
Kota Kinabalu/Oceanus Waterfront Mall Top Hotel Picks
Select your travel dates to find the best prices and availability

Select your travel dates to find the best prices and availability
Step into Borneo Mall, where Sabah’s shopping soul comes alive! From local handicrafts and trendy fashion to sizzling street eats, every corner bursts with authentic Borneo vibes. Whether you’re hunting for unique souvenirs or just want to chill with a cool coconut drink, this vibrant hub delivers the real local rhythm—a must-visit hotspot hidden in tropical charm!




















Everything you need to know about Oceanus Waterfront Mall
Royal Kota Kinabalu Resort Hotel is a top choice, just a 5-minute walk from Borneo Shopping Mall. It features an indoor pool, children's playground, and spacious family suites. The hotel offers complimentary shuttle services to the mall and nearby attractions, ideal for families.
Another excellent option is Marriott Kota Kinabalu Beach Resort, which boasts a private beach, 24-hour room service, and easy access to the mall’s dining plaza. Guests can enjoy authentic Malaysian cuisine and international dishes without leaving the vicinity. Both hotels are centrally located, making it convenient to explore Mount Kinabalu and marine eco-tours.
From Borneo Shopping Mall, you can take a private car or pre-booked shuttle service to Mount Kinabalu, a scenic 1.5-hour drive through mountainous terrain. For public transit, catch local buses like route 701 from outside the mall, transferring at the Sabah State Government Building stop en route to the base of the mountain—but frequencies are limited, so plan ahead.
A more efficient option is HopeGoo a guided day tour with round-trip transportation, offered by local travel agencies. These packages typically include guided tours, entrance fees, and pickup/drop-off services, priced between MYR 250–350. Many hotels also provide all-inclusive tour bundles, allowing guests to book directly at reception for seamless planning and hassle-free travel.
Near Borneo Shopping Mall, must-try local experiences include traditional Kadazan-Dusun dance performances held every Friday evening at the city square, showcasing vibrant cultural heritage. Take a snorkeling trip from Kota Kinabalu Harbor to explore the coral reefs of Mantam Island, home to diverse marine life.
Don’t miss the indigenous craft market set up outdoors near the mall, where visitors can purchase handwoven baskets, wood carvings, and natural spices directly from local artisans. As night falls, stroll along the Kota Kinabalu Riverfront, illuminated with soft lights and fragrant fruit stalls, capturing the authentic rhythm of daily life.
For deeper insight into local history, visit the Sabah Museum, whose architecture itself is a cultural landmark, housing extensive collections on biodiversity, indigenous traditions, and colonial heritage.
See what other travelers say about Oceanus Waterfront Mall

Staying at Paradise Suite @ Asia City was an absolute delight! The location is incredibly convenient—right next to Le Meridian Hotel, with a vibrant night market just a short walk away. There are plenty of shops nearby offering everything from food and massage services to laundry, making daily needs super easy to handle. The room itself was clean, well-maintained, and spacious—perfect for families or groups of friends. Check-in and check-out were smooth and hassle-free. We appreciated the daily housekeeping service, including fresh toilet paper and cleaning throughout our three-night stay—really thoughtful. The only minor downside is that parking requires purchasing coupons from a 7-Eleven, and there are occasional traffic fines in the area, so keep an eye on it. Overall, this place offers excellent value and a comfortable, stress-free experience. Highly recommend for travelers looking for convenience, cleanliness, and a home-like atmosphere.

The location is excellent—just a 1-minute walk to Gaya Street, making it super convenient for dining and exploring. The apartment was clean and well-maintained, which added to the positive experience. However, nighttime noise was quite noticeable, so if you're a light sleeper or sensitive to sound, it might be challenging to get a good night’s rest. I booked a room with two queen beds, expecting it to accommodate up to eight guests, but only three queen-sized beds were actually provided. After contacting the hotel, they confirmed the discrepancy was likely due to a system error on the booking platform. They offered to arrange a sofa bed, but by then it was already late, so my sister ended up sleeping on the couch. Despite this minor issue, the staff were very helpful and accommodating. Overall, I’m still happy with the stay—great value for money and a solid choice for travelers looking for convenience and comfort in Kota Kinabalu.

This place is an absolute gem! Even though the room is a bit compact, it's thoughtfully designed and feels cozy rather than cramped. The highlight? Having Netflix access right in the room—perfect for unwinding with my favorite shows after a long day of exploring Kota Kinabalu. I was pleasantly surprised by the sound insulation too; no noisy neighbors or hallway echoes to disturb the peace. What really stood out was how respectful and considerate all the guests were—everyone maintained a quiet, clean, and friendly atmosphere. It felt safe and welcoming from the moment I arrived. I stayed once and was already planning my return trip. If you're looking for a unique, well-kept, and affordable stay in North Borneo, this is definitely one to book. 10/10 would recommend!

Stayed at Century Hotel Inanam and had a fantastic experience overall. The location is super convenient—just a short walk to the city center and surrounded by great dining options. The hotel itself is clean, well-maintained, and staff are friendly and helpful throughout. My room was spacious, with a comfortable bed that made for a restful night’s sleep. I especially appreciated the little touches, like chilled water in the mini-fridge upon arrival—perfect for a refreshing drink right after check-in. Everything was just as expected, if not better. Great value for money and highly recommended. Definitely planning to stay here again on my next trip to Kota Kinabalu.

