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Dive into the dreamy world of Colourful Borneo Diving Centre—where coral reefs burst with colour like underwater fireworks, clownfish dart between rocks, and gentle sea turtles glide past like ancient guardians. With friendly, certified guides leading every dive, you’ll explore the ocean’s hidden wonders safely and effortlessly. Every plunge feels like stepping into a living postcard.
This hotel is perfect for both family vacations and business trips! Located in the city center, it's just a 13-minute drive to the airport and train station. With kids' pool and children's meals, your little ones will have a blast, while adults can unwind at the fitness center or swimming pool. Enjoy 24-hour front desk service and free WiFi to stay connected. Rooms are equipped with in-room safes and satellite TV for a comfortable stay. Whether you're traveling for leisure or work, this place has everything you need!
Everything you need to know about Diverse Borneo
Kota Kinabalu Beach Resort is a top choice, just a 5-minute drive from the Kinabalu Diving Centre. The resort offers dedicated dive guest services, including complimentary snorkeling gear and dive trip bookings.
Unique Experience: Early morning trips to Mabul Island, renowned for vibrant coral reefs, where divers often encounter clownfish, rays, and even reef sharks.
Accessibility: Free shuttle service runs between the resort and the dive centre. Located in the city center, it’s within walking distance of restaurants and shopping areas—perfect for divers seeking comfort and convenience.
The Kinabalu Diving Centre specializes in deep-sea coral reef expeditions and night snorkeling tours. Their guided dives showcase Malaysia’s richest coral ecosystem along the East Coast, featuring over 120 coral species and diverse tropical fish.
The highlight is night snorkeling, where guests can spot bioluminescent jellyfish, nocturnal rays, and elusive octopuses using professional underwater lights—creating a surreal, cinematic experience.
All tours are led by certified, experienced instructors ensuring safety and educational value, suitable for both beginners and advanced divers.
From the Kinabalu Diving Centre, guests can take a private speedboat transfer to Mabul Island and Sipadan.
Journeys take 30–45 minutes, offering views of turquoise waters and dolphin pods along the way. Boats provide refreshments, snorkeling gear, and expert guides who share insights on marine life.
Best Time to Depart: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy optimal lighting for coral and fish viewing.
All vessels meet international safety standards with life vests and wireless communication—ensuring a secure and unforgettable adventure.
After diving, visit the Kota Kinabalu Spa Resort for a natural mineral hot spring bath and a traditional Malaysian massage.
Highlight: Full-body massage using local herbal oils helps relieve muscle fatigue and enhances recovery.
Additionally, enjoy free cocktails and live music at the beachfront sunset bar, perfect for sharing dive stories with friends.
The resort also features an infinity pool overlooking the city and mountain range, offering a serene finale to your adventurous day.
Sabah Beach Resort is ideal for divers, just a 5-minute drive from Coral World Diving Centre. It features private beach access, on-site snorkeling, and expertly curated dive packages including coral reef eco-tours and night diving experiences. Rooms showcase indigenous Kadazan-Dusun cultural motifs and offer panoramic ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows, capturing the vibrant hues of the South China Sea. The resort also provides 24/7 dive gear rental and safety briefings, ensuring seamless and secure underwater adventures.
From Kota Kinabalu city center, guests can take a complimentary shuttle bus or book a private transfer—both taking about 15 minutes. The center also offers airport-to-resort transfers, ideal for international travelers. Additionally, several seaplane routes connect directly to nearby islands, providing fast access to remote dive sites. All transport options are synchronized with dive schedules, eliminating transfers and ensuring punctuality and comfort throughout your journey.
Beyond standard snorkeling and diving, Coral World Diving Centre offers hands-on coral restoration programs, where guests plant coral fragments to support reef recovery. There’s also a sea turtle tracking program, guided by experts observing wild turtles’ natural behaviors. During summer, the center hosts underwater art exhibitions, blending submerged sculptures with ecological tours for an immersive marine art experience. All activities are led by certified guides, ensuring safety and suitability for all skill levels.
