Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu, No 20, Jalan Aru, Tanjung Aru5.955403,116.042136(Show on Map)

8.5

Very Good

+5 Photos

+ 3 Photos3

Checkin - Checkout datesThu, 30 Jul - Fri, 31 Jul30 Jul - 31 Jul

Info

Summary of reviews

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru in Kota Kinabalu is a luxurious 5-star hotel with an amazing location by a private beach and stunning ocean views. Guests love the strategic location and wonderful sunset views from the beach and sunset bar. The breakfast buffet is praised for its vast selection of local and international cuisines, fresh juices and good food selection. The hotel's staff is described as super nice, friendly, helpful, kind, accommodating and welcoming. The pool area is a true highlight of the hotel with an infinity pool offering a breathtaking view of the sea. The hotel is perfect for families with children with excellent amenities, including an enormous pool with water slides, game options, kids' playrooms and a kids' club. The beds are comfortable, providing a restful night's sleep. While some parts of the hotel may appear outdated, guests rave about the fantastic facilities that cater to kids, especially the pool with water slides. Overall, the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru is an excellent and truly 5-star experience, perfect for a luxurious stay by the beach.

Categories

Sustainability Journey

This resort received the ASEAN Green Hotel Award for its sustainable practices. It operates its own water bottling and filtration plant, which has saved 450,000 plastic bottles per year since 2011. The resort features a Clownfish Discovery Centre and partners with WWF for marine conservation, including the procurement of sustainable seafood. It also reduces energy consumption through solar-powered lights and LED lighting, and implements a food waste monitoring system.

Certifications:

ISO 14001 Environmental management systems

What makes your hotel/accommodation eco-friendly?

Written environmental policy statement in place

The structure maximizes air flow to reduce the need for air-conditioning

Engaged in eco-friendly initiatives (i.e. reforestation, wildlife conservation)

Use of non-toxic cleaning products

Serving organic food at the restaurant

LED lighting throughout the premises

Employees are trained to follow environmental policies

Signs in the rooms informing guests that towels will only be changed upon request

Waste is separated into at least 3 categories

Automatic system or key card that turns off the light and electrical appliances when guests leave their room

Air-conditioning and heating automatically switches off when windows are open

A vegetarian alternative menu is proposed in the restaurant

Answers last updated by Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu

Beachfront

Located in Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu, this resort offers luxurious accommodations with stunning sea views. Features a private beach, multiple dining options, and a spa, providing a relaxing and memorable beachfront stay.

Beach

This resort offers luxury beachfront accommodations in Tanjung Aru, featuring a private beach and an outdoor pool. Its proximity to the coral islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park makes it ideal for rainforest treks and devoted beach life.

Indoor Pool

This resort features a 2,000-square-metre aquatic area that includes an indoor pool. It is designed with a tapered shoreline for children and an infinity pool section for adults, offering a comprehensive and luxurious swimming experience.

Children's Pool

Features a dedicated water play area, the first of its kind in Borneo, with sections for toddlers and teenagers, interactive zones for all ages, and theme-park-quality water slides. The hotel also has a 2,000-sqm swimming pool with a tapered shoreline for children and water balloon launchers for added fun.

Pool Water Slide

Features a fantastic pool with water slides. It has a variety of slides, games and even large water buckets. Children absolutely love the water park and rarely want to leave.

Outdoor Pool

This resort is highly recommended for families due to its excellent pool facilities, which include a water park with slides and water buckets that children love. Guests highlight the pool area as a major draw for families, providing a fun experience for both kids and adults.

5 Star

This beachfront resort offers luxurious accommodations with sea views and a range of dining options. It features an exclusive spa, an outdoor pool with water jets, and various activities for both kids and adults. The resort's location near the city center and airport makes it a convenient choice for travelers.

Tennis

This resort provides access to tennis courts along with its premium amenities and beautiful location. It caters to guests looking for both leisure and sports.

