Kota Kinabalu City Waterfront
Kota Kinabalu City Waterfront
Kota Kinabalu City Waterfront
3.8
4:00 PM - 3:00 AM
Monday
4:00 PM - 3:00 AM
Tuesday
4:00 PM - 3:00 AM
Wednesday
4:00 PM - 3:00 AM
Thursday
4:00 PM - 3:00 AM
Friday
4:00 PM - 3:00 AM
Saturday
4:00 PM - 3:00 AM
Sunday
4:00 PM - 3:00 AM
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
3.8
150 reviews
Excellent
40
Very good
58
Average
38
Poor
10
Terrible
4
Wildcat7400
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia1,168 contributions
Nov 2022
It was such a hot day at 2:00 pm when we turned into the parking lot of Kota Kinabalu’s Waterfront. The parking attendant confirmed that we were at the right place & assured us that we could still go in & take photos. Unfortunately, the row of restaurants & other establishments were closed though 1 or 2 were opened but didn’t look inviting.
We had come at the wrong time. Nevertheless, we went in & took some photos. Though we were unable to enjoy the sunset overlooking the South China Sea, we got a wonderful view of green mountains (we weren’t sure whether it was Mount Kinabalu), other small islands & fishing boats in the background. We also spotted a fish that looked like a swordfish or marlin but wasn’t either. It had a long snout or nose but we weren’t able to identify its name.
We could see that there were plenty of food outlets to choose from as the Waterfront is a 1-stop dining & entertaining hub, popular with locals & tourists. At night, the Waterfront would have transformed to a lively place with pubs & live music rocking in & karaoke centres for those budding singers.
There was ample parking space & we were charged RM3.00 for our very short visit, a mere 30 minutes. Perhaps, we will return at night in future to check out the space & atmosphere.
We had come at the wrong time. Nevertheless, we went in & took some photos. Though we were unable to enjoy the sunset overlooking the South China Sea, we got a wonderful view of green mountains (we weren’t sure whether it was Mount Kinabalu), other small islands & fishing boats in the background. We also spotted a fish that looked like a swordfish or marlin but wasn’t either. It had a long snout or nose but we weren’t able to identify its name.
We could see that there were plenty of food outlets to choose from as the Waterfront is a 1-stop dining & entertaining hub, popular with locals & tourists. At night, the Waterfront would have transformed to a lively place with pubs & live music rocking in & karaoke centres for those budding singers.
There was ample parking space & we were charged RM3.00 for our very short visit, a mere 30 minutes. Perhaps, we will return at night in future to check out the space & atmosphere.
Written July 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mad0scar
Sydney, Australia26 contributions
Oct 2022
Great location to view the sunset while sipping cocktails and enjoying a meal. Easy to locate and number of restaurants choices to eat. Got there just before sunset and able to get a table near waters edge with great view over the ocean to see the sun set.
Written December 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
131jodieg
Geraldton, Australia239 contributions
Oct 2018
The waterfront offers so many different options to sit, eat, drink, listen to music and just chill out. The sunset from anywhere along here is nothing short of spectacular !
I suggest allowing a whole afternoon and walking the length of it.
From the funky cafes and bars to the hot, dingy, smelly markets it’s all a great experience. One not to be missed while in KK.
I suggest allowing a whole afternoon and walking the length of it.
From the funky cafes and bars to the hot, dingy, smelly markets it’s all a great experience. One not to be missed while in KK.
Written October 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Professor_UK
London, UK97 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Stayed in kota Kinabalu (KK) in Saba. And drove to the tip of Borneo.
Saba, and KK, has mostly communities of Chinese and Malay.
If you drive out, towards tip of Borneo, you will see a lot of rural villages through out Borneo.
Some are rural and really poor.
There are communities of Muslim, and Catholics in rural parts living side by side.
KK has mostly Chinese and Korean tourists.
The largest mall was average, doesn’t have the huge brands that KL has.
It’s not like Kuala Lumpar.
Two days was enough here.
Saba, and KK, has mostly communities of Chinese and Malay.
If you drive out, towards tip of Borneo, you will see a lot of rural villages through out Borneo.
Some are rural and really poor.
There are communities of Muslim, and Catholics in rural parts living side by side.
KK has mostly Chinese and Korean tourists.
The largest mall was average, doesn’t have the huge brands that KL has.
It’s not like Kuala Lumpar.
