Nightlife and Entertainment

Kota Kinabalu’s nocturnal entertainment profile is an aggregation of several old-style cafes, dance clubs, pubs, bars and multiplexes. Here is an exhaustive guide to the nightlife and entertainment scene in this laid-back Malaysian town.

BB Café

This nice, old-fashioned café, located conveniently on Beach Street near several backpacking lodges, features pool tables and a comfortable and relaxed outdoor seating. BB Café is a pleasant haunt for an early evening out with friends and fellow backpackers.

BED (Best Entertainment Destination)

BED Club, located at the Tun Fuad Stephen Waterfront, plays interesting music from diverse genres on almost all nights of the week and especially on weekends, when the place is packed. There are some special karaoke nights and live band performances on weekends. The party destination sports a warehouse-type theme and is spacious and elegantly furnished. There is also a private room for patrons looking for a more peaceful and comfortable ambiance. BED is open from 7pm to 1 am on weekdays and until 2 am on weekends.

Don’s Point

Don’s Point Café and Bar at Jeselton Street is a popular shisha haunt in Kota Kinabalu and features an array of tobacco flavors in the backdrop of a lovely sea-side view. The staff is courteous and the service extremely prompt.

Hunter’s Terrace

Hunter’s Terrace is another very popular pub located on Jalan Pantai. A relaxed setting and an informal ambiance along with a fresco-style décor and light background music make this an enjoyable night hangout. The place also features a karaoke zone and offers special discounts for scuba divers. This is a nice place to unwind with fellow travelers and share conversation over mugs of beer and nice-tasting mocktails. Happy hours from 4pm to 9pm daily and opening hours are 8am to 1am on weekdays, and until 2am on weekends.

Blue Note

This party hotspot of Kota Kinabalu has been entertaining crowds since 1994 with good music, a well-stocked bar and unusually themed nights. The colorful ambiance and kitsch décor add to the funky appeal of Blue Note, which features several live performances and an in-house trance spin by a celebrated DJ. The place is located inside the Tanjung Aru Resort and is open from 6pm to 2am daily.

Shenanigan’s Fun Pub

This is undoubtedly the most popular hangout in Kota and is housed inside the Hyatt Regency. The live performances and prompt service together with a cozy environment and free pool games, makes this a hip and happening spot for locals and tourists alike. Women can enjoy special discounts and other privileges on Wednesdays. Opening hours are 5pm to 1am from Sunday to Thursday, and until 2am on Friday and Saturday nights.

Other good places to party in Kota Kinabalu are The Loft and Cock and Bull at Waterfront, and for affordable drinks it's Upperstart at Damai district.