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Featured Hotels Near Likas Bay
Discover LIKAS LAGOON, a hidden gem nestled right in the heart of town. Crystal-clear waters mirror the sky and trees, creating a peaceful mirror-like oasis. Sit on the wooden boardwalk, sip a chilled drink, and watch ducks glide across the surface. It’s not a far-off retreat—it’s the calm breath the city needs.
Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu
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!
The Magellan Sutera Resort
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.
The Pacific Sutera Hotel
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!
Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu
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!
Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu
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!
Hilton Kota Kinabalu
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!
Hyatt Regency Kinabalu
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!
Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel
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!
Ritz Residence @ Imago Mall Loft B
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!
Loft B Imago Mall Sunset Seaview Golf Course 8-9pax 3Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms
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!
Sheraton Kota Kinabalu
High Floor City View @ JQ Central Near Suria Sabah
Nervalogy24 Suites Ming Garden
JQ TriPPlay
Jesselton quay by sabah lover
Ming Garden Hotel & Residences
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!
Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre
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!
Grandis Hotel Kota Kinabalu
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!
Seaview Jesselton Quay Near Suria Sabah, Gaya Street
Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu
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!
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Likas Bay
Regency Resort Kota Kinabalu is a top choice, just 10 minutes from Likas Lagoon, featuring indoor and outdoor pools, a kids' playground, and a seaside promenade. The resort offers complimentary shuttle service to the city center and can arrange private guides for nearby mangrove tours. Rooms blend local Kadazan-Dusun designs with floor-to-ceiling windows, offering stunning views of the sunrise over the lagoon, making it ideal for a relaxed family getaway.
From the city center, take a taxi or Grab—it’s only about 8 km and takes 15 minutes. Fares range from RM25 to RM35. For budget travelers, bus line 79 stops at "Likas" station, a 10-minute walk from the lagoon. Visit early in the day to avoid afternoon heat and enjoy the serene beauty of the morning light reflecting on the calm waters.
Join a mangrove ecosystem boat tour guided by local experts, navigating through towering roots and spotting crabs, birds, and even monitor lizards. Nighttime snorkeling reveals vibrant coral reefs and nocturnal marine life. Some operators offer photography packages capturing flying fish leaping and shadowy predators gliding beneath the surface—rare, unforgettable moments in nature.
Yes! The mangrove boardwalk is a prime spot, especially during golden hour, when sunlight filters through the canopy, creating dreamy patterns on the water. The waterfront viewing platform in the lagoon’s center offers panoramic shots of the lagoon and distant hills. Bring waterproof gear and lightweight clothing for optimal photo opportunities amid humidity and breeze.
Must-try dishes include Sambal Ikan (spicy grilled fish) and Nasi Lemak from street vendors. Visit the fresh seafood market daily to pick your catch and have it cooked at your hotel—affordable and delicious. Don’t miss handmade coconut candy from local workshops, best enjoyed with a cup of local coffee for an authentic Sabahan taste experience.
The ideal season is March to September, when weather is dry and skies are clear, perfect for boat rides and snorkeling. June to August is peak season for flying fish sightings, while evening visits may reveal fireflies dancing among trees. Book accommodations and tours in advance to avoid crowds and ensure smooth access during high season.
Radisson Resort Kota Kinabalu is a top choice, just 10 minutes from Likas Lagoon. The resort features a private beachfront pool, eco-guided walking trails, and stunning views of the lagoon blending with surrounding hills. Rooms incorporate indigenous Kadazan-Dusun motifs, offering air conditioning and free Wi-Fi for comfort.
Families can enjoy daily marine life educational workshops, learning about mangrove ecosystems firsthand. Complimentary shuttle buses connect to downtown and major attractions, ensuring easy access. Nearby, local night markets and restaurants serve fresh seafood and authentic Malaysian dishes, making it an ideal destination for a relaxed, immersive family getaway.
Travel from Kota Kinabalu city center via local bus (e.g., Route 702) or Grab ride-hailing service, taking approximately 25 to 30 minutes to reach Likas Lagoon. For self-drive, head along Jalan Gaya then turn onto Jalan Likas, where clear signage guides you. Free parking is available on-site.
Note that weekends and public holidays see higher foot traffic; avoid peak hours between 10 AM and 2 PM for a quieter experience. Several tour operators also offer guided eco-tour shuttles including pickup, drop-off, and expert commentary—ideal for exploring the lagoon’s rich mangrove ecosystem efficiently.
Likas Lagoon is one of Sabah’s well-preserved mangrove wetlands, offering guided canoe rides through winding waterways, revealing hidden species like mudskippers, crab-eating raccoons, and kingfishers. Some tours include nighttime spotlighting walks, allowing visitors to observe nocturnal creatures such as frogs and small mammals.
Local community-run eco-farms also provide hands-on workshops in making natural coconut soap and mangrove plant specimens, with proceeds supporting conservation efforts. All activities follow sustainable tourism principles, minimizing impact on wildlife habitats—perfect for an educational and enriching adventure.
Lagoon View Restaurant, located on a wooden pier beside the lagoon, specializes in fresh seafood and traditional Sabahan cuisine, with signature dishes like grilled grouper and coconut curry chicken. Ingredients are sourced daily from the local fishing port, ensuring peak freshness.
Another standout is Mangrove Café, known for its organic ingredients and eco-friendly packaging, serving unique treats like mango sticky rice and mangrove herbal tea. Both restaurants feature outdoor viewing decks overlooking the shimmering waters and flying birds.
Some meals can be booked as part of eco-tour combo packages, combining guided tours with culinary experiences—a perfect way to savor authentic Sabahan flavors in a serene setting.
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