
Kota Kinabalu/Wisma Merdeka 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
Merdeka Shopping Mall isn’t just about shopping—it’s a sensory explosion! Glittering neon signs, vibrant local brands, and shops tucked into every nook pulse with urban rhythm. Don’t miss the rooftop viewing deck: panoramic views of the city and distant mountains stretch out below. Sip an ice-cold coconut drink, snap that dreamy shot, and lock in your most unforgettable Sabah memory.




















Everything you need to know about Wisma Merdeka
Marriott Kota Kinabalu is a top choice just a 5-minute walk from Medika Shopping Mall, offering modern rooms and free Wi-Fi. The hotel features an indoor pool and a rooftop sky garden with panoramic city views. Nearby, Royal Sabah Resort provides private beach access and traditional Malaysian architecture, ideal for families.
Both properties are close to the main bus terminal, ensuring easy transit. Inside Medika Shopping Mall, guests can enjoy diverse dining options including Starbucks, 7-Eleven, and local street food stalls, making it effortless to experience authentic Kota Kinabalu culture.
Medika Shopping Mall is located in Kota Kinabalu's central business district, just a 10-minute walk from Sabah Museum and Tanjong Aru Beach. Local buses (e.g., routes 21 and 22) stop directly outside the mall, connecting to Waterfront Mosque and Mount Kinabalu foothills.
Renting an e-bike or using Grab rides takes only 3–5 minutes to reach popular spots like Skywalk Bridge and Kinabalu Park. The mall also features a tourism information counter offering free maps and brochures to help plan your day trips—making it a perfect starting point for exploring the city.
Near Medika Shopping Mall, join weekly Sabahan cultural workshops hosted by local agencies, where you can learn traditional crafts like coconut fiber weaving and Malay embroidery. Every Saturday afternoon, the Tanjong Aru Night Market offers handmade tribal jewelry, spice pastes, and fresh seafood at affordable prices.
On the third floor of the mall, the Food Court serves authentic Baba-Nonya dishes and Iban grilled fish, paired with live Southeast Asian guitar music. Visit in the late afternoon to enjoy sunset views over the city skyline and illuminated streets—a truly immersive local experience.
Near Merdeka Shopping Mall in Kota Kinabalu, Hyatt Regency Kota Kinabalu is a top choice, just a 5-minute walk away with panoramic city views and an infinity pool. Another excellent option is Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Kota Kinabalu, offering free shuttle service to the mall, modern rooms, and 24-hour front desk support. Both hotels are centrally located, making them ideal for shoppers and travelers seeking convenience, dining, and easy access to local attractions.
The easiest way to reach Merdeka Shopping Mall is via local bus services such as routes 101 and 103, or using ride-hailing apps like Grab. Located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, the mall is well-connected by public transit, with most buses passing nearby. Taxis take about 10 minutes from major hotels. The mall also offers free parking, making it convenient for self-drive visitors. Using a smartphone map app for real-time navigation is recommended to avoid peak-hour traffic.
At Merdeka Shopping Mall, visitors can enjoy several unique experiences: the Sabah Traditional Craft Market held every weekend, featuring handmade baskets, pearl jewelry, and local spices; the Night Food Bazaar offering regional delights like grilled fish, nasi lemak, and durian desserts; and outdoor movie screenings during summer weekends, set against the backdrop of sea breeze and starlit skies—perfect for a relaxed, cultural evening.
Staying near Merdeka Shopping Mall offers major benefits including prime central location, allowing guests to walk to the mall, restaurants, and tourist spots without long commutes. Guests enjoy instant access to shopping and dining, with many hotels providing 24-hour room service and free Wi-Fi. Some properties even feature rooftop gardens or panoramic terraces, offering stunning city views while relaxing in comfort.
See what other travelers say about Wisma Merdeka

Check-in was smooth thanks to the pre-arrival WhatsApp instructions—highly recommend downloading the app ahead of time. The room was immaculate, spotless and well-maintained, with a clean, fresh vibe that made us feel right at home. But the real highlight? The pool—it's easily one of the best in Kota Kinabalu. Spacious, beautifully landscaped, and crystal-clear water, it’s perfect for relaxing or just soaking up the sun. Whether you're here for a romantic getaway or a family holiday, this place delivers an exceptional experience. Super convenient location, great value, and top-tier amenities—definitely going back!

We originally booked a condo hotel near Jesselton Quay, but when the property notified us of a one-day water outage, we quickly switched to this place instead. For family trips, a condo-style stay is definitely the way to go—and this one exceeded our expectations. The original booking only offered a refund for the day with no water, so we decided to skip the other two nights and just extend our stay here. The kids absolutely loved it—there's a pool and a kids’ play area on the 6th floor. Right below the building is the large Imago mall, and it’s just a short ride to Jalan Gaya; Grab rides cost only around RM6. If we didn’t feel like going out in the morning or evening, we’d order food via Grab—while room service isn’t available, picking up your order at the lobby is super quick and easy. One thing worth mentioning: the listing says 4 bedrooms, but there are actually 5—plus one family suite with a separate bedroom and a shared bathroom, making a total of six bathrooms. That extra space made all the difference for our group. Great value, excellent location, and very welcoming staff. Definitely recommend this spot for families looking for comfort and convenience.

