Welcome aboard the Kota Kinabalu Hop On Hop Off Bus, your gateway to exploring Sabah’s vibrant capital with complete freedom and flexibility. This open-top sightseeing experience offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and panoramic views, making it ideal for first-time visitors and seasoned travelers alike.
Essential Information
Price: RM 30 for locals | RM 45 for tourists
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
Starting Point: Kota Kinabalu Central Station (KK Sentral)
Total Stops: 17 carefully curated landmarks
Last Bus Departure: 3:00 PM from the 2 starting points
Special Features: Multilingual audio commentary, 360° open-top views, flexible hop-on hop-off access
Important: there is no way to check exact arrival time of buses so everything is based on estimation. It would be good to check with the bus driver when to expect the next bus so you can plan your time accordingly!
Why Choose the KK Hop-On Hop-Off Bus?
This isn’t just transportation—it’s a complete sightseeing experience designed for maximum comfort and discovery:
- Open-Top Panoramic Views: Enjoy unobstructed 360° vistas of the city, coastline, and surrounding mountains from the upper deck
- Multilingual Audio Commentary: Immerse yourself in Kota Kinabalu’s rich history and diverse culture through engaging stories in your preferred language*
- Complete Flexibility: Set your own pace—stay as long as you like at each stop, then hop back on when you’re ready to continue
- No Navigation Hassles: Explore the city with ease without worrying about driving, parking, or getting lost
- Perfect for Everyone: Whether you’re traveling with family, as a couple, solo, or as a photography enthusiast, this tour adapts to your style
- *Currently the languages are as follows: BM. English. Chinese, Tamil, Korean, Japanese, French, German, Spanish.
How It Works
Your journey begins at the iconic Kota Kinabalu Central Station (KK Sentral), from where the bus embarks on a scenic loop through 17 carefully selected stops. The route showcases everything from colonial landmarks and modern cityscapes to breathtaking views of the South China Sea.
Simply board the bus at any designated stop, settle into your seat, and let the audio guide enrich your experience with fascinating stories. When you spot something interesting, hop off and explore at your leisure. When you’re ready to move on, wait for the next bus to arrive and continue your adventure—your next destination is just around the corner.
Unmissable Stops Along the Route
The 17-stop route encompasses Kota Kinabalu’s most iconic attractions, from bustling urban centers to serene coastal escapes. Here are some highlights you won’t want to miss:
Tanjung Aru Beach: Where Sky Meets Sea
Consistently ranked among Sabah’s most beautiful beaches, Tanjung Aru Beach is legendary for its spectacular sunsets that transform the horizon into a canvas of vibrant oranges, pinks, and purples. This pristine stretch of coastline offers far more than stunning views—it’s a hub of local life and leisure.
Spend your time here flying kites on the gentle breeze, enjoying a beachside picnic, or simply strolling along the soft sand. The bustling Anjung Selera Food Centre and nearby bazaar provide the perfect opportunity to sample authentic Sabahan delicacies and browse for unique souvenirs. The combination of natural beauty, local culture, and delicious street food makes this a must-visit stop.
Tun Mustapha Tower: An Architectural Marvel
One of Sabah’s most recognizable landmarks, the 32-story Tun Mustapha Tower (also known as Sabah Foundation Building) is an architectural masterpiece that defines the city’s skyline. Its distinctive circular design and striking presence make it a favorite among photographers and architecture enthusiasts.
Even from the bus, you’ll appreciate the building’s unique design and commanding presence. It stands as a symbol of Sabah’s development and modern aspirations while remaining an integral part of the city’s identity.
Kota Kinabalu City Mosque: Serenity on Water
The stunning Kota Kinabalu City Mosque appears to float on water, creating a mesmerizing reflection that has made it one of the city’s most photographed landmarks. This modern architectural wonder combines traditional Islamic design elements with contemporary aesthetics, featuring brilliant white domes and intricate geometric patterns.
Visitors are welcome to explore the mosque (modest dress required), where you can appreciate the serene atmosphere and stunning interior details. The surrounding lagoon adds to the peaceful ambiance, making this stop perfect for quiet reflection and photography.
