11 Aesthetic Cafes in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia for Coffee and Chilling

Kota Kinabalu isn't just known for its stunning natural attractions. The city also has a growing cafe culture that makes it a fun destination for coffee lovers. If you're planning a trip to Sabah, exploring some of the city's popular cafes is definitely something you shouldn't miss.

Also read : 12 Halal Food Spots in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia Loved by Muslim Travelers

From minimalist industrial-style spaces to tropical cafes filled with greenery, there are plenty of aesthetic cafes in Kota Kinabalu to explore. Many of them serve quality coffee, delicious desserts, and local favourites, making them perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing. Here are 11 popular and Instagrammable cafes in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia that you can add to your itinerary!

1. Woo! – One of the Most Instagrammable Cafes

The first cafe you should check out in Kota Kinabalu is Woo!. Located in the heart of the city, this cafe is in a convenient area that's popular with both locals and tourists.

Its unique interior makes Woo! one of the most Instagrammable cafes in Kota Kinabalu. The cafe spans two floors and even has a cosy reading area with a large bookshelf, making it a little haven for book lovers who enjoy reading while sipping their coffee.

Address: 21, Lorong Dewan, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10:00 AM–4:00 PM (Monday), 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (Tuesday–Sunday)

2. The Bean – A Hidden Gem in the City Centre

Another popular and Instagrammable cafe to visit in Kota Kinabalu is The Bean Cafe. With two branches around the city, this cafe is often visited by both locals and tourists.

From cosy sofas to walls decorated with artwork, you'll find plenty of photo-worthy corners here. The menu is also quite varied, with snacks, pastries, coffee, and non-coffee drinks available.

Address:

• 103, Jalan Gaya, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

• Lot 8-1, Lido Plaza, Jalan Kobusak, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

3. Kopi Ping Cafe – Packed with Local Favourites

With four branches across Kota Kinabalu, Kopi Ping Cafe is clearly a popular spot in the city. The cafe is known for its wide selection of local Malaysian dishes, making it a great place to grab a meal while enjoying your coffee.

You can find local favourites such as nasi lemak, Hainan chicken rice, mee mamak, curry, and more. For something lighter, try their toast, chicken popcorn, or seafood tofu. Looking for a refreshing drink? You can also order milk tea, kopi O, or ice-cold cendol.

Address:

• 64, Jalan Gaya, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

• 4, Damai Plaza, Block E, Ground Floor, Lot 37, No.40-0, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

• Unit No. A-G-01, Block A, Sutera Avenue, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

• Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

4. Kafe Cari – A Colourful Cafe Full of Character

If you love colourful spaces, Kafe Cari should be on your list. This is one of the most vibrant cafes in Kota Kinabalu, with bright colours both inside and outside.

From the outside, you'll spot rows of yellow chairs contrasting with a bright red door. Step inside and you'll find colourful furniture and interiors that instantly create a cheerful atmosphere. Another interesting touch is the traditional presentation of some dishes, which are wrapped in banana leaves.

Address: No. G39, Ground Floor, Kompleks Asia City, Phase IIA, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily, 12:00 PM–12:00 AM

5. Nook Cafe – A Tropical-Inspired Interior

_{Image credit: Facebook Nook Cafe, Kota Kinabalu}

Another cafe worth visiting in Kota Kinabalu is Nook Cafe. The cafe features a tropical-inspired interior with bamboo furniture and plenty of greenery, giving it a cosy and refreshing atmosphere.

Besides its Instagrammable interior, Nook Cafe also offers a variety of food options, including pasta, burgers, toast, sandwiches, and snacks. There are also plenty of coffee and non-coffee drinks to choose from.

Address: 19, Lorong Dewan, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–7:00 PM

6. Pandan House – A Cafe Dedicated to Pandan

_{Image credit: @pandanhouse.my}

Not matcha this time! Pandan House takes things in a different direction with a menu inspired by the fragrant pandan leaf. This relatively new cafe in Kota Kinabalu is a must-visit for anyone who loves pandan.

