Malaysia

Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu in Sabah is a coastal city on the island of Borneo with direct access to the South China Sea. It serves as a gateway for divers exploring the marine life of the Sabah region, including nearby reefs, wall dives, and island day trips led by local dive centers. While the city itself is not a large dive destination, it offers a solid base for Indonesian and Malaysian Borneo–style diving itineraries, with a handful of centers providing courses, equipment rental, and boat departures to nearby sites. Expect warm tropical waters, good visibility near the shore, and a range of macro life and reef fish at common dive sites in the broader area.

Essential information for traveling in Malaysia

About Malaysia

Sea
South China Sea, Gulf of Thailand, Malacca Stra...
Timezone
Asia/Kuching
Languages
MS EN
Demonym
Malaysian
Phone prefix
+60

Practicalities

Currency
MYR
Airports
KUL PEN LGK BKI TWU

Diving specifics

Temperature
°C
Depth units
meters
Pressure
bar
Regulators
DIN Yoke (INT)

Dive sites and dive centers around Kota Kinabalu

Nearby Dive Sites (26)

Nearby cities for scuba diving around Kota Kinabalu

The best time to dive in Kota Kinabalu

The best months to dive in Kota Kinabalu are from May. Temperatures are confortable (28°C), currents are mild and the visibility is at its best.

Excellent Good Fair Mitigated
01 - Jan.
26 °C 30 °C 4/10
02 - Feb.
26 °C 29 °C 5/10
03 - Mar.
26 °C 29 °C 5/10
04 - Apr.
27 °C 29 °C 6/10
05 - May
28 °C 31 °C 6/10
06 - Jun.
28 °C 31 °C 6/10
07 - Jul.
28 °C 31 °C 7/10
08 - Aug.
27 °C 31 °C 4/10
09 - Sept.
27 °C 30 °C 4/10
10 - Oct.
27 °C 30 °C 5/10
11 - Nov.
26 °C 30 °C 4/10
12 - Dec.
26 °C 30 °C 4/10

Based on last year's weather. Scores compare months for this destination only and are indicative. A mitigated month may still suit many divers.

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