Gym

This luxury beachfront resort offers a well-equipped fitness center and fitness classes on site. Guests can enjoy a variety of water sports activities as well. It is highly rated for its attentive staff and overall amenities.

Accessible

This resort is PWD (Persons with Disabilities)-friendly, offering wheelchair-accessible rooms. Specific features include lowered sinks, grab-rail toilets, and emergency bathroom cords. The resort also provides lift access to all floors, ensuring comprehensive accessibility.

Parking

This resort provides complimentary private parking on site for guests. Free self parking is available, adding to the convenience for those arriving by car.

Business

This resort offers conference facilities and a business center. It features a pillar-less ballroom capable of hosting large events and venues for intimate business gatherings, supported by dedicated and experienced staff.

Free Wi-Fi

This resort provides consistently strong Wi-Fi access throughout the property, including rooms and common areas, allowing guests to seamlessly blend relaxation with connectivity. As a resort, it offers comprehensive services to ensure a smooth online experience.

Pool

This hotel is highly recommended for families, especially because of its fantastic pool facilities. The pool area includes water slides and a water park that kids adore. The resort also offers a warm swimming pool and beautiful sunset views.

Indoor Pool

Children's Pool

Panoramic View Pool

Pool Water Slide

Outdoor Pool

Romantic

This hotel offers luxurious beachfront accommodations, multiple dining options, and an outdoor pool with water jets. It also features an exclusive Chi, The Spa, making it ideal for romantic relaxation. The hotel provides private beach access, sun-loungers, beach umbrellas, and beach towels.

Family

This resort provides limitless entertainment for the entire family, including an indoor children's club and a water play area. The water play area includes a dedicated section for toddlers and teenagers, water slides, and water balloon launchers. The Cool Zone Kids Club features diverse activity centers with arts and crafts programs.

Spa

This beachfront resort features an exclusive Chi, The Spa, offering a luxurious and extensive menu of treatments. It also has an outdoor pool with water jets and multiple dining options, making it ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Honeymoon

With its stunning sunset views, private beach access, and luxurious spa treatments at Chi, The Spa, this resort creates an intimate and romantic atmosphere. It also features multiple dining options and a variety of water activities.

Luxury

Yoga

Panoramic View Pool

Room Types

Kinabalu King Room with Sea ViewFeaturing a balcony with sea views, this room comes with air-conditioning, ironing facilities and a satellite TV. The en suite bathroom comes with free toiletries and a hairdryer.

Kinabalu King Room with Mountain ViewFeaturing a balcony with views of Kinabalu Mountain, this room comes with air-conditioning, a sofa and a satellite TV. The en suite bathroom comes with free toiletries and a hairdryer.

Tanjung King Room with Sea ViewOffering sea views and a balcony, this room features air-conditioning, ironing facilities and a flat-screen satellite TV. The en suite bathroom comes with free toiletries and a hairdryer.

Tanjung Executive Suite with Sea ViewThis spacious suite features a balcony with sea views. It is fitted with a flat-screen satellite TV, a DVD player and ironing facilities. The en suite bathroom comes with bathrobes, a hairdryer and free toiletries. Guests enjoy Kinabalu Club benefits.

Kinabalu Twin Room with Mountain ViewOffering views of Kinabalu Mountain, this twin room features air-conditioning, a seating area and a flat-screen satellite TV. The en suite bathroom comes with free toiletries and a hairdryer.

Kinabalu Twin Room with Sea ViewOffering sea views, this twin room features air-conditioning, ironing facilities and a seating area. The en suite bathroom comes with free toiletries and a hairdryer.

Tanjung Twin Room with Sea ViewOffering South China Sea and garden views, this twin room features air-conditioning, a seating area and a flat-screen satellite TV. The en suite bathroom comes with free toiletries and a hairdryer.

Tanjung Deluxe Suite with Sea ViewOffering more space, this spacious suite features a balcony with sea views. It is fitted with a flat-screen satellite TV, a DVD player and ironing facilities. The en suite bathroom comes with bathrobes, a hairdryer and free toiletries. Guests enjoy Kinabalu Club benefits.

