20 Jalan Aru, Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia | (618) 248-8274
Posh, tropical resort with private beach and stunning sunsets
Conveniently close to airport and city center
Many family-friendly activities including kids' club and water park
Seafront infinity pool with whirlpool beds and adult-only section
Spacious rooms feature furnished balconies (many have water views)
Standalone spa village located on its own private island
Breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking included in daily rate
Numerous indoor/outdoor restaurants, plus room service
Bars at the pool, on the beach, and in the lobby
Private marina and dive center
Large gym with modern cardio and fitness equipment
Nine-hole pitch-and-putt golf course
Extensive wedding and conference facilities
Some rooms are dated and a bit dreary
Family-friendly ambience may not suit some couples (pro for some)
Food and drink prices can be high (typical of resorts in the region)
One of the oldest resorts on Malaysian Borneo, the five-pearl Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa also has the easiest access -- it's just a 15-minute drive from Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Location isn't the only plus here: This family-friendly property features a private swath of white-sand beach, an enormous infinity pool complete with water park, and an eight-pavilion spa on its own private island. All manner of water sports including diving and sailing excursions can be arranged at the private marina. And on land, there's a nine-hole golf course and a large, modern gym. Rather pricey restaurants and bars (common for resorts here) include Asian and Western fare, an ice cream parlor, and a waterfront tiki hut with daybeds positioned for viewing the renowned sunsets. Rooms are large, clean, and comfortable -- but some are awaiting much needed updates. Couples seeking an intimate getaway should check out Shangri-La's Rasa Ria, a sister resort that offers more privacy and seclusion.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Lush and laid-back tropical resort with gorgeous water views
Guests check into a traditional open-air lobby with stone floors and industrial-style girders supporting the massive wood plank ceiling. Lattice screens and raised seating platforms break up the long expanse into separate mini-rooms. Carved wood panels and handcrafted Bornean artwork adorn the walls, while a musician in traditional dress creates mystical sounds on the kulintang, a native chime instrument. Outdoors, flowering shrubs, tall trees, and koi ponds offer cooling shade throughout the property. L-shaped guest room buildings with exterior breezeways are positioned for maximum views of the bay a few yards away. A boardwalk curves around the white-sand beach, leading to several jetties where guests can sip cocktails and enjoy the spectacular sunsets. The resort does an excellent job catering to both families and couples, with a slight edge towards kids. Almost everyone here is on a tropical vacation.
Location
Set on a private crescent beach in Borneo, just 15 minutes from the airport
This 25-acre resort overlooks the South China Sea in Sabah, a Malaysian state on the northwest corner of the island of Borneo. As one of several five-pearl resorts on the island, it is the closest (within a 15-minute drive) to the airport and the bustling capital city of Kota Kinabalu and the Kota Kinabalu International Airport.
Rooms
Spacious rooms with soaking tubs, free Wi-Fi, and balconies with mountain or sea views
Rooms and suites in the Kinabalu and Tanjung Wings are spacious and blend contemporary furniture crafted from teak, ebony, and other local woods with traditional Borneo art and decorative accents. Decor in some of the Kinabalu Rooms is a bit dreary, while more recently updated Tanjung Rooms feature new furniture, bright pops of color, and refreshed fabrics. All rooms come with free Wi-Fi, wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, and balconies with sea or mountain views. Bathrooms are spacious, with walk-in showers, soaking tubs, bathrobes, and upscale toiletries.Club Rooms, located on the upper floors of the Kinabalu Wing, give occupants access to special amenities including a private lounge for free daily breakfast and evening cocktails, quick check-in, and a dedicated concierge.
Features
A giant pool, kids' camp, multiple restaurants, a marina, spa, and wedding facilities
At more than 21,000 square feet, it's no surprise that the resort's pool takes center stage. It's equipped with something for everyone, including a tapered shoreline and water play area with slides and games for kids and an adult-only section with whirlpool beds and waterfalls. There's also babysitting and a full roster of daytime and evening activities for kids and teens in an air-conditioned kid's club.An array of restaurants serve Western and Asian specialties, including Café TATU for buffet breakfast (included in the room rate) and Shang Palace for Chinese cuisine.CHI spa, located on its own private island, features traditional Borneo treatments, outdoor bathing facilities, and a yoga pavilion overlooking the South China Sea. Wellness options continue at the health club, which includes dedicated areas for cardio, weights, Pilates, and personal training, as well as a juice bar, and separate saunas for men and women. The nine-hole pitch-and-putt golf course is a nice addition to the features.The resort-owned marina offers a range of water activities, including diver training, chartered fishing trips, and sunset dinner cruises. There's also a staff of event planners on hand to help organize a destination wedding or other special event in a variety of ballrooms and function spaces. Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort. Parking is also free.
