Where to Stay in Kota Kinabalu Borneo: My Top Areas & Hotels in 2025

Last Updated on June 21, 2025 by Oliver

Kota Kinabalu is the gateway to Borneo, and if you’re anything like me, you’re probably flying into Kota Kinabalu too, at least that’s how my trip started. It was my first stop in Sabah, Borneo, and the beginning of my little adventure through the island.

At the time, I had no idea what to expect, so I booked a few nights in the city to ease into the country and honestly, that’s exactly what I’d recommend. It gives you time to get your bearings, sort your plans, and enjoy some good food before heading deeper into Borneo.

I ended up staying a bit longer in Kota Kinabalu than planned because I needed a couple of admin days. So in this guide on where to stay in Kota Kinabalu, I’ll walk you through a few of the best areas, my favorite hotels, and what my experience was like.

Where to Stay in Kota Kinabalu – My Experience

Like I mentioned in the intro, I stayed in Kota Kinabalu for a few days because I had some stuff to sort out, which also gave me a bit of time to explore the city. And I’ve got to say… it’s a little meh. The city itself isn’t that pretty, and even the waterfront and esplanade are just okay.

That said, Kota Kinabalu was perfect for what I needed at the time: somewhere comfortable to stay and reset. Honestly, I think staying somewhere a bit nicer either before you fly home or right after landing is always a good idea.

Kota Kinabalu does have some really nice resorts, so if I came back, I’d probably splurge on one of those for a final-night treat before flying home.

But what KK is great for is as a base for nearby adventures. Mount Kinabalu National Park is close by, famous for its massive peak (loads of people love to climb it… not me, too expensive haha) and there are some beautiful islands around with amazing beaches and snorkeling.

So yeah, I’m not the biggest fan of Kota Kinabalu as a city, but it works well as a starting point. Stay a night, get settled, then head off into the rainforest.

Best Areas to Stay in Kota Kinabalu

Sutera Harbour

Sutera Harbour is the fancy part of town and it’s almost like its own little island. This is where the Kota Kinabalu golf course is, where you’ll find the marina with all the boats and yachts, and where some of the best resort hotels are located. It’s super close to the airport but also not far from the waterfront and downtown, so as long as you’re happy to spend a bit more for a resort experience, this area is amazing.

Tanjung Aru

Tanjung Aru gives off a similar vibe to Sutera Harbour, but here you trade the marina and golf course for beach access. It’s also close to the airport and has some beautiful resorts right on the water. The Shangri-La Kota Kinabalu is one of the best hotels in the entire city and a true five-star stay that’s still super affordable. That alone makes this area worth considering.

Waterfront

The Waterfront area is one of the busiest parts of Kota Kinabalu. There are tons of shopping malls, restaurants, and bars, and this is actually the area I stayed in. I liked it because everything was walkable, from food to nightlife to the harbor. You’ve got a mix of high-end hotels and budget hostels here, and the sunset views over the water are insane.

Kota Kinabalu Downtown

Downtown is where I’d recommend staying if you’re looking for something more affordable. It’s busy and a bit more local with lots of eateries and shops, but it’s just behind the waterfront, so you can stay here, save some money, and still be close enough to walk everywhere.

1. Kota Kinabalu Hotels & Resorts in Sutera Harbour

The Magellan Sutera Resort

The Magellan Sutera is probably the best 5-star resort in Kota Kinabalu, it’s seriously outstanding. The hotel has multiple outdoor pools, several restaurants, and even a private beach, which is such a cool feature. 

The rooms are spacious and modern, and the whole resort is beautifully designed with lush gardens and palm trees. Even though it’s right next to the city, it feels like a peaceful escape. If you’re coming to relax, this is the place to stay.

Book Here: The Magellan Sutera Resort

The Pacific Sutera Hotel

Pacific Sutera is another great option in the Sutera Harbour area but a bit more affordable. It’s still a 5-star hotel with a gorgeous pool area and comfortable rooms. It also has easy access to the golf course, so if you’re looking to squeeze in a few rounds after exploring Borneo’s nature, it’s a great pick.

Book Here: The Pacific Sutera Hotel

2. My Favorite Accommodation Kota Kinabalu Tanjung Aru

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru

Ok, actually… The Shangri-La Tanjung Aru might just be the best resort in Kota Kinabalu. It’s a full-on 5-star hotel and honestly, it’s stunning. The rooms are beautifully designed, super spacious, and the restaurant serves incredible food, both local and international. The outdoor area is gorgeous too: you’ve got the beach right there, a large pool, a kids’ pool, and even a kids club. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxing getaway or a family trip.

