Papar

Things to do in Papar

Search attractions or local attractions & tours
Search

Explore top experiences

Top 10 attractions in Papar

View all Attractions
Tanjung Aru Beach
No. 4 of Night Attractions in Malaysia

Tanjung Aru Beach

7.9
4.8/5
2.5k reviews
Located on the west side of Kota Kinabalu, Tanjung Aru Beach is undoubtedly one of the most popular landmarks in Kota Kinabalu for both locals and tourists. Daytime entertainment include a variety of water activities, while evenings are perfect for gatherings with family and friends, enjoying the sea breeze, tasting delicious local delicacies and taking in the unparalleled sunsets.Kota Kinabalu · 26.8km from Papar
Manukan Island
Selected for Best Things to Do in Sabah

Manukan Island

6.2
4.7/5
264 reviews
Manukan Island is one of the five islands of the Kota Kinabalu Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park and is large in size. The north side of the island is a rocky coast, the beaches on the south and east are suitable for swimming. The island is popular with tourists because of its facilities. It has hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, diving centers and more. The island is rich in activities such as snorkeling, deep diving, parasailing, jet boating, underwater walks, sea bikes, etc., full of fun. The island is also covered with large rainforests. You can climb a mountain and look out on to the surrounding islands from the mountain top.Kota Kinabalu · 27.9km from Papar
Manutik Island

Manutik Island

5.4
4.7/5
155 reviews
The Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, located on the sea on the west side of Kota Kinabalu, consists of 5 islands. Mamudi Island is the smaller one, but the essence is often concentrated. The west side of the island is a rocky coast, and the east side of the island is a rocky coast. The side is a beach, the water quality here is very good, very suitable for snorkeling. There are large pieces of coral underwater on this island, and various marine creatures such as clownfish and sea urchins live. Even standing on the trestle that stretches into the sea, you can take pictures of small fish swimming in the transparent seawater. If you go into the water, you can see them More, so Mamudi is a great island for snorkeling. In addition to snorkeling on the island, you can also pay to play motorboats, parachutes, etc. Tourists who can't swim may wish to take a walk on the bottom of the sea. Wear a helmet with a snorkel to breathe underwater, and you can also try submarine motorcycles. (aka the Little Sheep on the Sea), put on a helmet with oxygen delivery, ride a special motorbike slowly on the bottom of the sea, and watch schools of fish swim around you. There are fresh water showers and public toilets on the island, but there is no hotel, so you can camp. It is recommended to bring your own tent and prepare food and water.Kota Kinabalu · 27.3km from Papar
Gaya Street
No. 4 of Night Attractions in Sabah

Gaya Street

5.4
4.5/5
558 reviews
Gaya Street is the main street of the old town of Kota Kinabalu. It took shape as early as 1902 and was known as Bond Street by the British during the colonial period, while local Chinese residents were accustomed to calling it "Middle Street." A Chinese-style archway stands at the entrance of the street, and inside are rows of old Chinese shophouses, with teahouses, restaurants, and grocery stores side by side, which is why it is known as the "Chinatown" of Sabah. The street also retains an old post office building, which has now been converted into a tourist information center and is one of the few surviving pre-war buildings in Kota Kinabalu. The highlight of this street is the market that opens every Sunday morning. Stalls occupy almost the entire street, where you can find everything from local snacks, coffee powder, and fresh produce to handicrafts, clothing, footwear, and even pet stalls. It is full of local life, where you can hunt for affordable souvenirs and observe the daily life of locals shopping at the market.Kota Kinabalu · 31.9km from Papar
papar durian orchard

papar durian orchard

2.4
5.0/5
13 reviews
Baba Durian Farm was established in 1987 and is located in Baba, Sabah. This is a very secluded orchard with a variety of tropical fruits such as durian trees and jackfruit trees. The orchard consists of 50 acres of selected varieties of chanee (D123), Sultan (D24), Red Prawn (D175), FooFat (D135), GanYau (D158), MasHajahHasmah (D168) and Monthong (D159), the orchard produces high quality durians .Papar · 19.6km from downtown
Gaya Island