Staying at Toojou Kota Kinabalu was a fantastic experience overall. The hostel is clean, spacious, and well-maintained with a generous shared lounge area perfect for relaxing after a day out. Located right on Jalan Gaya, it's incredibly convenient—just steps away from restaurants, local shops, and markets. Getting around town is easy, whether by taxi or public transport. For sunset views, a short ride to the public beach does the trick, and walking north leads you straight to the Shangri-La area—quiet, peaceful, and ideal for unwinding. If you're into nature, I highly recommend the Weston mangrove tour. I booked the Adventure package (available via Taobao), and it was absolutely worth it. The guide was knowledgeable and friendly, the food served during the trip was delicious, and the wildlife spotting—especially monkeys in the mangroves—was unforgettable. The one downside? It’s a 2.5-hour one-way journey, but honestly, the scenery and experience make every minute worthwhile. This place offers great value and a genuine local vibe—definitely coming back.

My stay at Global Residency was absolutely fantastic from start to finish. The moment I arrived, the staff made me feel welcome with their warm and attentive service — helping with luggage, offering local tips, and always smiling. The room was spotless, comfortably furnished, and well-maintained, with a cozy bed that made for a restful night’s sleep. Every detail, from the clean bathrooms to the quiet ambiance, showed real care. The location is excellent — just a short walk to the city center and surrounded by great dining options and local markets. It’s rare to find such a peaceful yet convenient place, especially with such high-quality service. I left feeling completely satisfied and already planning my next visit. If you're in Kota Kinabalu, this hotel is a must-try — I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for comfort, cleanliness, and a welcoming atmosphere.

I stayed here for one night and was genuinely impressed by how clean, quiet, and welcoming this hostel felt. The room was spotless and peaceful—so quiet that you could hear the gentle hum of the sea outside. The common areas were just as well-maintained, with cozy seating and a few thoughtful touches like potted plants and natural lighting, making it a relaxing space to unwind. What stood out most was the front desk staff—they were incredibly friendly and helpful, offering genuine local tips on where to eat and explore nearby. Their warm hospitality made me feel right at home. If you're traveling solo and looking for a safe, comfortable, and authentic stay in Kota Kinabalu, this is a must-try. I’ll definitely be coming back on my next visit.

Staying at Hotel Eden54 was an absolute delight! The location is perfect—just a 3-minute walk to the shopping mall, making it super convenient for dining, shopping, and exploring. The room was clean, comfortable, and well-appointed with a cozy bed that made for a restful night’s sleep. The staff were friendly and helpful throughout our stay. I especially appreciated how quiet and well-maintained the property felt. With such a great vibe, excellent amenities, and unbeatable convenience, this hotel offers incredible value. I’d definitely return and recommend it to anyone visiting Kota Kinabalu.

The owner was incredibly welcoming—checked me in as early as 6 a.m. with zero hassle, which was perfect after a long journey. I stayed for three nights and absolutely loved the view from the lounge area, where I could watch the sunset every evening. Unfortunately, it rained all three days, but that didn’t take away from the overall experience. The space capsule-style rooms are unique, cozy, and well-designed—really fun to stay in. The atmosphere is relaxing, the staff is friendly, and the location is convenient. Despite the weather, I’d definitely come back. Great value, great vibe, and truly memorable.

The room was incredibly comfortable and spotlessly clean, with a minimalist 'less is more' design that really stood out. I’ve stayed here multiple times for business trips to Kota Kinabalu, and it’s become my go-to choice every single time. The location is convenient—just a short ride on the metro to downtown—and the price is excellent for what you get. It’s not just affordable; it’s a great value overall. Highly recommend this hotel if you’re looking for comfort, cleanliness, and a calm, modern vibe without breaking the bank.

My stay at Escape Backpackers KK was absolutely fantastic! The capsule-style bunk beds were spotless, incredibly comfortable, and offered great privacy with individual lighting and charging ports—perfect for a good night’s sleep. The room itself felt cozy and well-maintained, while the shared common areas were peaceful and secure, making it ideal for solo travelers or backpackers on a budget. I appreciated how clean and thoughtfully designed everything was, from the bedding to the storage options. It’s clear the team cares about guest comfort without compromising on affordability. If you're looking for a quiet, safe, and affordable place to rest in Kota Kinabalu, this is definitely a top pick. I’d stay here again in a heartbeat!

The beds are incredibly comfortable, the towels are fresh, and the air conditioning works perfectly. Located right above a cool reggae bar, it's an amazing spot for drinks and live music in the evening—really adds to the vibe. There’s also a pool table and other fun amenities that make hanging out with other guests easy and enjoyable. The staff are friendly, helpful, and always ready to assist with anything you need. Best of all, it’s just a short walk from the jetty, so getting around town is super convenient—no need to worry about transport. One thing to note: there was a glitch on the platform showing a 6-bed dorm at a very high price, but that rate actually only applies to a single bed in a mixed-gender dorm, not the entire room. Still, the two-bed private room offers incredible value for money—great comfort, great location, and a real social atmosphere. Highly recommend!
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