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Step into Merdeka Square, where history lingers in every brick. The old red-walled monument stands tall, honoring Sabah’s independence, while sunlight filters through palm trees casting gentle shadows on the grass. Sit a moment, listen to the breeze, and feel the quiet pulse of the past still alive today.
Everything you need to know about Merdeka Square
InterContinental Kota Kinabalu is a top choice, located just a 5-minute walk from Merdeka Square, offering panoramic views of the monument and surrounding greenery. Its rooftop pool and floor-to-ceiling windows provide an immersive urban experience. Nearby, Kinabalu Park Resort offers a tranquil retreat with nature-focused amenities. Both properties are easily accessible via taxi (15 minutes from airport) or local bus routes, making them ideal for exploring the city center and cultural landmarks.
Hotels near Merdeka Square offer exceptional access to key sites: walking or short electric rides reach the Kota Kinabalu Tower, Maritime Museum, and Market Street. The square itself hosts daily cultural performances and night markets, perfect for evening strolls. For trips to Mount Kinabalu or Kinabalu National Park, many hotels arrange private transfers. Additionally, free city buses stop directly at the square, connecting guests to the airport and major shopping centers, ensuring seamless exploration.
Near Merdeka Square, visitors can enjoy weekend traditional dance performances showcasing Sabahan indigenous culture. The nearby Japanese-style teahouse serves authentic coconut coffee and local pastries, a favorite spot for photos. Evening guests can join a night market food tour, sampling specialties like Sabah fried noodles and durian skewers. The central monument blends Malaysian and Sabahan architectural elements, offering insight into regional history. Early morning visits provide cool air and ideal lighting for photography.
InterContinental Kota Kinabalu is ideal for families, featuring a children’s playroom, family suites, and 24-hour room service. Located steps from Merdeka Square, it offers easy access to the interactive children’s exhibition hall (3-minute walk). The hotel provides family-friendly guided tours combining nature education and cultural immersion. With safe walking paths and shaded areas, it’s perfect for outdoor family time. The infinity pool allows parents to relax while kids play safely under supervision. Numerous family-friendly dining options are available on-site, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable stay.
Shangri-La Kota Kinabalu is a top choice, located just a 5-minute walk from Merdeka Square. The hotel offers modern amenities and breathtaking sea-view rooms, some with panoramic views of the Mount Kinabalu skyline and cityscape.
Another excellent option is Marriott Kota Kinabalu, situated close to shopping malls, waterfront promenades, and ferry terminals—ideal for travelers wanting to explore the city or enjoy snorkeling trips. Both hotels provide complimentary Wi-Fi and airport transfer services, enhancing convenience and comfort for guests.
From Merdeka Square, it’s a 5-minute walk to St. John’s Church, a historic colonial-era building showcasing elegant architecture. Continue walking 10 minutes to reach the Sabah State Government Building, known for its modernist design and green rooftop garden.
For Tanjong Manis Beach, take a short e-hailing or taxi ride (about 8 minutes) along scenic coastal roads. Alternatively, visit the nearby Kota Kinabalu Central Market directly across the square—perfect for sampling local delicacies like grilled Sabah fish and pandan-coconut rice cakes while immersing in authentic local culture.
Near Merdeka Square, visitors can enjoy traditional indigenous performances held on weekends at the open-air stage, featuring vibrant dances and native musical instruments from the Kadazan-Dusun and Bajau communities.
Just steps away, the Sabah Museum offers free admission and showcases authentic artifacts, traditional costumes, and historical exhibits highlighting the heritage of local tribes. For a hands-on experience, join a guided market tour led by local experts, exploring spice stalls and craft workshops where you can try making traditional woven baskets or batik fabrics, offering an immersive connection to Sabahan culture.
See what other travelers say about Merdeka Square
Staying at Toojou Kota Kinabalu was a fantastic experience overall. The hostel is clean, spacious, and well-maintained with a generous shared lounge area perfect for relaxing after a day out. Located right on Jalan Gaya, it's incredibly convenient—just steps away from restaurants, local shops, and markets. Getting around town is easy, whether by taxi or public transport. For sunset views, a short ride to the public beach does the trick, and walking north leads you straight to the Shangri-La area—quiet, peaceful, and ideal for unwinding. If you're into nature, I highly recommend the Weston mangrove tour. I booked the Adventure package (available via Taobao), and it was absolutely worth it. The guide was knowledgeable and friendly, the food served during the trip was delicious, and the wildlife spotting—especially monkeys in the mangroves—was unforgettable. The one downside? It’s a 2.5-hour one-way journey, but honestly, the scenery and experience make every minute worthwhile. This place offers great value and a genuine local vibe—definitely coming back.
Staying at Skypod Hostel was an absolute highlight of my trip to Kota Kinabalu! The location is unbeatable—right in the heart of the city, just a short walk from local markets, restaurants, and attractions. The staff went above and beyond with their friendly and helpful service, making me feel welcome from the moment I arrived. The rooms are clean, well-maintained, and surprisingly spacious for a hostel. I especially appreciated the thoughtful touches like reliable Wi-Fi and quiet common areas. With such a great vibe, excellent value, and top-notch hospitality, this place truly deserves every single point on the rating. I’ll definitely be coming back next time I visit Sabah!