Book Here: Shangri-La Tanjung Aru

The Aru Hotel

The Aru Hotel is more of a serviced apartment than a hotel, and it’s perfect if you’re looking to stay close to the airport. You can choose from studio units to 2- or 3-bedroom apartments, so I usually recommend this for families or groups, especially if it’s just for a night when arriving or before flying out. It even has a rooftop pool with great views, and the apartments feel surprisingly high-end and well put together.

Book Here: The Aru Hotel

3. Best Kota Kinabalu Hotels by the Waterfront

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu is actually one of my favorite hotels in the city. It’s located right on the waterfront, and some of the rooms have incredible views over the bay, especially at sunset. The rooms are spacious, modern, and well-equipped, and the swimming pool has some great views too. I think it’s the perfect place to stay if you don’t care about being in a big holiday resort. It’s one of my top picks because it’s such good value for money, not as expensive as other hotels in that category but still offers amazing service.

Book Here: Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

The Hyatt Regency Kinabalu is actually quite similar to Le Meridien. It’s a proper city hotel, also right by the waterfront, almost next door to Le Meridien, and it comes with some stunning views over the bay. I really like the decor at the Hyatt as it feels very Borneo while still having the standard you’d expect from a Hyatt. The restaurant and pool bar are both great, and of course, the outdoor swimming pool with ocean views is a highlight.

Book Here: Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

Faloe Hostel

Faloe Hostel is where I stayed when I first arrived in Kota Kinabalu and I honestly loved it. It’s a small little hostel and one of the best city hostels I’ve ever stayed at. I booked a dorm with a double bed and it felt almost like a pod hotel, my own window, shelf, locker, the whole setup just felt super private and well thought out. The common area was really modern and a great place to hang out, but what stood out the most was the staff, they were incredible and helped me plan my whole trip around Borneo. Definitely a place I’d recommend if you want to socialize and stay somewhere great on a budget.

Book Here: Faloe Hostel

4. Best Places to Stay in Kota Kinabalu Downtown (Kota Kinabalu City Centre)

The Seraya Hotel

The Seraya Hotel might be one of the best budget hotels in Kota Kinabalu. I really love the design here, if I hadn’t picked Faloe Hostel, this is probably where I would’ve stayed. It’s a brand-new boutique-style hotel with a really cool, modern interior. The rooms are small, but everything feels super well thought out. If you don’t want to stay in a hostel but you’re still on a budget, I definitely recommend checking this place out. Room rates start at around $25 a night, which is such a good deal.

Book Here: The Seraya Hotel

Horizon Hotel

The Horizon Hotel is another favorite of mine when it comes to value for money in Kota Kinabalu. It gives you that city hotel vibe, spacious rooms, rooftop pool, nice views, kinda like the Hyatt or Le Meridien, just not quite as upscale. But honestly, for the price you’re paying, it’s a really good option in my opinion. If you want a proper hotel without spending too much, this is definitely one I’d consider staying at again.

Book Here: Horizon Hotel

FAQs About Staying in Kota Kinabalu Borneo

What is the best area to stay in Kota Kinabalu?

Honestly, all the areas I mentioned in this article are good because they’re all pretty much next to each other. You’ll be close to the ocean, downtown, and the airport, so wherever you pick, it’s convenient. Personally, I’d always want to stay somewhere close to the airport here.

Where is the best place to stay in Kota Kinabalu?

If you’re after a proper resort vibe, I’d go with the Shangri-La. But if you want something a bit more central and still really nice, I’d totally recommend Le Meridien.

Is Kota Kinabalu worth visiting?

To be honest, not really, at least not the city itself. There’s not a whole lot to do. But it’s a great base to explore the surrounding islands or Mount Kinabalu National Park, which are definitely worth it.

What to do in Kota Kinabalu?

Go island hopping. The city itself doesn’t have much going on, but the nearby islands are stunning and perfect for a beach day or snorkeling.

How to get from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan?

I’ve written a full guide on this (linked below), but the short version: book a domestic flight. It takes just 45 minutes and saves you from 8 hours of windy roads on a bus. I took the bus, and it was fine but I definitely wish I’d flown.

Final Thoughts on the Best Hotels in Kota Kinabalu Malaysia

Kota Kinabalu is a bit of a mixed bag. I’m honestly not the biggest fan of the city itself, but most travelers end up staying here anyway since it’s where you fly in or out. The upside is that Kota Kinabalu has some amazing hotels. So here’s what I’d do: after 10 days of trekking through the jungle, swatting mosquitoes, and baking in the sun on a Kinabatanga River cruise, treat yourself. Check into the Shangri-La (or another resort) for a couple of nights and just relax. Otherwise, you might come back from your vacation more exhausted than when you left.

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