Kota Kinabalu is a tropical beach paradise and a gateway to the state of Sabah in East Malaysia. The Kota Kinabalu International Airport is Malaysia's second largest airport. There are international flights to Kota Kinabalu from Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Taipei, and other regional airports in Asia. A good starting point for cheap flights to Kota Kinabalu is Bangkok. Kota Kinabalu flights also include domestic flights from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's biggest airport. Instead of flying to Kuala Lumpur, it makes sense to look for a cheap airfare to Kota Kinabalu. The airport is only approximately five miles away from the center of Kota Kinabalu.

The easiest way to get to the city or to the surrounding beaches is to take a taxi from the airport. There is no airport bus although you can purchase a ticket on a shared minibus. Most international luxury hotels and many of the mid-range and budget hotels are located a short drive from the airport. Kota Kinabalu is relaxed and easy to get around. Local buses connect different parts of the city to each other and taxis are widely available and cheap. Ferries conveniently connect Kota Kinabalu to the surrounding islands. Trains are an affordable way to travel to other parts of Sabah.

Kota Kinabalu is located on the Borneo Island and it is essentially a beach destination. Tropical sandy beaches surround the city and there are several beautiful small islands that make attractive destinations for excursions. There are coral reefs for diving and snorkeling, and the marina attracts sail boats from around Asia. There are also several golf courses around the area. Another interesting day trip destination is Mount Kinabalu, and the rainforests in the interior of the island provide a natural backdrop to the beaches.

One of the best things to do in Kota Kinabalu is to sample the local food. The many luxury resorts and hotels have five-star restaurants, and there are also small local restaurants and food markets for sampling the traditional fare of the region. A popular way to begin an evening out is to watch the sunset on the one of the lovely beaches with a cold drink in one of the bars with outdoor seating at a the hotel along the waterfront. Another very popular way to enjoy a night out in Kota Kinabalu is to go to one of the city's many karaoke bars.