Horizon Club Seaview King RoomThe spacious double room offers air conditioning, a minibar, a balcony with sea views as well as a private bathroom featuring a walk-in shower. The unit offers 1 bed.

Horizon Club Seaview Twin RoomThe spacious twin room provides air conditioning, a minibar, a balcony with sea views as well as a private bathroom featuring a walk-in shower. The unit offers 2 beds.

Kinabalu Executive Suite with Sea ViewThis spacious suite features 1 bedroom, a seating area and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and a bath. The air-conditioned suite features a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a minibar, executive lounge access, a coffee machine as well as sea views. The unit has 1 bed.

Kinabalu Deluxe Suite with Sea ViewThis spacious suite comes with 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a walk-in shower and free toiletries. The air-conditioned suite features a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a minibar, executive lounge access, a coffee machine as well as sea views. The unit has 1 bed.

Kinabalu Sea View Terrace KingThe spacious double room features air conditioning, a minibar, a terrace with sea views as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower. The unit has 1 bed.

Clown Fish Themed Family Room KingThe spacious family room offers air conditioning, a minibar, a balcony with mountain views as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower. The unit has 2 beds.

Kinabalu Jungle Themed Family SuiteThe spacious family room features air conditioning, a minibar, a balcony with sea views as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower. The unit has 2 beds.

Tanjung Pool View KingThe spacious double room features air conditioning, a minibar, a balcony with pool views as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower. The unit has 1 bed.

Tanjung Pool View TwinThe spacious twin room offers air conditioning, a minibar, a balcony with pool views as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower. The unit has 2 beds.

Tanjung Sea View Terrace KingThe spacious double room offers air conditioning, a minibar, a terrace with sea views as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower. The unit has 1 bed.

Tanjung Sea View Terrace TwinThe spacious twin room offers air conditioning, a minibar, a terrace with sea views as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower. The unit has 2 beds.

Horizon Club Sea View Terrace KingThe spacious double room offers air conditioning, a minibar, a terrace with sea views as well as a private bathroom featuring a walk-in shower. The unit offers 1 bed.

Horizon Club Sea View Terrace TwinThe spacious twin room features air conditioning, a minibar, a terrace with sea views as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower. The unit has 2 beds.

Questers Tanjung Family Terrace TwinThe spacious twin room offers air conditioning, a minibar, a terrace with sea views as well as a private bathroom featuring a walk-in shower. The unit offers 2 beds.

Questers Tanjung Family Terrace KingThe spacious double room offers air conditioning, a minibar, a terrace with sea views as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower. The unit has 1 bed.

Guest Reviews

8.5

Very Good

Review Summaries

Location

Situated by a small and private beach, Shangri-La Tanjung Aru in Kota Kinabalu boasts an amazing location with stunning views of the ocean and nearby islands. It's just a short drive away from the airport and attractions such as the Tanjung Aru Beach Night Market and the famous Filipino Market. Guests love the strategic location and wonderful sunset views from the beach and sunset bar. Marina access, parking availability and accessibility to the beach make it a great place to relax and enjoy the atmosphere and activities. Despite being a bit far from the town centre, the location is still considered excellent. All in all, this resort offers a lovely location to unwind before or after flying back to KL.

Breakfast

Guests at the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu praised the breakfast buffet with its vast selection of local and international cuisines, fresh juices and good food selection. Many commented on the excellent quality and service, while some found the buffet a bit crowded or average in terms of food. Nonetheless, reviewers noted the good coffee choices, friendly staff and the wide variety of hot and cold foods available, including options for Asian countries like Korean and Indian. Despite some minor issues like overcrowding or hair found in a dish, the breakfast was generally described as wonderful, amazing and one of the best in any hotel.

