Select your travel dates to find the best prices and availability
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 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
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.
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 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 Marina Travellers Suite Sky Karamunsing was an absolutely delightful experience, especially for families. The location is excellent—just a short walk from the beach and close to all the local attractions. The room was spacious, clean, and well-equipped with modern amenities. What truly stood out was the stunning sea view from the rooftop terrace, perfect for watching sunsets over the water. The staff were friendly and helpful throughout our stay. We appreciated the family-friendly layout—plenty of room for everyone, including kids who had their own cozy corner. Great value for money and a welcoming atmosphere. Definitely planning to return.
I was pleasantly surprised by how great this hotel turned out to be—right in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, with everything within walking distance. The location is perfect: short walk to the beach, local markets, restaurants, and attractions. The sea is incredibly blue, and sunset views are absolutely stunning. Security is solid—access requires a key card, which gives peace of mind. Staff are friendly and helpful, even with minimal English. Simple phrases like '1-10', 'bathroom', or 'how much' get the job done. Rooms are clean, well-maintained, and offer good value for money. I’d definitely stay here again on my next trip to Sabah. A real gem!
The apartment was excellent overall—spacious, comfortable, and well-decorated with modern appliances that made the stay very enjoyable. The room layout is generous, offering plenty of space for a family getaway. Free parking access with ample space was a big plus, and it’s just a short walk to Imago Mall, making shopping and dining super convenient. However, there were a few drawbacks: the washing machine didn’t work at all, and the TV required excessive pressure on the remote control to respond. There were also persistent yellow lines on the screen, and frequent buffering disrupted movie-watching sessions. Most disappointing was the lack of Netflix access—no option to install it despite trying. For a 3-night stay where we planned to unwind together with some shows at night, this was a real letdown. That said, despite these issues, the positive aspects still stand out. The size, comfort, and clean design make it worth considering for future stays. I’d definitely revisit if we’re looking for a home-like retreat in Kota Kinabalu.
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 Sunset Seaview Vacation Condos was an absolute delight. The location is unbeatable—right above Imago Shopping Mall, so everything you need is just steps away. From dining and shopping to entertainment, it’s all within easy reach. The apartment itself was clean, well-maintained, and had a lovely sea view that made every moment feel special, especially during sunset. The convenience of being in the heart of the city without sacrificing comfort or privacy is hard to beat. I’d highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Kota Kinabalu. It’s a perfect blend of relaxation and accessibility—truly a standout choice.
I was completely blown away by how perfect the location is—just a 10-minute walk to Pasar Philipin, the local wet market, grocery stores, and more. Everything you need is within reach without needing a ride. The amenities are well thought out, and every single staff member I interacted with went above and beyond. I arrived late at night, and the front desk agent (even though I didn’t catch her name) was incredibly warm, welcoming, and helpful—she made me feel right at home. One thing that truly touched me: I accidentally left my wallet behind. Only after reaching the airport did I realize it was missing. I called the hotel immediately, and they confirmed they had kept it safe for me. I was so relieved and emotional—I couldn’t believe how thoughtful and responsible everyone was. From housekeeping to front desk, every team member showed genuine care and professionalism. This isn’t just a place to stay—it’s a memorable experience. I already know I’ll be back. Thank you all so much for your kindness and dedication. You’ve earned a loyal guest!
Staying at Sunset Seaview Vacation Condos @ Infinity Avenue was an absolute delight. The location is incredibly convenient—just a short walk to IMAGO Shopping Mall, and the ground floor is packed with great dining options, so you can grab a meal without even stepping outside. The sea views from the rooms are stunning, especially at sunset. Everything was clean, modern, and well-maintained, making it a perfect base for exploring Kota Kinabalu. I’d highly recommend this place to anyone looking for comfort, convenience, and a touch of coastal charm.
This was our first stay at Hotel Five 2, and it absolutely exceeded our expectations. We arrived early at 8:00 AM, and the front desk staff were incredibly welcoming—they happily stored our luggage without any hassle. During checkout, a kind staff member even offered us complimentary coffee and tea in the lobby, which added such a warm, personal touch. The bed was comfortable, the bathroom was simple but spotlessly clean, and the overall atmosphere felt cozy and well-maintained. Location-wise, it’s unbeatable—just a 5-minute walk to Centre Point, making it super easy to explore the city on foot. Whether you're here for business or leisure, this hotel delivers great value and genuine hospitality. We’d definitely stay here again and highly recommend it to fellow travelers.
Explore more amazing destinations