Hotels in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu is the capital city of the state of Sabah, Malaysia. Geographically, it faces the South China Sea on the northwest coast of Borneo. Previously, 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.

Tourist Attractions

Sabah State Museum

This state museum located in Bukit Istana Lama on a 17 hectares of land. It houses both the museum and the state art gallery, as well as a botanic garden, a zoo and a heritage village. The history of the museum can be traced way back until 1965 when Sabah Society and George Cathcart Woolley Collection of photographs, diaries and other artefacts begun efforts in forming the nucleus of the museum. It was then moved to its current location in 1984 and remain unchanged till this day.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park

It feels incomplete to talk about Kota Kinabalu without mentioning this park. The marine park is a collection of islands with some beautiful wonders of nature, home to numerous species of wildlife and mesmerizing flora – some of them are actually remaining untouched by human development till this day. To begin with, travellers can do island-hopping around the Gaya Island, Sapi Island, Mamutik Island, Manukan Island and Suug Island with the Jesselton Point terminal as a starting point. There are touring services provided by the tour boat companies with affordable rates.

Gaya Island

Gaya Island 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 Gaya Island during their visit to Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. Gaya Island is the biggest island in the national park, being covered in thick forest. The island gets its name from the word “gayo” in Bajau which means big. The island has a legendary beach located at the Police Bay which is famously known for its white sand, crystal clear water and well-preserved coral reefs which is suitable for diving and snorkelling.

It must be nice to be able to enjoy a family vacation in Kota Kinabalu. Not only is the natural scenery still awake, but there are also native Borneo tribes who have a unique culture to see. There is also a conservation area for endangered forest people. Even though it doesn't seem like you are in the middle of a busy urban bustle like Jakarta. However, some of the facilities and accommodations are already qualified. You can find many luxury and Hotels here. Here are the 7 best hotels in Kinabalu for a fun family vacation. 

Best Hotel in Kinabalu

Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu

Offers views of the blue beach and green tropical rainforest landscape, making this place suitable for a fun family vacation. Enjoy your relaxing time with your family on the 3 km long private beach, swim in the swimming pool, play 18 holes of golf, and feel the spa and massage that makes your mind and body fresh. Consists of 499 rooms and suites. Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu offers timeless, traditional Malay-style luxury rooms. 

Each room is facilitated with bathrobes, luxury slippers, Wi-Fi, cable television, a mini-bar, telephone, stationery, and coffee/tea makers. Based on the view, the rooms in this hotel are divided into two. Namely the garden wing and the sea wing. If you want to host an event, Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu also provides party facilities with a unique theme. Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu is located at Dalit Tuaran Beach, 89208 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Hilton Kota Kinabalu

Located at Jln Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kota Asia, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Hilton Kota Kinabalu has a strategic location close to shopping centers, cafes, restaurants, and attractions in Kinabalu.

So when bored at the hotel, you can go to these places while looking for entertainment. The property is also close to Jesselton Point ferry terminal, only 3 km away. Rooms are facilitated with a mini bar, ergonomic workspace, toilet, shower, LCD TV, AC, hairdryer, coffee maker, and Wifi. 

Pamper yourself and your family with a dip in the rooftop swimming pool. While looking at the beauty of the city of Kinabalu from above. There is also a fitness center with a sauna and a refreshing steam bath. 

Marriot Hotel Kota Kinabalu

Just from Marriot Hotel Kota Kinabalu, you can already see the beauty of the blue and sparkling waters of the South China Sea. Unwind and enjoy all the facilities provided by this accommodation. Like the infinity pool with ocean views, the fitness center is surrounded by greenery. 

If you have business needs, Hotel Marriott Kota Kinabalu also provides meeting rooms. Rooms are facilitated with luxury bedding, illuminated makeup mirror, bathroom, bathrobe, slippers, hairdryer, chair, high-speed Wifi, TV, mini-bar, and AC. Hotel Marriott Kota Kinabalu is located at Lot G, 23A, Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The price per night starts from RM260. 

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

Located in a strategic location right in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu offers a residence with city and sea views. Each room is facilitated with TV, minibar, bathroom, ironing facilities, shower, hairdryer, and soft mattress. The entertainment facilities that you can enjoy here are a swimming pool and spa. 

Indulge your taste buds at Favola Italian Restaurant which provides a variety of delicious Italian specialties. There are also Azure Pool Bar & Cafe and Latitude 05 with various mainstay menus. You and your family will feel like kings if you stay here because the hotel staff is ready to serve your needs 24 hours a day. 

Laundry service is also available. So you don't have to bother washing your own clothes. The closest tourist attraction to this hotel is Tanjung Aru Beach with a distance of 5 km. Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu is located at Jalan Tun Fuad Stephen, Sinsuran, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Hotel and Resort Grandis

Hotel and Resort Grandis is a smart choice, for you and your family who want to vacation in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. This is because this accommodation is close to the Kota Kinabalu International Airport, famous shopping centers, cafes, restaurants, entertainment venues, and attractions. 

This luxury hotel provides 188 contemporary-style rooms with complete facilities such as LED TV, Wifi, lockers, shower, air conditioning, soft, and comfortable beds. Only from inside the room, you can already enjoy the view of the South China Sea and small islands from behind the window. 

Stanton Hotel 

Do you want to feel the sensation of staying in a historic building? Come to the Stanton Hotel. Before the hotel was built, the Stanton Hotel was the AIA Insurance Building. Even though it has been built into a hotel, the colonial-style design and interior of the building are still maintained today. Every room in the hotel reflects the Georgian era. Because it was inspired by the North Borneo Chartered Company (1881). 

The room units are equipped with 42-inch LED TV facilities, air conditioning, non-translucent curtains, air conditioning, a mini bar, safe and coffee and tea maker equipment. Indulge your taste buds in the hotel's Alfresco-style restaurant with delicious food and drinks here. Stanton Hotel is located at 13, Lorong Karamunsing C, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. 

The Pacific Sutera Hotel Kota Kinabalu

This 5-star hotel is located on Sutera Harbor Boulevard, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. Besides having a strategic location, The Pacific Sutera Hotel Kota Kinabalu is also close to interesting tourist attractions such as the Sabah State Mosque, the Sabah Islamic Civilization Museum, the Adventure Center below, and Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. 

Each room unit has customized facilities. Among them, bed, table, chairs, air conditioning, safe and ironing facilities. Your family can enjoy entertainment facilities in the form of a swimming pool and golf course. The hotel also provides free parking for every hotel guest staying. If you stay here, don't miss to taste the delicious dishes at Spice Island and Cafe May which is located close to the hotel. 

Those are the 7 Best Hotels in Kinabalu for an enjoyable family vacation. Before going on vacation, immediately set a budget, a bucket list of entertainment venues close to the location to stay, and make sure the hotel you choose has facilities that suit your family's needs. Happy holidays!