Dinner

Guests have mixed opinions about the dinner experience at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu. The seafood dinner buffet was exceptional for some, while others were disappointed and found the prawns and crabs to be not fresh. The food variety at the dinner buffet was good, but some found the quality to be average or horrible. The Shang Palace dim sum, although pricey, was recommended by some guests. However, there were reports of long waits for food, sold-out dishes and slow service at Coco cafe restaurant. Breakfast stations were also scattered around, making it impractical to collect all items without the risk of cold food. Despite these setbacks, some guests did enjoy their dining experience and the hotel's location makes it easy to go out and explore other dining options nearby.

Rooms

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu is a beautiful hotel with spacious rooms and great facilities. While some rooms are dated and in need of a refresh with old furniture and cracked paint, there are newly refurbished rooms available. The sea view rooms were particularly stunning and the family room configuration was great for those traveling with children. The cleanliness of the rooms was praised by guests, though some found the pillows to be too soft and bathrooms in need of more consistent cleaning. The hotel's service was fantastic and the beds were very comfortable. Basic amenities such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi and entertainment were provided. Some guests found the hotel's sprawling layout confusing and had difficulty finding their rooms. Overall, the hotel is a great place to stay, though some upgrades to the older rooms would be appreciated for a true 5-star experience.

Beds

The beds at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru in Kota Kinabalu have received largely positive reviews from guests. Many comment on the extreme comfort of the mattresses and pillows, stating that they slept soundly during their stay. Some even note that the hotel provided extra beds to comfortably accommodate their children. While there were a few complaints about the firmness of the beds for side sleepers, these were in the minority. Overall, the beds were described as comfortable and providing a restful night's sleep. The only negative comment related to the bunk beds for children - some found them shaky and dated and suggested they be updated.

Cleanliness

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru in Kota Kinabalu receives mixed reviews when it comes to cleanliness, but there are many positive comments about tidiness. The swimming pool is spotless and the staff are courteous and attentive when it comes to maintaining rooms. Guests appreciate the comfortable beds and well-kept facilities with spacious and clean rooms. The beach is also beautifully maintained. However, a few guests have noted mold in bathrooms and dead bugs in some areas and some common areas need more attention. The property is a bit outdated and could use an upgrade in certain areas. Despite some negative comments, the overall cleanliness of the hotel is superb according to most guests with the exception of a few problem areas that need improvement.

Staff

The staff at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu have received an overwhelming number of positive comments from guests. They are described as super nice, friendly, helpful, kind, accommodating and welcoming. Many guests especially appreciated how the staff paid attention to small details and took cleanliness seriously. The efficient and thoughtful service provided by the staff was exceptional and they always went the extra mile to make guests' stay memorable. However, some guests reported that the staff members at the front desk and reservation were not friendly or supportive. Despite some negative comments, the staff were overall described as professional, attentive and very friendly. From the receptionists to housekeeping, restaurants to the busboy, everyone was praised for their impeccable service. Overall, the hotel's staff are considered one of its greatest assets.

Pool

The pool area at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru in Kota Kinabalu is a true highlight of the hotel with an infinity pool offering a breathtaking view of the sea. While some guests noted that the pool can be crowded, particularly with children using the many slides and water balloon games, others found it to be clean, well-maintained and supervised by attentive lifeguards. Adults will appreciate the serene atmosphere of the infinity pool, while kids will love the mini water park and children's pool. The pool area is also home to a poolside bar, making it the perfect place to soak up some sun and enjoy a refreshing drink. While there was some criticism of behavior in the pool and at the Coco Joes bar, most guests found the facilities to be excellent with many expressing a desire to return to the hotel for the pool area alone.

Beach

The Shangri-La Tanjung Aru in Kota Kinabalu boasts a luxurious stay by a beautiful beach. Guests are treated to a wonderful sunset view from the beach and the sunset bar, making it an ideal place for families to unwind. Despite the small beach area, the resort has amazing facilities such as a private marina and nearby islands for guests to explore. The private beach is particularly loved while the clean and beautiful snorkelling adds to the overall experience. Guests can relax and enjoy the beach pub and its great scene. The resort is also located by the beach making it accessible to the guests who want a beachfront view. While some guests complained about the dirty ocean water outside the hotel's private beach, the grounds and gardens were well kept. Overall, guests would still recommend the resort for its lovely location and clean private beach.

