting information! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 4k Closed · Opens 10 AM

Upside Down House Sabah Two attractions : upside house and 3D section. Tourist attraction · ★ 3.8 · 4k

Oceanus Waterfront Mall No many shop inside but at back the mall nice view 5 star view Shopping mall · ★ 3.6 · 3k Closed · Opens 10 AM

Signal Hill Observatory Tower Food and drinks were also available. Tourist attraction · ★ 4 · 2k Temporarily closed

KK GARDEN SEAFOOD GAYA RESTAURANT Excellent service and absolutely delicious food — always a 10/10. Seafood · ★ 4.6 · 2k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM

Kompleks Asia City Beautiful scenery, clean environment and friendly retailers. Stores and shopping · ★ 3.8 · 2k Opens soon · 9 AM

Howdy Grillhouse Kota Kinabalu Every dish is flavorful, well prepared, and served fresh. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 2k Closed · Opens 11 AM

Likas Bay Public Park Can bring kids. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 2k

ZING Sunset Bar Great atmosphere, delicious food, good service, all what’s just perfect Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 2k Closed · Opens 4 PM

Kokol Hill Elf Entrance fee definitely affordable for everyone. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 2k Closed · Opens 10 AM

I Love KK I’d love to return and explore even more. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 1k

MOGINUM Restobar Cool vibe, great food and an inventive cocktail menu. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k

The Shamrock Irish Bar Fantastic atmosphere, music and service. Irish pub · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closed · Opens 12 PM

Sapi Island Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia Especially for someone who loves adventurous activities. Nature preserve · ★ 4.3 · 1k

POUND The staff was attentive, and the steak was expertly prepared to my liking. Steak · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 12 PM

La Veranda Cucina Italiana at Sutera Avenue Level 1 The ambiance is warm and inviting, perfect for a relaxing meal. Italian · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 12 PM

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park Have a lots of activities can do. Nature preserve · ★ 4.3 · 1k

Riverson The Walk Jesselton Artisan Market open every month where you can buy artisan product. Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 1k Opens soon · 9 AM

Sunset Bar Excellent location, friendly staffs service , food and drink are great! Bar · ★ 4.4 · 1k Closed · Opens 5 PM

Urban Kitchen Good atmosphere, friendly service and good food !!! Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k

Drunken Door Friendly staff, good ambience, but most importantly, fantastic drinks! Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 6 PM

Volcano Waterfront Kota Kinabalu This bar offers amazing views and a relaxed vibe without breaking the bank. Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 3:30 PM

Center Point Kota Kinabalu Sabah Very well located, ample parking with huge number and variety of outlets. Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM

The CUBE best games were the slingshot, hoops, air tennis and foosball. Playground · ★ 4.8 · 0k Temporarily closed

Tamu Rooftop Great atmosphere, great drinks 🤙 Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM

The Other Side Bar 赵老妹 Best Vibes, Best Drinks, Tip Top Customer Service. Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 4 PM

ON22 Restaurant The food was delicious beautifully presented, fresh, and full of flavor. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k

Rooftop Bar @ Le Méridien Drinks and food at reasonable price that commensurate with the environment. Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM

Tapai Speakeasy Very unique house cocktails, friendly bartender great atmosphere Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 4 PM

Saiki Sky Bar The atmosphere great, music is good and comfort place to relax Bar · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 PM

ON23 Sky Bar Beautiful sunset view, delicious food and drink with best service. Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 12 PM

JSK Floating Island I picked the Sea World Adventure package that includes everything. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

About Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Malaysian Sabah, has emerged as a vibrant port of call for cruise travelers exploring Southeast Asia. With four major cruise lines including Oceania Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Silversea, and Holland America Line calling regularly, you'll find plenty of opportunities to experience this dynamic destination. The port typically welcomes 36 upcoming cruises, with most itineraries spanning 14 nights and featuring popular regional stops like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Manila. Peak season runs from December through February and again in April and November, making these months ideal for planning your voyage.

When your ship docks in Kota Kinabalu, you'll discover a fascinating blend of natural beauty and cultural richness waiting just beyond the port. The city serves as your gateway to some of Borneo's most compelling experiences, from pristine beaches and world-class diving opportunities to encounters with indigenous wildlife and traditions. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation during your port day, Kota Kinabalu offers the perfect balance of accessibility and authentic Malaysian charm.

