Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu
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What you can expect during your stay
- All linens sanitised in high-temperature wash
- Face masks required for guests in public areas
- Face masks required for staff in public areas
- Floors marked for social distancing
- Hand sanitiser available to guests & staff
- Stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
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Updated 18/03/22 Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
A note from Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu
Updated 18/03/22 Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.
About
#9 of 171 in Kota Kinabalu
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Travellers' Choice
Located 10 minutes from Kota Kinabalu International Airport, coral islands and the city centre, just 150-minute flight time from Singapore, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur, Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu is a tranquil retreat offering 498 beautifully appointed mountain and seaview rooms and suites, six restaurants and bars, and a wealth of enjoyable recreational opportunities for families and leisure travellers. The resort is home to Chi, The Spa, a luxurious private spa experience based on traditional Asian healing philosophies. The spa comprises of 5 single villas, 3 couples' villas and an open Yoga Pavilion, all located on Pulau Bayu, the resort’s private island. It is one of the only two five-star spas in Kota Kinabalu.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Pool
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Free breakfast
Beach
Boating
Babysitting
Parking
Wifi
Hot bath
Pool / beach towels
Infinity pool
Pool with view
Adult pool
Outdoor pool
Fitness / spa changing rooms
Fitness classes
Bar / lounge
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Happy hour
Kids' meals
Outdoor dining area
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Poolside bar
Canoeing
Diving
Game room
Mini golf
Snorkelling
Tennis court
Water park
Evening entertainment
Fishing
Table tennis
Waterslide
Video game console
Indoor play area for children
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Kids club
Kids pool
Kids' outdoor play equipment
Highchairs available
Strollers
Airport transportation
Taxi service
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Spa
Couples massage
Facial treatments
Foot bath
Full body massage
Head massage
Massage
Salon
Steam room
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Concierge
Shared lounge / TV area
Shops
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun umbrellas
Doorperson
First aid kit
24-hour check-in
24-hour front desk
Express check-in / check-out
Private check-in / check-out
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Ironing service
Shoeshine
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Room features
Blackout curtains
Air purifier
Air conditioning
Private beach
Desk
Minibar
Flatscreen TV
Walk-in shower
Bathrobes
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Room service
Safe
Telephone
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Bottled water
Clothes rack
Iron
Laptop safe
Private bathrooms
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Refrigerator
Electric kettle
Bath / shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
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Room types
Mountain view
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Park View
Languages Spoken
English, Chinese, Korean, Malay
Location
Full view
52Somewhat walkable
Grade: 52 out of 100
10Restaurantswithin 1 km
1Attractionwithin 1 km
Contact
20 Jalan Aru, Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu 88100 Malaysia
Getting there
Car HireSee car hire from US$22/day
4377Reviews124Q+A100Room tips
Reviews
Traveller rating
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- 1,236
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- 108
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Popular mentions
+1
We booked the Horizon Club Seaview Twin room. Check in was swift. The staff at the Club Horizon were friendly & hospitable. We got a room on the 3rd floor. Love the greenery & the resort landscape. Room was clean, spacious & everything works well. Well maintained. It wasn’t as luxurious. Nonetheless, we truly enjoyed ourselves
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Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Travelled
Helpful
+1
Hotel's Favourite
Great hotel with the best amenities in Kota Kinabalu. We stayed for 1 night and it was the best experience. We book under Summer Supper Deal to celebrate our anniversary. Firstly, the team did a fantastic job in our room by decorating and we were given a basket of fruit and chocolates. The room was excellent and all the amenities were 5 star. For improvement, maybe Shangri-La could upgrade its Aircond system to a digital system rather than using button. The in room dining was excellent. We ordered Oxtail Assam Pedas and Beef Burger. Both were spot to taste. The breakfast was good and ful of varieties. My 2 year old son had a good breakfast cereal. Before checking out, we had our lunch which was Tuaran Mee goreng and Nasi Dagang. The Tuaran was good and Nasi Dagang was excellent. Since it was in our package, we went for the free return island trip. We went to Pulau Manukan to snorkel around there. It was amazing and we had such a good time there. My son had a great time in the island swimming and seeing the fish and sand. Overall it was the best staycation. We were tired but had a very good family time. Although my son did not went to the poll, he was super happy with the activities and food. We will surely be coming back in the near future. P/S: Thank you to Ms Fanney who was very accommodating. We had to change our reservation date as we had something going on. Kudos to her and the team.…
