NIGHTLIFE IN SABAH
There’s plenty of options especially if you are staying in the capital city of Kota Kinabalu. Most of the popular hangouts are focused near the seafront areas like KK Waterfront & KK Times Square. Places like Gaya Street and a few 5 star hotels also offers a few deals and on occasion conduct happenings bound for attractions. Nightlife in Sabah generally starts pretty slow with most crowds actually gathering by 9-10pm.
Most of these places sometime bundled themselves into a chic dining restaurant, making them distinctive. Pubs and bars here generally could mean anything from an typical calm English Bar to the edgy fast moving music of Modern Pop Music or R&B Disco types. In fact some nightspots are considered quite ‘indie’ with performances handled by locals or imported bands from nearby countries.
From live bands performing in pubs to resident DJs and the occasional visiting DJs spinning the decks at the clubs, you’ll be sure to enjoy a good night out with your partner, friends or just mingle with the local crowd. The night life scene has quie a lot to offer.
KK WATERFRONT
A prominent nightlife scene located at the heart of the city, located right next to the Phillipines Market. Housed a number of fine dining cuisine with seafood cravings. This is a very major nightspot and very well known place in the state catered for all sort of visitors.
JESSELTON POINT
Located at the northern point of the city area, during the day it serves as an active and prominenent ferry terminal to nearby islands as well as to Labuan and Brunei. By night, it turns into one of the major hot spots in the city. A mere walking distance from anywhere within city area.
GAYA STREET
On Sunday’s, it serves as a well known sunday market since the 90’s. Although it’s part of the banking hub, by night there are a few prominent nightspots around. Convienient for those staying at the nearby backpackers or boutique hotels which is another trademark of Gaya Street.
KK TIMES SQUARE
Located outside the city, nudged in between Sutera Harbour resort and the southern tip of the capital city area. A favourite among youngsters, the place is a little difficult to access at the moment but the number of visitors at night proof that distances does not serve a barricade at all. Posh fine dining has found it’s mark here in this area.
LINTAS SQUARE
This area is about 15 minutes drive from the city centre. A commercial area that took rise not too long ago and has been actively known to many people here in the capital. The area has been affliate with many clubs with plenty of dining options that operates way past midnight.
DAMAI POINT
Another area almost similar like Lintas as they took up the commercial development boom at the same time. 15 minutes drive from city centre. There are a few clubs and plenty of eatery choices here so there is no reason for you to tear your walle apart. A bustling business area by night, the night scenes here are often soft and a major favourite for young people.
DONGGONGON
About 30 – 40 minutes drive when the highway is free. It’s actually a district connecting towards the outbacks and more often a choice for the locals who come down from their villages to have fun. Food choices are abundant and prices are often very affordable. If the thought of beer with wild (jungle) ingredients dishes being served is your ante, then get a local buddy to guide you there.
THE BEST ROOFTOP BAR IN KOTA KINABALU, SABAH CITY.
ROOF TOP BAR SHERATON
Located in the city one of the tallest buildings in Kota Kinabalu, chic rooftop bar reveal stunning panorama of the mountain and the Sea, swimming pool, watch the sunset with handcrafted Cocktails and as well curated Wine selections while DJ spin your favorites music. Open at 6:ooPM till late everyday.
Sheraron Hotel 23 floor
TAMU ROOFTOP @ TOOJOU Hotel. in Bandaran Berjaya shop lot area
“Visit Tamu Rooftop, the hip rooftop bar atop the stylish TooJou Hotel in Kota Kinabalu. Located on the 6th floor at No. 12, Jalan Masjid, this vibrant spot
offers stunning Forest and classic cityscapes, expertly crafted cocktails, and a chic ambiance. Open daily from 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM, it’s the perfect place in Sabah for sunset drinks and late-night vibes.”
HORIZON SKY BAR AND CIGAR LOUNGE @SUTERA PACIFIC Hotel
Experience elevated luxury at Horizon Sky and Cigar Lounge, Sutera Pacific Hotel’s exclusive rooftop destination on the 12th floor in Sabah. Overlooking panoramic city and bay views, this sophisticated venue offers premium cigars, curated whiskeys, and craft cocktails in a refined setting. Ideal for sunset sessions, private gatherings, or a stylish evening out. Open from 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM daily. Discover Sabah’s finest sky-high lounge for memorable moments above Kota Kinabalu. At Sutera Boulevard Road, Sutera harbour, Sembulan road, walking distance from Imago Mall 20 minutes.
Ibistyle Kota Kinabalu SKYDEX12 @ Inanam Township
Rooftop Bar and event restaurant on the Level 12 of ibis Styles Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, overlooking the township of Inanam and lush greenery of Sinulihan hills. Prime sunset and hangout spot for casual and leisure travellers. At the heart of busy business area with small township only 13 KM from the City district. A sunset drink is definitely a must whether is ground floor Bar or at Skydex Sky bar kota Kinabalu. Call to check for the opening hours Friday, Saturday 5:00pm onwards. Tel: 088 285888
Rooftop at Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu Hotel
Éclat Rooftop Bar at Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu is Sabah’s premier luxury rooftop destination, offering breathtaking sunset panoramas over the South China Sea. Savor signature cocktails, gourmet tapas, and curated wines in a sophisticated setting. Perfect for romantic evenings or stylish social gatherings. Open daily from 5 PM to midnight. Experience Kota Kinabalu’s best sky-high bar with unparalleled views, elegance, and ambiance.
