Updated Jan 27, 2026
KEY STATS
500K
Population
232 Mbps
Internet
BKI (5km)
Airport
OVERVIEW
Sabah's coastal capital Kota Kinabalu hums with seafood hawkers and Tunku Abdul Rahman marine park views from its waterfront promenades. Digital nomads base here for reliable connectivity and tropical island hopping, balancing work with Mount Kinabalu treks and orangutan spotting.
QUICK FACTS
Country
Malaysia
Region
South-Eastern Asia
Population
500K
Currency
MYR
Language
English
Airport
BKI
GPS
5.97, 116.07
DROPTHE_ GOSSIP
Tech
232 Mbps average download — faster than most capital cities worldwide
Travel
BKI airport just 5 km from the city center
Climate
Year-round average of 27C — near-ideal temperatures
INFRASTRUCTURE
2,728 total POIs
Above avg per capita
Average
Below avg
Food & Drink
Restaurants
399
Cafes
123
Bars
40
Fast Food
94
Shopping
Supermarkets
69
Convenience
93
Shopping Malls
16
Healthcare
Hospitals
14
Clinics
32
Pharmacies
17
Education
Schools
84
Universities
17
Libraries
11
Recreation
Parks
93
Playgrounds
61
Sports
120
Cinemas
5
Museums
7
Transport
Bus Stops
177
Train Stations
3
Fuel Stations
45
Services
Banks
52
ATMs
28
Post Offices
8
Police
6
Fire Stations
2
Source: DropThe Database | dropthe.org
INTERNET SPEED
232 Mbps
Download
97 Mbps
Upload
21ms
Latency
17,996
Tests
6,586
Devices
2025-Q4
Last updated
CLIMATE
Best time to visit: Jan - Dec
27°
J
27°
F
27°
M
27°
A
27°
M
27°
J
27°
J
27°
A
27°
S
27°
O
27°
N
27°
D
18-28 C ideal
Warm/Cool
Extreme
Year avg: 26.8 C Range: 26.8 - 26.8 C Rain: 3,275 mm/year Sunshine: 3,246 h/year
CITY SCORES
90.8
Nomad Index
B
Livability
37.5
Culture
56.3
Overall
AIRPORT
BKI
Kota Kinabalu International Airport
5 km from center
Very close — ~8 min ride
FUN FACTS
Kota Kinabalu (Malaysian: [ˈkota kinaˈbalu]; formerly known as Jesselton), colloquially referred to as KK, is the state capital of Sabah, Malaysia.
It is also the capital of the Kota Kinabalu District as well as the West Coast Division of Sabah.
Historically, the Kadazandusuns called the area by the name of Dondoung.
In the 15th century, the area of Kota Kinabalu was under the influence of Bruneian Empire.
In the 19th century, the British North Borneo Chartered Company (NBCC) first set up a settlement near the Gaya Island.
EXTERNAL LINKS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Kota Kinabalu known for?
Sabah's coastal capital Kota Kinabalu hums with seafood hawkers and Tunku Abdul Rahman marine park views from its waterfront promenades. Digital nomads base here for reliable connectivity and tropical island hopping, balancing work with Mount Kinabalu treks and orangutan spotting.
How fast is the internet in Kota Kinabalu?
Kota Kinabalu has an average download speed of 232 Mbps and upload speed of 97 Mbps, based on Ookla speed test data.
What is the weather like in Kota Kinabalu?
Kota Kinabalu has an average year-round temperature of approximately 26.8 degrees Celsius.
What airport serves Kota Kinabalu?
Kota Kinabalu is served by BKI (Kota Kinabalu International Airport), approximately 5 km from the city center.
What is the population of Kota Kinabalu?
The population of Kota Kinabalu is approximately 500K.
What infrastructure does Kota Kinabalu have?
Kota Kinabalu has 2,728 mapped points of interest, including 399 restaurants, 14 hospitals, 84 schools.
What country is Kota Kinabalu in?
Kota Kinabalu is located in Malaysia.
