Kota Kinabalu Waterfront Esplanade
A vibrant promenade famous for its breathtaking sunsets and diverse dining scene, offering a lively evening atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Prime sunset viewing
Kota Kinabalu Waterfront Esplanade
Best Time
Prime sunset viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant promenade famous for its breathtaking sunsets and diverse dining scene, offering a lively evening atmosphere.
"An excellent location to enjoy a beautiful sunset over Kota Kinabalu."
🎯 Arrive Early for Sunset
Secure a good spot at a restaurant or bar for the best sunset views. Popular places fill up fast!
💰 Todak Market Pricing
Be clear about menu options at Todak Market to avoid being overcharged. Insist on set menus if available .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Golden Hour Sunset
Along the entire esplanade
Witness a spectacular sunset painting the sky in vibrant oranges and golds over the South China Sea. A truly unforgettable sight.
Seafood Feast at Todak Market
Todak Food Market
Savor fresh, local seafood like fish, octopus, and prawns at affordable prices. A must-try for foodies exploring Kota Kinabalu.
Vibrant Bar & Restaurant Scene
Along the waterfront promenade
Enjoy happy hour drinks and diverse culinary options with a lively atmosphere, especially as dusk settles.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Sunset Spectacle & Dining Delights
Evening Vibes & Local Flavors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Sunset
Secure a good spot at a restaurant or bar for the best sunset views. Popular places fill up fast!
💰 Todak Market Pricing
Be clear about menu options at Todak Market to avoid being overcharged. Insist on set menus if available.
Tips for people who doesnt want to get cheated at todak food market
🍹 Happy Hour Hunts
Many waterfront establishments offer great happy hour deals on drinks. Keep an eye out for promotions!
🚶♀️ Evening Stroll
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the esplanade after sunset; the atmosphere is relaxed and pleasant.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Sunset
Secure a good spot at a restaurant or bar for the best sunset views. Popular places fill up fast!
💰 Todak Market Pricing
Be clear about menu options at Todak Market to avoid being overcharged. Insist on set menus if available.
🍹 Happy Hour Hunts
Many waterfront establishments offer great happy hour deals on drinks. Keep an eye out for promotions!
🚶♀️ Evening Stroll
Enjoy a leisurely walk along the esplanade after sunset; the atmosphere is relaxed and pleasant.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Kota Kinabalu Waterfront Esplanade, particularly for its stunning sunset views and vibrant evening atmosphere. The variety of dining options, from fresh seafood markets to international cuisine, is a major draw. While some find it a bit pricier than other areas, the overall experience and ambiance are highly praised.
"We came here just for drinks to watch the sunset. Brilliant sea of orange and gold, with the sporadic planes flying above us. Many bars and restaurants along the whole stretch, so take your pick. But once the sun sets, there's not much to see and the place is dim."
JYC
"An excellent location to enjoy a beautiful sunset over Kota Kinabalu. You will share the experience with a lot visitors trying to get the best shot of the sunset colours over the horizon. Kota Kinabalu deserves the reputation for among the cities with the best sunset view.
After which you can adjourn to enjoy the food and drinks in nearby establishment."
SY Teo
"Grill Street is a yakitori place that serves up tasty grilled skewers & a perfect spot to watch gorgeous sunset with a drink in hand. It was a busy night when we were there, a bit of a wait for the food, but we were on vacation, certainly didn't mind."
Olivia Mo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Waterfront Esplanade is easily accessible by taxi or ride-sharing services from most parts of Kota Kinabalu. It's also a pleasant walk from the city center and the ferry terminal.
Yes, there are parking facilities available nearby, though they can get busy during peak hours, especially around sunset. Consider public transport or ride-sharing if possible.
If your hotel is in the central business district of Kota Kinabalu, it's likely within walking distance. Check your hotel's location on a map.
Local buses and minivans do pass through the general area, but taxis and ride-sharing apps are generally more convenient and direct for reaching the esplanade.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Kota Kinabalu Waterfront Esplanade is a public area and does not require an entrance ticket. You only pay for food and drinks at the establishments.
The esplanade is generally accessible throughout the day and into the night. Individual restaurants and bars have their own operating hours, typically from late morning until late evening.
There are no entry fees for the esplanade itself. Any charges would be for consumption at the restaurants, bars, or specific events that might be held there.
It's highly recommended to book tables in advance, especially for popular restaurants during sunset hours or on weekends, to avoid disappointment.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main attractions are enjoying the sunset, dining at various restaurants and bars, and taking a relaxing stroll along the promenade. It's a great spot for people-watching and soaking in the evening atmosphere.
Yes, it's generally family-friendly, especially during the earlier evening hours. Children can enjoy the open space and the spectacle of the sunset. However, some bars might have a more adult-oriented vibe later at night.
The atmosphere is vibrant and lively, particularly around sunset and into the evening. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering a relaxed yet energetic vibe with good music from nearby venues.
The Waterfront Esplanade is generally considered safe, with good lighting and a steady flow of people. However, as with any public place, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings.
While there aren't dedicated play areas, kids often enjoy watching the planes fly overhead and the general buzz of the area. The open space allows for some freedom to move around.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find a wide range of options, from fresh seafood at Todak Food Market
to international cuisine and grilled skewers at places like Grill Street. Many offer happy hour specials.Prices can be higher than in the city center, especially for food and drinks. It's advisable to check menus and compare prices, particularly at the Todak Food Market where clarity on pricing is key.
Many restaurants offer diverse menus, so you should be able to find vegetarian options. Vegan choices might be more limited, but it's worth asking the staff at individual establishments.
Todak Food Market is famous for its fresh, grilled seafood, including fish, octopus, and prawns, often at competitive prices if you're clear about your order.
While many establishments are mid-range to upscale, the Todak Food Market can offer more budget-friendly seafood options if you navigate the pricing carefully.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire stretch offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially during sunset. Look for unobstructed views of the horizon and the colorful sky.
The 'golden hour' just before and during sunset is ideal for capturing stunning, warm-toned photographs. The evening lights also create a nice ambiance.
The silhouette of the islands in the distance, the vibrant sunset sky, and the bustling waterfront promenade with its lights are all iconic backdrops.
Yes, planes often fly low over the waterfront, providing a unique photographic element, especially during sunset.
Experiment with manual settings if possible. Consider a tripod for sharper images in low light and adjust exposure to capture the dynamic range of the sunset.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💑 Couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Chasing the Sunset: Your Guide to KK's Iconic Views
While the sunset is the main event, the waterfront offers more than just a visual feast. After the sun dips below the horizon, the area transforms into a lively hub with numerous dining and entertainment options. From casual seafood grills to more upscale establishments, there's something to suit every palate and budget. The atmosphere remains energetic with music and chatter, providing a perfect setting for an evening out. Remember that popular spots can get crowded, so booking in advance is often a wise move, especially on weekends.
A Culinary Journey Along the Waterfront
Beyond the seafood market, the promenade is dotted with numerous restaurants and bars. Many of these establishments offer happy hour deals, making it an excellent time to enjoy a drink with a view. You'll find everything from local Malaysian dishes to international cuisine. While the convenience and ambiance come at a slight premium compared to eateries further inland, the experience of dining with a sea view, especially during sunset, is often considered well worth it. For those seeking a more relaxed vibe, places like Grill Street offer tasty yakitori skewers and a great spot to unwind.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit