Memorable Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) Trip - Part One (Hotel)

Kota Kinabalu is the state capital of Sabah. It is a well-known and a popular holiday destination as well. Kota Kinabalu is well-known for its foods, sea sports and trekking. Never lack of activities to do in Kota Kinabalu.

I went to Kota Kinabalu a few years back and it was a memorable one till date. It was a short flight from Singapore, approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes flight. Before heading to Kota Kinabalu, I have the impression that Kota Kinabalu international airport should be small as it is not a very big city. However, taken by surprise, it was big and clean. There are quite a number of eateries as well. You can easily grab a cab from the airport to the hotel as well. There is no need for airport transfer I would say.

I have chosen Le Meridian Kota Kinabalu for my 2 nights of stays. For a five stars hotel with excellent rating, it only cost about SGD $170 per night. Personally, I would think it is value for money. The breakfast buffet has a good spread. They serve international breakfast such as egg, bread, ham, salad bar and of course hot food such as fried noodle, rice, veg etc.

Le Meridian is located at  Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, Sinsuran, Central Business District, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia 88000. The hotel faces the sea and opposite the hotel is a big fish market which is very active in the evening till late in the night. It is within walking distance to commercial district. There are Oceanus Waterfall malls (a shopping mall for shopping and food), night markets and lots of spa or massage nearby. The hotel staffs are friendly and helpful as well. It has been a good experience.

Walking down from the fish market, there are a stretch of restaurants. There are a good variety of food for you to choose. The restaurants all are sea facing. A perfect evening dinning place with your loves one. And you will be able to have a sunset view as well.

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu



Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu Just 4.9 mi (7.8 km) from the airport, Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu puts you within a 10-minute drive of Sabah State Mosque and Likas Stadium. Guests can indulge in spa services, and Latest Recipe, one of 4 restaurants, serves international cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 2 bars/lounges and an outdoor pool are other highlights at this luxurious hotel, and rooms offer 24-hour room service and flat-screen TVs.

The other two hotels or resorts which I would personally recommend are Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa and The Pacific Sutera. Both are five stars beachfront resorts. It has excellent sea view.

The Pacific Sutera

The Pacific Sutera Hotel The Pacific Sutera Hotel offers a private beach where you can enjoy the shade from a beach umbrella, plus you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Sabah State Mosque. 3 outdoor pools provide a splash of fun, while guests in the mood for pampering can visit the spa to indulge in massages, facials, and aromatherapy. Silk Garden, one of 2 restaurants, serves Chinese cuisine and is open for lunch and dinner. A golf course and a marina are other highlights, and rooms at this luxurious hotel offer up nice touches like bathrobes and slippers.

Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa

Shangri La's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa Location. Situated on a Kota Kinabalu beach, this 5-star Malaysia luxury resort is a 10-minute drive from Sabah State Museum and a 15-minute drive from Sabah State Mosque. Poring Hot Springs is 30 minutes away. Resort Features. Looking out over the South China Sea, Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa features views of the islands off Borneo's northern coast. The resort offers 4 restaurants, a private sandy beach with direct access, and 2 swimming pools situated in 25 acres of gardens. CHI The Spa provides Asian-influenced treatments in 8 spa villas on Pulau Bayu, the resort's private island. An open yoga pavilion features a deck extending out over the water. A health club and fitness facilities 9-hole mini golf course and 4 tennis courts are on site. The staff can arrange activities such as deep-sea fishing, banana boat rides, and scuba diving. Airport transfers are also available (surcharge). A Kids Club, playground and wading pool are also available, as well as 11 meeting rooms and wired Internet access (surcharge). A buffet breakfast is available (surcharge). Guestrooms. Shangri La's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa offers 492 guestrooms, all renovated in 2007. With a nod to Borneo's heritage, rooms include rich textures and fabrics cherry, teak, ebony, and coconut woods and mother-of-pearl and tobacco artwork. Rooms feature balconies, mountain or sea views, LCD televisions, and complimentary high-speed Internet access. Bathrooms offer separate showers and soaking tubs. Suites offer separate sitting rooms and wraparound balconies.