SHANGRI-LA TANJUNG ARU, KOTA KINABALU | Beach Resort in Kota Kinabalu | Book from 164$/Night

75 photos

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu Exterior photo

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu Beach photo View of the resort

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu Exterior photo The Pier at the InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort

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Key details

Overview & Features

No 20, Jalan Aru, Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, 88100

Near Tanjung Aru Beach

Great

8.5

9.3

/10

4.6

4.4

Loved by Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu guests

Friendly staff
Delicious food
Amazing photo spots
Fun activities for kids
Relaxing massage
Calm sea

"The kids playroom and simming pool with big and small slides made our stay enjoyable specially for our kids!"

Nurul from Singapore

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"The sunset at the beach here was indeed the highlight of the stay, and we together with the other guests would just snap photos endlessly."

Departure17547273615 from Singapore

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"The views are stunning, and sunset just sensational."

Faith

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Location

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru is located just 10 minutes from Kota Kinabalu International Airport, providing easy access to both the city center and stunning tropical coral islands. The resort spans over 25 acres of landscaped gardens, offering an expansive outdoor environment for guests to explore. Guests can enjoy a range of nearby attractions, including the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.

Amenities

The hotel offers a range of facilities including an award-winning spa, a vast water play area with slides for children, and various swimming pools. STAR Marina allows for access to water sports including jet skiing and scuba diving, enhancing the outdoor experience. The resort also offers a Cool Zone Kids Club and themed rooms tailored for family stays.

Rooms

The resort features 498 contemporary rooms and suites inspired by the natural beauty of Borneo, with many offering captivating views of the South China Sea. Each room is equipped with Nespresso machines and premium toiletries, ensuring a luxurious stay. Family-friendly accommodations include the Tanjung Wing Pool View Family Terrace Room, which has its own jungle gym for children.

Dining

Dining options at the resort include six restaurants and bars, such as Shang Palace and Café TATU, offering a variety of Asian and international dishes. Sunset Bar provides guests with breathtaking sunset views alongside refreshing cocktails and local flavors. The music and atmosphere create a lively dining experience that showcases local cuisine and culinary traditions.

Sustainability Initiatives

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru has been recognized as an ASEAN Green Hotel, integrating sustainability practices into its operations, such as cutting single-use plastics and investing in a water bottling plant. The hotel promotes local sourcing through its Rooted in Nature initiative, providing fresh and sustainable ingredients in its culinary offerings. Guests are encouraged to participate in marine conservation projects that protect local ecosystems.

Highlights

Location: 10 min from Kota Kinabalu International Airport

Amenities: Private marina & water sports access

Dining: 6 restaurants and bars

Sustainability: ASEAN Green Hotel recognition

Family-Friendly: Themed rooms & Cool Zone Kids Club

Wellness: Award-winning spa with diverse treatments

“Shangri-La Tanjung Aru impressed me with its blend of luxury and commitment to marine conservation. The six on-site restaurants cater to every palate, while the private marina opens the door to aquatic adventures. It's a place where sunset views and family-friendly amenities combine seamlessly for a memorable Kota Kinabalu experience.”

Edward HayesEditor-in-Chief at Beachresort

Location: Great

8.9/10Review score

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Guest Emotional Experience

Perfect for Finding FriendsFun all around

“All u need in terms of recreation and activities can be found in the resort .”

Murshidah from Singapore

Shine on SocialsSunset views

“We were lucky to be in room 9715 which had a view of the sunset from our balcony to die for!”

karentoward from United Kingdom

Away at HomePeaceful atmosphere

“Overall looked, the environment of the hotel was beautiful, It makes one feel peaceful and warm.”

RoseMrza from Malaysia

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Pick the Room Type That Suits You

Choose from spacious beach suites, family rooms, or cosy couples’ retreats with perks like breakfast and free cancellation

Tanjung Pool View Twin

2 persons

510 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Kinabalu Twin Room Sea View

2 persons

485 sq. feet

2 Single beds

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Clown Fish Themed Family Room King

2 persons

485 sq. feet

1 King-size bed and 1 Sofa bed

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

Tanjung Pool View King

2 persons

510 sq. feet

1 King-size bed

Shower

Coffee machine

room details

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Facilities

Enjoy comfortable stays and unforgettable experiences at our beach resorts

Facilities: Great

8.7/10Review score

General

Non-smoking rooms
Parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
VIP check-in/ -out
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
Wheelchair access
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Locker room
Lift
Currency exchange
Coffee shop
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key card access