You can enjoy a variety of pandan-inspired treats, including tiramisu, cakes, ice cream, and refreshing drinks. If you're a true pandan lover, this place might just feel like paradise!

Address: Jalan Pantai, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Opening hours: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM (Monday–Tuesday, Thursday–Saturday), 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (Sunday)

7. Makarios Café – For Book Lovers and Korean Food Fans

_{Image credit: @makarioscafe.kk}

If you're a book lover, make sure to stop by Makarios Café. The cafe has rows of bookshelves that you can browse while enjoying your coffee, creating a cosy atmosphere for a relaxing afternoon.

It also has spacious long tables with power outlets, making it a comfortable spot for WFC (work from cafe). The menu is varied, but its Korean dishes are among the highlights, including kimbap, japchae, and bibimbap.

Address: Lot 20, First Floor Corner Unit Lorong Damai Point, Jalan Damai, Luyang Commercial Centre, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily, 9:30 AM–8:00 PM

8. Daily Coffee – One of the Popular Cafe Chains

_{Image credit: @dailycoffeemalaysia}

Daily Coffee is one of the popular cafes in Kota Kinabalu, with three branches across the city. The cafes are spacious and have plenty of seating, so you don't have to worry too much about finding a table when it's busy.

The pastry display filled with macarons, donuts, and other sweet treats is sure to make you hungry. You can also choose from a variety of main dishes, snacks, coffee, and non-coffee drinks.

Address:

• Shop No. 4, City Centre, Gaya Street, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

• Ground Floor, Lot 17 & Lot 18, KK Times Square, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

• B-1-9 Aeropod Commercial Square Phase 3A, Jalan Aeropod Off, 1 Jln Kepayan, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

9. People BKI – A Cafe and Shopping Spot in One

_{Image credit: @people.bki}

Looking for a cafe where you can do more than just eat and drink? Head to People.BKI. Besides its cafe area, this spot also has a small retail section selling various products, including fashion items, bags, glasses, and souvenirs from Kota Kinabalu.

The cafe itself is spacious and features a beautiful interior that's perfect for relaxing or taking photos. The menu is also varied, with hearty meals, snacks, and drinks to choose from.

Address: Lot S-05, The Peak Suites, Jalan Signal Hill Park, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Opening hours: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM (Monday–Friday), 9:00 AM–7:30 PM (Saturday–Sunday)

10. October Coffee Gaya – A Cosy Wooden Interior

_{Image credit: @octobercoffeegaya}

Adding to the list of popular cafes in Kota Kinabalu is October Coffee Gaya. As the name suggests, this cafe is located around Gaya Street and is known for its warm interior, with wood used throughout the furniture, floors, and walls.

The menu includes hearty meals and snacks, while the drinks range from coffee and chocolate to matcha and milk tea. It's a great spot to take a break while exploring the city.

Address: 13, Lorong Dewan, Pusat Bandar, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily, 9:00 AM–11:00 PM

11. Mizumizu Cafe – A Convenient Spot on Gaya Street

_{Image credit: @mizumizu.coffee}

Last but not least, there's Mizumizu Cafe, a relatively small cafe that has become a favourite among locals and tourists. Its strategic location on Gaya Street makes it an easy stop while exploring one of Kota Kinabalu's popular areas for food and cafes.

Coffee and matcha are among the highlights here, but you'll also find other drinks, pastries, cakes, pancakes, and waffles on the menu. It's a nice little spot to grab a drink and something sweet before continuing your Kota Kinabalu adventure.

Address: 115, Jalan Gaya, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Opening hours: 9:30 AM–6:00 PM (Monday, Wednesday–Saturday), 8:00 AM–6:00 PM (Sunday)

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Which Cafe Will You Visit First?

Each of these cafes in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia has its own unique concept, menu, and atmosphere. Whether you simply want to relax with a cup of coffee, take some Instagram-worthy photos, try local food, or catch up with your travel buddies, there are plenty of options to choose from.

So, don't forget to make some time between your sightseeing plans to visit one of these aesthetic cafes in Kota Kinabalu. Grab your favourite drink, enjoy the local atmosphere, and experience another side of Sabah beyond its famous natural attractions!