Kota Kinabalu Nightlife – Clubs, Bars & Nightlife Tips

Kota Kinabalu Nightlife

Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, or KK as people fondly refer to it, is a northern coastal city of Kalimantan, the Indonesian portion of the Island of Borneo. KK has a colorful nightlife that is centered mostly around the waterfront and at specific clubs and bars. Come to see music, eat excellent sea food, and enjoy the fabulous view that the waterfront offers.

Karaoke Clubs and Bars

There are many fun spots to pass the time while in KK. Clubs like the Damai, Sully’s Bar, Cocoon, Shenanigans, Upperstar, and the Shamrock invite you in from the oceanfront boardwalk to enjoy dancing, fine dining, hip djs, and late night fun. This area usually shuts down around 2 am on the weekends, with people lingering until around 3 am. Bands start playing around 8 pm.

Live Music

Expect live music and entertaining musical venues. Bands and djs come from all over the world to perform at Kota Kinabalu. Jazz, blues, 80s and 70s rock abound. Parking can be a real hassle on busy nights, so it is recommended that you come early or plan to take a taxi. The boardwalk is where all of the best tunes can be found, overlooking the sea and surrounding islands.

Bonfires on the Beach

Occasionally, resorts will host bonfires to help relax and entertain tourists. Wine is provided as well as acoustic music like drums and guitar. Expect dancing, singing, drinking, and merry times. These bonfires are on secure strips of beach and are reportedly perfectly safe for tarvelers.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about Kota Kinabalu Nightlife.