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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 upscale hotel is a dream for both business travelers and families! With executive floors, fitness center, and outdoor pool, every need is covered. Kids will love the dedicated club, playroom, and children's pool. Unwind at the poolside bar with exotic cocktails while soaking in sunset views over the South China Sea. Superbly located—3 mins to the bus terminal, 10 mins to the airport, plus Chinese-speaking staff and airport transfers. Pure convenience meets luxury!
This hotel is perfect for both families and business travelers! With a kids' pool and children's meals, your little ones will be well taken care of, while the fitness center and non-smoking floors ensure adults can relax. Located just 15 minutes from the airport with a shuttle service, it's surrounded by the city's liveliest areas, making shopping and dining a breeze. The rooms are thoughtfully designed with brand TVs and high-speed internet, plus stunning views of the South China Sea and breathtaking sunsets. If you want to unwind, the barbecue facilities and bar are perfect for a cozy evening!
This 4.4-star gem offers executive floors and Chinese hospitality for both business and leisure. Steps away from IMAGO Mall and the seaside, it’s a paradise for shoppers and foodies! Choose sea-view rooms with cozy living areas, unwind at the pool or gym, and indulge in dim sum at the Chinese restaurant or global dishes at the café. With event spaces and top-notch service, it’s perfect for weddings, meetings—or just savoring Kota Kinabalu’s charm!
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 Ming Garden Hotel & Residences always feels like a treat. The room is spacious, spotlessly clean, and the bed is incredibly comfortable—perfect for unwinding after a busy week. The air conditioning keeps the room pleasantly cool, making it ideal for a relaxing weekend getaway. I’m already looking forward to coming back next week and hoping to book the same room again. Parking was a bit tight on Sunday, but since I was checking out that day, it wasn’t an issue. Overall, everything was excellent—from service to amenities. Highly recommend this place for anyone visiting Kota Kinabalu!
The hotel is exceptionally clean and doesn’t carry any of the typical local odors that can sometimes be off-putting—definitely a big plus. I was truly impressed with the overall atmosphere and comfort. Located right next to Suria Sabah Mall, everything you’d need—from shopping to dining—is literally just steps away. The view from the window was stunning, especially during sunset when the city lights began to sparkle. It’s also super convenient for getting to the airport via public transit. This stay exceeded my expectations, and if I ever return to Kota Kinabalu, I’d definitely book here again. Highly recommend this hotel for travelers who value cleanliness, location, and a great vibe.
From Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu, this hotel has been the best value for money I've experienced so far. Though it has a long history, the renovation is recent and thorough—every facility feels modern and well-maintained. The restaurant and bar downstairs have a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for relaxing with a drink while watching the sunset over the sea. My room was spacious and comfortable, with a deep bathtub that made soaking after a long day absolutely blissful. There’s even a large wardrobe—great for storing all my luggage. The staff are attentive and helpful, offering travel tips and currency exchange right at the lobby. Cleanliness is outstanding—spotless from top to bottom. Best of all? The view. Open the window, and you're greeted by the ocean and stunning sunsets every evening. Plus, it's just a 10-minute walk to Central Market and Gaya Street Night Market—perfect for grabbing local snacks, souvenirs, or just soaking in the lively street vibe. This place truly combines comfort, convenience, and charm in one.
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 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!
My stay here was absolutely fantastic! The room was spotless—so clean, it felt like a fresh start every time I walked in. The bedding was comfortable, and the overall atmosphere was peaceful and welcoming. Staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, always ready to help with a smile. Despite being located in a vibrant area, the place is surprisingly quiet—no noise from the street or neighboring units, which made for a restful night’s sleep. It's perfectly situated near the waterfront, just a short walk away for evening strolls along the bay. There are plenty of dining options and convenience stores nearby, making everything super accessible. The location is ideal for exploring Kota Kinabalu, and the value for money is outstanding. I’d definitely come back and recommend this place to anyone visiting Sabah.
I stayed at AC Residence for a total of six nights across two separate trips—five nights and one night—while traveling to Kuching. The room was exceptionally clean, and the location couldn’t be better: right next to convenience stores, street food stalls, and all kinds of dining options. I was pleasantly surprised by two room upgrades during my stays, which made the experience even more comfortable and enjoyable. Communication via WhatsApp was smooth and prompt—every message was answered quickly, and the care and support felt genuine. It’s clear the team truly values guest satisfaction. Thank you so much for such a memorable stay!
I stayed at AJ Residence for one night and was genuinely impressed by the value for money. The room matched the photos exactly—no surprises, no overpromising. The lighting created a warm and inviting atmosphere, making the space feel cozy and relaxing. The bathroom features a smart separation between wet and dry areas, which is super practical. The water pressure was excellent—strong and consistent, turning my shower into a mini spa experience. While the room is compact, it’s beautifully designed with thoughtful touches that make it feel welcoming. It’s incredibly close to Jalan Gaya—just a short walk away, perfect for exploring local eateries, shops, and street vibes. Public transport access is convenient, and getting around town is hassle-free. The staff were friendly and attentive, always ready to help. Overall, this place offers a comfortable, well-located, and memorable stay. I’ll definitely be back next time I visit Kota Kinabalu.
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