Our offers for shore excursions in Kota Kinabalu
Book your shore excursion in Kota Kinabalu with us. The right excursion for your cruise stay can be selected here:
Small groups
Excursions in a family atmosphereGreat service
Pick up directly at the harborHigh reliability
On-time-back-to-ship warrantyEffective time management
Book your activities in advanceCheap shore excursion
Save money by self organisingHigh individuality
Arrange activities and times freelyUseful information for trips in Kota Kinabalu
Here you can find information about the cruise port, the most beautiful sights and many useful tips for your shore excursions in and around Kota Kinabalu, below.
The most beautiful sights in Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah which is on the island of Borneo has its own charm and is definitely worth a visit. The city is abbreviated as KK by the locals and is filled with friendly residents, delicious food and a colourful array of attractions. Kota Kinabalu offers cultural highlights and many beautiful beaches to relax and a lot of nature in the surrounding area ready for you to discover.
City Mosque Masjid Bandaraya
The Kota Kinablau City Mosque was built on a 14-acre lot in Likas Bay and is an example of Islamic contemporary architecture. It is one of the most beautiful mosques in Malaysia. The artificial lagoon that surrounds it gives the mosque a beautiful sight and establishes the nickname “The Floating Mosque“. The reflection of the mosque on the shallow waters of the lagoon is unique and beautiful. The picturesque five white domes of the city mosque rise in the direction of the sky. The complex was officially opened in 2000 and the prayer hall can accommodate between 9,000 and 12,000 people.
Sabah Museum Complex
The Sabah Museum is the Museum of the State of Sabah in Malaysia. The museum’s complex is surrounded by lush gardens, and houses not only the actual museum, but also an ethnobotanical garden, a zoo and an open-air museum. The museum’s sections cover exciting subjects such as Islamic civilization, archeology and history, natural history, and ceramic and brass objects, immersing you in the art, culture and history of the island of Borneo.
Kinabalu National Park
In the north of the Malaysian state of Sabah is one of the oldest rainforests in the world and the largest national park in Malaysia, the Kinabalu National Park. The reserve is located 88 km from the provincial capital of Kota Kinabalu. Covering an impressive 754 square kilometers, the National Park is home to Malaysia’s highest mountain, the 4,095-meter-high Mount Kinabal, and a stunning rainforest landscape. This is one of the oldest rainforests in the world. More than 5,000 different plant species and 90 mammal species are among the rich flora and fauna of Kinabalu National Park. If you are looking for untouched nature, we recommend walking the park on one of the numerous hiking trails. In 2000, the National Park was listed as the first park in Malaysia as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Atkinson Clock Tower
The Atkinson Memorial Clock Tower was built in 1905 at the foot of Signal Hill, and is the oldest standing structure in Kota Kinabalu, which, unlike the rest of the city, survived World War II almost intact. The clock tower was built in memory of Francis George Atkinson. Atkinson was Kota Kinabalus’s first and very popular district officer. The square 15.7 m high wooden building is now part of Sabah’s historical heritage. From the hill of the clock tower you have a great view of the city center.
Map of the cruise port in Kota Kinabalu
The cruise port in Kota Kinabalu is very small. Most major cruise ships use tender boats to land cruise passengers. The city centre is around 2 km away and can easily be explored on your own.
If you book a shore excursion with us, you will be picked up at the arrival point of the tender boats.
Worth knowing facts about shore excursions in Kota Kinabalu
Shipping companies and routes
Kota Kinabalu is slowly becoming a more popular destination for Asian cruises and World Cruises – and a number of European and American shipping companies have discovered the cruise port on the island of Borneo in Malaysia. Meanwhile, Silversea Cruises, Viking Ocean cruises and the Carnival cruise lines have all added Kota Kinabalu to their Southeast Asia routes.
Entry and visa
You do not need a visa to enter Malaysia. However, you will need a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the end of your stay. Malaysia is generally a country where safety is a priority and is becoming more and more popular.
To be on the safe side, we recommend that you inquire about all valid entry requirements directly from your cruise line shipping company or from the Foreign Office before your cruise.
National currency
The currency in Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringitt (MYR). 100 MYR = 24.07 USD = 18.44 Pounds. You can exchange your money before your cruise begins. Nevertheless, you can pay by credit card almost everywhere. Attention: Some taxi rides do not accept payments by credit card, it is better to withdraw or exchange some Ringgit (MYR) beforehand.
Taxi and public transport
If you have not booked a transfer or guided shore excursion, there are numerous taxis available at the port of Kota Kinabalu. Experience shows that it is better to set the price with the driver in advance so that you do not experience any nasty surprises afterwards. However, the way to the city centre is also within walking distance.
There are also some bus lines in Kota Kinabalu, but these are more likely to be seen as minibuses and you should leave the driving with the locals, as the buses are poorly signposted and run very irregularly.
Travel time
Kota Kinabalu is generally characterized by a very tropical climate. If you want to avoid rain and high temperatures, the best travel time is during the winter months between January and February or in the summer months of June, July and August. During these months the weather is the best for a holiday in Malaysia. It is mostly sunny, at the same time the humidity is not as high and the average temperature is a pleasant 25 degrees.
Website Port Authority and Tourism Organization
- Official website: Sabah Tourism
- Online travel guide: Wikitravel
Video: Impressions of Kota Kinabalu
Shore Excursion with “My cruise excursions” will make your cruise stay in Kota Kinabalu a great experience! We are currently working on our own offer for Kota Kinabalu, so check back frequently on this page.
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