Parking

The parking situation at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu received mixed reviews from guests. Some found it difficult to find an empty spot, especially during weddings and events, while others praised the quick and easy accessibility from the rooms. However, some guests complained about the distance from the reception and the limited availability of parking spaces. Local travelers who bring their own cars were particularly affected by the lack of private or basement parking. Furthermore, the parking area is under the sun and filled with trees, which may cause inconvenience to some guests. Overall, the parking situation at the hotel could have been improved, but it did not significantly detract from guests' experiences.

Family

The Shangri-La Tanjung Aru in Kota Kinabalu is a perfect family-friendly hotel for a relaxing and fun family getaway. The hotel has excellent amenities, including an enormous pool with water slides, game options, kids' playrooms and a kids' club that is superb. The resort has a panel of activities designed specifically for kids. The family room configurations are spacious, making them ideal for families with children of all ages. The hotel has friendly and helpful staff, making the stay even more enjoyable. The pool is wonderful and perfect for children. The hotel is full of family heaven with enough space and various activities. It has a perfect location for short family stays to relax. The hotel caters to kids with facilities for entertainment, video games and baby care. Overall, this hotel is a definite go-to destination for families with children as it provides a perfect place to relax and enjoy the beach and facilities while having fun with the whole family.

5 Star

The Shangri-La Tanjung Aru in Kota Kinabalu is an outstanding, beautiful and luxurious 5-star hotel. While some guests noted that it lacks certain finishing touches of international standards, many raved about the 5-star quality and voted it as the best Shangri-La they've stayed in so far. They also appreciated the lovely time they had at the hotel, but suggested it could benefit from upgrades in some areas. Overall, it was described as an excellent and truly 5-star experience - even from those who have experienced other real 5-star hotels.

Pool Water Slide

The Shangri-La Tanjung Aru in Kota Kinabalu is a hotel that is highly recommended for families with children. Although some parts of the hotel may appear outdated, guests rave about the fantastic facilities that cater to kids, especially the pool with water slides. Children absolutely love the water park and rarely want to leave, as it has a variety of slides, games and even large water buckets! Families who stayed in rooms with access to the mini water park said it was the highlight of their trip and guests in general praise the hotel for being very kid-friendly. Both children and adults will have a great time at this resort with its water park facilities.

Outdoor Pool

The outdoor pool at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu, is without a doubt one of the highlights of the resort according to guest reviews. The infinity pool offers a mesmerizing view of the sea that is simply breathtaking. The pool bar is the perfect place to grab a drink or a bite to eat while enjoying a refreshing dip in the pool. Families with children will appreciate the separate children's pool, as well as the water slide that brings an added element of excitement. The beautiful pool, equipped with excellent facilities, provides ample space for guests to swim and relax. The waterpark is a thrilling addition to the overall experience, while the private beach and pier offer the perfect place to continue soaking up the sun. Guests have nothing negative to say about the pool and praise its overall greatness.

Luxury

If you're looking for a luxurious stay by the beach, the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru in Kota Kinabalu may just be the place for you. While some reviewers noted that the hotel could use a bit of an upgrade to truly reach 5-star status, many found the resort beautiful with all the amenities required for a great stay. From amazing building architecture to comfortable beds and peaceful seating areas, guests found plenty to enjoy. While some felt it was a bit overpriced and chaotic, others thought the quality merited the 5-star rating. Whether you're looking for great services, delicious food, top-notch facilities, or a massive and quiet executive suite, the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru may be worth checking out for a luxury hotel stay in Kota Kinabalu.

FAQ

Yes, Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Indoor Pool, Children's Pool, Panoramic View Pool, Pool Water Slide, Outdoor Pool.

Yes, a spa is available at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu.

No, Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu doesn't allow dogs.

Yes, parking facilities are available at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu.

Yes, Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu has a gym.

Location

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