Kota Kinabalu is a nice family travel destination with enjoyable wildlife and theme entertainment parks, cultural villages, beaches and golf clubs. Here's how to make the most of your family vacation in this eclectic Malaysian hotspot.

Kipandi Butterfly Park

Kipandi Butterfly Park is a delightful attraction that is a favorite with the kids. Loacated at Kampung Kipandi, the destination features more than 150 species of vibrant butterflies flying all over you in a scenic setting. Some of the rare breeds of butterflies housed in the park are Golden Birding, Peacock’s Swalloe Tails and Raja Brook’s Birding. The insectariums in the park complex house more than 800 specimens of butterflies and about 1,800 species of colorful beetles. Kipnadi Butterfly Park also conducts guided tours and educational programs for children, and features several native orchid plantations and medicinal herbs. Opening hours are from 9am to 4pm daily, and the most suitable time to view the butterflies is from 9am to 11:30am. The entrance fee is RM20 for adults and RM10 for children.

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park

Another super family attraction, the Lok Kawi National Park is a sprawling botanical and zoological reserve that houses several animals like the Malayan Tiger, Proboscis Monkey, Orangutan, Sumatran rhinoceros and several species of deer. Visitors can also trek through the lush jungle trail and view the botanical species of the region. The park is open daily from 9:30am to 5:30pm and the entrance fee is RM 20.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

This beautiful marine park is a cluster of several islands, and is accessible via a 15 minute speedboat ride from KK. The five islands of Pulay Gaya, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Mamutik, Pulau Sulug and Pulau Sapi feature lovely coral gardens, shallow waters and silver sand beaches. The destination is rich in marine life and makes for a popular diving center. Diving instructional courses are available with an advance booking at centers located in Kota Kinabalu. There are other activities like snorkeling, sea walking and overnight camping at Palau Sapi. The park is open daily from 8:30am to 5pm.

Water World Theme Park

Fight the tropical climate of KK with a trip to the Water World Theme Park, a fun-filled family destination located at Taman Tun Fuad Stephens. There are an assortment of swimming pools and theme rides and slides for children as well as adults. The thrilling Torpedo Speed ride is a must try. The park also has a Water Basketball zone and a comfortable lounge, along with an in-house cafeteria and souvenir shop. Opening hours are from 12pm to 7pm on Monday, Thursday and Friday and from 9am to 8pm on weekends and public holidays.

The entry charges are RM 10 for adults and RM 5 for children. Kota Kinabalu boasts of several enjoyable family holiday attractions and activities that make for a pleasant leisure vacation.