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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.
In Kota Kinabalu, this resort is your dream getaway! With a private beach, stunning sea views, and luxurious spa, your perfect vacation starts here. The water park and kids' club keep the little ones entertained, while adults can relax at the sunset bar, sipping signature cocktails while watching the Borneo sunset. Explore coral island snorkeling and water sports, with surprises around every corner. The suites blend Borneo’s rich culture, and the 6 unique restaurants offer everything from seafood feasts to BBQ. As a 2024 award-winning hotel, it’s a must-visit!
This resort is a paradise for families and couples! Located in Kota Kinabalu, its longhouse-style lobby showcases Borneo’s traditional charm, while the 456 beautifully decorated suites offer stunning views of the South China Sea and lush gardens. Kids will love the children’s club, water slides, and kiddie pool—guaranteed fun! Foodies rejoice: Ferdinand’s is hailed as one of Malaysia’s top Italian restaurants, and Five Sails serves a lavish breakfast buffet and Sunday brunch for lazy mornings. Unwind with spa treatments, tee off at the golf course, or dive into adventures at the nearby Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Whether you seek relaxation or excitement, this place has it all.
Perfect for both family vacations and business trips! Kids will love the water slides, playroom, and kids' club, while parents can unwind with spa treatments or a round of golf. With convenient airport transfers and Chinese signage, communication is effortless. Enjoy top-notch amenities like the pool, fitness center, and bar, all in a beautiful setting with friendly staff. Whether you're here to relax or work, this hotel has it all!
This hotel is a perfect choice for family trips! Kids will love the water slides and playground, while adults can relax at the spa or sauna. Located just steps away from Imago Mall, it offers 20 restaurants and 3 bars to choose from. The rooms are luxurious with free minibar and Egyptian cotton sheets, plus free WiFi and a 24-hour business center for both fun and work. A truly convenient and comfortable stay!
This is a perfect family-friendly hotel with a kids' playground and water park, ensuring endless fun for the little ones! The children's pool is safe and enjoyable. Adults can unwind at the fitness center or relax in the sauna. The spacious rooms feature 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, ideal for 8-9 guests, and come with a dryer and laundry room for added convenience. Located near a golf course with stunning sunset sea views, it’s the ultimate getaway spot!
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
Staying at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru in Kota Kinabalu felt like stepping into a tropical dream. The moment you arrive, you're surrounded by lush gardens and the gentle sound of waves—seriously, it's like being transported to a hidden paradise. The resort has multiple pools, including a stunning infinity pool with panoramic sea views, plus a fun kids' water slide that kept the little ones entertained all day. I highly recommend the Chi Spa—had a traditional Asian treatment that left me completely relaxed and refreshed. The private marina, STAR Marina, is perfect for adventure seekers: we went snorkeling and kayaking right from the dock, and the crystal-clear waters were full of colorful fish. Every detail, from the service to the ambiance, feels thoughtfully crafted. It’s not just a stay—it’s an experience. Definitely one of the most memorable trips I’ve ever had.
The Magellan Sutera Resort is an absolute gem in Kota Kinabalu. From the moment we arrived, everything felt premium and well thought out. The resort boasts a wide range of facilities—perfect for both relaxation and fun. The infinity pool is stunning, especially at sunset, and the on-site restaurants serve delicious, fresh meals with great variety. I especially loved the spa and the beachfront bar where I could unwind with a cocktail while watching the waves. There’s also a private dock, table tennis, and even a bowling alley—so many options if you don’t feel like leaving the property. Cleanliness was top-notch throughout; every corner was spotless, from the rooms to the public areas. The location is ideal—close to attractions but tucked away in a peaceful setting. What really stood out was the service: staff were genuinely attentive, friendly, and went the extra mile—some even reached out via messaging app to check in after check-in. It felt personal, not just transactional. If you’re looking for a relaxing, hassle-free getaway with excellent value, this resort is absolutely worth it.
I booked this room during a promotion and got the sea-view twin room with breakfast for under $600—such a great deal. The Pacific Sutera Hotel shares facilities with the nearby Magellan Sutera, which has a larger pool area and even a small waterfall—perfect for relaxing after a day out. One of the biggest perks is having their own private dock, making it super easy to book boat trips directly on-site. Yes, it’s a bit pricier than going through external vendors, but the convenience and time saved are totally worth it. I arrived in the morning and asked if early check-in was possible—surprisingly, they accommodated me right away with no deposit required. Super friendly staff and smooth process. Unfortunately, it rained for both days of my stay, so I missed seeing the sunset from the hotel—but if the weather had been sunny, that view would’ve been absolutely stunning. Overall, an excellent experience with fantastic value and service. Definitely coming back.