Two days was enough here.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nik m
Swansea County, UK58 contributions
Mar 2020
First night in KK decided to have food and a drink at the waterfront. Had a walk around to get a feel and was pestered at every establishment to come in. At the northern end, the smell of raw sewage was overpowering and we had to make a quick exit (market end). Sat at the waters edge which sounds good but wasn't. The sea is full of trash, mainly plastic and this is testament to how Borneo deals with rubbish, they throw it either in the sea or on the floor. Dirtiest city I have ever been to
Written March 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mars1d
Bongawan, Malaysia835 contributions
Jan 2019 • Solo
As know, the Kota Kinabalu City is the only one Capital City in Malaysia have beautiful sunset view, mostly beautiful view in Borneo because located front of sea.
Don't miss out if you come to Kota Kinabalu to visit here.
No entrance fee. All its free.
No time operation. You can go 24 hours.
But nice if you come during sunset time.
It's romantic view.
Have a lot of bar and restaurant here.
But most important thing. Please care your valuable items you carry.
Don't miss out if you come to Kota Kinabalu to visit here.
No entrance fee. All its free.
No time operation. You can go 24 hours.
But nice if you come during sunset time.
It's romantic view.
Have a lot of bar and restaurant here.
But most important thing. Please care your valuable items you carry.
Written January 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anand1351
Singapore, Singapore3,871 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Very crowded with all food and drinks options and some local market also.
Place is very crowded and congested.
Superb sunset views from here.
Place is very crowded and congested.
Superb sunset views from here.
Written August 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WorldGlutton
London, UK24,814 contributions
Aug 2017 • Business
This entire esplanade of the Kota Kinabalu waterfront is within walking distance across the street of hotels . Along the boardwalks infront the waterfront are rows of pubs, restaurants , local wet & dry markets , children playgrounds and a big shopping arcade.
Plenty of activities for either young or old at Kota Kinabalu Waterfront, taking a dinner cruise, island hopping, window shopping , browsing through the markets for their favourite souvenirs or daily food supplies or even relaxing massage on the lounger at the seafront. It is a photographer haven where many has gather to capture the scenic sunset over the horizon at the waterfront.
Kota Kinabalu Waterfront is a must to take a walk to enjoy the breathtaking view at sunset, to enjoy fresh seafood and to see its local wet/dry market products !!!!!
Plenty of activities for either young or old at Kota Kinabalu Waterfront, taking a dinner cruise, island hopping, window shopping , browsing through the markets for their favourite souvenirs or daily food supplies or even relaxing massage on the lounger at the seafront. It is a photographer haven where many has gather to capture the scenic sunset over the horizon at the waterfront.
Kota Kinabalu Waterfront is a must to take a walk to enjoy the breathtaking view at sunset, to enjoy fresh seafood and to see its local wet/dry market products !!!!!
Written September 9, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CanisHan
Seoul, South Korea27,609 contributions
Apr 2017 • Friends
C1 ( 2017.04.22 )
There was representative attraction in KK, and had beautiful sunset area. There was operating some restaurant with good atmosphere. This sunset was famous and beautiful. The view, smell and atmosphere was very good in evening time. Must visit and eat dinner, if visit KK.
There was representative attraction in KK, and had beautiful sunset area. There was operating some restaurant with good atmosphere. This sunset was famous and beautiful. The view, smell and atmosphere was very good in evening time. Must visit and eat dinner, if visit KK.
Written May 3, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angemort1
The Hague, The Netherlands19 contributions
Apr 2017 • Couples
Yes it's a city and yes you acknowledge there will be some pollution but omg the stench was unbearable. Seriously the local government needs to enforce some type of deep clean of the waterfront.
The markets smell Day and night of rotting meat and fish along with sewerage from pipes and human waste from market traders who choose to use the bushes opposite hotels rather than pay to use the disgusting public toilets.
There is no enforcement to keep things clean, leaving children and adults alike to wallow in the dirt and grime of the waterfront markets. The surrounding area and sea full of thrown away plastic and polystyrene containers from the fishing boats and locals (along with a few tourists but very limited)
I spent 5 days in the area and it was probably the smelliest days of my life, certainly not for the people with sensitive stomachs.
The markets smell Day and night of rotting meat and fish along with sewerage from pipes and human waste from market traders who choose to use the bushes opposite hotels rather than pay to use the disgusting public toilets.
There is no enforcement to keep things clean, leaving children and adults alike to wallow in the dirt and grime of the waterfront markets. The surrounding area and sea full of thrown away plastic and polystyrene containers from the fishing boats and locals (along with a few tourists but very limited)
I spent 5 days in the area and it was probably the smelliest days of my life, certainly not for the people with sensitive stomachs.
Written April 27, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
9 minutes by car and 19 mins on foot.
Written March 18, 2019
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