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Featured Hotels Near Tanjung Aru
Tanjong Aru isn’t just a beach—it’s the soul of Kota Kinabalu’s coastal charm. Soft golden sands meet gentle waves, while sunset paints the sky in fiery hues. Grab a chilled coconut water from a roadside stall, soak in the laid-back vibe, and let the rhythm of the tropics slow your world down.
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!
Pan Borneo Hotel Kota Kinabalu
This hotel is the perfect choice for family vacations! Just a 5-minute drive from the airport and directly connected to a shopping mall, making dining and shopping incredibly convenient. The rooms are stylish and comfortable, some even offering stunning views of the South China Sea or Mount Kinabalu! Kids can have a blast in the game room and children's pool, while adults can unwind at the bar or sing their hearts out at the KTV. Don’t miss the outdoor pool and spa center for ultimate relaxation. Whether it's a family trip or a business meeting, the versatile banquet hall and professional team here will meet all your needs.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Tanjung Aru
Tanjung Aru Beach Resort offers stunning ocean views and a private sandy shoreline overlooking the South China Sea. Its infinity pool and spacious rooms provide uninterrupted vistas of sunsets. The resort provides complimentary shuttle service to downtown Kota Kinabalu, just a 5-minute walk from Pasar Malam Batu Laut, where you can savor local delights like "nasi kelapa" and grilled seafood. Guests can book guided snorkeling tours or sunrise sailing trips to explore vibrant coral reefs nearby. Located just 15 minutes from the airport, it’s ideal for families and couples seeking both luxury and adventure.
The area around Tanjung Aru is highly accessible, with key attractions within walking distance. A taxi ride from downtown Kota Kinabalu takes only about 10 minutes, costing RM15–20. Many hotels offer free shuttle services, making travel convenient. Strolling along the Tanjung Aru Promenade offers breathtaking sunset views, while passing by landmarks like St. John’s Church and seaside cafes. The well-connected road network supports easy exploration on foot, by bicycle, or via shared rides—perfect for leisurely travelers seeking a relaxed pace.
Visitors should not miss a sunset stroll along the beach, where gentle sea breezes enhance the tranquil atmosphere. Join a local-guided marine eco-tour to discover vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish species. The seafood night market offers freshly caught delicacies like lobster, grouper, and sea urchin, paired with chilled coconut water—authentic Sabahan flavors. Some resorts also host seaside yoga sessions and solar-powered dinner events, creating an enchanting blend of nature, culture, and culinary delight. Tanjung Aru delivers a truly immersive island experience.
Yes, many resorts near Tanjung Aru are designed with families in mind, offering family-friendly amenities such as kids’ pools, parent-child activity workshops, and spacious family suites. The beaches are safe and guarded by lifeguards, ensuring children can play securely. Additional features include children’s playrooms and family-themed dinner events. Nearby attractions like water parks and turtle conservation centers provide educational and fun activities for all ages. With excellent access to transport, these hotels are perfect for families traveling with elderly members or young kids.
Yes, most hotels offer ocean-view rooms, especially those located directly on the promenade with high-floor accommodations providing panoramic views of the South China Sea. Premium properties feature floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies, allowing guests to enjoy waves and sunset hues at dawn or dusk. Rooms come equipped with luxury bedding and efficient air conditioning for comfort. Some units also offer glimpses of the Tanjung Aru Lighthouse and distant mountain ranges, enhancing visual depth. These rooms are ideal for travelers seeking both scenic beauty and tranquility.
Yes, most mid-to-high-end hotels provide complimentary breakfast, typically served as a buffet featuring local favorites such as nasi kelapa, curry puffs, and freshly baked bread. Some properties have ocean-view dining areas, letting guests enjoy meals with a view of the sea. Breakfast hours usually run from 6:30 AM to 10:00 AM, and options include late check-out and room service. This amenity is particularly appealing for travelers who value quality meals, especially those planning early sunrise hikes or day trips to nearby attractions.
Kota Kinabalu Bay Resort is a top choice, located just steps from Tanjung Aru Beach. Its ocean-view rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the South China Sea. The resort also provides a private beach access, infinity pool, and complimentary shuttle service to downtown, making it ideal for travelers seeking both luxury and convenience in a serene coastal setting.
Guests at Tanjung Aru can reach Kota Kinabalu City Center via free shuttle buses or a 5-minute taxi ride. Most beachfront hotels offer this service, and the route passes through vibrant areas like Jesselton Market and Kota Kinabalu Night Market, where visitors can explore local street food and souvenirs. Additionally, scenic bicycle paths along the coast allow for a relaxed, eco-friendly journey between the beach and urban core.
Try snorkeling and diving expeditions to nearby coral reefs around Sapi Island and Mabul Island, popular spots for vibrant marine life. Many tour operators offer half-day snorkeling trips with gear rental and certified guides. Don’t miss the sunset catamaran cruise, where you can enjoy golden-hour views over Borneo’s coastline, paired with refreshments and light snacks, creating a memorable romantic experience.
Must-try dishes include coconut rice with grilled fish and Nyonya curry crab, both made with fresh seafood sourced daily. Head to Tanjung Aru Seafood Plaza, where fishermen deliver catches early each morning, ensuring peak freshness. Several restaurants feature outdoor terraces with ocean views, allowing guests to savor meals while listening to waves and watching the sunset, blending culinary delight with scenic ambiance.
Absolutely! Tanjung Aru offers wide, safe beaches, child-friendly water play zones, and resorts with family amenities like kids’ clubs and dedicated pools. Many hotels provide childcare services and host daily activities such as craft workshops and traditional dance lessons. Nearby eco-trails and nature education centers also offer engaging experiences for children to learn about tropical rainforests and marine ecosystems, making it a perfect destination for multi-generational travel.
The ideal time is between 5:00 PM and 7:30 PM, when the sky transforms into hues of orange, pink, and violet above the South China Sea. The Tanjung Aru Seaside Promenade is the prime spot, featuring comfortable seating and ambient lighting. At night, distant fishing boats illuminate the horizon. Arrive early to secure a great view, and pair your experience with a chilled drink for a peaceful coastal retreat.
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