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Date of stay: September 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
2 Helpful votes
Helpful
Response from TAH Team, Owner at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu
Responded 21 Sep 2020
Dear ShafiqFadilahFamily, Thank you for giving us full rating. We are so very happy to hear that you and your young family had enjoyed your time here with us and thank you for all your compliments. I am going to copy this review and send it directly to Fanney and the chefs, I am certain this will bring extra big smiles to their faces. Meanwhile, we look forward to welcoming you all back soon. Do take care and stay safe. Yours sincerely, Claudina Wong, Director of Communications, Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa, Kota Kinabalu
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+1
We stayed here 7 nights. We got upgraded to sea view what was amazing to have every day sunset from the balcony. We had a room in the Kinabalu wing, the room needs renovation the carpet is dirty and old, and the bathroom has molt everywhere, the bath tube is old and not very appealing to look at. The furniture is also very old and not nice anymore. The room is to expensive for what you get. The swimming pool is amazing and the staff is very nice and friendly and in for a chat. I loved to swim there as it is very big. We booked a trip with them to one of the island and it was very well organised and te price was not that expensive 50 ringgit a person return. The food and drinks are totally overrated for Malaysia standards. You pay European prices and the food is not worth it taste wise. So we have been ordering from outside through Grab. Also if you want I find a nice restaurant with good priced food go to Lucy’s kitchen is only 10 minutes walk and at the marina club. You pay 15 ringgit for a meal. Would be nice if the hotel had a nice deal for better prices so more people dine in. You chase people away with expensive prices for you menu. We did the bbq deal at the resort for 128 ringgit including free flow drinks with beer and wine as alcohol is generally expensive in Malaysia. This was worth the price because of the free flow. The sunset here is amazing go sit at the private beach they have and wat h the sunset it absolutely amazing. The internet can be very weak and not working very well, it takes ages to load a page sometimes. The breakfast we also had was ok if it becomes to busy it felt like we got overwhelmed bij de amount op people trying to grab food if it was there last meal. If you like quiet time in the resort do not come during the weekend it becomes crazy with people. Overall we had a nice stay but they need to do some renovations to make it more likely for me to return back.…
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Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Travelled
Room Tip: Try to avoid staying during the weekend.
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Helpful
20 years ago I stayed at the Magellan Sutera, this time I opted for the Shangri La. KK has changed considerably but it’s still nice and quiet at Tanjung Aru. I’d recommend a car as there’s not much within walking distance, nevertheless we used most of the eateries at the hotel despite having one. I can’t really fault the hotel, despite coming out of lockdown it’s spick and span, they didn’t want us using the tiny beach though due to Jellyfish but the pools are spacious and quiet and it’s only a short hop over to the islands. Also it wasn’t good that the lifeguards seemed to have an aversion to picking up the rubbish in the sea and around the beach area, leaving us to do it (it wasn’t ours!). The room (Tanjung Wing sea view) was large and generously equipped. It’s a shame the lobby lounge was all closed as it’s a lovely space, I can understand cutbacks whilst guests are slowly returning but to have a coffee shop and bakery staffed up but with no coffee didn’t make much sense? Most of the staff are a credit to the establishment, especially Charlie, one of the catering managers. He pointed us in the right direction on more than one occasion and is rightly proud of his great crew and his brand. There was one chap on the front desk however, who said that ‘they couldn’t call us a cab anymore, we had to now use ‘Grab’’ which I found rather odd, a nice young lady told us later that this shouldn’t have happened!! We experienced it at a very quiet point but even then breakfast was occasionally very, very busy and noisy, at high season it may be a bit much as it is geared towards families.…
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Date of stay: May 2022Trip type: Travelled
Room Tip: Hire a car to get into town and to explore, it’s not expensive and driving there is easy!
