5-Starhotels in Sabah, Malaysia

Had a perfect holiday at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru! A special shout-out to Shahzrul at the front desk. From the warm welcome at check-in to patiently answering all our questions, he made us feel right at home throughout our stay. His service was professional yet warm, and combined with the world-class, breathtaking sunset, it truly made for an unforgettable experience! Five-star recommendation, will definitely come again!

The water in the hotel's area is heavily polluted; it's so dirty that snorkeling is completely out of the question! The front desk staff were very perfunctory with guest requests and didn't follow through on promises. In the morning, we requested a private boat tour for island hopping and snorkeling. We discussed the time and itinerary with the dive center staff and finalized the price with the front desk. We even altered our subsequent travel plans for this. However, by 4 PM, we still hadn't received confirmation. When we called the front desk, they told us they couldn't arrange it. We asked several people, and got different explanations: first they said there were no boats, then that other guests had already been arranged for island hopping, and then that there would be a storm the next day (which turned out to be perfectly calm). I suggest the hotel improve its island hopping service. For those looking to dive, definitely don't consider this hotel! Also, the beach is incredibly tiny, barely palm-sized!

This is my second stay at Shangri-La Rasa Ria, with the last one being 13 years ago. Although the hotel is older, the facilities are generally well-maintained. There are some minor damages in certain nooks and crannies, and while the bedding felt clean, I personally thought it was a bit old-fashioned. As a five-star hotel, I believe the linens should be updated more regularly. The service was excellent – warm and attentive. Some staff members could communicate in Chinese. Furthermore, knowing we had a child, they even converted the sofa into an extra bed in advance. The location is quite remote, so dining options are limited to the hotel itself. You can also use Grab, but the choices there are somewhat limited. The hotel's various restaurants offer different cuisines, catering to individual preferences, though the prices are a bit on the high side. The hotel has many activities available, which are great and fun for kids. If you have the budget for a family trip, I'd highly recommend it.

I stayed at two hotels in Kota Kinabalu this time, and surprisingly, the one that left the deepest impression was this older Hyatt. To be honest, I was a bit worried it might be dated at first, but it turned out to be a fantastic stay. The room was spacious. With two adults and one child, we could easily spread out our luggage without feeling cramped. The bedding was just right – soft enough to sink into, but with good support. I slept in naturally for all three nights. The absolute highlight was the sea view – a vast expanse of blue outside the window. Sitting there watching the sunset transform from golden hues to pinkish-purple, without having to brave the crowds at Tanjung Aru, was an absolute win. The location couldn't be better. Merdeka Shopping Mall is just a two-minute walk downstairs, super convenient for currency exchange and buying snacks. Another five-minute stroll takes you to Gaya Street, with eateries like Yee Fung Laksa and Fook Yuen Toast all within walking distance. We barely took any taxis during our stay, saving enough money for at least two extra seafood meals. I felt like a local just strolling around. The pool is right next to the elevator, with separate sections for adults and children. My kid grabbed a life vest and had a blast, while I relaxed on a nearby sun lounger and even caught another sunset. As for breakfast, the variety wasn't extensive, but the ingredients were fresh, and the Malaysian-style dishes were all delicious, especially the Roti Canai with curry sauce – I devoured three pieces! There were also noodle stations with both chicken and beef broth, which my kid said were very flavorful. If it's your first time in Kota Kinabalu and you don't want to waste time on transportation, this older Hyatt is truly top-notch. While the facilities show their age a bit, it's clean, comfortable, convenient, and offers incredible value for money. I'd definitely choose it again if I come back to Kota Kinabalu – truly a no-regrets choice! 😉

The environment is quite good, with spacious public areas and a pier nearby. There was a very patient Chinese-speaking lady at the front desk. There were two downsides. Firstly, the trendy room type I originally booked wasn't available, perhaps because we checked in late. They upgraded us to an executive room, but it didn't have the photogenic terrace, which was a bit disappointing. Secondly, on the evening of our second consecutive night, our room key card stopped working. It was very inconvenient late at night, and it took a long time to go back down to the lobby. There was no compensation for this either.

Everything was perfect. Every staff member at the resort was incredibly welcoming and helpful, even the maintenance workers I passed on the paths greeted me warmly. The food in the restaurant was delicious, and breakfast was absolutely perfect – I couldn't find a single fault. The resort doesn't cut back on service or close facilities just because there are fewer guests, which is great. It was a perfect getaway, and I will definitely be returning.

