The Best Hotels in Karambunai, Kota Kinabalu - 2026 Updated Prices

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Where to stay in Karambunai

Find the best Karambunai areas for the activities you enjoy most.

A clock tower with a weather vane, surrounded by lush greenery and a white fence.

Downtown Kota Kinabalu

A noteworthy feature of Downtown Kota Kinabalu is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Centre Point and Kota Kinabalu Central Market.

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An aerial view of a tropical island with clear turquoise waters, surrounded by a cityscape and distant mountains.

Tanjung Aru

Beaches and abundant dining options are well-reviewed features of Tanjung Aru. Make a stop by top sights like Tanjung Aru Perdana Park while you're exploring the area.

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An aerial view of a residential area with houses along a river.

Kampung Air

Unique features of Kampung Air include the shopping and restaurants. Make a stop by Kompleks Asia City or Sedco Square while you're exploring the area.

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Alamesra

While Alamesra may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like 1Borneo Hypermall and Likas Stadium.

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A mosque with two minarets and a blue dome, reflecting in a calm body of water.

Likas

You'll appreciate the shopping during your time in Likas and you might want to plan a stop by Likas Stadium and Likas Sports Complex while you're in the area.

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Top Karambunai Hotel Reviews

Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu

10/10 Excellent

"Absolutely fantastic property with incredible staff.Rooms were huge and very clean and well equipped.Lovely pools and beach,great range of activities and restaurants. Free shuttle bus into KK and easy to arrange excursions through the hotel."

Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa

8/10 Good

"Absolutely lovely resort - the resort is beautiful and feels like paradise. The staff are all amazing, great service everywhere. The restaurants are reasonably priced (a bit more expensive than the mainland but seems reasonable given the location) and all the meals we had were really nice - we stayed for a week and had tried most dishes by the end , there isn’t a huge variety and only a few Malaysian options. Our room was up a steep hill but you can ask for a ride up on the buggy if you don’t fancy the walk. Everything does close up quite early (last order for a drink 10pm) but can see why as we were always the only people still around at this time - everyone seems to disappear about 8:30 so it can feel a bit of a weird atmosphere if you’re an evening person. There are lots of biting insects around so do take some decent insect repellent as the oil the resort provides didn’t seem effective at all. They light insight repellent coils outside each villa in the evening - it would be good if the resort could add these at the bar area at the Pantai restaurant too. A few things. The rooms just aren’t insect proof at all - eg there’s gaps in the door so we got bitten a lot. Each day we had to brush ants off our bed. When we first arrived there was a large number of ants (dead and alive) on the bed. We stayed for a week and the bedding wasn’t changed at all during this time, which was surprising especially as I had a couple insect bites which left a bit of blood on the bedding."

Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

10/10 Excellent

"We stayed for one week and the room was very comfortable. The breakfast included was worth the extra fee. 24/7 Gym and laundry services available. Infinity pool was relaxing and has a great view of sea. Citadines is a popular meet up spot. We went on two tours and they picked us up right outside our hotel. There is a restaurant, massage spa, burger king, cafe and lemon tea shop in the same building."

Borneo Beach Villa & Suite

10/10 Excellent

"The Borneo Beach Villa is an incredible value! The South China Sea is beautiful, clear and clean!! The villa is as pictured though with some wear and tear - though still lovely and spacious. We stayed in a unit with its own pool that was on the beach.The staff was very responsive. I would recommend renting a car if you are not too intimidated by driving on the left."

Frequently asked questions

What other neighbourhoods are similar to Karambunai?

While Karambunai offers a unique blend of natural beauty and resort-style relaxation, the most similar experiences in Sabah would be found in areas like Tanjung Aru and Shangri-La Rasa Ria, though each has its distinct character.

Tanjung Aru, located just outside of Kota Kinabalu, is well-known for its beautiful beach and stunning sunsets. It's a popular spot for both visitors and locals, offering a relaxed atmosphere with several resorts, a public park, and a variety of dining options along the beach. It's a convenient choice for those who want beach access combined with easy reach of Kota Kinabalu's city amenities.

