At the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa, sunsets aren’t just something to admire; they’re the main event. Every evening, the sky transforms into a symphony of pinks and oranges, mirrored in the South China Sea below. There’s a reason the resort’s Sunset Bar is the stuff of local legend: there are cocktails, bar snacks and a front-row view of nature’s most dramatic light show.
Set on a tranquil curve of coast, just ten minutes from Kota Kinabalu’s city centre, this mammoth resort offers the best of both worlds. You get all the peaceful, palm-fringed glamour of a tropical retreat, with the buzzy night markets and island-hopping boats of Sabah’s capital right on your doorstep. Whether you’re here for poolside lounging, a family-friendly distraction for the kids, or the sheer thrill of doing absolutely nothing, the Shangri-La has options in abundance.
Why stay at the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru?
If you’ve been travelling through Borneo’s jungles, climbing Mount Kinabalu or spotting pygmy elephants upriver, this is the perfect place to unwind and recharge. And even if you haven’t, there’s something about the atmosphere here that you’re almost bound to fall for. The hotel is warm and spacious, with endless facilities to try out and explore. Choose between a poolside lounger or one on the hotel’s own private beach; lying in either will have you questioning whether you ever really need to leave.
There’s plenty to do at the Shangri-La, but this isn’t the flashiest resort in the world; the corridors of the hotel could do with a fresh lick of paint. Still, this hotel is more than aware of what it does well. You can spend your days hopping between the pool, spa and sea, knowing everything you could need in terms of food is just a few minutes walk away. With prices starting from around £160 a night (a relative bargain for a hotel this size), it’s also far more accessible than many of Malaysia’s more secluded island resorts. For families, it is pure bliss: there are kids' clubs, cinemas and playgrounds all onsite.
What are the rooms like at the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru?
The rooms at the Shangri-La are cavernous, comfortable and classic. Décor-wise, they mix neutral tones and dark wood finishes, with a Nespresso machine on hand to wake you up well in the morning. The beds are enormous, cloud-like things you’ll sink into and struggle to rise from. Most rooms come with their own private balconies, which are perfect for watching the sun rise over Mount Kinabalu. Bathrooms are marble-lined with rain showers. It is not an ultra-modern design, but it is definitely clean, calm and thoughtfully equipped.
For families, the hotel offers plenty of bed configurations and connecting rooms and suites. For couples, I’d recommend the sea view room; waking up to that blue horizon every day is quite the sight.
What’s the food like at the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru?
There’s food at every corner at the Shangri-La. Breakfast at Café TATU is a major event, with an international buffet that includes everything from fresh roti canai to croissants, waffles, congee, an egg station, and a full English. It’s lively, family-friendly and packed with choice, so not one person will leave hungry.
Onsite, there are an array of other restaurants to choose from, too. The red tableclothed Shang Palace serves Chinese food at lunch and dinner, while Coco Joe’s Bar and Grill’s speciality is steak. If you fancy an ice cream, there’s Cool Box Ice Cream Bar, with a collection of freezers full to the brim with choices.
Still, the thing not to miss is Sunset Bar. With panoramic sea views, it’s the kind of place you dream about during a rainy commute. Come for the seafood platters and wood-fired pizza; stay for the unbeatable atmosphere and live DJ sets as the sun goes down. It’s popular with locals too, which is always a good sign.
What are the best things to drink at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru?
The bar team here knows what it’s doing; one of the barmen at Sunset Bar proudly tells me he’s one of the best in the world. There’s a proper cocktail list, a good range of mocktails and smoothies, and classics that taste infinitely better with your toes in the sand. At the Sunset Bar, order a Sabah Sling, a local take on Singapore’s signature drink with fermented rice wine, Grenadine Syrup and Lemon Grass Tea, or keep it simple with a Tequila Sunset; its orange colour dazzles under the evening glow.
How’s the service at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru?
There’s plenty of personality at the Shangri-La. At breakfast, waiters happily steer you towards the best dishes (I was told not to skip the juice station), while over at the Sunset Bar, they linger by the tables for friendly chats and cocktail recommendations. This isn’t the kind of place where staff hover, but if you need something, they’re instantly there. For families, service goes above and beyond: staff remember names, hand out colouring books, and keep a watchful eye at the pool without ever being overbearing. The whole vibe is more warm than formal, and that makes it all the more relaxing.
What are the facilities like at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru?
Extensive is an understatement. The resort’s facilities are designed to keep everyone entertained, from toddlers to adults in chill-out mode. There’s a sprawling pool area with a dedicated water playground for kids (picture fountains, and mini slides) as well as a quieter section for grown-ups who’d rather kick back with a book and a cocktail. You’ve got endless food options on-site, and direct access to a small, well-kept private beach that rarely feels crowded.
The Chi Spa is a must: it offers indulgent massages, facials and traditional Bornean treatments, all set to the sound of humming music and ocean waves. Treatments are definitely on the pricier side, but the setting and quality make them feel like a justifiable splurge.
If you’re looking to move your body, the gym is bright and modern. There are also daily yoga sessions, aquaerobics, table tennis, and even introductory Muay Thai classes if you’re in the mood to try something new.
What’s the area like around Shangri-La Tanjung Aru?
Kota Kinabalu is one of Malaysia’s most laid-back cities, and staying here gives you easy access to its highlights. Take a 10-minute Grab and you’ll reach the famous Filipino Night Market, full of grilled seafood, smoky satay skewers, and coconut ice cream served in shells. The Jesselton Point ferry terminal is just down the road too, where you can catch boats to nearby islands.
Feeling adventurous? Drive two hours to the base of Mount Kinabalu for a rainforest hike. But honestly, most guests end up staying put at this hotel, as there’s so much to do closer to home.
Why should you stay at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru?
If you’re looking for a sun-drenched stay fit for all the family, the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru ticks every box. It has something for everyone, is conveniently located for city exploration and island adventures and is packed full of activities. Add in exceptional sunsets, a legendary beach bar, and warm hospitality, and you’ve got a resort that’s easy to love.