All You Need to Know about Getting Around in Kota Kinabalu

1. First Time in KK? Here’s How to Get Around Lah!

If you’ve landed in Kota Kinabalu (KK) and you’re staring at your phone thinking, “Eh, no MRT ah?”, don’t worry — you're not alone 😂 KK is not like KL where everything is connected by train. But don’t let that stop you from exploring this beautiful coastal city that’s full of charm, warmth, and damn syiok sunsets 🌅

I still remember my first trip to KK — I got off the plane, Grab-ed straight to the Waterfront, and that sea breeze hit different. But then came the real question... How do I move around? No train. No big bus network. Just vibes and a bit of trial and error. 🫣

This guide is for you if:

● You don’t want to waste time figuring out transport

● You want options that fit your style — solo, couple, family, budget, luxury

● You wanna makan, jalan-jalan, and lepak like a true local 😎

Let’s break down the ways to move around KK so your trip is smooth, stress-free, and full of stories to bring back home.

2. Public Transport in KK: Not Your KL-style System

Okay, first things first — if you’re expecting LRT, MRT or even RapidKL-style buses... think again. KK’s public transport is a bit more old school. But if you’re the kind that loves the local experience, you might actually enjoy this 🚌

🟡 Mini Buses (Bas Bandar)

These colourful little buses are the backbone of local transport. You’ll see them with handwritten signs on the windscreen showing their routes like “Inanam – Wawasan” or “Likas – Centre Point”. No fixed schedule, just wait by the roadside and flag them down when you see one coming.

What to expect:

● Fare: RM1.50 – RM3.00 depending on distance

● Pay cash to the driver or conductor (keep small change lah)

● No air-cond, but plenty of angin semulajadi 😆

● Might stop anywhere to pick up passengers, so it’s not the fastest option

My tip? If you’re staying long and wanna explore like a local, try at least one mini bus ride — the vibe is really old school Malaysian. But for everyday convenience, you might wanna look elsewhere.

🟢 Long-Distance Buses (To Kundasang, Ranau, etc.)

If you're planning to head to Kundasang, Ranau, or even Sandakan, these buses are your best bet. You’ll need to go to Bandaraya Terminal or Padang Merdeka Bus Station to catch them.

Expect:

● Larger buses with luggage space

● Fares: RM20 – RM30 for destinations like Kundasang

● Long journeys (2–6 hours depending on where you go)

● Book early during school holidays, they fill up fast!

3. Taxis & Ride-Hailing Apps: Your Real MVPs

If there’s one thing that’ll save you in KK, it’s Grab. Seriously. No train? No problem. Just open the app, set your location, and boom — your ride is on the way. Grab is practically the default transport system in Kota Kinabalu, and it works for short distances, airport transfers, and even longer drives like to Mari Mari Cultural Village or Lok Kawi Wildlife Park.

🟢 Grab (Our Lifesaver in KK)

● Widely available across the city and even in some outskirts

● Clean cars, friendly drivers (many speak Bahasa, English, and even a bit of Mandarin)

● You can choose between JustGrab, GrabCar Plus, or GrabTaxi if you want to compare

● Super safe for solo travellers, including women 💚

Sample fares:

● KKIA (Airport) → City Centre: ~RM10–RM15

● Gaya Street → Imago Mall: RM6–RM8

● City Centre → Tanjung Aru Beach: RM8–RM10

📝 Pro Tip: During peak hours (5–7PM), expect surge pricing. Try to pre-book or wait a while if the price is gila high.

🔴 Taxis (Old-School But Still Around)

You’ll still see red-and-yellow taxis around KK, especially outside malls and hotels. But here’s the thing — most of them don’t use meters 😩 So you’ll have to negotiate the fare before getting in.

What you need to know:

● Starting price usually RM10 (short ride in city)

● They tend to quote higher for tourists, so haggle a bit if you feel the price is off

● Can be useful if you don’t have internet or your phone battery dies

Honestly, I’d only recommend taxis if you really have no other option. Grab is just way easier and more transparent.

🚗 Quick Comparison Table:

In the next section, we’ll explore renting your own ride — car or motorbike, and whether it’s worth the hassle or a total game changer for your trip (especially if you’re planning to go up to Kundasang or explore the beaches).