Sports & Fitness

Fitness centre
Diving
Snorkelling
Canoeing
Tennis court
Table tennis
Mini golf
Yoga class
Sports trainer
Fishing

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Valet parking
Room service
Housekeeping
Car hire
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Tours/Ticket assistance
Shops/Commercial services
Welcome drink
Happy hour

Dining

Restaurant
Snack bar
Bar/ Lounge area
Outdoor dining area
Dinner
Packed lunches
Special diet menus

Business

Business centre
Meeting/ Banquet facilities
Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots
Babysitting/Child services
Children's buffet
Board games
Children's pool
Children's play area
Kids club

Facilities for people with disabilities

Toilet for disabled
Bathroom for disabled

Spa & Leisure

Infinity pool
Indoor swimming pool
Beach access
Aqua park
Live entertainment
Sun terrace
Garden area
BBQ facilities
Leisure/ TV room
Spa & wellness centre
Sauna
Back massage
Head massage
Full body massage
Foot massage
Pool with view
Shallow end

Room features

Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Air conditioning
Mini-bar
Sitting area
Patio
Terrace
Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Bathtub
Free toiletries
Bathroom telephone
Sink

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV
Direct dial telephone
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Carpeted floor

Dining Onsite

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru's dining options weave together a tapestry of flavors and experiences from around the globe. Guests can savor everything from vibrant Japanese sushi to exquisite Malaysian dishes, all set in inviting atmospheres that cater to families and couples alike.

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu Restaurant photo The photo shows a spacious, well-lit restaurant with a tropical vibe. The interior features high ceilings with large rectangular skylights, allowing plenty of natural light to flood the space and offering views of the sky and palm trees outside.

Th

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu Restaurant photo The photo shows a vibrant and cheerful scene at what appears to be a poolside snack bar or refreshment station. The bar has a curved white counter with red cushioned stools. Behind the counter stands a smiling woman wearing a red and yellow uniform,

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu Restaurant photo The Beach Club

Café TATU

International with Asian and Local influences

Ambiance

Modern and lively, featuring colorful decor and energetic live cooking stations

Key Offerings

Dine on a diverse selection of dishes, with live-action stations showcasing chefs preparing popular Asian and Western favorites, including the signature Homemade Satay

Reservation

Open daily from 06:00 to 23:00

Coco Joe's Bar & Grill

Malaysian and International with a focus on seafood and grilling

Ambiance

Family-friendly and romantic, enveloped in a cozy, casual atmosphere

Key Offerings

Enjoy a variety of grilled delicacies and fresh seafood, perfect for a relaxed lunch or a cozy dinner under the stars

Reservation

Open daily from 12:00 to 23:00

Shang Palace

Traditional Chinese cuisine

Ambiance

Family-friendly with a warm, traditional setting that invites sharing and connection

Key Offerings

Delight in a menu rich with authentic Chinese flavors; lunch and dinner are the perfect times to savor these beloved dishes with family and friends

