Hotels in Kota Kinabalu (Sabah, Malaysia)

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  1. TD Plaza Hotel

    7.3(1,376 ratings)
    Underground Car Park, Halal-Certified Local Cuisine
    0.2 km to City center
    from  $34
    See prices from 5 sites
    • Popular choice

    Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu

    8.9Excellent (24,673 ratings)
    Private island spa sanctuary, Rooms with mountain or sea vistas
    0.8 km away from the beach
    from  $279
    See prices from 9 sites
    • Popular choice

    Borneo Beach Villa & Suite

    8.0Very good (7,160 ratings)
    Secluded beachfront villa experience, Private villa pools with ocean views
    18.1 km to City center
    from  $78
    See prices from 10 sites
  2. Gaya Island Resort

    8.8Excellent (4,922 ratings)
    Panoramic South China Sea views, Holistic Spa Village treatments
    0.7 km away from the beach
    from  $397
    See prices from 8 sites
  3. Ming Garden

    7.6Good (12,444 ratings)
    Spacious rooms with city or river views, Outdoor pool with poolside bar
    0.2 km to City center
    from  $39
    See prices from 14 sites
  4. Hotel Shangri-La Kota Kinabalu

    8.0Very good (8,042 ratings)
    Central location for city exploration, Panoramic city and island views
    0.9 km to City center
    from  $47
    See prices from 14 sites
  5. The Magellan Sutera Resort

    8.8Excellent (14,111 ratings)
    Multiple pools with family fun, Panoramic sunset and sea views
    1.2 km to City center
    from  $203
    See prices from 7 sites
  6. Sky Hotel

    7.8Good (3,547 ratings)
    Spacious rooms with city or sea views, Highest infinity pool in Kota Kinabalu
    0.4 km to City center
    from  $47
    See prices from 14 sites
  7. The Klagan Hotel

    8.3Very good (11,855 ratings)
    Convenient airport access, Halal dining options
    0.8 km to City center
    from  $64
    See prices from 11 sites
    • Popular choice

    Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu

    8.9Excellent (12,835 ratings)
    Proximity to Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, Breathtaking sunset rooftop bar
    1.0 km to City center
    from  $141
    See prices from 12 sites
  8. Hotel 7 Suria

    8.6Excellent (4,404 ratings)
    Rooms with captivating sea views, Unique 7th-floor lobby access
    1.9 km to City center
    from  $59
    See prices from 9 sites
  9. The Shore Kota Kinabalu City Centre by LW Suites

    7.3(1,148 ratings)
    Rooms with mountain or sea views, Year-round outdoor pool
    1.3 km to City center
    from  $71
    See prices from 2 sites
  10. Tune Hotel - 1Borneo Kota Kinabalu

    8.0Very good (8,040 ratings)
    On-site restaurant serving diverse cuisine, Large mirrors and bright decor
    9.8 km to City center
    from  $24
    See prices from 12 sites
    • Popular choice

    Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu

    8.1Very good (14,444 ratings)
    Stunning South China Sea views, Renowned Dynasty Chinese Restaurant
    0.4 km to City center
    from  $82
    See prices from 10 sites
    • Popular choice

    Promenade Service Apartment

    7.7Good (9,295 ratings)
    Spacious family room accommodations, Rooms with city views or balconies
    0.5 km to City center
    from  $31
    See prices from 5 sites
  11. The Pacific Sutera Hotel

    8.4Very good (19,898 ratings)
    Olympic-sized swimming pool, Panoramic sea and golf course views
    1.4 km to City center
    from  $128
    See prices from 19 sites
  12. Flypod Hotel

    7.9Good (1,860 ratings)
    Prime location near airport, Express check-in and check-out
    2.7 km to City center
    from  $33
    See prices from 3 sites
  13. The Klagan Regency

    8.0Very good (6,730 ratings)
    Rooms with city or mountain views, Multiple swimming pools
    9.7 km to City center
    from  $66
    See prices from 10 sites
  14. Sabah Beach Villas & Suites