This place is absolutely outstanding! From the moment I arrived, everything felt seamless and welcoming. The location is perfect—just a short walk to the city center, with great access to restaurants, shopping, and local attractions. The room was spotless, spacious, and incredibly comfortable, with a cozy bed that made for a restful night’s sleep. The staff went above and beyond—friendly, attentive, and even helped me plan a few local excursions. What really stood out was the thoughtful design throughout the property, blending local culture with modern comfort. It feels like home away from home. If you're visiting Kota Kinabalu, this is the top choice. I’ll definitely be back and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable stay.

Staying at Marina Travellers Suite Sky Karamunsing was an absolutely delightful experience, especially for families. The location is excellent—just a short walk from the beach and close to all the local attractions. The room was spacious, clean, and well-equipped with modern amenities. What truly stood out was the stunning sea view from the rooftop terrace, perfect for watching sunsets over the water. The staff were friendly and helpful throughout our stay. We appreciated the family-friendly layout—plenty of room for everyone, including kids who had their own cozy corner. Great value for money and a welcoming atmosphere. Definitely planning to return.

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.

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.

This was our first stay at Hotel Five 2, and it absolutely exceeded our expectations. We arrived early at 8:00 AM, and the front desk staff were incredibly welcoming—they happily stored our luggage without any hassle. During checkout, a kind staff member even offered us complimentary coffee and tea in the lobby, which added such a warm, personal touch. The bed was comfortable, the bathroom was simple but spotlessly clean, and the overall atmosphere felt cozy and well-maintained. Location-wise, it’s unbeatable—just a 5-minute walk to Centre Point, making it super easy to explore the city on foot. Whether you're here for business or leisure, this hotel delivers great value and genuine hospitality. We’d definitely stay here again and highly recommend it to fellow travelers.

Arrived in Kota Kinabalu late at night after an early flight, and chose this apartment hotel as a convenient overnight stop. I got a taxi right outside the airport for just MYR 30—only about 15 minutes to reach the property. Since it was so early, the security staff hadn’t arrived yet, but luckily ran into another guest heading out who helped me access the unit using the password provided by the host. The apartment itself is clean, well-equipped, and perfect for a quick layover. Everything you’d need is there—kitchenette, bedding, Wi-Fi—no complaints at all. The location is fantastic: right below Imago Shopping Mall, so dining and shopping are just steps away. And in under 5 minutes on foot, you’re at the beach—beautiful views, gentle sea breeze, ideal for relaxing after a long trip. Honestly, the value-for-money here is outstanding. I’d definitely come back if I ever visit Kota Kinabalu again.

Staying at Green Apple Boutique Hotel was an absolute delight. The room was incredibly comfortable, with a modern and clean design that made me feel right at home. The view from the window was stunning—perfect for watching the sunrise or enjoying the city lights at night. Location-wise, it's convenient and close to everything I needed: great restaurants, shopping spots, and local attractions. The staff were friendly and helpful, making the entire experience even better. It’s clear this hotel values guest comfort and quality. I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting Kota Kinabalu—I’ll definitely be back.

My stay at Lintas View Hotel was absolutely delightful. From the moment I arrived, the staff went above and beyond to make me feel welcome—friendly, attentive, and always ready to help with any request. The room was clean, well-maintained, and offered a peaceful atmosphere perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring. Located just minutes from the city center, it's incredibly convenient for getting around by public transit. The hotel’s modern design and quiet ambiance made it a great base for both business and leisure travelers. I especially appreciated how responsive and genuine the team was throughout my visit. It’s clear they truly care about guest satisfaction. I’d happily return and recommend this hidden gem to anyone visiting Kota Kinabalu.

This stay was absolutely fantastic! The location is unbeatable—right next to a convenience store, making late-night snacks and essentials super convenient. Public transit access is just steps away, and everything in town is within easy reach. The staff were incredibly responsive—any request I had was handled promptly and with great care. The room itself was spotless, well-maintained, and very comfortable, with a cozy bed that made for a restful night’s sleep. The pool area is stunning—serene, beautifully designed, and perfect for relaxing under the tropical sun. One standout feature? The hot water—it’s consistently hot and the flow is strong, which is rare in this type of accommodation. Overall, this was an exceptional experience from start to finish. Highly recommend to anyone visiting Kota Kinabalu. Will definitely be returning.

Staying at Homesuite' Home at Jesselton Quay was an absolute delight! The location is unbeatable—just a short walk from both Gaya Street and the waterfront, perfect for hopping on island tours without any hassle. The building has a Korean restaurant, convenience stores, a laundry facility, and even a charming cat mascot who runs the front desk—such a cute touch! Getting around is super easy too; taxis are always quick to arrive, whether you're heading to the airport or exploring the city. I actually misplaced my wallet once, and the staff returned it untouched—truly heartwarming and incredibly reassuring. This place offers comfort, convenience, and genuine hospitality. 10/10 would recommend to anyone visiting Kota Kinabalu!
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