Reservation

Open daily from 11:30 to 14:30 and 18:00 to 22:00

Location & Nearby Attractions

No 20, Jalan Aru, Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, 88100

Map view

No 20, Jalan Aru, Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, 88100

City landmarks

Beach

Tanjung Aru Beach

3600 ft

Museum

Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village

2.1 mi

Landmark

Tanjung Aru

2900 ft

Landmark

Tanjung Aru Perdana Park

5000 ft

Landmark

Perdana Park

4800 ft

Mosque

Sabah State Mosque

1.8 mi

Beach

Tanjung Aru Beach 2

5000 ft

Park

Double Six Monument

1.4 mi

Mosque

State Mosque

1.8 mi

Landmark

Borneo Trading Post

1.8 mi

Harbour

Sutera Harbour Resort

1.5 mi

Landmark

Bukit Kopungit

1.7 mi

Winery

Vino Vino Bistro

1.8 mi

Monument

Petagas War Memorial

2.5 mi

Beach

Pulau Mamutik

2.1 mi

Landmark

Desa Cattle

2.1 mi

Museum

Sabah Islamic Civilization Museum

2.3 mi

Tower

Atkinson Clock Tower

3.1 mi

Park

Weston Wetland Park

2.5 mi

Gallery

Sabah Art Gallery

2.7 mi

Landmark

Taman Ujana Rimba Tropika

2.5 mi

Island

Mamutik Island

2.6 mi

Night club

B.E.D (Best Entertainment Destination

2.5 mi

Landmark

Water Village

2.5 mi

Landmark

Signal Hill Observatory Platform

3.3 mi

Landmark

Tourism Malaysia Offices@Sabah

2.5 mi

Landmark

Petrosains Playsmart Kota Kinabalu

2.5 mi

Spa Centre

Ventus Spa Massage & Beauty Centre

2.5 mi

Nearby

Shangri-la's Tanjung Aru Resort

700 ft

Restaurants

Cafe Tatu

2000 ft

No. 20 Jalan Aru Garden Level

Coco-Joe's Bar & Grill

2200 ft

No. 20 Jalan Aru

Sunset Bar at Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa

2700 ft

No. 20 Jalan Aru Kota Kinabalu

The Korean Club Restaurant

1600 ft

No. 4

Explore Kota Kinabalu

Explore Tanjung Aru

Tanjung Aru Beach

13 minutes' walk

A famous beach offering stunning sunsets, perfect for swimming and leisurely strolls along the shore.

Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village

8-minute drive

This museum showcases Sabah's rich culture and heritage with artifacts and cultural performances.

Tanjung Aru Perdana Park

19 minutes' walk

A scenic park featuring beautiful gardens, walking paths, and a playground, ideal for family outings.

Snorkeling at Manukan Island

10-minute drive

Thrilling snorkeling adventures with vibrant coral reefs and marine life near Manukan Island await visitors.

Yoga Classes at Tanjung Aru

7 minutes' walk

Relaxing yoga sessions on the beach provide peace and tranquility, suitable for all skill levels.

Coco-Joe's Bar & Grill

8 minutes' walk

Casual dining with a lively atmosphere, specializing in grilled dishes and seafood, perfect for family meals.

Sunset Bar at Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort

10 minutes' walk

Rooftop bar with stunning sunset views and signature cocktails, creating a romantic evening atmosphere.

Sutera Harbour Resort

25 minutes' walk

Vibrant nightlife with bars and live music, perfect for both families and couples looking for evening fun.

Cultural Shows at Sabah State Museum

8-minute drive

Weekly cultural performances offering insights into local traditions, great for all ages seeking entertainment.

Getting around beach destinations

City Centre

Kota Kinabalu8 min · 3.0 mi

Airports

Kota Kinabalu International (BKI)10 min · 4.1 mi

Train

North Borneo Railway26 min · 1.3 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-23:59

Check-out

until 12 pm

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.

Breakfast

The hotel Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu provides visitors with a free full breakfast.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Languages

English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Malay

Year renovated:

2007

Number of floors:

Number of rooms:

485

Former name

shangri la's tanjung aru resort & spa, kota kinabalu

Guest Ratings & Coastal Resort Reviews

See What Past Guests Had to Say About Their Stay

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Guests consistently praise the spacious and comfortable rooms, often highlighting the balconies and diverse breakfast options at Cafe TATU, which includes a Korean food corner. The resort's location near the sea and its own marina allows for various water activities like paragliding and snorkeling at Mamutik Island. While the sunset bar is popular, some guests have found it a bit crowded, feeling more like a mass event than a cozy experience.

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Review score

Based on 818 verified reviews

8.7/10

Great

88%

Recommend

Staff

9.1/10

Location

8.9/10

Value for money

7.7/10

Breakfast

7.8/10

Pros

Spacious rooms

Private beach access

Efficient restaurants

Cons

Run-down facilities

Expensive buffet

Hot water issues

Paul from Germany

Family with children

Kinabalu King Room Sea View

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:February 01, 2026

6/10

subpar air conditioningworthless pillows

The air conditioning in my room was subpar. I set it to the coldest setting, but I still felt uncomfortably warm at night. The pillows also lacked proper support for my head and neck. These issues made it harder to get a good night's sleep (I expect better from a hotel like this).

0 Helpful

Olivia from United Kingdom

Family with children

Kinabalu King Room Sea View

5 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:January 25, 2026

9/10

clear viewbreakfast buffetplay facilities

i stayed in a kinabalu king room sea view. the room had a king bed and a clear view of the sea from the window. complimentary cute notes were provided. the breakfast had many choices. food presentation at the breakfast buffet was wonderful. the chefs did a great job in the food preparation. the hotel has different pool depths. there were also some play facilities, like a water slide. i found it convenient to book various water activities at the hotel.

0 Helpful

Daniele from Italy

Family with children

Tanjung King Room Sea View

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:December 24, 2025

8.7/10

Really good Family Stay

polite staffwide selectionfamily-friendly activitiescrowded bar

The staff members were polite and helpful. Breakfast had a very wide selection of food (i really enjoyed the fresh fruit). The hotel is very family-friendly and provides many activities for children. My child especially loved the waterpark and kids club.