Handicraft Market: Authentic Sabahan Treasures
Immerse yourself in vibrant local culture at the Handicraft Market, where dozens of stalls overflow with authentic Sabahan goods. From intricately woven textiles and traditional beadwork to handcrafted jewelry, wooden carvings, and even traditional blowpipes, this market is a treasure trove of unique finds.
Bargaining is part of the experience! Engage with friendly vendors, practice your negotiation skills, and you’ll likely walk away with exceptional pieces at great prices. Along the way, you might pick up a few local phrases and gain insights into traditional craftsmanship—all part of the authentic cultural experience.
Sabah State Museum: A Journey Through Time
Dive deep into Sabah’s rich heritage at the comprehensive Sabah State Museum complex. This extensive facility houses fascinating collections that span natural history, ethnography, and archaeology, offering visitors a complete picture of the region’s diverse cultures and ecosystems.
Highlights include traditional longhouses, cultural artifacts from Sabah’s indigenous peoples, and exhibits on the region’s unique flora and fauna. The museum’s air-conditioned galleries provide welcome respite from the tropical heat while you explore centuries of Sabahan history.
Likas Bay: Waterfront Tranquility
Escape the city bustle at Likas Bay, a scenic waterfront area perfect for leisurely walks and relaxation. The peaceful promenade offers lovely views across the water, with the city skyline providing a picturesque backdrop.
This stop is ideal for those seeking a quieter moment during their tour. Enjoy the sea breeze, watch local fishermen at work, or simply sit and appreciate the natural beauty that makes Kota Kinabalu so special.
Additional Stops Worth Exploring
The route includes several other noteworthy destinations:
- Oceanus Mall & Suria Sabah: Modern shopping centers offering retail therapy, dining, and entertainment
- Atkinson Clock Tower: The city’s oldest surviving wooden structure, dating back to 1902, offering a glimpse into colonial history
- Sabah Art Gallery: Contemporary and traditional art exhibitions showcasing local and international talent
- Signal Hill Observatory: Elevated viewpoint providing panoramic vistas of the city and surrounding islands
Planning Your Perfect Tour
To maximize your experience, start your day early. The first buses depart from KK Sentral at 9:00 AM, giving you a full day to explore. Review the route map and timetable on the official website beforehand to identify your priority stops and plan your timing strategically.
Recommended Approach: Rather than trying to visit all 17 stops in one day (which would be exhausting), select 4-6 key attractions that interest you most. Allocate 30-60 minutes for smaller stops and 1-2 hours for major attractions like beaches or museums. This allows you to truly experience each location without feeling rushed.
Last Bus Departure: 3:00 PM from the 2 starting points.
Remember to bring sun protection—the open-top design offers fantastic views but also full sun exposure. Sunscreen (at least SPF 30), a hat, sunglasses, and a water bottle are essential for comfortable touring under the tropical sun. A light jacket or shawl might be useful for air-conditioned indoor stops.
Booking Your Tickets
Tickets can be purchased online in advance or directly from the bus operators at KK Sentral. For detailed information including the complete route map with estimated travel times between stops, current timetables, and online booking, visit the official website:
https://www.kkhoponhopoff.com/
The website features an interactive map showing all 17 stops with exact locations, making it easy to plan your route and identify stops near your accommodation or other points of interest.
Important Service Information
Please note that the operator reserves the right to amend, skip, or cancel any stop along the route if circumstances such as severe traffic congestion, safety concerns, official instructions, or unforeseen events make it necessary. In such cases, no refund or compensation applies. This ensures the safety and smooth operation of the service for all passengers.
The Final Word
At just RM 30 for locals or RM 45 for tourists, the Kota Kinabalu Hop-On Hop-Off Bus represents exceptional value for a comprehensive city tour. It elegantly solves the challenges of urban exploration—no navigation worries, no parking hassles, and no stress about finding your way back. Instead, you can focus entirely on discovering, photographing, and experiencing the diverse attractions that make Kota Kinabalu such a captivating destination.
Whether you’re a curious first-time visitor seeking an introduction to the city, a local wanting to rediscover your hometown from a new perspective, or a photographer hunting for the perfect shot, this tour adapts to your needs and pace. The combination of convenience, affordability, and comprehensive coverage makes it the smartest way to explore Sabah’s vibrant capital.
Ready to explore? Your Kota Kinabalu adventure begins at KK Sentral.