Gaya Island

4.7
4.2/5
118 reviews
Gaya Island is an island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. The entire island is covered by pristine rainforest and the mangroves are well preserved. The island has a few kilometers of white sandy beaches, the water is clear and transparent, and there are coral reefs and colorful fish on the sea floor, which is ideal for diving. There are lively water villages in the bay at the eastern end of the island. These Filipino immigrants live in narrow shacks. You can take a tour via boat.Kota Kinabalu · 33.3km from Papar
Filipino Market
No. 10 of Night Attractions in Sabah

Filipino Market

4.4
4.6/5
46 reviews
The Philippine Market is a vibrant market with a wealth of handicrafts and authentic food. The market is adjacent to the Kota Kinabalu waterfront and is conveniently located for tourists to walk to. The stalls here are full of local specialties, such as pearl jewelry, hand-woven products and traditional clothing, making it an ideal place to buy souvenirs. The food area in the market is also not to be missed, with a variety of fresh seafood and authentic Malaysian snacks that make people salivate. It is recommended to go to the market in the evening when the temperature is more pleasant and the market atmosphere is very lively. The Philippine Market is not only a good place for shopping and food, but also a window to experience local culture and lifestyle. Visitors can communicate with friendly stall owners, learn the stories behind the products, and enhance their understanding of local culture. Here you can experience a diverse and unique shopping experience, which is a stop not to be missed in Kota Kinabalu travel.Kota Kinabalu · 31.4km from Papar
Handicraft Market
No. 11 of Night Attractions in Sabah

Handicraft Market

4.3
4.6/5
14 reviews
The handicraft store located on Stephen Road, Tonfa, Kota Kinabalu, is a popular base for local and foreign tourists to find and purchase handicrafts, souvenirs or souvenirs. Inexpensive and high-quality small jewelry or gadgets, including key rings, beaded necklaces or wrist chains, bookmarks, etc., here is a one-stop shopping market, and the countless types of sarongs and shawls are dazzling. Flirtatious, but a gift that will remind you of the wonderful time you spent on vacation in tropical Sabah. Of course, when you come to this hypermarket, there are also pearls that sparkle with gorgeous light. Whether it is a single piece or a whole bunch of pearls, you can follow your wishes. For the whole bunch, there are necklaces and wrist chains, and for the single pieces, there are pin bras, earrings or rings, etc. You can also buy them back and find the craftsmen to design the inlays yourself. For the connoisseurs of exquisite wood carvings, it must be a good idea. There's a dizzying array of original wood carvings, including exotic picture frames and even wall paneling. In addition, there are all kinds of rattan baskets of various sizes. The thing about this craft store is that you can't predict what masterpieces or rarities you'll find. Some people come for a walk, go around, and can't help playing with the bamboo flute. Here, there is another kind of fun, that is, bargaining, bargaining, bargaining! As long as you have the ability to learn a few words in the local language to increase your bargaining momentum, you are likely to buy one, get three free, and you will return with a big bargain.Kota Kinabalu · 31.5km from Papar
0 km Kota Kinabalu
No. 13 of Best Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu

0 km Kota Kinabalu

4.2
4.8/5
61 reviews
Kota Kinabalu City 0 km is located at the entrance of the Sabah Tourism Office. As the origin of the city coordinates of Kota Kinabalu City, it represents the core location of Kota Kinabalu City. Don't forget to take pictures if you pass by in the city center. The entrance of the Tourism Bureau is the 0 km positioning point of the city of Kota Kinabalu, that is, the positioning point traditionally given to the city by the country, and this is used as the standard for measuring distance. Usually, the Central Post Office is the starting point, and the predecessor of Sabah Tourism Bureau. That is the Post Office. The plaque design of the seat plate contains four elements, namely the north, south, east and west direction indicators, the Maolu aboriginal theme pattern carved on granite, the high mountain in Southeast Asia - the sacred mountain, and the city flower of Kota Kinabalu - Borneo Orchid. Many tourists take pictures when they come here.Kota Kinabalu · 32.3km from Papar
Sepanggar Island
No. 4 of Family-friendly Attractions in Sabah

