Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa

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Located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, only a five-minute taxi ride from the bars, restaurants and the night market, this hotel boasts incredible views of the sun as it sets across the South China Sea.

Why you'll love it here

  • Set in 25 acres of beautiful gardens
  • Stroll along the nearby shores of the stunning South China Sea
  • Settle into luxurious rooms with views over the ocean or the spectacular Mount Kinabalu
  • Fun for all the family with an excellent kids’ club

Best For

  • Family, Toddlers (0-3), Kids (4-12), Teens (13+)

Nick

Travel Specialist

I'm here to tailor-make your perfect Borneo holiday. Give me a call and I'll use my expertise to create your personalised experience.

Included in your holiday

  • Lounge passes and meet & greet service in UK airports
  • Transfers to and from your hotel
  • All flight luggage allowances
  • Personal concierge service
  • 24/7 assistance when travelling
  • Full ATOL protection

Full accommodation information

The large resort offers accommodation across two wings. The décor is neutral but makes good use of traditional textures and artwork of Borneo which is coupled with a range of modern comforts ensuring guests receive the five-star service typical of a Shangri-La resort. The two types of room offer either extended views out across the sea or over to the ice-capped Mount Kinabalu.

Activities are plentiful here and guests can relax by the pool under the watchful eye of Borneo’s highest peak, play a round of mini golf or simply head to the Sunset Bar and wait for the dazzling display of colours to appear as dusk sets in. For those looking for a more active break, there’s petanque, water volleyball, tennis courts, and a Health Club. Head to the resort’s private jetty and take a boat trip to the neighbouring coral islands, which are part of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.

There are many dining options too with six restaurants and bars offering a gastronomic selection of local and international cuisine. Cafe TATU serves buffet breakfast and dinner in an open-plan kitchen design, and Shang Palace serves delicious Chinese cuisine made with fresh local ingredients. For those with a sweet tooth, the Cool Box Ice Cream Bar is sure to satisfy your cravings for dessert.

CHI, The Spa, beckons after a long flight where the highly-experienced therapists will be on hand to offer traditional or western treatments to kick start your holiday.

Seaview Suites

Seaview Suites

Seaview Suites in both wings are also available. 
Kinabalu Wing Sea View Rooms

Kinabalu Wing Sea View Rooms

Kinabalu Wing Sea View Rooms are 47sqm in size and face the ocean, offering seaviews from the bedroom and bathtub!
Kinabalu Wing Mountain View Rooms

Kinabalu Wing Mountain View Rooms

Kinabalu Wing Mountain View Rooms offer views towards Mount Kinabulu, are 45sqm in size and are more luxurious in design, with traditional Sabah inspired touches reflected in the rich woods, colourful fabrics and indulgent furnishings.

Family

A beautiful family focused resort, Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa is the perfect place for your next Far East holiday with the kids. Situated on 25 acres of landscaped gardens which overlook a stunning bay, this intimate oasis offers something for everyone. Young children will love the complimentary kids’ club called the Cool Zone. One of the largest of its kind in Malaysia, it offers childcare and play facilities which are perfect for your little ones. Some activities available include finger painting, arts and crafts, and other skill-based efforts such as costume making an interactive story time.

For older children and teens, a computer and TV room allows for a little entertainment while complimentary computer usage and video games make for some normality in their lives, giving them the chance to stay in touch with friends whilst being away. Parents are also invited to take part in the fun of the cool zone by sitting to mingle with other parents on holiday as they drink coffee and relax amongst each other.

Other adult-friendly activities to get involved with include spending some well deserved time at CHI, the indulgent and luxurious on-site spa which offers memorable treatments that will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. For a fantastic family outing, both the nearby Orangutan sanctuary and Turtle island make for wonderful half-day excursions for all to enjoy. 

Children

Cool Zone Kids Club
The largest childcare and play centre in Malaysia offers daily activities for children between four and 12 years old. The facility has a computer and television room, Internet access, PlayStations and a separate section for toddlers. Activities are led by the resort’s recreations team with hands-on guided classes and include hat, garland and bead making, scavenger hunts, pastry biscuit making and coconut craft.  

Resort Style ‘Theme Park’ Fun
The resort’s brand new water play area offers endless hours of play with three colourful theme park quality water slides measuring a total length of 100 metres. Children can huddle under the giant tipping bucket set to make a super splash on the child-friendly padded landscape or enjoy water balloon fights at the resort’s Water Wars facility. 
  • Children (and big kids!) can re-invent their favourite sundaes at the Cool Box Ice Cream Bar with their amazing selection of toppings and syrups. Ideal for keeping cool in the Borneo heat
  • Spend an evening at the Sunset Bar, try the cocktails and watch the sky turn from milky blue to deep red, pink and blood orange as the sun sets.
  • Sister hotel, Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa is a 40-minute drive from town. Visit their nature reserve which is open to guests from both resorts.

Borneo travel information

When to visit Borneo

Jan

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Best time

Good time

Ok time

  • Time zone: GMT+8
  • Flight time: 18-20 hours
  • Recommended airlines: Malaysia Airlines
  • Currency: Malaysian Ringgit
  • Tipping guideline: 10% of total bill
  • Health considerations: There is a risk of altitude illness when travelling to destinations of 2,500m or higher. There is a risk of dengue. There is a risk of Zika virus. There is a low risk of malaria in inland areas of Sabah and in the inland, forested areas of Sarawak. There is a very low risk of malaria in the rest of Borneo including the coastal areas of Sabah and Sarawak. There is no risk of yellow fever in Borneo, however, yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
  • Capital: Pontianak
  • Population: 23,720,000
  • National languages: Malay, Indonesian, English
  • Electricity and plugs: Type C / G, 220V
  • Mobile phone coverage: Good
  • UK passport visa requirements: You don't need a visa for Borneo if you have a British passport - for a maximum of 90 days

Want to know more?

Call our Travel Specialists for a chat with our Borneo experts. They'll share their first-hand insights so you can find your perfect holiday.

Monday - Friday: 9am - 7:30pm

Saturday: 9am - 5pm

Sunday: 10am - 4pm 

Nick

Travel Specialist

Not sure where to stay in Borneo? I'm here to help. Give me a call and I'll share my first-hand insights to find your perfect spot.

Borneo travel guides

Want some more help planning your holiday to Borneo? Read our expert guides to find out everything you need to know about where to stay, dine and explore on your Inspiring Travel escape.

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Monday - Friday: 9am - 7:30pm

Saturday: 9am - 5pm

Sunday: 10am - 4pm 

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