Exercise Normal Precautions
“Exercise normal precautionin Malaysia. Some areas have increased risk.”
Updated Sun, 22 Feb 2026
Full advisory →Personalize report nowTailor this report to you.Next: age, gender, group size preference…Next: the latest news and insightsNext: one click, 5 seconds, no costStart now8 districts
Is Kota Kinabalu safe? 🇲🇾
Malaysia · Safety report last updated
As of October 2026, Kota Kinabalu scores 81/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes. Kota Kinabalu is generally safe for visitors, with low violent crime and moderate petty theft risks. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams. The U.S. State Department rates it Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Kota Kinabalu 🇲🇾
Malaysia · Assessed 17 October 2026
81
/ 100
What drives this score
Crime73/100GoodCrime index 44.0 / 100 · city-level
Sentiment84/100GoodMostly positive
Advisories100Good
Stability75Good
Health74Good
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
Advises against all travel to parts of the country
“Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Areas where FCDO advises against all but essential travel Eastern Sabah coastal islands FCDO advises against all but essential travel to all islands and dive sites off the coast of eastern Sabah from Sandakan to Tawau, including Lankayan Island, due to the threat of kidnapping.”
Updated 2026-10-07T11:05:53Z
Full advisory →Exercise normal security precautions (with regional advisories)
“Canada's official risk level for Malaysia: exercise normal security precautions (with regional advisories).”
Updated 2026-10-09T10:10:36.7991886-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Good
Urban scale factor
500k residents
75
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
0.7 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6Malaysia0.7World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
96
Robbery / mugging
LowArmed robbery against visitors is rare, mostly confined to isolated areas after dark
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag-snatching occur in crowded spots like Gaya Street market and ferry terminals
▸ 3 more indicators▾ Hide extra indicators
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Good
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Stable
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
84/100
Reported feel78Mostly positive
Robbery risk92Low risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
Visitors report feeling safe during daylight hours, with concerns rising slightly at night in less frequented areas
Yes. Kota Kinabalu is generally safe for visitors, with low violent crime and moderate petty theft risks.
The city benefits from a low homicide rate and strong police presence in tourist zones, though pickpocketing and scams occur in crowded areas like markets and transport hubs. Eastern Sabah coastal islands remain under advisory due to kidnapping threats, but Kota Kinabalu city itself poses typical urban risks manageable with standard precautions.
Recent developments
- Sep 2026Sabah police bust alleged China-medium ritual scam syndicate— The Vibes
- Aug 202612 arrested over alleged ‘Chinese medium’ scam in Kota Kinabalu— Daily Express Malaysia
- Jul 2026Pro-govt rally held alongside anti-graft protest in Kota Kinabalu— Free Malaysia Today
Common scams
- ATM skimming and hidden cameras to steal card data
- Overcharging for tours or goods in tourist areas
- Fake medium or ritual scams targeting believers
Full briefing
Kota Kinabalu’s waterfront and central districts see steady tourist flow with visible police patrols, keeping violent crime low despite occasional petty theft. The Sep 2026 bust of a ritual scam syndicate and August arrests show ongoing efforts to curb fraud targeting believers, a tactic noted in multiple dossier sources. Pickpocketing remains a moderate concern in crowded venues like the Gaya Street Sunday market and Jesselton Point ferry terminal, where bag-snatching can occur amid distractions. ATM skimming has been flagged by scam trackers, urging use of secure machines inside banks or malls. While the FCDO advises against non-essential travel to eastern Sabah islands due to kidnapping risks, the city itself faces no such threats, and solo travelers report generally positive experiences when avoiding isolated areas after dark. Standard precautions — securing valuables, using licensed boat operators, and staying alert in markets — suffice for a safe visit. Recent protests over corruption and governance, though peaceful, suggest avoiding large gatherings as a precaution. Flooding during October’s heavy rains may disrupt transport, so checking weather and road conditions before trips to outskirts is wise. Overall, the city’s safety profile aligns with its Level 1 advisory: normal precautions apply, with heightened awareness in tourist-heavy zones.
Was this Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia report helpful?
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 8 Kota Kinabalu districts for visitors: 5 safer, 2 needing caution and 1 best avoided. See them plotted on the Kota Kinabalu safety map.
Eastern Sabah coastal access points (e.g., Sandakan-bound terminals)avoidGateway to kidnapping-risk zones; FCDO advises against all but essential travel east from here.
Gaya Street / Filipino MarketcautionTourist hotspot with moderate pickpocketing and bag-snatching risk, especially evenings.
Mengalum Islands vicinity (boat departure points)cautionMaritime safety concerns after Sep 2026 snorkelling incident; use licensed operators only.
City Centre (Bandaraya)saferWell-patrolled core with hotels, shops, and waterfront; petty theft possible in crowds.
Waterfront (Tanjung Aru / Kepayan)saferPopular for sunsets and dining; generally safe but watch belongings in busy areas.
LikassaferResidential area north of centre; considered safe for families with good lighting.
KolombongsaferQuiet suburb west of city; low crime and family-friendly per local guides.
PenampangsaferSouthern suburb; safe residential zone with standard urban precautions advised.
07 · After Dark
Is Kota Kinabalu safe at night?
91% of people in Malaysia say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2021).
Armed robbery against visitors is rare, mostly confined to isolated areas after dark
After dark, be most careful around Eastern Sabah coastal access points (e.g., Sandakan-bound terminals), Gaya Street / Filipino Market, Mengalum Islands vicinity (boat departure points). Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Kota Kinabalu safety FAQ (2026)
Is Kota Kinabalu safe right now (2026)?
Yes. Kota Kinabalu is generally safe for visitors, with low violent crime and moderate petty theft risks. The city benefits from a low homicide rate and strong police presence in tourist zones, though pickpocketing and scams occur in crowded areas like markets and transport hubs. Eastern Sabah coastal islands remain under advisory due to kidnapping threats, but Kota Kinabalu city itself poses typical urban risks manageable with standard precautions. (Assessed 17 October 2026.)
Is Kota Kinabalu safe for women, families and solo travelers?
Safety is not one number, and this Kota Kinabalu report does not pretend it is: the score is re-weighted for who is travelling. A woman travelling alone, a family with children and a solo backpacker face different street-level risks, so the headline score shifts and the report leads with the findings that matter for that group. Personalize this report in one click to see the 2026 score and safety briefing for your specific travellers.
Which areas of Kota Kinabalu should tourists avoid?
Field research flags Eastern Sabah coastal access points (e.g., Sandakan-bound terminals) as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in Kota Kinabalu (2026)?
- ATM skimming and hidden cameras to steal card data
- Overcharging for tours or goods in tourist areas
- Fake medium or ritual scams targeting believers
How does Kota Kinabalu compare with other places in Malaysia (2026)?
Kota Kinabalu ranks #9 of 9 Malaysia destinations we've assessed, scoring 81/100. See the Malaysia safety overview for the full list.
How is this kota-kinabalu safety score calculated (2026)?
The score blends 15+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, FBI crime data for U.S. cities, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry the bulk of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries the rest. Full methodology.
More Malaysia reports
6 reports
Nearby destinations
4 reports
Similar safety profile
4 reports
Keep exploring
Raw data: kota-kinabalu.json (CC BY 4.0).