Imago Shopping Mall is one of the most recognisable shopping destinations in Kota Kinabalu. It sits along the Coastal Highway as part of the KK Times Square development, close to the city centre and the waterfront. If you are spending a few days in Sabah, it is an easy place to fit in when the weather turns hot or rainy, or when you simply want a break from island hopping and mountain trips.
About Imago and where it sits in Kota Kinabalu
Imago is the retail part of KK Times Square, a larger development that also includes office towers and a residential block. The mall is set over several levels and is run as a lease only property, which means the shops are managed together rather than sold off unit by unit. For visitors, the practical result is a tidy layout and a fairly consistent mix of stores 😄.
You will find a mix of fashion brands, beauty stores, electronics, lifestyle shops, restaurants and a cinema. It feels more modern and spacious than some of the older malls in the city centre, and it is popular with local families as well as travellers.
How to get to Imago Shopping Mall
The mall is in the southern part of the city centre, off Jalan Coastal, with the postcode 88100. From most city hotels it is a short drive. Grab and taxis are widely used, and you can simply ask for Imago Shopping Mall or KK Times Square. Parking is available on site if you are driving, though weekends and sale periods can get busy.
From Kota Kinabalu International Airport the drive into the city usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic. That makes Imago a convenient first stop if you land in the morning and your hotel room is not ready yet.
What to shop for at Imago
Fashion is a big part of the mall, with clothing and footwear brands for different budgets. There are also optical shops, beauty and personal care stores, mobile and electronics outlets, and home and lifestyle brands.
Travellers often use the mall to pick up things they forgot to pack, such as sunglasses, light clothing, chargers or sun protection. If you are looking for local souvenirs like handicrafts or Sabah gifts, a market visit usually suits better, and I cover that below.
Where to eat and what else to do inside
Imago has a mix of sit down restaurants, cafes and a food court, so it works for both a quick lunch and a longer family meal. Dining prices are generally reasonable compared with the more upscale waterfront options, and the air conditioning is a welcome bonus in Sabah’s humidity.
There is also a cinema, which makes the mall a handy evening option. Visitors often mention cultural performances near the entrance, and the mall hosts seasonal events through the year. Christmas and year end sale periods in particular draw large crowds and elaborate decorations, so expect more people and slower traffic around those dates.
Opening hours and the best time to go
Malls in Kota Kinabalu typically open from around 10am to 10pm, and Imago follows a similar pattern. Hours can change during public holidays and festive seasons, so it is worth checking the mall’s official channels before you go.
Weekday afternoons are usually calmer. Weekends, school holidays and sale periods bring heavier foot traffic and busier parking. If you want to browse comfortably, go in the early afternoon on a weekday.
How Imago compares with other malls in Kota Kinabalu
Suria Sabah is closer to the waterfront and is popular with visitors staying in the city centre. 1Borneo Hypermall is much larger and sits further north, which suits people who want a very wide range of shops and a big cinema and food area. Centre Point and Warisan Square are older city centre complexes with a more local feel.
Imago sits comfortably in the middle. It is modern, easy to walk around and close enough to the centre that you do not need a long detour to reach it.
Combine Imago with other places nearby
Because Imago is close to the city centre, it pairs well with a few other stops. The Waterfront is good for evening walks and sunset views. The Filipino Market and the nearby handicraft stalls are better for souvenirs, dried seafood and local crafts. Gaya Street is worth a visit on Sunday mornings when the street market runs.
A half day around these areas, with a stop at Imago for lunch or air conditioning, is a relaxed way to spend time in the city.
Questions asked by people
Where is Imago Shopping Mall located?
It is at KK Times Square Phase 2, off Jalan Coastal, in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, close to the city centre.
Is Imago Shopping Mall good for tourists?
Yes. It is easy to reach, has dining and a cinema, and works well as a rest stop between sightseeing days.
Is there parking at Imago?
Yes, parking is available at the mall. It gets busier on weekends and during sale periods.
Getting around Kota Kinabalu with City MPV Travel and Tours
Shopping in Kota Kinabalu is easy when you do not have to think about transport. City MPV Travel and Tours is a licensed tour operator in Kota Kinabalu, and we arrange airport pickups, private MPV transfers and guided day trips across Sabah. If you are travelling as a family or a group, a private MPV means you can head to Imago, the waterfront and your hotel without splitting up or waiting for rides.
If you want to pair your city time with something outside Kota Kinabalu, our team can also plan island hopping, Mount Kinabalu trips and cultural village visits around your schedule.