For those seeking a more secluded, luxury resort experience akin to Karambunai's comprehensive offerings, Shangri-La Rasa Ria in Tuaran is an excellent alternative. This resort is set amidst a nature reserve, providing a private beach, an 18-hole golf course, and an orangutan rehabilitation centre.

What are the best family hotels in Karambunai?

For family-friendly accommodation in Karambunai, the Borneo Beach Villa & Suite is an excellent choice.

This 4-star property, with a rating of 8.0, offers several features that cater to families. Guests can request a free crib for little ones and benefit from connecting rooms for added space and convenience. The villa also provides a sofa bed and a fully equipped kitchen, which can be very useful for preparing family meals. Children will enjoy the dedicated swimming pool, and many rooms boast lovely sea views.

What are the most romantic hotels in Karambunai for couples?

For a romantic stay in Karambunai, the Borneo Beach Villa & Suite is a wonderful choice for couples.

This 4-star property, with a rating of 8.0, offers stunning sea views and private balconies, great for enjoying the picturesque surroundings. Each villa and suite comes with a fully equipped kitchen, providing convenience for a cosy meal together, and guests can also enjoy the outdoor pool. The inclusion of private hot tubs, both indoor and outdoor, adds an extra touch of luxury for couples seeking relaxation and intimacy.

When is the best time to go to Karambunai?

The best time to visit Karambunai is during the dry season, which runs from March to October.

This period generally offers consistent sunshine and lower humidity, making it ideal for outdoor activities and enjoying the beaches. The seas are typically calmer, great for water sports like snorkelling, diving, and boat trips. You'll find it comfortable for exploring the natural beauty of the area, including the nearby wildlife reserves and mangrove forests.

Couples looking for a relaxing escape will find these months great for enjoying the resort amenities and the pleasant weather for romantic beachside strolls or dinners. The clear skies are also excellent for stargazing in the evenings.

For families, the dry season provides the best conditions for children to enjoy the outdoor swimming pools, beach activities, and any organised excursions without the disruption of heavy rain.

Can I cancel my hotel reservation on Expedia?

You can cancel your hotel reservation on Expedia, though it depends on the cancellation policy of your booking. Most bookings are refundable if canceled within 24-48 hours of the scheduled arrival. Be sure to check your booking confirmation for the exact cancellation policy. If free cancellation is available, you can cancel directly through your Expedia account by logging in, going to "My Trips", and selecting your reservation. To find flexible deals, filter your search by "Fully refundable property" for hotels in Karambunai.

How much is the nightly rate at a Karambunai hotel?

Hotel prices in Karambunai often vary, but you can find a great deal on Expedia. Different factors affect nightly hotel rates, such as the time of year or the days of the week you want to book. To find the best deals for your stay, be flexible with your dates, and sort search results by "Price: low to high" for our cheapest rates.

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Our top choices for Karambunai hotels

1. Borneo Beach Villa & Suite

2. Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai

3. Ritz Residence - A Member of The Luxury Hotel Group

4. AC Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group

5. CJ Residence

6. A Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group

7. AJ Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group

8. ACJ Residence - A Member of The Luxury Stay Group

9. The LUMA Hotel - A Member of Design Hotels

10. Borneo Coastal Residence - IMAGO Mall

11. Signel Poshtel, the Rare Gem of North Borneo

12. Kivana Suite, Vetro 11 by Ayuhouz

13. Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu

14. Holiday Inn Express Kota Kinabalu City Centre by IHG

15. Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

16. Hilton Kota Kinabalu

17. Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

18. Citadines Waterfront Kota Kinabalu

19. K Hotel

20. Kokol Haven Resort

Where to stay in Karambunai

Downtown Kota Kinabalu

Tanjung Aru

Kampung Air

Alamesra

Likas

Top Karambunai Hotel Reviews

Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu

Frequently asked questions

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