4. Renting a Car or Motorbike: Freedom or FOMO?

You know that feeling when you just want to drive to a hidden beach, detour to a random waterfall, or stop for some fresh seafood by the roadside? Well... that’s when renting your own ride really comes in clutch 🚗🛵

In KK, renting a car or motorbike is quite common among visitors — especially if you plan to head beyond the city, like to:

● Kundasang (that Mount Kinabalu view 😍)

● Tuaran (for the mee + river cruise)

● Tip of Borneo (long drive, but worth it)

🚗 Car Rentals in KK

● Available at the airport, city, and online

● You can rent compact cars, MPVs, even 4WDs

● Average price: RM100–RM180/day for a normal sedan

● Fuel is cheap (Malaysia mah!), but always check if it’s full tank or not when renting

Recommended for:

● Families or group of 3–5

● Those who want to explore at their own pace

● Rainy season travel — more shelter, more comfort

📝 Local tip: Look for local car rental companies on Facebook or KK travel forums. Sometimes they offer better deals than the big names.

🛵 Motorbike Rentals

● Great for solo or couple travellers

● Cheaper than car: RM40–RM60/day

● Light and nimble for short trips around the city

● But… KK roads can be hilly and weather is unpredictable, so ride with caution

Must-haves before renting:

● Valid motorcycle license (P is okay)

● Helmet (usually provided)

● Google Maps (some roads not well marked)

🅿️ Parking & Driving Tips

● Parking in KK town is generally easy — just buy those parking coupons from sundry shops (RM0.50/hour)

● Some areas have free parking (especially near housing areas or smaller eateries)

● Drive slow near kampung areas — kids and animals sometimes run across the road unexpectedly

I’d say, if you're planning to chill just in KK city, no need to rent lah — Grab is easier. But if you’re hitting up Kundasang, beaches, or hidden spots, car rental is 100% worth it. You can stop whenever you want, buy snacks, take detours, and live your best "Jalan Jalan Sabah" life 🛣️✨

5. Walking Around KK: Can You Jalan Kaki?

Short answer? Yes... and no lah. KK looks walkable — and in some areas, it actually is. But once you kena the Sabah sun 🔥 or accidentally jalan into a never-ending slope (yes, KK got hills), you’ll quickly understand why most locals either drive or use Grab.

That said, walking is still one of the best ways to experience the vibes of the city centre, especially if you're staying nearby.

✅ Where You Can Walk Comfortably

● Gaya Street – Perfect for exploring the Sunday Market, old shophouses, and coffee shops (must try the kopi peng!).

● Jesselton Point to Suria Sabah Mall – A nice waterfront stretch for sunset views 🌅 and island ferry tickets.

● Filipino Market to Centre Point Mall – Walk past food stalls, local souvenir shops, and night market vibes.

● Tanjung Aru Beach area – If you’re staying nearby, jalan kaki to the beach and local stalls is totally doable.

⚠️ Where Walking Becomes a Struggle

● Between suburbs or far malls (e.g. Imago Mall to Lintas area) — too far, no proper walkway, and hot gila 😩

● Hilly residential areas like Signal Hill – unless you’re training for Mount Kinabalu, maybe skip this on foot 😂

● During noon to 3PM — KK sun is no joke; slap on sunblock and stay hydrated, please!

📝 Personal Tip:

Once, I tried to walk from my hotel near Warisan Square to a cafe "just 1.5km away". Thought I was being adventurous. 10 minutes in, I was drenched in sweat, halfway up a slope, and deeply regretting life choices 🫠

So, if the weather is okay and the place is nearby, walking is chill and lets you discover hidden gems — like that random nasi lemak stall by the roadside or a boutique with handmade souvenirs. But for anything more than a 15-minute walk... Grab aje lah.

6. Cycling: Rare, But Can Be Fun

Okay I’ll be real with you — cycling in KK isn’t super common among tourists or even locals. But if you're an adventurous type or just looking to squeeze in a bit of exercise while exploring, it can be done. Just gotta know where, when, and how.

🚲 Where Can You Cycle in KK?

● Tanjung Aru to Sutera Harbour stretch – Scenic route, especially during sunrise or sunset. Road is flat-ish and less traffic during off-peak hours.

● Jesselton Point to Likas Bay – Coastal view ride, relaxing vibes, and sometimes you’ll spot locals jogging or fishing along the water.

● Likas Sports Complex area – Spacious and relatively safe for casual cycling.

📝 Personal tip: Bring your own foldable bike or rent from locals via FB groups or travel forums. Bike shops are around, but not many do short-term rentals.