Sepanggar Island

4.8
4.6/5
10 reviews
Taomeng Island is a newly developed island in 2018. It is located in the northeast of the urban island, about a 15-minute boat ride away from Jeston Pier. The island has a very good ecological environment, rich vegetation resources, and fewer tourists, making it extraordinarily comfortable and peaceful; Private independent island resort, a large white sand beach, sunbathing on the beach, picking up shells, leisurely and comfortable. Adjacent to Tunku Abdul Rahman Island Park Marine Park, there are abundant marine resources and clear waters, suitable for snorkeling.Kota Kinabalu · 40.2km from Papar

Experiences you can't miss in Papar

Featured Day tours in Papar

View all Day tours
Double festival advance purchase | (Koperasi Seri Serbang Bongawan Sabah Berhad) firefly 1-day tour | Lazy version optional
Trip.Select
󱌍
4.6/5
· 162 reviews· 2.7k booked
Duration: 4.3 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for today
22 consecutive positive reviews
FromSEK 282.00
Bongawan Mangrove Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Tour with Sky Mirror - Solo Traveler Option
󱌍
4.7/5
· 19 reviews· 119 booked
Duration: 6 hrs
English
Book now for tomorrow
FromSEK 172.00
Half-day tour to Kota Kinabalu Borneo Cultural Village can be combined with Weston mangrove
Trip.Select
󱌍
FromSEK 378.00
Half-day tour to Skymirror Mangrove in Bongawan, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah · Fireflies · Proboscis monkeys · Sunset
Trip.Select
󱌍
5.0/5
· 12 reviews· 108 booked
Duration: 5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for today
FromSEK 378.00
Sabah Borneo Cultural Village Day Trip- Join in Tour Group of 2+  [Lunch and Return transfer included]
󱌍
5.0/5
· 2 reviews· 37 booked
Duration: 5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Book now for tomorrow
FromSEK 738.00
Borneo Culture Village Half Day Tour | Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
󱌍
Duration: 4.7 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
10% off
Limited-time sale
FromSEK 437.00SEK 486
Bongawan Twilight Wonders: Mangroves, Monkeys & Fireflies Cruise with Dinner in Sabah
󱌍
Duration: 6 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
FromSEK 432.00

Featured Spa & wellness in Papar

View all Spa & wellness
Kinabalu Park & Poring Hot Spring 1-Day Shared Tour
󱌍
4.6/5
· 10 reviews· 90 booked
Duration: 10.2 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
FromSEK 996.00
Kinabalu Park, Poring Hot Spring & Desa Dairy Farm Shared Day Tour
󱌍
5.0/5
· 4 reviews· 68 booked
Duration: 10.7 hrs
English
Free cancellation
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
FromSEK 1,033.00
Chi, The Spa (Tanjong)
󱌍
5.0/5
· 1 review
English
Instant confirmation
Book now for tomorrow
FromSEK 797.00
Kota Kinabalu Manukan Island & Mount Kinabalu & Poring Hot Spring culinary experience | Local delicacies dining voucher
󱌍
FromSEK 171.00

Free things to do in Papar

What travellers say about Papar

user-avatar
_TI***rn1 October 2026
5.0
We chose this hotel for a short family trip because of its tranquility, and after our stay, everyone raved about how great our choice was. It doesn't follow trends or try to be trendy; it exudes a quiet elegance without being ostentatious. From the moment we entered, even the elderly in our family couldn't help but say, "This place makes us feel so at ease." The entire hotel space is exceptionally bright and airy. There are no cramped corridors or overly complicated decorations. Several thriving green plants line the hallways, and even the air is free of pungent aromatherapy, only a subtle, natural fragrance. The staff were exceptionally patient with the elderly and children, proactively bringing small snacks for our kids and thoughtfully providing warm milk. The rooms were spacious enough that the elderly didn't feel cramped at all. Two wicker chairs were placed on the small balcony by the window, where the whole family could sit, drink tea, and enjoy the courtyard view—it was incredibly pleasant. In the morning, the courtyard is filled with the scent of plants, and the wind, filtering through the eaves, carries the distant chirping of birds. In these moments of peace and tranquility, the tension of our daily lives completely melts away. The most precious thing about traveling isn't how many sights you see, but that the whole family can have a peaceful rest. This hotel perfectly meets that need, and we'll definitely choose it again for future family trips.

