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Step into Merdeka Square, where history lingers in every brick. The old red-walled monument stands tall, honoring Sabah’s independence, while sunlight filters through palm trees casting gentle shadows on the grass. Sit a moment, listen to the breeze, and feel the quiet pulse of the past still alive today.
Everything you need to know about Merdeka Square
InterContinental Kota Kinabalu is a top choice, located just a 5-minute walk from Merdeka Square, offering panoramic views of the monument and surrounding greenery. Its rooftop pool and floor-to-ceiling windows provide an immersive urban experience. Nearby, Kinabalu Park Resort offers a tranquil retreat with nature-focused amenities. Both properties are easily accessible via taxi (15 minutes from airport) or local bus routes, making them ideal for exploring the city center and cultural landmarks.
Hotels near Merdeka Square offer exceptional access to key sites: walking or short electric rides reach the Kota Kinabalu Tower, Maritime Museum, and Market Street. The square itself hosts daily cultural performances and night markets, perfect for evening strolls. For trips to Mount Kinabalu or Kinabalu National Park, many hotels arrange private transfers. Additionally, free city buses stop directly at the square, connecting guests to the airport and major shopping centers, ensuring seamless exploration.
Near Merdeka Square, visitors can enjoy weekend traditional dance performances showcasing Sabahan indigenous culture. The nearby Japanese-style teahouse serves authentic coconut coffee and local pastries, a favorite spot for photos. Evening guests can join a night market food tour, sampling specialties like Sabah fried noodles and durian skewers. The central monument blends Malaysian and Sabahan architectural elements, offering insight into regional history. Early morning visits provide cool air and ideal lighting for photography.
InterContinental Kota Kinabalu is ideal for families, featuring a children’s playroom, family suites, and 24-hour room service. Located steps from Merdeka Square, it offers easy access to the interactive children’s exhibition hall (3-minute walk). The hotel provides family-friendly guided tours combining nature education and cultural immersion. With safe walking paths and shaded areas, it’s perfect for outdoor family time. The infinity pool allows parents to relax while kids play safely under supervision. Numerous family-friendly dining options are available on-site, ensuring a stress-free and enjoyable stay.
Shangri-La Kota Kinabalu is a top choice, located just a 5-minute walk from Merdeka Square. The hotel offers modern amenities and breathtaking sea-view rooms, some with panoramic views of the Mount Kinabalu skyline and cityscape.
Another excellent option is Marriott Kota Kinabalu, situated close to shopping malls, waterfront promenades, and ferry terminals—ideal for travelers wanting to explore the city or enjoy snorkeling trips. Both hotels provide complimentary Wi-Fi and airport transfer services, enhancing convenience and comfort for guests.
From Merdeka Square, it’s a 5-minute walk to St. John’s Church, a historic colonial-era building showcasing elegant architecture. Continue walking 10 minutes to reach the Sabah State Government Building, known for its modernist design and green rooftop garden.
For Tanjong Manis Beach, take a short e-hailing or taxi ride (about 8 minutes) along scenic coastal roads. Alternatively, visit the nearby Kota Kinabalu Central Market directly across the square—perfect for sampling local delicacies like grilled Sabah fish and pandan-coconut rice cakes while immersing in authentic local culture.
Near Merdeka Square, visitors can enjoy traditional indigenous performances held on weekends at the open-air stage, featuring vibrant dances and native musical instruments from the Kadazan-Dusun and Bajau communities.
Just steps away, the Sabah Museum offers free admission and showcases authentic artifacts, traditional costumes, and historical exhibits highlighting the heritage of local tribes. For a hands-on experience, join a guided market tour led by local experts, exploring spice stalls and craft workshops where you can try making traditional woven baskets or batik fabrics, offering an immersive connection to Sabahan culture.
See what other travelers say about Merdeka Square
The price is really reasonable for what you get—over $200 per night for a two-room unit? That’s a solid deal. I’ll be honest, you do need to bring your own bedding set, so don’t expect luxury. But considering the rate, it’s totally acceptable. After landing in Kota Kinabalu, staying here for two nights felt just right—perfect for a budget-friendly stopover. The location is convenient, and getting around the city by public transit is easy. If you’re looking for something simple, clean, and affordable with a bit of comfort, this place works well. It won’t blow you away, but for the price, it’s a great value option.
