Kota Kinabalu and Gaya Island
Kota Kinabalu, the gateway to Sabah on Borneo’s northern coast, sits beneath Mount Kinabalu, South East Asia’s highest peak, and mixes a genuinely good food scene with easy access to nearby islands. Gaya Island, a short boat ride offshore, offers rainforest trails and clear water diving without leaving the city’s orbit, making it a good first or last stop on a Borneo itinerary. Sunset from the waterfront, looking out over the islands, is one of the city’s best-known views.