Tanjung Aru Beach

user-avatar
ㅤ  ㅤ朝花夕拾25 October 2024
5.0
Pulau Manukan is the second largest island in Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park and is also the headquarters and office of the park. The island has complete tourist facilities, including hotels, tennis courts, water skiing centers and wooden houses for accommodation. Pulau Manukan is famous for its wide range of water entertainment projects and is well located between Sapi Island and Mamudi Island, so it is often chosen as one of the destinations for a day trip.

Manukan Island

user-avatar
ariel4234 December 2024
4.0
Mamudi Island was the first island we chose for our island hopping trip. The weather was pretty good at the time. We were on the island for a short time, mainly to play activities on the island. We played parasailing, which was fun and a bit exciting. After the project, we went directly to Sapi Island. I heard that you can see clownfish when snorkeling in Mamudi Island, but we didn't see it, which was a pity. The scenery is OK, but the disadvantage is that the organization of the island hopping trip is really chaotic. You have to wait a long time to go to other islands and return.

Manutik Island

user-avatar
Mario®30 May 2026
4.0
We visited on Thursday morning. There were no vendors and not many people, so we could only admire the atmosphere. Our driver told us that Gaya Street was the old city center of KK and a hub for the Chinese community. Judging from the streetscape, I could imagine the bustling market, teeming with people. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to wait until Monday to visit. Now, there are many restaurants and shops selling Malaysian specialties.

Gaya Street

user-avatar
当地向导行er27 January 2026
5.0
Taking the slow train to Papar, with its beaches and durians, was such a treat.

papar durian orchard

user-avatar
爱爱李2 December 2019
4.0
Gaya Island is also a very interesting and famous island. There are many sceneries from small to large. You can try many shops on this island. You can experience the very interesting tropical plants when you come here.

Gaya Island

user-avatar
miel@999tov18 June 2023
5.0
Great place for those who are seafood lovers, easy to find fresh fishes , crabs, lobsters in this place with a good price. Fresh vegetable and fruits stall located just beside this building .

Filipino Market

user-avatar
MOHD FIXRY BIN BASIR15 August 2022
5.0
terletak di kota Kinabalu, sabah. berhadapan Lee Meredien hotel. Pasar pilipjn sangat di kenali sebagai tempat menjual mutiara air masin dan air tawar, serta menjual baju2 atau barangan cenderahati Sabahan seperti key chain dan pelbagai.

Handicraft Market

user-avatar
Abi Armag24 May 2023
5.0
Lovely place with a wonderful restaurant. Very friendly staff. Hotel is full of great art. Just a charming place.

0 km Kota Kinabalu

user-avatar
玩童无界行者无疆2 September 2021
5.0
There are many beautiful islands near Sabah, Malaysia. Two years ago, I went to "Taomeng Island", which was developed in 2018. It was sparsely populated, quiet, and beautiful...

Sepanggar Island

Popular cities near Papar

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Papar?

Don't miss these attractions in Papar: Tanjung Aru Beach, Manukan Island, and Manutik Island. If you like Day tours, try Double festival advance purchase | (Koperasi Seri Serbang Bongawan Sabah Berhad) firefly 1-day tour | Lazy version optional. If you enjoy Spa & wellness, try Kinabalu Park & Poring Hot Spring 1-Day Shared Tour.

You can give Mari Mari Cultural Village Tour with Lunch or Hi-Tea and Kota Kinabalu Manukan Island & Mount Kinabalu & Poring Hot Spring culinary experience | Local delicacies dining voucher a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Double festival advance purchase | (Koperasi Seri Serbang Bongawan Sabah Berhad) firefly 1-day tour | Lazy version optional, Bongawan Mangrove Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Tour with Sky Mirror - Solo Traveler Option, and Half-day tour to Kota Kinabalu Borneo Cultural Village can be combined with Weston mangrove. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 18 October 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Papar is around SEK 172 – SEK 996. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

Get help anytime, anywhere within 30 secondsContact customer support

Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

Ticket prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, as well as during peak and off-peak seasons. When booking with Trip.com, you can also use Trip Coins to get extra savings. For more tips on booking discounted tickets, please visit Trip.com for the latest information.