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
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RM45.00/guest
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RM60.00/guest
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RM195.00/guest
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Sale!
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
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RM20.00/guest
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RM35.00/guest
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RM75.00/guest
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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 area
Gunung Alab: Cool forest area with walking trails
Tambunan Rafflesia Centre: See the world’s largest flower when it blooms
Tips: 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 Walkway
Soak in natural hot springs and walk high up in the trees on a canopy walkway.
Tips: Go to the canopy walkway first as it closes earlier. Test the hot spring water temperature before getting in.
Location: Poring, Ranau (about 40 minutes from Kinabalu Park)
Operator: Managed by Sabah Parks
Booking: Pay entrance fee when you arrive
Info & booking: Contact Sabah Tropical Travel – your personal travel planner: WhatsApp No: +60148526505
General Tips for Your Adventure
1. Best time to visit is from March to September when there is less rain
2. For jungle trekking, it’s safer to hire a local guide
3. Wear good hiking shoes and bring rain gear
4. Bring insect repellent
5. Carry enough water and snacks
6. Tell someone where you are going if hiking alone
7. Respect nature and take your trash with you
8. Check weather conditions before going
Continue Your Adventure with Long Beach Sabah
After the mountains, explore the islands. Long Beach Sabah is your trusted boat operator for island hopping and watersports in Kota Kinabalu.
We offer trips to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Visit Manukan, Mamutik, Sapi, and Gaya islands. Enjoy crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and snorkeling.
Our services:
Island hopping boat transfers
Snorkeling equipment rental
Watersports activities
Ready for island hopping? Contact Long Beach Sabah to book your trip.
Website: www.longbeachsabah.com
WhatsApp: +60148526505