The sunset bar was very crowded, and it was difficult to get a seat to enjoy the sunset view. The service was slow, and the area felt a bit like a large, public event rather than a peaceful resort experience.

Rooms

9/10

Our room included a king-size bed and a separate seating area. The bathroom was equipped with a rainfall shower and premium toiletries. We also had a balcony overlooking the sea (it was wonderful!).

Location

8/10

The hotel provides direct access to the beach. The airport is a short drive away. There are several shops and restaurants within a walking distance of the hotel.

Dining

9/10

Breakfast offered many options, including local and international dishes. There are several restaurants on site, with varied cuisines. The hotel also has a bar with live music in the evenings.

0 Helpful

Panzanaro from Italy

Family with children

Kinabalu King Room Sea View

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed:October 12, 2025

8/10

vast choicesindoor activity

i stayed in the kinabalu king room sea view. the hotel included many activities i can do, indoor or outdoor. i was able to directly get on a ferry to other islands and the food choices at breakfast was vast.

air con was horrible and i set it to the coldest setting, still i woke up sweating.

0 Helpful

Pandora from Greece

Family with children

Tanjung Twin Room Sea View

4 nights in August 2025

Reviewed:October 05, 2025

9/10

Excellent Stay!

breakfast optionsuperb tastehot water

The breakfast was superb. The variety of dishes was excellent. The hot water in the bathtub worked very well.

0 Helpful

Questions of the users

About Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu

What are the main differences between the Tanjung and Kinabalu rooms, especially when it comes to sea views?

2 November 2024

The Tanjung Wing is located closer to the main facilities, making it convenient for accessing the lobby, dining options, and pool. The Kinabalu Wing is a bit further away, requiring a short walk of about 5 minutes to reach those same amenities.

What is the ideal time of year to experience the best beach getaway at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru?

12 January 2025

The prime time to visit is from May to September when Sabah enjoys a warm climate, which is perfect for beach activities. Temperatures usually range from 25-32°C year-round, so it's important to stay hydrated.

Do the Kinabalu Wing Mountain View Rooms include both a bathtub and a shower?

15 July 2024

Yes, these rooms are equipped with both a separate bathtub and a shower, ensuring a comfortable bathing experience.

If booking a suite that connects to a standard room, will each have its own bathroom?

30 August 2024

Yes, each room in an interconnected suite will come with its own bathroom, providing convenience for all guests.

What types of rooms can be booked with interconnecting options for families?

10 October 2024

Interconnecting rooms are available as king and twin room combinations, but availability may vary. Recommended options include the Kinabalu Wing Mountain View Room, Kinabalu Wing Seaview Room, or Tanjung Wing Seaview Room.

Can extra mattresses be arranged in rooms accommodating 3 adults and 2 kids?

7 March 2025

Rooms with a king-size bed can accommodate a maximum of 2 adults and 2 children, and an extra bed can be provided for one child. For 3 adults and 2 children, it's advisable to book either two rooms with king-size beds, a family room, or a suite.

Is airport transfer available, and if so, what are the associated charges?

25 April 2025

Airport transfers are available for a fee, with pricing based on the vehicle type. For instance, a 7-seater like a Toyota Alphard costs approximately MYR 125 one way.

Are there any restrictions on pool access, especially for guests with children?

20 February 2025

The main pool is open from 8 AM to 7 PM for fully vaccinated adults. Families with children can enjoy complimentary baby cots during their stay at no additional charge.

How can guests gain access to the Horizon Club Lounge?

14 June 2024

Access to the Horizon Club Lounge is granted with reservations for Horizon Club Seaview and Suite room categories.

Is there an option for complimentary taxi services between the hotel and the airport?

18 August 2024

Complimentary taxi services to and from the airport are provided upon request.

Are any special programs in place for children visiting Shangri-La Tanjung Aru?

29 September 2024

Yes, the resort features a Cool Zone Kids Club and offers amenities and activities tailored for children, making it family-friendly.

Is it possible to have an early check-in upon arrival?

22 November 2024

Early check-in is subject to availability. For guaranteed access to a room earlier than the standard check-in time, it's advisable to book the night prior.

What can be expected regarding late check-out options?

1 December 2024

Late check-out requests are also dependent on room availability. It's recommended to coordinate with the Front Desk upon check-in to explore this option.