Hotels in Karambunai

Karambunai is a constituency under Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of the state of Sabah, Malaysia. It is approximately 30 kilometres away from the capital, being created in the 2003 redistribution which gives a single member to the Sabah State Legislative Assembly to represent the area. Geographically, it faces the South China Sea on the northwest coast of Borneo. Previously, together with Kota KInabalu as a whole, it was under the influence of the Bruneian Empire way back in the 15th century. Later in the 19th century, the British North Borneo Company (BNBC) set foot in Sabah by setting up a settlement in Gaya Island. After a scheme by Mat Salleh causing the settlement to be destroyed by fire, the company relocated to the land opposite to the island which was known as “Api-api”. The place would eventually get renamed as Jesselton and became a major trading port until the Japanese occupation. Devastation that occurred during the Japanese occupation gets too big for BNBC to fund the repair costs, hence the control of Jesselton was ceded to the British Crown Colony and rebuilding processes begun soon after that.

After the formation of Malaysia, Jesselton or North Borneo is then known as Kota Kinabalu as of today. Being a significant trade and commercial centre for East Malaysia as it is, growth of Kota Kinabalu has been ongoing at full speed. This allows it to be granted a full city status in the year 2000 which directly impacts the constituencies which include Karambunai. Among the development ongoing is the Karambunai Integrated Resort City which is a part of the Tenth Malaysia Plan (10MP).

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, from the airport, guests can go to Karambunai using public transportation or ride-sharing services.

Tourist Attractions

Kota Kinabalu Wetlands

Kota Kinabalu Wetlands covers 24 hectares of mangrove forest which acts as model wetland centre for the purpose of conservation, education, recreation, tourism and research. Managed by the Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society, it is formerly known as Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary. There is a 1.5 kilometres boardwalk that brings the visitors further into the mangrove trees where one can see a unique behaviour of the area where land meets sea. The mangrove trees are a natural habitat of monitor lizards, fiddler crabs and many more. At least a 45-minute stroll on the boardwalk is a must to enjoy fresh air and the peaceful greenery – one can be lucky enough to spot interesting birds, plants and wildlife too. Almost 80 birds species have been identified at the sanctuary in present. The entrance fee is cheap and the rates are even better if you are a citizen – do not forget to bring your identification card to enjoy the rates.

Manukan Island

ManukanIsland is an island located 10 kilometres off Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. While people come over to Kota Kinabalu to visit the capital of Sabah, they may drop by Manukan Island during their visit to Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. Manukan Island is the second biggest island in the national park, with good stretches of beaches on its southern coastline. Its offshore is full of coral reefs which is terrific for snorkelling, diving and swimming activities. In comparison to the other islands that made up Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, Manukan Island has the most developed facilities which included support-water, electricity, desalination plant, sewerage system, and even a solar public telephone.

Hotels

Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai

One of the prestigious hotels located in Karambunai. A five-star resort with premium rates, a lot of ample facilities are available such as television, minibar, shower, private bathroom, bathtub, WiFi and many more.

Sabah Beach Villas & Suites

A more established hotel located in PV 140, Precinct Dellinea. A four-star hotel that offers comfort and elegant atmosphere. Hotel services include porter, front desk, luggage storage, airport transfer and bicycle rentals.