Kinabalu Park's Misty Peaks

Marvel at Southeast Asia's tallest mountain, Mount Kinabalu, rising majestically just 90 minutes from port. Even without summiting, the UNESCO World Heritage park offers stunning botanical gardens, cool mountain air, and diverse wildlife viewing. The visitor center provides excellent exhibits on Sabah's unique ecosystem and indigenous cultures.

Fresh Seafood at Waterfront Markets

Explore the bustling Kota Kinabalu Waterfront, where local fishermen sell the day's catch at the vibrant fish market. Grab grilled stingray, fresh prawns, or local fish cakes from waterfront restaurants offering authentic Sabahan cuisine with spectacular sunset views over the South China Sea.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

Take a short boat ride to pristine coral islands featuring world-class snorkeling and diving opportunities. Crystal-clear waters reveal colorful fish, sea turtles, and healthy coral reefs. Beach relaxation, water sports, and island picnics make this an unforgettable tropical escape within easy reach of the cruise terminal.

Handicrafts at Gaya Street Market

Wander through the famous Sunday Gaya Street Market (or weekday craft shops nearby) to discover authentic Sabahan handicrafts, beaded jewelry, traditional textiles, and indigenous artwork. Interact with local artisans, learn about Kadazan-Dusun culture, and find unique souvenirs unavailable elsewhere in Southeast Asia.

Proboscis Monkeys in Mangroves

Experience a guided river cruise through mangrove forests to spot Sabah's iconic proboscis monkeys with their distinctive long noses. This rare wildlife encounter showcases the region's incredible biodiversity and offers photographers incredible opportunities while learning about mangrove ecosystem conservation efforts.

Cruise Lines at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Oceania Cruises (21 cruises)
Norwegian Cruise Line (9 cruises)
Silversea (6 cruises)
Atlas Ocean Voyages (3 cruises)
Holland America Line (3 cruises)

Cruises Departing From Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Cruises Visiting Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Ship Schedule at Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Location

Other Cruise Ports in Malaysia

Port Klang (Ferry Port)

Sandakan, Sabah

Frequently Asked Questions

What cruise lines sail from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah?

Four major cruise lines operate from Kota Kinabalu: Oceania Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Silversea, and Holland America Line. These operators offer 36 upcoming cruises from this port of call, providing a variety of itineraries and onboard experiences for different travel preferences.

When is the best time to cruise from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah?

The peak cruise months from Kota Kinabalu are January, December, February, April, and November. These months offer the best weather conditions and are the most popular times for cruising in Southeast Asia, so booking in advance is recommended.

How much do cruises from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah cost?

Cruise fares from Kota Kinabalu range from $1,299.50 to $91,949 per person, depending on the cruise line, cabin type, itinerary length, and travel dates. Luxury lines like Silversea and Oceania Cruises typically command higher prices, while mainstream operators offer more budget-friendly options.

What are the top destinations from Kota Kinabalu cruises?

Popular destinations on cruises from Kota Kinabalu include Singapore, Hong Kong, Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Laem Chabang, and Manila. These ports offer diverse cultural experiences, natural attractions, and shopping opportunities throughout Southeast Asia.

How do I get from Kota Kinabalu port to the city and main attractions?

Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available at the cruise port for transportation to Kota Kinabalu city center, which is approximately 10 kilometers away. Many visitors also book organized shore excursions through their cruise line, or rent vehicles to explore nearby attractions such as Kinabalu National Park, Sandakan, and local markets.

What can I see and do during a day in port at Kota Kinabalu?

During a port day in Kota Kinabalu, you can visit the Signal Hill Observatory for panoramic city views, explore the Sabah Museum, shop at the Central Market, or relax at nearby beaches. For nature enthusiasts, wildlife encounters at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre or snorkeling at nearby islands are popular activities, though these may require early departure from port.

Does Kota Kinabalu cruise port have direct docking or do ships tender?

Kota Kinabalu has modern cruise port facilities with direct docking capabilities for most vessels, allowing passengers to disembark directly onto the pier. The port is well-equipped with facilities including shops, restaurants, and information services, making it convenient for cruise passengers to access the city and arrange transportation.