Whilst Malaysia may be a conservative country, the cosmopolitan state capital of Sabah in the north of Borneo has a somewhat laid-back, live-and-let-live approach. It is a melting pot of cultures and the entry-point and base to explore the wild rainforest reaches, mountainous terrains, orangutan-filled canopies and sublime beaches of this lesser-known paradise. The Hyatt Regency Kota Kinabalu is our favourite property in this small city.
A world-class international hotel, the Hyatt Regency Kota Kinabalu, refurbished after years of serving the city as its top international hotel has been awarded a well-deserved, five-stars, after its upgrade.
Its location is right smack bang in the heart of this sleepy, sea-front city in East Malaysia. From our suite, we looked out to the sprawling ocean, the infamous Gaya island and our favourite fresh fish food-court at street-level below.
Our Club Room was nicely appointed, with neutral décor – Hyatt global standard – although it lacked its sense of place, considering its exotic setting – this said, the minimalist approach gives it a more informal and familiar ambience, considering the hotel will generally be a first or last stop on an adventure in Northern Borneo.
Our Club Members’ room key gave us access to the top-floor Club Lounge, where complimentary breakfast was served, away from the madding crowds. A wonderful perk, with a wonderful view.
| Perfect for | Fly into | Right on time |
| The Adventurer | BKI | GMT +8 |
| While you’re Out There |
| We touched on it in the review, but it was such a fantastic, local experience that we’ll tell you again. If and when you’re done with hotel food and want to go mingle with the locals, walk out of the hotel and head for the seafront promenade, where you’ll find a small selection of seafood hawker stores along the water. Here you can pick from today’s fresh catch, cooked in whatever way you want and served up to you as you watch the boats (and local people) pass. |
Photography courtesy of Hyatt Regency Kota Kinabalu
At OutThere, we believe in boundless travel. But we understand that some destinations can pose challenges to travellers that complicate visiting them. We advise all visitors to inform themselves about local legislation and customs, and to work with a trusted travel provider in order to ensure a safe and pleasant holiday.