Opt for an early morning dive tour (departing at 7:30 AM) from Coral World Diving Centre, which includes full gear, expert guidance, and transport. The itinerary covers two prime sites: Sacred Reef and Dolphin Bay, teeming with colorful fish and vibrant coral. After diving, enjoy a local-style breakfast at the center and receive a personalized dive certificate. This well-optimized route minimizes travel time, includes insurance and emergency support, and delivers maximum value in a single day.
Yes, Coral World Diving Centre provides PADI Open Water Diver-certified courses for beginners. The program includes classroom sessions, pool training, and two open-water dives. Instructors are globally certified with extensive teaching experience, ensuring every participant masters essential safety skills. Full gear is provided, along with bilingual (Chinese/English) instruction. Upon completion, participants receive an international diving certification, enabling immediate exploration of natural dive sites.
Try Seafood Pier Restaurant, located right next to the diving centre, famous for fresh catches like grouper, lobster, and sea urchin. Their signature dish, Coral Seafood Pot, blends local spices with coconut milk, capturing the essence of the South China Sea. The restaurant uses eco-friendly bamboo furniture and features an ocean-view terrace. Additionally, the centre offers post-dive recovery bundles with high-protein drinks and fresh fruit to help restore energy quickly after diving.
See what other travelers say about Diverse Borneo
This hotel in Kota Kinabalu is an absolute gem for value seekers! I was genuinely impressed by the combination of luxury amenities and affordability—feeling like I was getting a 5-star experience at a 4-star price. The fitness center is well-equipped, modern, and spotlessly clean, making it easy to stay active during my stay. The overall environment is peaceful and beautifully maintained, with excellent hygiene standards throughout. Best of all, it's just a 5-minute walk to the nearest shopping mall and some of the most authentic seafood stalls in town—perfect for a quick bite after a long day. If you're looking for comfort, convenience, and great service without breaking the bank, this is definitely the place to stay.
Staying at Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu was an absolute highlight of my trip to Sabah. The view from the balcony is breathtaking—every evening, the sunset painting the sea in golden hues feels like watching a living postcard. The room itself is spacious and thoughtfully designed: a comfortable bedroom, a separate living area perfect for relaxing with a movie, and a fully equipped kitchenette that made preparing simple meals easy and enjoyable. The bathroom features a smart wet-dry separation, making it both practical and refreshing. Location-wise, it couldn’t be better—just a short walk to the waterfront promenade, local night markets, and a variety of dining options. I loved strolling along the beach in the evenings, enjoying the cool breeze and the calming sound of waves. Everything about this stay was seamless—comfortable, convenient, and stunningly scenic. If you're visiting Kota Kinabalu, this is definitely a top pick for a memorable, stress-free experience.
Staying at Horizon Hotel was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The hotel ambiance is peaceful and well-maintained, with a charming small rooftop infinity pool that’s perfect for relaxing or snapping some great photos. Its location is unbeatable—just a short walk to Kota Kinabalu’s bustling Jalan Gaya for shopping and street food, and even closer to Sunrise Mall for dining and entertainment. What really stood out? Right outside the door, there’s a Misto Ice Cream shop—perfect for grabbing a cool drink anytime. Everything is so convenient, yet the place still feels quiet and private. With top-notch service and an excellent balance of comfort and value, this hotel truly delivers on every level. I’d definitely recommend it to travelers who want a hassle-free stay in Kota Kinabalu.
Staying at this Kota Kinabalu CBD Sky Hotel with a 2-bedroom suite was an absolute pleasure. The location is unbeatable—right in the heart of the city, making it super easy to explore local attractions, restaurants, and shopping areas without needing to rely on long commutes. The room itself was spacious and well-designed, offering plenty of comfort for a group or family stay. Everything was clean, modern, and thoughtfully equipped. What really stood out was the exceptional service—the staff were friendly, attentive, and always ready to help. Whether it was checking in or getting recommendations, they made the experience seamless. It’s rare to find such a perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and hospitality. I’d highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Kota Kinabalu, especially those looking for a stress-free, enjoyable stay.
The Gaya Centre Hotel completely exceeded my expectations! The room was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained—definitely not what I expected based on some of the older reviews. While the building has a bit of vintage charm and the décor feels dated, it's still in excellent condition overall. What really stands out is the location—just a 10-minute walk from Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman (Chinatown Pier), making it super convenient for exploring the area, grabbing street food, or heading out for a night on the town. The staff were friendly and helpful, adding to the great experience. If I’m ever back in Kota Kinabalu, this will be my top pick again. Highly recommended for travelers who value convenience and good value!