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+1
We got married here at the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort (“STAR”) more than a decade ago and last stayed here back then. So we will always have a soft spot for this resort, and although we have been back here more or less annually for the F&B options, we have never actually stayed here again. This year, we decided to change that, and made reservations for three nights, from Wednesday to Saturday. We initially made a booking for a Seaview King room in the Kinabalu Wing, but some upselling by the front desk staff, made us agree to go for Seaview King Room in the Tanjung Wing, which came with complimentary Horizon Lounge club facilities. The benefits of this were the provision of Nespresso machine, L’Occitane toiletries and a one time complimentary mini-bar. But the best reason to go for these rooms are the use of the Horizon Lounge which was located opposite the front desk reception area. This lounge is only for the use of those who opt for the club rooms. The lounge had both an indoor and outdoor section, and also a television room to “store” the kids. From 5 to 7pm, free-flow of evening cocktails and canapes are served to club members here in an exclusive environment. In the morning, you can also opt to have your complimentary breakfast here instead of the buffet at the Café Tatu below, with set breakfast made to order and a mini buffet selection of pastries, cereal, yogurt and others also available. Both Norman and Johnny took good care of us here when we made use of the lounge. The property still looked as good as it did when we last visited. Located on 25 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds on Tanjung Aru, which is a cape sticking out into the South China Sea, it faces the five islands of the Tuanku Abdul Rahman marine park. As mentioned above, the hotel has two wings, the Kinabalu Wing and the Tanjung Wing with a total of 498 rooms. The Tanjung Wing is probably the pick over the Kinabalu Wing, being perhaps closer to the most of the facilities in the centre. The resort also has the benefit of being close to the airport, being only 10 minutes away and also away from downtown Kota Kinabalu, but still close enough and a short drive away. If you drive, there is ample open air carparking at the resort, and no charges to park your car. In terms of facilities, there is a huge swimming pool which is separated by a bridge through the centre; one side of the bridge is dedicated for adults and is a calmer environment, whereas the other side is family orientated and is next to a fun water slide and water play area that kids or even adult (who never grew up) would enjoy! There is also the Cool Box ice cream bar where you can purchase ice cream and Coco Joe’s Bar & Grill for your food and drink requirement here. Sitting on its own peninsula jutting out into the sea, is the Sunset Bar. This is where you sit down and admire the view of the islands in the evening, with a drink in hand. And witness the most glorious sunset on evenings with clear skies. Hands down, this is the best location in the entire Kota Kinabalu area to view the sunset! Seating is limited, so you may want to get here early, or make a reservation in order not to miss out! As mentioned, the breakfast buffet is served at Café Tatu, which is one level down from the reception lobby, and also has both an indoor air-conditioned area and an open air terrace. We did tear ourselved away from the Horizon Lounge one morning to experience the breakfast buffet here, and we did find the selection of food to be of good selection and quality. The other restaurant at the premises was the Shang Palace, which is located closer to the Kinabalu wing side. This is a Chinese cuisine restaurant, and we also found the food good here, and the ambiance was also quite nice. Unfortunately, the Borneo Lounge and Bar at the lobby was not in operation while we were there but there was a small bakery. At the far end of the Kinabalu Wing there is a jetty and the STAR Marina, where you arrange your excursions to the islands or water sports. There is also a small aquarium called the Clownfish Discovery Centre which is dedicated to the conservation of the clown fish. There are also some specimens of starfish here. Finally there is also another peninsula sticking out to the sea dedicated to the spa facilities. Unfortunately we did not have time to partake with the wellness facilities this time, but its location on its own certainly looked enticing. Between the Spa and the Sunset Bar, is a small man-made beach, for those who need to swim in the sea. As for the room, certainly no complaints. Everything was provided, including complimentary wi-fi, in-room safe, iron & ironing board, smart television which you can sync with, clear cable television channels, tea-making facilities and nespresso machine. The balcony had a to-die for view of the gardens and the sea beyond, and had the unique sustainable feature of switching off the air-conditioning when the sliding door was opened. The room had a high standard of finish and the housekeeping was tip-top and done when we were out for breakfast. Overall thoughts? STAR certainly is a beautiful resort with that premium luxury feel that you would expect from the Shangri-La name. The staff are also friendly and extremely friendly, and above all, very polished in their service. There was a time, before the pandemic, when the resort was flooded with tourists from China, but this time, with the border of China closed, the resort was perfect for us (maybe not for the resort!), being not overly crowded, although we did notice more people checking in on Friday, for the weekend. In short, we love the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, and in our opinion it is still the best resort in Kota Kinabalu. We would return here again and again with no hesitation!…
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Date of stay: May 2022
Value
Rooms
Service
Room Tip: Tanjung Wing. Horizon club if you can.
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Helpful
PRICE RANGE
US$97 - US$226 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
shangri-la`s tanjung aru hotel kota kinabalu, shangri-la`s tanjung aru resort and spa, shangri las tanjung aru resort, shangri las tanjung aru hotel, shangri la kota kinabalu
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa
LOCATION
MalaysiaSabahWest Coast DivisionKota Kinabalu DistrictKota Kinabalu
NUMBER OF ROOMS
498
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Claim Your Listing Frequently Asked Questions about Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu
Which popular attractions are close to Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu?
Nearby attractions include Tanjung Aru Beach (1.0 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and a pool.
Which room amenities are available at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu?
Yes, free parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu?
Conveniently located restaurants include Sunset Bar at Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa, Shang Palace, and Coco-Joe's Bar & Grill.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu?
Yes, guests have access to a pool, a fitness centre, and fitness classes during their stay.
Does Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu have airport transportation?
Yes, Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are any cleaning services offered at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Does Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers meeting rooms, a banquet room, and conference facilities.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Chinese, Korean, and Malay.