About Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu is a mid-sized city located in Malaysia, in the Sabah region. According to the latest available data (2026), the population of Kota Kinabalu is approximately 500,421 residents, making it the #19 most populous city in Malaysia.
Globally, Kota Kinabalu ranks #3,726 among the world's most populated cities.
Kota Kinabalu City Statistics
| City | Kota Kinabalu |
| Country |  Malaysia |
| Population | 500,421 |
| Global Rank | #3,726 |
| Rank in Malaysia | #19 of 69 cities |
| City Category | mid-sized city |
| Region | Sabah |
| Latitude | 5.975 |
| Longitude | 116.0725 |
| Data Year | 2026 |
Population Comparison
To put Kota Kinabalu's population of 500,421 into perspective:
- Kota Kinabalu has over 500,000 residents.
Where is Kota Kinabalu Located?
Kota Kinabalu is located in Malaysia, in the Sabah region, at coordinates 5.975° latitude and 116.0725° longitude. Located near the equator, Kota Kinabalu experiences a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year.
Nearby Cities
Other Cities in Malaysia
Largest Cities in Malaysia
| # | City | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | Kuala Lumpur | 9,000,280 |
| 2 | Johor Bahru District | 2,374,778 |
| 5 | Klang | 878,000 |
| 6 | Ipoh | 866,772 |
| 7 | Johor Bahru | 797,882 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Kota Kinabalu?
The population of Kota Kinabalu is approximately 500,421 residents according to the latest available data (2026).
Where is Kota Kinabalu located?
Kota Kinabalu is located in Malaysia at approximately 5.975° latitude and 116.0725° longitude.
Is Kota Kinabalu one of the largest cities in Malaysia?
With a population of 500,421, Kota Kinabalu is one of the notable urban areas in Malaysia. It ranks #19 out of 69 cities in the country.
