Is Kota Kinabalu safe for solo female travelers?

Kota Kinabalu is generally considered safe for solo female travelers. The locals are friendly, helpful, and respectful. Most places are well-polished and the locals are used to tourists. However, it is advisable to avoid unpopulated areas, especially at night, and always keep your belongings secure as is wise in any city. Distinctive cultural values and laws in Malaysia should be respected throughout your visit.

Safety rating

3.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

Meet new people

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet new people, find travel buddies, share solo travel experiences and stay with locals through couch surfing.

How safe is Kota Kinabalu?

Safety at night:Moderate

Kota Kinabalu, like many other Asian cities, is generally safe even at night. There are populous areas such as shopping malls, food markets and some streets that bustle with activity till late. However, as a solo female tourist, it would be prudent to be cautious not to venture into poorly lit or deserted areas alone after dark. It's also recommended to use reputable transportation services when moving around late at night, and always keep your personal belongings secure.

Public transportation:Safe

Public transportation in Kota Kinabalu generally offers a safe travel experience. Buses and taxis are reliable and regulated by the city's authorities, and drivers are usually helpful and courteous to tourists. However, instances of overcharging fare or unexpected route changes can occur. It is advised to have exact or close to exact change when using buses, and use taxis from a reputable company or use taxi booking apps for transparency in fares.

Street harassment:Low

Kota Kinabalu is generally a safe city with welcoming locals. However, like any place in the world, it has occasional instances of street harassment. These are fairly rare and are quickly dealt with when reported. On most days, you can go about your day enjoying the city's attractions, its vibrant culture, and warm-hearted people without encountering any form of street harassment. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and always stay within populated areas. Moreover, the police presence is clearly visible, providing an extra layer of safety.

Petty crimes:Low

Kota Kinabalu is generally considered a safe city, even for solo female travelers. Petty crime rates such as pickpocketing or bag snatching are lower compared to other global cities. However, caution should always be exercised especially in crowded areas and when walking alone at night. It's always recommended to secure your belongings and be aware of your surroundings.

Tap water:Unsafe

While the tap water in Kota Kinabalu goes through a treatment process, it's advisable to avoid drinking it directly from the tap. The general recommendation for travelers is to stick to bottled water or boiled tap water to ensure safety. This is due to some local sources may have inconsistent or insufficient water treatment procedures. Also, the old and deteriorating water infrastructure in some areas could lead to contamination.

Is Kota Kinabalu safe to travel?

No travel experience found

Be the first to share your experience.

Is Kota Kinabalu safe right now?

Before your visit to Kota Kinabalu, it's essential to check travel advisories for Malaysia, including your home country's official travel advisory. These advisories can provide up-to-date information on safety, health, and any specific considerations for travelers.

🇺🇸

United States Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The United States government advises exercising normal precautions in Malaysia, although some areas may pose an increased risk. Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: July 24, 2023

🇨🇦

Canada's Travel AdvisoryExercise a high degree of caution

The Canadian Government advises exercising a high degree of caution in Malaysia, due to the threat of criminality and terrorism. Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: April 29, 2024

🇦🇺

Australia's Travel AdvisoryTake normal security precautions

The Australian Government advises exercising normal safety precautions in Malaysia. Check the full travel advisory.

Last updated: December 8, 2023

Meet locals in Kota Kinabalu

Meet local women in Kota Kinabalu who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.

Izz@thee

About Me

Hello everyone,, I love to travel and find new friends all around the world..

mode_comment 0

ashvinaa

About Me

Hi, I'm a dentist working in Kota Kinabalu. I work almost every day so it will be quite hard to host. But I'm open to meeting up for dinner or something, I love learning about cultures so It would be wonderful to meet up and make new friends 😊 I love traveling but never really done solo travel before, planning to try now 😊 I'm a vegan, Hindu, if it matters .. Classical indian dancer as well, but it has been many years since I last danced 😅 I've learnt the violin but I only know how to play "twinkle twinkle little star" 😅🤣🤣

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Stay with locals in Kota Kinabalu

Stay with local women in Kota Kinabalu who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.

Izz@thee

Kota Kinabalu