City in Sabah, Malaysia
Internet in Kota Kinabalu: speed, SIM cards and coworking
Is the internet good in Kota Kinabalu?
Median fixed broadband in Malaysia is 179 Mbps and mobile is 165 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Waterfront and mall cafés have wifi; coworking options are few.
Getting online in Kota Kinabalu
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Home fibre | Fibre from Unifi in most apartments; about RM100–180 a month. |
| Cafés and coworking | Waterfront and mall cafés have wifi; coworking options are few. |
| Outages | Occasional power cuts in heavy storms |
| Tourist SIM | Airport counters and convenience stores sell prepaid SIMs with large data plans; passport registration required. eSIMs are widely available. |
| eSIM | Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors. |
| Carriers | CelcomDigi, Hotlink (Maxis), U Mobile |
| Monthly data plan | RM30–60 ($7.3–14.7) |
Coworking in Kota Kinabalu
There's no dedicated coworking scene here; people work from cafés and accommodation.
Internet speeds in Southeast Asia
National medians, Speedtest Global Index.
Quick answers
Is the internet fast in Kota Kinabalu?
Median fixed broadband in Malaysia is 179 Mbps and mobile is 165 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Waterfront and mall cafés have wifi; coworking options are few.
Which SIM card should I get in Kota Kinabalu?
Airport counters and convenience stores sell prepaid SIMs with large data plans; passport registration required. eSIMs are widely available.
Can I use an eSIM in Malaysia?
Yes. Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors, and travel eSIMs work too.
More about Kota Kinabalu
- Internet & coworkingacross Malaysia
- Safetyin Kota Kinabalu
- Cost of livingin Kota Kinabalu
- Weather & best timein Kota Kinabalu
- Air qualityin Kota Kinabalu
- Getting aroundin Kota Kinabalu
- Tap waterin Kota Kinabalu
- LGBTQ+ friendlyin Kota Kinabalu
- Healthcare & insurancein Kota Kinabalu
- Solo travelin Kota Kinabalu
Going to Kota Kinabalu solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Kota Kinabalu meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
- Speedtest Global Index: Malaysia
- CelcomDigi
- Hotlink (Maxis)
- U Mobile
- Kota Kinabalu International Airport (Malaysia Airports)
- Sabah Parks (Mount Kinabalu)
- Gleneagles Hospital Kota Kinabalu
- Grab Malaysia
Speeds are medians from Ookla's Speedtest Global Index, cited for reference. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.