    7.7Good (3,427 ratings)
    Stunning ocean and sunset views, Spa suites with in-room jacuzzi
    18.1 km to City center
    from  $76
    See prices from 4 sites
    • Popular choice

    Gaya Centre Hotel

    7.8Good (20,593 ratings)
    Prime city center location, Rooms with captivating sea views
    1.9 km to City center
    from  $53
    See prices from 12 sites
  15. Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

    8.5Excellent (12,438 ratings)
    Prime waterfront location, Halal-certified local and western cuisine
    1.7 km to City center
    from  $141
    See prices from 16 sites
  16. Pan Borneo Hotel Kota Kinabalu

    8.1Very good (3,982 ratings)
    Rooms with scenic sea or mountain views, Outdoor pool with city views
    9.2 km to City center
    from  $54
    See prices from 11 sites
  17. The Magellan Sutera Resort

    8.8Excellent (9,600 ratings)
    Expansive multi-pool complex, Scenic sea or garden view rooms
    1.2 km to City center
    from  $223
    See prices from 4 sites
  18. Hilton Kota Kinabalu

    9.0Excellent (10,715 ratings)
    Signature Teh Tarik at breakfast, Rooftop infinity pool with city views
    0.7 km to City center
    from  $135
    See prices from 9 sites
  19. Tang Dynasty Hotel

    6.8(4,217 ratings)
    Ski equipment and lessons available, Integrated with a shopping mall
    0.2 km to City center
    from  $41
    See prices from 6 sites
  20. Grandis Hotels and Resorts

    8.6Excellent (8,624 ratings)
    Direct access to Suria Sabah Mall, Rooftop pool with South China Sea views
    2.1 km to City center
    from  $135
    See prices from 12 sites
  21. K Avenue by Pinstay

    6.6(405 ratings)
    Rooftop pool with scenic views, Sauna for ultimate relaxation
    6.6 km to City center
    from  $54
    See prices from 3 sites
  22. Gayana Marine Resort

    8.4Very good (3,227 ratings)
    Overwater villas with ocean views, Villas with private plunge pools
    0.1 km away from the beach
    from  $390
    See prices from 11 sites
  23. The Klagan @ Riverson Hotel

    8.1Very good (2,074 ratings)
    Year-round outdoor swimming pool, Dedicated family-friendly accommodations
    0.5 km to City center
    from  $59
    See prices from 10 sites
  24. The SIGAR Hotel at Sutera Bay

    8.2Very good (142 ratings)
    Riverside city views, Outdoor swimming pool
    0.4 km to City center
    from  $73
    See prices from 9 sites
  25. Sutera Avenue Kota Kinabalu

    8.6Excellent (14 ratings)
    Infinity Pool with City Views, Close to Filipino Market Sabah
    0.6 km to City center
    from  $78
    See prices from 2 sites
  26. Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel

    8.6Excellent (4,830 ratings)
    Infinity pool with ocean vista, Well-equipped fitness center
    0.5 km to City center
    from  $175
    See prices from 9 sites
    • Popular choice

    KK Times Square Hotel

    7.2(4,954 ratings)
    24-hour dining and convenience stores, Secure parking facilities
    0.4 km to City center
    from  $57
    See prices from 7 sites
  27. The LUMA Hotel - A Member of Design Hotels

    9.0Excellent (2,470 ratings)
    Design Hotels collection member, Boutique gym with state-of-art equipment
    0.6 km to City center
    from  $119
    See prices from 11 sites
  28. Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre By Ihg

    9.1Excellent (4,808 ratings)
    Personalized pillow menu, Flexible breakfast options
    0.7 km to City center
    from  $86
    See prices from 11 sites

The prices and availability we receive from booking sites change constantly. This means you may not always find the exact same offer you saw on trivago when you land on the booking site.

Kota Kinabalu is the perfect base for Malaysian Borneo.

Located on the island of Borneo, Kota Kinabalu is the capital of the Sabah state of Malaysia and a fast growing tourist destination. It is a coastal city featuring a waterfront stretching several kilometres and a port regularly receiving international cruise ships. Although a favoured destination in its own right, Kota Kinabalu also acts as a gateway to the impressive nearby nature, including its namesake national park. Diving, deep water fishing, plus a whole host of other ocean activities are some of the biggest draws to the region, the city of Kota Kinabalu provides the perfect base.