The front desk service was excellent. Considering the street-facing rooms could be noisy at night, they kindly upgraded us to a sea-view room for free. From our window, we could see the infinity pool, blue sky, and the ocean, which was absolutely delightful. The hotel's location is fantastic, very close to both the airport and the city center, making it super convenient for getting around and shopping. There are also many convenience stores and restaurants right outside. I highly recommend this hotel for anyone visiting Kota Kinabalu for the first time.

The hotel facilities are a bit dated, but we booked a sea-view room on the 10th floor and the view was absolutely stunning. The breakfast was quite good for us Chinese guests, and the kids enjoyed it too. The hotel's location is very convenient, close to the pier which makes going out to sea really easy. The swimming pool is quite unique and kid-friendly. The hotel beach is relatively small. Even though the hotel is close to the airport, we didn't hear any noise from planes taking off or landing, so the soundproofing is excellent. Overall, it's a good stay with high value for money!

The staff friendliness is just amzing 10/10. Excellent Service.Our room had amazing view of the sea and opposite resort called Gayana. Dinner: Only Buffet option is available and its about RM167/person +taxes. The spread are fairly good and it is delicious. Though they do have 2 more different Restaurant in the island,Japanese and fine dining. Breakfast: Included in the room price. Menu changes daily. I have nothing to complaint about the room,for us its comfortable.All rooms have exactly the dane Designs the only difference is where it is located. You are paying for the view. Activities: For me I think 3 days 2 nights are perfect to spend your time here, swimming by the pool,kayaking,snorkling,Jungle trekking, visiting the private beach. 1 hour complimentary use of snorklinh masks. I like the public guests showers and towel provided.Very convinient. One thing that I would like to comment is the boat fees are relatively very expansive.15 mins speedboat per person one way cost about Rm80+taxes..Just return trip cost RM170++ per person. This is not even including island conservation fees and tourist fees. All this added fees makes the Hotel cost more expansive. Because a boat trip to nearby or same Island cost only Rm40. GAYANA ECO RESORT provided inclusive/complimentary return boat fees. I hope the Management can improve this because we as Guests are going to spend more money on F&B and at the Bar. Last but not least I would like to compliment the service and staffs in thsi Resort I think they did such an amazing job. Overalö the Resort is beautiful andclose to the nature.

The Kapalai Dive Resort in Semporna is an absolutely worthwhile island getaway experience, exceeding all expectations for my stay. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a slow-paced island vacation with water activities and relaxation. Getting there is easy: you take a dedicated speedboat from the Semporna town jetty, which takes about an hour. Along the way, you can enjoy the vast blue sea and sky, watching the water change from a murky near-shore to a clear, Tiffany blue. The scenery is delightful, making the journey anything but boring. The entire check-in process upon arrival at the island was smooth, with staff helping to transfer luggage so I didn't have to worry about carrying it myself. Both getting on and off the boat were hassle-free. The resort is built within a marine ecological conservation area, and the marine ecosystem is very well protected, without excessive development. The water is crystal clear, and the underwater environment is perfectly preserved. The entire sea area boasts excellent visibility, allowing you to encounter large schools of fish, starfish, and various tropical fish just by stepping out into the sea – no need to venture far! A casual snorkel yields endless surprises, and the pristine marine atmosphere is simply incredible. The resort operates on an all-inclusive basis, covering all accommodation and meals, so there's no need for extra spending once you're on the island, which made planning the trip incredibly convenient. Three meals a day are consistently provided, with a rich variety of dishes that balance Southeast Asian flavors with home-style cooking. The ingredients are fresh, ensuring you can eat well and replenish energy spent on water activities. Beverages and light meals are also available, so you can grab a snack whenever you're hungry, significantly enhancing the vacation experience. Life here is simple yet restorative, a joyful cycle every day. After waking up in the morning, I'd leisurely head to the restaurant for breakfast. After eating my fill, I'd change into swimwear and take the shuttle to the designated jetty at the dive center for snorkeling or diving, getting up close with schools of fish and embracing the ocean. After playing to my heart's content, I'd return to the overwater bungalow to rinse off and rest. After a short break, it was time for lunch and afternoon tea. Refreshed, I'd head back into the water for more fun, followed by a delicious dinner in the evening. This infinite loop of eating, going into the sea, and resting allowed me to escape the city's hustle and bustle, with no pressure to stick to a schedule, completely relaxing my mind and body. The overwater bungalows are fully equipped, with breathtaking sea views right outside the door. You can also see a sky full of stars and colorful rainbows 🌈. The entire island is quiet and peaceful, with only the sounds of the sea breeze and waves. The pace is slow, making it perfect for both diving enthusiasts and those simply looking to completely unwind. The whole trip was easy and comfortable, a truly restorative and unforgettable island experience.