Kota Kinabalu Population 2026
Kota Kinabalu has a population of 500,421, making it the #18 biggest city in 🇲🇾 Malaysia, located in Sabah. Roughly 1.4% of Malaysia's population lives here. It is about 2.9× smaller than Kuala Lumpur, the country's biggest city.
Population (city proper)
500,421
Rank in Malaysia
#18
Coordinates
5.97°N, 116.07°E
~5 m elevation · Asia/Kuching
Distance to capital (Kuala Lumpur)
1,625 km
1,009 miles, straight line
Other big cities in Sabah
| City | Population | Rank in Malaysia |
|---|---|---|
| Sandakan | 439,050 | #21 |
| Tawau | 372,615 | #29 |
| Lahad Datu | 105,622 | #75 |
| Putatan | 78,340 | #98 |
| Donggongon | 78,086 | #99 |
| Keningau | 77,650 | #100 |
| Semporna | 62,641 | #117 |
| Bandar Labuan | 54,752 | #134 |
Cities near Kota Kinabalu
FAQ
What is the population of Kota Kinabalu?
Kota Kinabalu has a population of 500,421 (city proper, latest official figure via GeoNames), making it the #18 biggest city in Malaysia.
What region is Kota Kinabalu in?
Kota Kinabalu is located in Sabah, Malaysia.
Is Kota Kinabalu the capital of Malaysia?
No, the capital of Malaysia is Kuala Lumpur, about 1,625 km away.
Sources & notes
Population refers to the city proper (municipal boundaries), not the metropolitan area. Source: GeoNames (CC BY 4.0), retrieved 2026-07-07. Country data: UN World Population Prospects 2024.
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