A diverse city centre with varying architecture

The design and atmosphere of Kota Kinabalu reflects its history rather well, it is a blend of cultures and ethnicities with a strong British feel in certain areas. Atkinson Clock Tower, the oldest building in the city which dates to 1905, is a focal point close to the centre and portrays an excellent visual example of British influence on the city. From here visitors can walk up to the Signal Hill Observatory to gain a panoramic view of the downtown area, a good method to understand the bearings of the city. Another aspect of the cultural diversity can be seen in the city’s religious buildings; churches, mosques and temples stand together in close proximity. The Sacred Heart Cathedral, Sabah State Mosque and Che Sui Khor Temple provide some of the finest architecture in the region and can all be located in the central districts of the city. Indeed, many of the hotels in Kota Kinabalu are also located in the downtown strip, particularly along the waterfront, including multiple large international chains. The area is mostly very developed and hectic, however the somewhat compact City Park provides a slice of greenery amid the skyscrapers. That said, visitors do not have to venture far to either find the beaches or forestry that this region is famous for.

Lively markets and a myriad of local delicacies

One aspect which greatly benefits from the city’s diversity is the cuisine, a wide variety of Chinese, Malay, Brunei and Javanese plus others can be found. The Chinese section of the city is centred around Gaya Street, an area with several restaurants and shops, plus an extensive Sunday street market. Also along this street are multiple Kota Kinabalu hotels, particularly those popular with the young backpacker crowd. As with many modernising Asian cities, there are a host of large shopping centres, often overlooked by tourists due to their homogeneous appearance. However, the food courts they contain are worth exploring due to their range of local cuisine and a chance to experience everyday life in Malaysia. In terms of shopping, one of the most visited markets is the Handicraft Market, located close to the waterfront. Its colourful appearance and welcoming residents create a memorable atmosphere where visitors can find all kinds of souvenirs and artwork. A considerable amount of Kota Kinabalu’s bar scene is also situated along the waterfront, with multiple establishments entertaining travellers with live music and the broadcasting of international sports.

Beaches, diving and fishing

Being a city on the coast, plenty of the tourist highlights involve the stunning coastal scenery. There are a two major beaches within walking distance of the centre, namely Tanjung Aru and Likas Bay, at opposite ends of Kota Kinabalu. Tanjung Aru Beach is a well-frequented spot and the surrounding neighbourhood is ideal for visitors seeking a large resort style hotel. Likas Bay is more of a locals hangout and is a much quieter experience, albeit in a less scenic location and further from most of the hotels. Many of the recreational activities that Kota Kinabalu offers are based around the water, with diving and snorkelling being extremely popular. There are multiple islands situated off the coast of mainland Sabah and the surrounding waters present some of the finest diving areas. These include the renowned Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, just thirty minutes by boat from Kota Kinabalu. Deep sea fishing is another common activity with a variety of trips leaving the marina, from small day trips to longer week long adventures.

A gateway to nature

Beyond the city limits lie some of the finest nature in all of Malaysia and Kota Kinabalu acts as a gateway for the thousands of tourists heading further into the Bornean jungle. Kinabalu National Park lies ninety kilometres north east of the city and is focused around Malaysia’s highest peak; Mount Kinabalu. Visitors head to the park to explore the dense jungle and rugged nature which contains an array of hiking opportunities including the trail to the summit itself. Closer to the city, one of the most popular day trips is to Gaya Island just a short ferry ride away from downtown Kota Kinabalu. It is even possible to stay in a hotel on the island and take further advantage of the assortment of stunning beaches and fascinating hiking trails. Aside from nature, venturing out of the city also provides an increased chance to sample traditional lifestyles and architecture. There are multiple small villages which tour groups head to, in order to learn about the local culture, but some of the most authentic experiences can be had by renting a scooter and independently exploring.

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