This is hands down the most beautiful hostel I've ever stayed at, and it offers incredible value for money. The place is spotless—every corner is clean and well-maintained. The interior design is stylish and inviting, with a cozy, homely vibe that makes you feel right at home. Facilities are top-notch: laundry machines, drinking water, tea and coffee supplies, a fully equipped kitchen, board games, books, hairdryers, irons, and even quality toiletries—basically, everything you could possibly need. But what truly sets Faloe apart is the team. The owners and staff are incredibly friendly, helpful, and always going the extra mile to make your stay comfortable. They genuinely care about guests’ experiences. I had such an amazing time here—so much so that I stayed for two nights and didn’t want to leave. Thank you for the unforgettable memories!
Stayed at RWS South China Sea Place Suites multiple times now, and each visit has been exceptional. The private suites are spacious, well-appointed, and offer a peaceful retreat just minutes away from all the action in Kota Kinabalu. The owner is genuinely welcoming—always attentive, friendly, and ready to help with anything. What stands out most is the personal touch; it feels less like a hotel and more like staying at a trusted friend’s place. Clean, quiet, and perfectly located for exploring the city or relaxing by the sea. If you're looking for comfort, convenience, and a warm, home-like atmosphere, this is the spot. I’ll definitely be back.
My stay at Global Residency was absolutely fantastic from start to finish. The moment I arrived, the staff made me feel welcome with their warm and attentive service — helping with luggage, offering local tips, and always smiling. The room was spotless, comfortably furnished, and well-maintained, with a cozy bed that made for a restful night’s sleep. Every detail, from the clean bathrooms to the quiet ambiance, showed real care. The location is excellent — just a short walk to the city center and surrounded by great dining options and local markets. It’s rare to find such a peaceful yet convenient place, especially with such high-quality service. I left feeling completely satisfied and already planning my next visit. If you're in Kota Kinabalu, this hotel is a must-try — I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for comfort, cleanliness, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Staying at X-Plorer Backpackers Hostel was a fantastic choice for exploring Kota Kinabalu on foot. The location is unbeatable—just a short walk from the city center, making it easy to access local attractions, restaurants, and shops. The hostel itself is clean, well-maintained, and has a friendly, welcoming vibe. Staff are helpful and always ready to assist with travel tips or recommendations. I loved the social atmosphere—great way to meet fellow travelers from around the world. Rooms are basic but comfortable, perfect for a budget-friendly stay without sacrificing quality. With a 10/10 rating, this place truly delivers on every level. Definitely coming back next time I visit KK!
Staying here for the third time and still absolutely impressed! The location is incredibly convenient—just a short walk to Imago Mall, with plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby. The bed was super comfortable, perfect for a good night’s sleep, and the shower setup is excellent with strong water pressure and a relaxing experience. I especially love that the room comes with Netflix—great for unwinding after a long day. It's become my go-to choice in Kota Kinabalu, and I can’t recommend it enough. Clean, well-maintained, and consistently great service. Definitely returning on my next trip!
Lanvin Hotel is a fantastic choice for travelers looking for convenience and comfort. Located just a short walk from major attractions, it’s easy to explore everything in Kota Kinabalu without needing long commutes. The hotel itself is quiet and well-maintained, offering a peaceful retreat after a day of sightseeing. Clean rooms, friendly staff, and a welcoming atmosphere make it feel like home. It’s not in the busiest part of town, but that’s part of its charm—great for those who want a relaxed stay with easy access to local gems. I’d definitely recommend this spot for a stress-free getaway.
Staying at CU Boutique Hotel was an absolute delight! The location is unbeatable—right across from Jalan Jalan, with easy access to local dining, shopping, and the famous Chikas Dock. I walked to the dock in just a few minutes, making it perfect for exploring the area. The room matched the photos exactly—no surprises, just clean, well-maintained space. The air conditioning worked perfectly, keeping the room cool without being too chilly. Daily housekeeping was a nice touch, with fresh linens and a tidy space every day. Staff at the front desk were friendly and always available whenever needed. From start to finish, the experience felt seamless and welcoming. With such great value for money and a fantastic location, this place truly stands out. I’ll definitely be back and highly recommend it to fellow travelers.
I arrived much later than expected, but the host was still waiting for me with a warm smile—such a thoughtful gesture! Despite the late hour, they made me feel welcome and took care of everything without any hassle. The hostel is perfectly located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, just a short walk from everything I needed. Clean, friendly, and super affordable—definitely my top choice for future visits to Kuching. Highly recommend this gem!
This has become my go-to choice whenever I travel with my family. The place is incredibly clean, and the staff are genuinely warm and welcoming. Everything about the stay felt seamless—from the cozy, well-maintained rooms to the helpful service. It’s perfectly located near great dining options and just a short walk from public transit, making it easy to explore Kota Kinabalu. With such a high level of comfort and hospitality, it’s hard not to give it a perfect 10. If you’re looking for a reliable, family-friendly retreat in Sabah, this is it. I’ll definitely be back.
I stayed here for one night and was genuinely impressed by how clean, quiet, and welcoming this hostel felt. The room was spotless and peaceful—so quiet that you could hear the gentle hum of the sea outside. The common areas were just as well-maintained, with cozy seating and a few thoughtful touches like potted plants and natural lighting, making it a relaxing space to unwind. What stood out most was the front desk staff—they were incredibly friendly and helpful, offering genuine local tips on where to eat and explore nearby. Their warm hospitality made me feel right at home. If you're traveling solo and looking for a safe, comfortable, and authentic stay in Kota Kinabalu, this is a must-try. I’ll definitely be coming back on my next visit.
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