This apartment truly needs no extra praise. From the meticulous details in the room to the exceptional service from the staff, it easily matches the standards of luxury hotels I've stayed at before. The concierge responded incredibly fast—even when I checked in at midnight without prior notice, my message was acknowledged within minutes and arrangements were made seamlessly. They even helped carry my luggage, which was such a thoughtful touch. The room was spotless, with zero overlooked corners, especially the bathroom—so clean it felt almost sterile. And yes, they’ve upgraded the amenities too: Dyson hairdryers! The only minor downside is the occasional airplane noise overhead, but they’ve thoughtfully provided 3-meter earplugs, which work surprisingly well. Located right near Imago Mall in Kota Kinabalu, it’s super convenient for exploring the city center by public transport. For comfort, cleanliness, and responsiveness, this place is an absolute standout—highly recommend!
Staying at this apartment was an absolute delight! The rooftop gym is well-equipped, and right below, there’s a beautiful pool with panoramic ocean views. Watching the sun set over the sea every evening was magical—planes flying overhead and boats gliding across the water made it feel like a scene from a dream. One of the best things? You can swim in your clothes—no need for swimsuits or swim caps, which felt so relaxed and authentic to local culture. The room itself was spotless, fresh-smelling, and incredibly comfortable. The housekeeping staff were super friendly—they even let us store our luggage in the room right away, so we didn’t have to carry it around. Every detail felt thoughtfully designed for guest comfort. If you’re looking for a peaceful, stylish, and hassle-free stay in Kota Kinabalu, this place is a must-try.
Staying at Borneo Coastal Residence @ Imago Mall was an absolute delight. The location is incredibly convenient—just steps away from a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and supermarkets. Grab rides and pickups are super easy to arrange, making getting around hassle-free. What stood out the most was how many nearby spots stay open 24/7, which came in handy during late-night cravings or last-minute needs. The apartment itself is clean, well-maintained, and offers a peaceful retreat right in the heart of the action. With great access to everything and a comfortable, modern feel, this place truly delivers excellent value. I’d definitely book again and recommend it to any traveler visiting Kota Kinabalu.
The location is perfect—right downstairs is a supermarket and Burger King, and it’s just a short walk to Jalan Gaya, where you’ll find tons of trendy restaurants and cafes. The sea view from the floor-to-ceiling windows is absolutely stunning; waking up to that view every morning felt like a dream. The building has secure access with keycard elevators, and there’s a lovely pool on the 6th floor—great for relaxing after exploring the city. The room was spotless, well-maintained, and even came with complimentary water and drinks. What stood out most was the service: they reached out before arrival to confirm details, making check-in and check-out smooth and stress-free. No waiting, no hassle—just a seamless stay. Everything about this place exceeded expectations. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Kota Kinabalu looking for comfort, convenience, and a peaceful seaside vibe.
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 this charming homestay was an absolute delight! The rooms were incredibly comfortable and spotlessly clean, with a cozy atmosphere that made it feel like home. What stood out most was the excellent value for money—pricing is very fair considering the quality of service and amenities offered. The infinity pool overlooking Sutera Avenue is simply stunning and perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring Kota Kinabalu. On-site parking is secure and easily accessible, which added to the peace of mind during our stay. Friendly staff, quiet location, and easy access to local attractions made the entire experience seamless. Highly recommended for travelers seeking comfort, convenience, and a touch of luxury without breaking the bank.
Staying at The Shore Kota Kinabalu City Centre was an absolute delight. The spacious two-bedroom unit offered plenty of room, perfect for families or a group of friends. Everything you’d need was included—fully equipped kitchen, washing machine, refrigerator—making it super convenient to prepare meals and keep things organized. Located right in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, it’s just steps away from local shops, restaurants, and attractions. Check-in and check-out were smooth and hassle-free, with friendly staff who made the experience even better. The best part? The view from the window—it opens up to stunning sea vistas, especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset. If you’re looking for comfort, convenience, and a great location all in one, this place is a top choice. I’ll definitely be coming back.
Staying at Marimari Marina Service Condo in Kota Kinabalu was an absolute highlight of our trip. Located right across from the airport, it’s incredibly convenient—just a 10 MYR ride from the terminal, and no need to worry about long waits or complicated transfers. Though there’s no front desk, the host is super responsive through the platform, and when we arrived, they were already waiting with a car to greet us and escort us straight to the unit. The staff was friendly, spoke fluent Mandarin, and made us feel welcome right away. The apartment itself is spacious—around 110 sqm with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two balconies. It’s clean, well-maintained, and feels like home. The kitchen is large and fully equipped with all essentials for cooking, and the utensils are more than enough for everyday meals. The view faces a main road but still offers partial sea views from the balcony—perfect for morning coffee or evening relaxation. We stayed with a group of friends and family, and everyone loved the roomy layout and comfort. For the price, this is seriously great value. Would definitely book again.
The host went above and beyond to ensure a comfortable stay. When I arrived, I noticed a plumbing issue in the initial unit, and without hesitation, they promptly arranged a larger two-bedroom apartment for me—no extra charge, no hassle. The new space was clean, spacious, and well-equipped. What really stood out was the daily refreshment of fresh towels, bottled water, tea, and coffee—small touches that made a big difference. Their responsiveness and genuine care made all the difference. I couldn’t have asked for better service. Highly recommend this place for anyone looking for comfort, flexibility, and exceptional hospitality.
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