❌ Not Recommended to Cycle:

● City centre roads during peak hours (traffic gila + not many bike lanes)

● Hills near Signal Hill, Bukit Bendera – unless you’re Lance Armstrong 💀

● To places like Kundasang or out-of-town areas — unless you're doing some hardcore cycling trip with a support car

⚠️ Things to Keep in Mind:

● No dedicated bike lanes in most parts of KK

● Weather is unpredictable — sun in the morning, rain by 3PM 🌧️

● Traffic can be fast and aggressive outside the city centre

● Safety gear like helmets and lights are a must if you’re riding at dawn or dusk

To be honest, cycling is more of a niche activity in KK. If you're planning to use it for main transport, better rethink lah. But for a relaxing ride along the water or morning exercise, it can be quite nice and peaceful 🌴🚴‍♀️

7. Special Mentions: Getting to the Islands

If you’re in KK and you're not planning a trip to Pulau Manukan, Sapi, or Mamutik, then... what are you doing lah? 😜 These tropical islands are literally just 15–20 minutes by boat from the city and are perfect for snorkeling, relaxing, or just pretending you’re in a TikTok travel video.

🚤 Jesselton Point Jetty – Your Island Gateway

This is your main hub for all island transfers. Located at the north end of KK city (near Suria Sabah Mall), it’s super accessible by foot, Grab, or even by bike (if you're feeling rajin).

Here’s how it works:

1. Walk into Jesselton Point and you’ll see counters for different boat operators.
   
   
2. Choose your islands (you can do 1, 2, or 3 in a day).
   
   
3. Pay for the boat ride + terminal fee + conservation fee.
   
   
4. Get a coloured sticker (don’t lose it!) and wait to board.
   
   

💸 Sample Pricing (as of now):

📝 Tip: Bring cash or use e-wallets like Touch 'n Go — some counters accept it.

🏝️ Which Island Should You Visit?

● Pulau Manukan – Most popular, clear waters, decent facilities, nice for families.

● Pulau Sapi – Smaller but great for snorkeling. Sometimes monkeys come out — cute lah (but keep your food away).

● Pulau Mamutik – Quietest, less crowded. Nice for chill vibes.

● Pulau Gaya – Bigger island with more adventurous activities like jungle trekking and kayaking.

● Pulau Sulug – Untouched and peaceful, but less developed.

🛑 Be Aware:

● Last boats return around 3–4PM — don’t get stranded!

● Boat rides can get bumpy if it's windy, so maybe don’t eat a huge nasi lemak right before boarding 😅

● Lockers available on some islands, but bring waterproof bags just in case

🏝️ My Personal Island Hopping Combo:

Sapi + Manukan – Sapi for snorkeling fun in the morning, Manukan to chill and eat in the afternoon. Perfect combo ✨

8. Travel Tips from One Malaysian to Another 🧳🇲🇾

💰 Cash is Still King

Yes, more places accept e-wallets and cards now — but small food stalls, local markets (like the Filipino Market), and mini bus drivers only take cash. Keep some RM1 and RM5 notes handy, especially for public transport or parking coupons.

🛵 Grab is Life, but Plan Ahead

Grab is super convenient, but it can be tricky:

● During peak hours (7–9AM, 5–7PM), expect longer wait times and surge pricing.

● At tourist hotspots like Jesselton Point and Tanjung Aru Beach, the wait can be gila long when everyone’s leaving at once.

● If going to remote areas, check return Grab availability first, or ask the driver if he can wait for you (some do for a small extra fee).

🌤️ Weather is Moody

In the morning, it’s sunny like Langkawi. By 2PM, suddenly hujan lebat. Always:

● Bring an umbrella or raincoat in your bag

● Wear light, breathable clothes

● Avoid planning outdoor-only days without a backup plan (maybe cafe hop if it rains?)

⛽ Driving? Top Up Before You Go

If you're renting a car and planning a trip to Kundasang or Kiulu, don’t wait until you're halfway there to find a petrol station. Some rural areas don’t have stations nearby and you’ll panic when your fuel gauge drops to 2 bars 😅

🥾 Don’t Overpack Your Daily Bag

If you're walking or island hopping:

● Keep your bag light — just water, sunblock, tissue, power bank, and small towel

● For islands, bring an extra dry shirt, and wear slippers or water shoes (sandy feet in sneakers = regret)

😍 Locals Are Super Friendly

People in KK are generally chill, helpful, and not in a rush like in KL. If you get lost, just ask around. The aunty at the noodle shop or the abang at the jetty will help you out no problem.

9. Don’t Stress, KK is Chill One

Kota Kinabalu might not have the flashiness of Singapore trains or Tokyo’s efficiency — but that’s not what you come here for. You come here for the sea breeze, the island escapes, the sunset that turns the whole sky orange, and the santai lifestyle that makes you feel like you're on a real holiday 🌅💛

Whether you’re hopping into a Grab, exploring Gaya Street on foot, or cruising across the sea to a hidden island — getting around in KK is part of the adventure. Embrace it, plan smart, and most of all, enjoy the ride.

And trust me — once you’ve had Sabah laksa for breakfast by the sea, you’ll forget all about your LRT back home 😄