Jesselton, the old name of Kota Kinabalu, carries the city’s deep-rooted soul. Wandering its quiet alleys, you’ll find faded signs, wooden shophouses, and snippets of local chatter—all speaking of a past that still lingers. Though now part of a modern metropolis, this historic charm remains, quietly waiting around every corner for curious travelers to uncover.

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 luxury ocean-view hotel is your perfect getaway! Located in the city center, it offers stunning sea views, an outdoor pool, and a poolside bar for ultimate relaxation. With an executive lounge and business center, it caters to both work and leisure. Families will love the kids' pool and children's meals, while the spa massage and sauna are ideal for unwinding. Enjoy Chinese-friendly services and shuttle transfers for a seamless stay!

Nestled in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, this newly listed 2024 hotel is your perfect getaway! Enjoy breathtaking sunsets from the infinity pool and rooftop bar, or stay active at the 24-hour fitness center. Spacious rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies with stunning city and mountain views. Ideally located, it’s just steps away from shopping malls and the ferry terminal, making it great for families. With kid-friendly amenities like a play area and special meals, plus Chinese-speaking staff, every guest feels at home. Whether for business or leisure, this hotel has it all!

This hotel is perfect for family vacations and business trips! Located in the city center, it’s just a short walk to shopping hotspots. With a kids’ pool and children’s meals, little ones will have a blast while parents relax. Chinese signage makes communication effortless. Unwind at the fitness center or outdoor pool, and enjoy the warm hospitality tailored for Chinese guests. The breakfast is fantastic, offering great value. Don’t miss out!

Looking for a taste of Sabah's legendary hospitality? This luxury hotel is your perfect choice! Located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, just 15 minutes from the airport, it offers 288 spacious rooms and suites with stunning views of the South China Sea or the city. Dine on everything from local buffets to Japanese cuisine and Western dishes. Kids will love the children's pool and play area, while adults can relax by the outdoor pool, enjoy spa treatments, or hit the gym. Ideal for business meetings, weddings, or family getaways – it’s got it all!

This hotel is perfect for both family vacations and business trips! The infinity pool offers stunning ocean views, while the kids' pool and play area keep the little ones entertained. Conveniently located near popular attractions and dining spots, it also features a 24-hour fitness center and business facilities to meet all your needs. As a 2024 award-winning hotel, quality is guaranteed. Don't miss out!

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!






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 a smart choice for travelers! Located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, it's just a short walk to shopping malls and attractions, with free breakfast and high-speed Wi-Fi to make your stay hassle-free. The rooms are modern and cozy, featuring premium bedding for a perfect night's sleep. Love adventure? Try snorkeling, diving, or hiking, then unwind at the fitness center. Whether for business or family trips, the comprehensive amenities and thoughtful services here will exceed your expectations!

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 Jesselton
Recommended is Royal Sabah Resort, located directly on Kota Kinabalu Beach, offering panoramic sea views from spacious rooms. Just a 5-minute walk to Kota Kinabalu Port, the hotel features a private sandy beach, outdoor pool, and seafood restaurant. Guests can enjoy sunrise over Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park from their balcony. Convenient access to ferries heading to Mount Kinabalu makes it ideal for nature lovers seeking adventure.
Take a private transfer service or rent a car—about 1.5 hours via the Kinabalu Highway, passing through lush rainforests and scenic valleys. Public transport options include buses from Kota Kinabalu Bus Terminal, but schedules are limited and require transfers. It’s advisable to book guided tours in advance to secure permits and ensure a smooth journey to the mountain base camp.
Must-try activities include snorkeling at Mabul Island and Sipadan Island, both world-renowned for vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Local tour operators offer full-day packages including boat fares, gear, and guided dives. Additionally, kayaking along the Kinabalu River offers a unique chance to explore mangrove ecosystems and spot nocturnal fireflies. Many hotels provide free snorkeling equipment rental for guest convenience.
Visit Jalan Klang Night Market and Kota Kinabalu Central Market, where local street vendors serve specialties like Sabah grilled pork skewers, coconut chicken porridge, and mango sticky rice. Open until late, these bustling markets offer authentic local flavors and lively atmosphere. Most stalls accept e-wallet payments, and covered areas ensure comfort even during tropical showers.
Start your day with a hike through Kinabalu National Park’s misty forest trails, observing rare flora and fauna. Return to town for lunch, then take a river kayaking tour along the Kinabalu River at dusk. End the day with a sunset view from Kota Kinabalu Tower. Most activities can be booked as all-inclusive tours, simplifying logistics and enhancing safety.
Recommended is Marriott Resort Kota Kinabalu, featuring a kids’ playroom, family pool, and themed rooms with complimentary child meals and entertainment programs. Nearby Shangri-La Resort Sabah also offers a large kids’ club and family activity packages. Both properties are close to Kota Kinabalu Marine Park, enabling easy access to interactive marine education sessions for children.
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