Luxury Hotels Atlas / Places / Malaysia / Kota Kinabalu / Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu
Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia · Shangri-La · High Luxury
Open since 1983 on a 25-acre beachfront peninsula ten minutes from Kota Kinabalu Airport, Shangri-La Tanjung Aru looks across the South China Sea toward Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park's coral islands. Sunset Bar is the house ritual, and the resort holds Malaysia's Prime Minister's Hibiscus Award for environmental performance, the country's highest hotel environmental honour, while a phased renovation runs through 2027 with the doors still open.
- 498 rooms
- Opened 1983
- Neighborhood: Tanjung Aru
- Rooms from 506 sq ft (47 m²)
- Interiors: Avalon Collective
About Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu
- The airport is ten minutes away, the shortest airport-to-beach transfer of any Shangri-La resort in Malaysia.
- A newer wing opened in 1993, ten years after the original beach house.
- Avalon Collective is shaping interiors on the current enhancement; a 9-hole golf course and STAR Marina sit on the peninsula.
- Entry-level rooms start at 506 sq ft (47 m²).
History
Shangri-La Tanjung Aru opened in 1983 as a beachside resort on 25 acres of tropical gardens in Kota Kinabalu, Borneo, with a newer wing added in 1993 and renovations in 2007. It has established itself as a premier luxury destination known for its Asian hospitality and proximity to natural attractions like coral islands. The property is currently undergoing a major phased enhancement project from 2025 to Q2 2027, including room refurbishments and new facilities, while remaining open.
The setting
Located on a serene beachfront peninsula in Tanjung Aru, just 10 minutes from Kota Kinabalu International Airport, the city center, and tropical coral islands, offering South China Sea views and Mount Kinabalu vistas. 7 km from centre of Sabah.
Restaurants and bars
- Cafe TATU — Café
- Coco Joe's Bar & Grill — Bar · Bar & Grill
- Shang Palace — Restaurant · Chinese
- Borneo Lounge & Bar — Bar
- Cool Box Ice Cream Bar — Café · Ice cream
- Sunset Bar — Bar
Experiences
- Malam Kampung Buffet Dinner — Buffet dinner billed as an immersion in the magic of Malam Kampung.
- Cool Zone Kids Club — Kids Club among the family facilities, alongside babysitting, themed rooms and children amenities.
- Private STAR Marina — Private marina on the resort.
- Water play area — Water play area with water slides and pools on the resort.
- Chi, The Spa — Spa offering pampering for the body and soul, described as life-enriching and soul-soothing.
Amenities
- Chi The Spa
- infinity pools
- kids water play area with slides
- private beach
- STAR Marina
- tennis courts
- 9-hole golf course
- Health Club
- Sauna
- Hot tub
- Kids club
Awards
- ASEAN Green Hotel
- GSTC Certified
- Luxury Lifestyle Awards Best Luxury Seaside Resort
- Prime Minister's Hibiscus Award (Environmental Performance)
- Travel + Leisure Top Hotels
- TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice
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