The value for money here is outstanding! The room was much larger than the photos suggested—especially the bathroom, which felt spacious and well-designed. Right across from the hotel is a convenience store, and there are several restaurants nearby that look promising. I especially loved the retro-inspired design with exposed concrete and brick walls—it gives the place a unique, cozy atmosphere. At night, it’s incredibly peaceful and relaxing, making it feel like a quiet retreat in the middle of the city. Cleanliness, layout, and attention to detail are all top-notch. This is definitely a standout choice if you're visiting Kota Kinabalu—I’d absolutely stay here again.
Staying at Celyn Hotel City Mall was an absolute delight. The hotel is perfectly located right beside and connected to the City Mall, making everything super convenient—whether you're grabbing a bite, shopping, or heading out to explore. There's such a wide variety of dining options nearby that you'll never go hungry, and the prices are very reasonable for the quality. The room was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained, with great attention to detail. Staff were friendly and helpful throughout our stay. Being directly linked to the mall means you can easily access all amenities without stepping outside, which is a huge plus, especially in the tropical heat. Overall, it’s a fantastic choice for travelers who value convenience, comfort, and great value. I’d highly recommend this hotel and would definitely stay here again.
Our entire stay at Hotel N°5 was absolutely fantastic from the moment we arrived. The hotel is immaculately clean, and it's clear the housekeeping team takes great pride in maintaining spotless rooms. The location strikes the perfect balance—close to downtown for easy access to restaurants and shops, yet quiet enough to unwind and get a good night’s sleep. The staff were consistently warm, professional, and genuinely welcoming—always smiling and ready to help with anything we needed. It felt less like a hotel and more like a home away from home. Highly recommend this gem in Kota Kinabalu for both comfort and convenience.
This homestay completely exceeded my expectations! Located just steps away from Jesselton Quay in Kota Kinabalu, it’s incredibly convenient—right next to the waterfront with easy access to local transport and attractions. The room design is a standout: modern yet cozy, with thoughtful details that make it feel truly special. The view? Absolutely breathtaking—every morning I woke up to the gentle waves and golden sunrises over the sea. It felt like staying in a little paradise. The host was warm, welcoming, and always ready to help with tips or recommendations. Cleanliness, comfort, and hospitality all at top level. I’ll definitely be coming back and highly recommend this gem to anyone visiting Kota Kinabalu.
Staying at Jesselton Quay Citypads in Kota Kinabalu was an absolute delight! The location is unbeatable—just a short walk to the central seafood market, the famous durian street, and vibrant Gaya Street for shopping and nightlife. The sea view from the room is stunning, with gentle ocean breezes drifting through the window. The pillows were incredibly comfortable, making for a restful night’s sleep. I especially appreciated having a small kitchenette—perfect for preparing light meals or snacks before heading out on a day trip. Everything is so convenient: shopping malls, local eateries, and transportation are all within walking distance. The value for money is outstanding—this place offers luxury and comfort without the premium price tag. Highly recommend this gem if you're visiting Kota Kinabalu!
This is my second time booking Hotel Bundusan for my dad, who specifically asked to stay here again — and now I understand why! He stayed solo for two nights and absolutely loved the experience. The room was brand new, spotlessly clean, and so quiet — perfect for a relaxing getaway. The front desk staff were genuinely friendly and welcoming, which made a lasting impression. If you're looking for a peaceful, comfortable stay in Kota Kinabalu, this hotel is a top recommendation. It’s clear that attention to detail and guest comfort are taken seriously here.
Stayed at InHotel Inanam and was truly impressed from start to finish. The staff were exceptionally friendly and attentive, always ready to help with any request. The hotel's surroundings are beautiful—clean, peaceful, and surrounded by lush greenery, just steps away from the beach. Public transportation is nearby, making it easy to explore Kota Kinabalu. The room was spotless, well-appointed, and had a modern, calming vibe. I especially appreciated the thoughtful touches throughout the property—everything felt intentional and comfortable. It’s rare to find such a relaxing atmosphere combined with great service and value. Definitely planning to return and recommending it to everyone.
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