Find 10 Best Hotels in 1Borneo

1Borneo Hypermall or 1Borneo in short is a major shopping centre area in the capital of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. Located seven kilometres away from the city and 13 kilometres away from Kota Kinabalu International Airport, 1Borneo is strategically positioned in the fastest growing areas in the state. It is primed as the largest shopping complex of its kind in the East Malaysia. 1Borneo is a product of the rapid growth experienced by Kota Kinabalu, being the significant trade and commercial centre as it is. The establishment of 1Borneo is expected to drive the economy even further and also becoming a major attraction for the visitors coming to Kota Kinabalu. Historically, 1Borneo and Kota Kinabalu in a whole was under the influence of the Bruneian Empire way back in the 15th century before the British North Borneo Company (BNBC) set up a settlement in Gaya Island in the 19th century. The company later relocated to the land opposite to the island which was known as “Api-api” that would eventually get renamed as Jesselton. It became a major trading port until the Japanese occupation. While serious devastation has occurred during the Japanese occupation, rebuilding processes that begun under the British Crown Colony and then continued after the formation of Malaysia has shaped Jesselton or now known as Kota Kinabalu to develop quickly till this day, with 1Borneo being the proud landmark signifying such feat.

How to Get There

By Plane

There are flights to Kota Kinabalu from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) which are provided by both Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia. Upon touchdown at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport, visitors can head to 1Borneo using public transportation or ride-sharing services.

Tourist Attractions

Sabah State Mosque

This state mosque is located in Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman nearby the Sembulan roundabout. Erection works for the mosque begun in 1970 and completed five years later before being officiated in 1977 by the six Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Sabah’s State Mausoleum is located nearby, where the well-known leaders of Sabah was buried here, including the first Chief Minister of Sabah, Tun Fuad Stephens. At one time, it can accommodate up till 5, 000 congregants. The architecture is done by Dato Baharuddin Abu Kassim which incorporated modern and Middle Eastern elements.

Sacred Heart Cathedral

The cathedral is located at Jalan Menteri, Karamunsing which is in the Kota Kinabalu city. It houses the seat of Roman Catholic Archbishop of Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu. Its history can be traced all the way back to 1903 when Fr Henry van der Heyden imported a lot Chinese workers and built the mission to accommodate the influx of Catholic community. The architecture is unique in comparison to other cathedrals where it was considered as being futuristic with the base design being similar to a spaceship and the roof structure is made close to shape like a tent.

Kinabalu Park

Kinabalu Park is the national park that is recognized as the country’s World Heritage Site. It is the natural habitat of over 5000 vascular plant species and 90 species of mammals – no wonder it is also awarded as the Centre of Plant Diversity for South East Asia. This park is where the mighty Mount Kinabalu is located too, which is the highest mountain in Malaysia. Interested adventurers are advised to book six months in advance due to the overwhelming response as well as the limit imposed – only 135 pax are allowed to do the hiking on a daily basis.

Hotels

Tune Hotels - 1 Borneo, Kota Kinabalu

A great hotel situated closely to the 1Borneo Hypermall. A two-star hotel with facilities such as grocery shops and meeting rooms. The accommodation offered is affordable and decent.

The Klagan Regency

Another hotel situated in close proximities to the 1Borneo. A four-star hotel with slightly premium rates and ample facilities such as bar, grocery shops and supermarkets. In addition to that, guests can look forward to enjoy the outdoor pool. Hotel services include laundry, front desk and luggage storage.