School holidays are finally here! How are your children spending their break? If they don’t have plans yet, why not use this time to foster stronger connections with your kids? This article highlights the best places to visit in Kota Kinabalu with your children during the school holidays.
Just a short drive from Sabah’s vibrant capital city, you’ll find a variety of family-friendly attractions—from serene islands to majestic mountains. These destinations promise unforgettable experiences for the whole family, all while being budget-friendly.
For even more ideas on family adventures, check out our curated Family Tours in Sabah and make this school holiday one to remember. Explore these incredible destinations designed with families in mind!
1. Sunset & Night Stand Up Paddling
Experience Stand Up Paddling (SUP) while you enjoy the beautiful sight of the sunset and the delightful night glow at Tanjung Aru Beach! The guide will brief you on the techniques on how to paddle and information about the SUP route, so it is perfect for first-timers as well!
2. Kundasang ATV Adventure
See Kundasang like never before! Explore Sabah’s New Zealand and bask in its beauty as you visit the Desa Dairy Farm or Earthquake Historical Site on a quad bike! Feel the adrenaline rush as you go on a scenic tour around Kundasang, passing by the local villages and stopping for a nice photo session with the majestic Mount Kinabalu.
3. Kiulu White Water Rafting
Are you ready for the best white-water rafting experience in Sabah? Grab your family and friends, and paddle away for a scenic white-water rafting ride along the Kiulu River. The river features a comfortable and enjoyable Class 1-2 rapids, perfect for beginners and people of all ages.
4. Spring Garden Kundasang
Indulge yourself in the beauty of nature as you relax at Spring Garden Kundasang in Mesilau. Feel the mountain air as you rest among the colorful flowers in the garden. Only a short walk away is a little river waterfall where you may enjoy the cool stream and Mount Kinabalu vista. Spring Garden Kundasang is a great destination for family and friends.
5. Kota Kinabalu Sunset Cruise
Experience the twilight beauty of Kota Kinabalu at its finest on the Seatango sunset cruise. Sail the South China Sea in their spacious catamaran and see the beautiful Tunku Abdul Rahman Islands. Relax with light refreshments while viewing the mesmerizing Bornean sunset.
6. 4D3N Kota Kinabalu Highlights And Sunset Dinner Cruise
Experience the best of Sabah with this 4-day tour of Kota Kinabalu Highlights and Sunset Dinner Cruise. This package will bring you to visit the most sought attractions in Sabah, including North Borneo Sunset Dinner Cruise, Kundasang, Kinabalu National Park, Poring Hot Spring, and Desa Cow Farm, how chilling!
7. Maragang Hill Trek At Kundasang
Embark on an unforgettable adventure at Maragang Hill in Kampong Mesilau, where the breathtaking natural beauty and refreshing mountain air create the perfect backdrop for an exhilarating outdoor experience. This activity is especially suitable for families with older kids who have a passion for trekking and enjoy the thrill of outdoor activities. Maragang Hill offers a challenging yet rewarding trek, with rugged trails and muddy slopes that add an extra element of excitement to the journey. As you ascend to the peak, situated at an impressive 2232 meters above sea level, the panoramic views of Mount Kinabalu unfold before you, providing a front-row seat to one of nature's most awe-inspiring spectacles.
8. Desa Cattle Dairy Farm
Visit Desa Cow Farm and immerse yourself in the beautiful vistas of Mount Kinabalu and the surrounding green meadows. Dubbed as Sabah's very own 'Little New Zealand', the main attraction here is the cow farm, where people can feed calves and goats and learn about the milking process.
9. St Veronica's Hill Sunrise Leisure Hike
St. Veronica’s Hill, also known as “Bukit Perahu” (Hill Boat) by the locals, is a 278m hill located near Tamparuli Town. The leisure trek offers a rocky uphill terrain through trees and bushes, before finally arriving at a flat plateau-like peak. An excellent view of the surrounding villages, snaking river below, and Mount Kinabalu in a distance rounds up this “Top of the World” experience!
10. Klias Wildlife Safari River Cruise
Klias Wetland awaits you with a relaxing river tour! Board the boat and be mesmerized by the beauty of Sabah's wetland and its fascinating wildlife, such the proboscis monkey, long-tail macaques, and the rare silver langur. After dinner, take a trip around the mangrove swamp to see the spectacular display of fireflies fluttering along the riverbanks.
11. Leisure Sea Kayaking at Tuaran
Enjoy a breathtaking Sabah sunrise or sunset while kayaking in the open sea! Leisure sea kayaking is one of the best things to do in Kota Kinabalu since it allows you to experience the beauty of nature at your own speed. Paddle through lush mangrove woods while seeing the spectacular Mount Kinabalu!
12. Le' One - Kokol Elf
A newly opened attraction at Kokol Hill, Kokol Elf is about 45 minutes away from Kota Kinabalu, offering magnificent city views and relaxing spots to enjoy them. Because of its close distance, Kokol Elf is an ideal place to unwind from the hustle and bustle of city life and take Instagram-worthy photos of a brilliant sunset, Mount Kinabalu, and the bustling metropolis of Kota Kinabalu!
13. Fun Boat Snorkeling & Island Visit
Explore the mesmerizing islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park (TARP Islands) like never before! Witness the stunning seascape of the South China Sea as you snorkel around with the local dive guide. Once you are done, visit the nearby island for some well-deserved rest on the beautiful beach.
14. Mari-Mari Cultural Village
Embarking on a journey to Mari-Mari Cultural Village presents a golden opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of Sabah's local tribal cultures. This unique experience promises you and your children an authentic and immersive exploration of the lifestyles of five prominent tribes – the Dusun, Murut, Rungus, Lundayeh, and Bajau. At Mari-Mari Cultural Village, you will have the chance to gain profound insights into the distinctive customs, traditions, and daily practices of these indigenous communities. The immersive learning experience extends beyond mere observation, offering you and your children a hands-on encounter with various aspects of their heritage.
15. Dinawan Island Escapade & Snorkeling
Step onto Dinawan Island and immerse yourself in the splendor of Sabah's tropical island. Wind down and relax on the serene private island while enjoying the beautiful white beach and turquoise blue water. Snorkel and kayak about the island throughout the day, then take a walk to the secret beach in the evening for a sunset vista you'll never forget. Dinawan Island is the tropical haven you've been looking for to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life!
Book 2D1N Dinawan Island Escape Here
Book Ara Dinawan Island Escapade & Snorkeling Here
16. Manukan Island Snorkelling
This tour brings you to the picturesque Manukan Island, an island within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, just a 15-minute boat ride from Kota Kinabalu City. Explore the wonders of Sabah's marine life as you snorkel around the turquoise water, spend the day with fun and exhilarating watersport activities for a memorable island getaway, or relax on the beach as you soak up the tropical sun—there are so many things to do here! At lunch, enjoy sumptuous meals while you enjoy the incredible island vistas before heading back to the mainland.
