February 2026

Mountain & Adventure Activities in Kota Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu is not just about beaches and islands. It is also the gateway to amazing mountain and adventure experiences. From climbing the highest peak in Southeast Asia to finding hidden waterfalls and rafting down jungle rivers, Sabah offers something for every adventure seeker. This guide will help you explore the best mountain and adventure activities around Kota Kinabalu. Mount Kinabalu & Surrounding Areas 1. Mount Kinabalu Summit Climb (2D1N) This is the most famous adventure in Sabah. Climbing to the top of Mount Kinabalu at 4,095 meters is a challenging but rewarding experience. Tips: You need to book 6 to 12 months in advance through a licensed tour operator. The climb is tough, so it helps to do some training like stair climbing before you come. Pack warm clothes because it gets cold at the top. Location: Kinabalu Park Headquarters, Ranau (about 2 hours drive from Kota Kinabalu) Info & booking: Contact Sabah Tropical Travel – your personal travel planner: WhatsApp No: +60148526505 View More Rated 0 out of 5 Island Hopping Deposit Payment RM45.00/guest View More Rated 0 out of 5 Island Hopping Basic RM60.00/guest View More Rated 0 out of 5 Island Hopping C SPECIAL PROMO! RM195.00/guest Sale! View More Rated 0 out of 5 Island Hopping B RM140.00 Original price was: RM140.00.RM140.00Current price is: RM140.00./guest 2. Mount Kinabalu Day Trip (No Climbing) If you don’t want to climb but still want to see Mount Kinabalu, you can visit Kinabalu Park. Tips: Go early in the morning for the best views. Visit the Botanical Gardens and have lunch at the Liwagu Restaurant with the mountain in the background. Location: Kinabalu Park, Ranau Info & booking: Contact Sabah Tropical Travel – your personal travel planner: WhatsApp No: +60148526505 3. Desa Cattle Dairy Farm Often called the “Little New Zealand of Sabah,” this farm has beautiful views of Mount Kinabalu. Tips: Visit between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM to see the cows being milked. Try the fresh milk, yogurt, and ice cream. Location: Kundasang, Ranau (about 2.5 hours from Kota Kinabalu) Info & booking: Contact Sabah Tropical Travel – your personal travel planner: WhatsApp No: +60148526505 View More Rated 0 out of 5 Sunset Deposit & Booking RM20.00/guest View More Rated 0 out of 5 Sunset Banana Boat RM35.00/guest View More Rated 0 out of 5 Sunset Parasail RM75.00/guest View More Rated 0 out of 5 Sunset Jetski RM110.00/guest Hiking, Trekking and Waterfalls 4. Kokol Hill This is a popular spot to see the sunset over Kota Kinabalu city and the river. Tips: Arrive by 5:30 PM to get a good spot for sunset. The road up is narrow and winding, so drive carefully. Location: Manggatal (about 40 minutes from Kota Kinabalu city) Operator: Public viewpoint Booking: Free access to the viewpoint Info & booking: Contact Sabah Tropical Travel – your personal travel planner: WhatsApp No: +60148526505 5. Kionsom Waterfall A beautiful waterfall close to the city where you can swim and cool off. Tips: Wear shoes with good grip because the rocks can be slippery. Don’t go during or right after heavy rain because of flash flood risk. Location: Inanam, Kota Kinabalu (about 30 minutes drive from the city) Operator: Managed by local community Booking: No booking needed. Pay a small conservation fee at the entrance. Info & booking: Contact Sabah Tropical Travel – your personal travel planner: WhatsApp No: +60148526505 6. Moyog River Area (Penampang) Tips: Miki Survival Camp offers bamboo rafting and survival skills. For Togop Waterfall, you need to trek about 45 minutes through the jungle. This area offers river activities and jungle trekking near the city. Location: Kampung Togop, Penampang (about 30 minutes from Kota Kinabalu) Operator: Miki Survival Camp for organized activities Booking: Contact Miki Camp directly to arrange activities Info & booking: Contact Sabah Tropical Travel – your personal travel planner: WhatsApp No: +60148526505 7. Tambunan Area A scenic valley with several attractions worth visiting. Mahua Waterfall: Easy walk from the parking areaGunung Alab: Cool forest area with walking trailsTambunan Rafflesia Centre: See the world’s largest flower when it bloomsTips: Call the Rafflesia Centre before going to check if the flowers are blooming. The drive to Tambunan takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Location: Tambunan Valley Operator: Self-visit for most places Booking: No booking needed. Small entrance fee at Rafflesia Centre Info & booking: Contact Sabah Tropical Travel – your personal travel planner: WhatsApp No: +60148526505 8. Bukit Padang Hiking trails right in Kota Kinabalu city. Tips: Best to go early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat. Bring water. Location: Kota Kinabalu city Operator: Public park Booking: Free and open to everyone River Adventures 9. Kiulu White Water Rafting Good for families and beginners. The rapids are not too strong. Tips: Suitable for children 6 years and older. You will get wet, so bring a change of clothes. Location: Kiulu River, Tamparuli (about 1.5 hours from Kota Kinabalu) Operator: Companies like Riverbug, Downbelow, and River Trekker Booking: Book a half-day package that includes transport, equipment, and guide Info & booking: Contact Sabah Tropical Travel – your personal travel planner: WhatsApp No: +60148526505 10. Padas White Water Rafting More challenging rapids for those looking for more excitement. Tips: You need to take a train to get to the starting point. This is a full day activity. Location: Padas River, Beaufort (about 2 hours from Kota Kinabalu plus train ride) Operator: Same as Kiulu rafting companies Booking: Book a full-day package in advance Info & booking: Contact Sabah Tropical Travel – your personal travel planner: WhatsApp No: +60148526505 Other Adventure Activities 11. ATV/Quad Bike  Ride through muddy trails and plantations. Tips: You will get dirty, so wear old clothes. No experience needed. Location: Various places including Kokol Hill and Tuaran area Operator: Companies like Borneo ATV Booking: Book a 1-2 hour ride package Info & booking: Contact Sabah Tropical Travel – your personal travel planner: WhatsApp No: +60148526505 12. Poring Hot Springs and Canopy