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 Gaya Centre Hotel completely exceeded my expectations! The room was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained—definitely not what I expected based on some of the older reviews. While the building has a bit of vintage charm and the décor feels dated, it's still in excellent condition overall. What really stands out is the location—just a 10-minute walk from Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman (Chinatown Pier), making it super convenient for exploring the area, grabbing street food, or heading out for a night on the town. The staff were friendly and helpful, adding to the great experience. If I’m ever back in Kota Kinabalu, this will be my top pick again. Highly recommended for travelers who value convenience and good value!
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.
We had an amazing stay at Edward’s place—truly a highlight of our trip! The unit was spotless, spacious, and perfectly suited for our group of 12, including kids, with plenty of room to relax and unwind. Location-wise, it couldn’t be better—the Imago Shopping Mall is right in the same building, so grabbing snacks, essentials, or just a quick stroll was effortless. Plus, most of the top attractions are just a 10-minute drive away, making exploration super convenient. Edward went above and beyond as a host—friendly, responsive, and full of thoughtful recommendations for local eats and hidden gems that truly enhanced our experience. If you’re traveling with family or a large group, this is an absolute must-book. Highly recommend!
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 The Klagan Hotel in Kota Kinabalu was an absolute delight from start to finish. From the moment I checked in, the staff made me feel welcome and well taken care of—friendly, efficient, and genuinely attentive. The front desk team handled everything smoothly and even took time to walk me through the hotel’s amenities. Throughout my stay, room service was prompt and reliable; any request was addressed quickly and with a smile. One time, I accidentally left something behind in the restaurant, and they noticed it right away, reached out to me immediately—it was such a thoughtful gesture. As for dining, breakfast was fantastic: a great mix of local and international options, fresh fruits, perfectly cooked eggs, and warm bread that smelled amazing. Dinner was equally impressive—well-prepared dishes with good presentation and flavor. Overall, the combination of excellent service, comfort, and tasty food makes this hotel stand out. It’s not just a place to sleep—it feels like home away from home. I’ll definitely be back.
Staying at Cititel Express Kota Kinabalu was a truly pleasant experience. The hotel feels fresh and well-maintained—definitely recently renovated with no unpleasant odors, just a subtle, clean scent throughout the rooms. Cleanliness is excellent: everything from the bathroom to the bed linens felt spotless, with no signs of dust or grime. The overall environment is quiet and comfortable, with good sound insulation in most rooms. However, if you're on the side facing the main street, the windows aren’t fully soundproof—something to keep in mind when booking. Staff were friendly and helpful, especially during check-out; extending my stay by four hours cost only 90 MYR, which felt very reasonable. There’s a designated smoking area outside, neatly arranged and considerate of non-smokers. On-site, there's a supermarket and convenience store right downstairs, plus plenty of dining options nearby—no need to worry about finding food. The highlight? I was lucky enough to catch an absolutely stunning sunset from my window—one of those moments that made the whole trip unforgettable.
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.
Staying at Hotel Sixty3 in Kota Kinabalu was one of the highlights of my trip to Malaysia. I specifically chose this hotel because it has a unique charm and a sense of history—its architecture instantly reminded me of old European buildings I’ve seen before, which brought back memories of traveling with my wife years ago in Russia. The staff at the front desk were incredibly friendly and helpful, making check-in a pleasant experience. The interior design is thoughtfully done with eco-friendly materials and thoughtful touches throughout. Cleanliness is good overall, though there was a slight musty smell in the room—nothing major, but worth noting. What truly stands out is the location: directly across from the Kota Kinabalu Tourism Centre, just 2 minutes walk to Sunset Square and about 7–8 minutes to Jesselton Point Pier. On my last day, we returned from the pier during a sudden downpour—no taxis available—but walking back was easy and manageable thanks to the short distance. For travelers on a budget who still want a reliable, well-located, and character-filled stay, Hotel Sixty3 is an excellent choice. It’s convenient, authentic, and delivers great value. Highly recommend!
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.
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