In a truly beautiful location, just a few minutes by Grab from the center of Kota Kinabalu, you’ll find the luxurious Pacific Sutera Hotel, with the equally luxurious Magellan Sutera Resort next door. We really enjoyed our stay at the Pacific Sutera Hotel. Technically it’s a hotel, but in terms of vibe, it feels more like a beach resort. It’s the perfect base for a few days in Kota Kinabalu, and after our great stay, we’d even recommend it as a starting point for your vacation in Malaysia. After arriving in KL, you can take a direct flight to this lovely city in Sabah (Malaysian Borneo). How nice is it to have your feet in the sand on your very first day?
The hotel is located right near the center of the city. You can walk there, but hardly anyone does because of the tropical heat. A Grab ride to the center takes less than 5 minutes, and most other sights in and around the city are also only a few minutes’ drive away.
Around the hotel and resort, you’ll also find the 27-hole Sutera Golf & Country Club and the Sutera Harbor Marina Country Club. Both offer various activities that hotel guests can enjoy.
We stayed here for a few nights at the start of our trip through Sabah. It’s a great base for day trips in the area, such as the Papar train ride, a visit to the TAR islands, a day trip to the Klias Wetlands (including a great firefly tour), rafting on the Kiulu River, Tip of Borneo, Borneo Cultural Village, Mari Mari Cultural Village, and the Mount Kinabalu area.
Rooms
The rooms are quite luxurious, with beautiful views of the sea and the tropical islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. From your window, you can look out over the lush tropical garden, with the pool in the distance.
We had a standard room with a view of the golf course and the city of Kota Kinabalu behind it. The room had been partially renovated — everything was brand new except the bathroom. It was fine, but not quite in line with the sleek decor of the rest of the room. When I asked about it, they explained that rooms are being renovated in phases. Although it stood out a bit, it wasn’t really an issue, and the bathroom was still quite nice (but clearly a different style than the very modern rest of the room).
Ideal for (small) children
We can wholeheartedly recommend this resort if you’re traveling with (small) children. It’s a relaxed resort where families feel right at home. Kids won’t be bored for a second here — from the beautiful swimming pool to a dip in the sea (with crystal-clear water), kids’ golf lessons, and even a bowling alley. There’s even a daily activity board with all kinds of fun activities.
There are also multiple swimming pools (you can also swim at the sister resort), table tennis, a driving range, a pool hall, a cinema, and an indoor children’s playground.
What is there to do in and around the resort?
One of the highlights you shouldn’t miss is the North Borneo Sunset Cruise. It’s a lot of fun, and the view from the boat is amazing. You set sail just before dinner and enjoy a generous (and delicious) buffet along the way. First, you cruise past the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park islands, then enjoy a spectacular sunset out at sea. After that, you cruise through Kota Kinabalu by Night before returning to Sutera Harbor — the resort’s port.
The 27-hole golf course is also fantastic for enthusiasts. Many of the holes are located right by the sea, making it a golf session to remember. Hotel guests get a discount on green fees. A round on the 9-hole course costs around RM245 per person (April to November), excluding caddie and clubs. You can rent clubs and shoes on-site, and buy balls and gloves in many shops in Kota Kinabalu (e.g., at Imago Shopping Mall). You can also take individual lessons at Golf Academy Borneo, guided by a pro.
There are 5 tennis courts in total, 3 of which are covered. Rackets and balls can be rented at the hotel.
If you’re staying on a Sunday, definitely visit the Gaya Street Sunday Market, about 10 minutes away by Grab. It’s a fun local market where you can find just about everything — including souvenirs and cool gifts to take home.
Small boats depart daily from Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal to the islands in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, but there’s also a ferry service from out of Sutera Harbour. Mamutik Island and Sapi Island are especially worth visiting. Try to go early in the morning while it’s still quiet. Snorkeling gear can be rented on the spot, but we usually bring our own sets.
Good food and drinks at the hotel
Breakfast is usually included, and Café Boleh is the place to go. Think a huge buffet with tons of choices — from typical local dishes to plenty of Western options (like yogurt and fried eggs). A great start to a busy day of exploring.
There’s also a wide choice of restaurants and bars on the hotel grounds, and it’s just a short walk to The Magellan Sutera Resort next door, which has several nice spots too — from a coffee shop to a pool bar. Some are ideal for a Western-style lunch, others are more for dinner. There’s also the lovely Marina Café with views of the harbor, and The Terrace overlooking the golf course.
The Breeze Beach Club is a must if you want to dine with your feet in the sand. The menu is casual and fun — think pizza, burgers, spaghetti, fries, etc. Perfect for a relaxed evening, especially with kids.
Horizons Sky Bar is a stylish rooftop bar on the hotel’s 12th floor — perfect for watching the sunset while enjoying some very pleasant lounge music. They serve good cocktails and a nice selection of small and larger dishes. Cocktails cost around RM30–40, which is normal for Malaysia (actually on the cheaper spectrum compared to many other places in KK). Appetizers were around RM30 per dish. We found the main dishes a bit pricey, so it’s a better spot for drinks and snacks. The satay was delicious though!
What’s the best way to book a stay?
You can book directly with the hotel — sometimes they offer packages with 2–3 nights in an upgraded room with breakfast for a good price.
You can also check Booking.com or Agoda.nl. The benefit is that you often get free cancellation until shortly before arrival, and you pay securely by credit card to a major international company. These platforms also often offer competitive deals — sometimes as low as €75 per night including breakfast. Always compare options to get the best deal.
How do you get there?
The resort is by the sea in central Kota Kinabalu. It’s less than 10 minutes by taxi from the airport (usually RM10–15). Make sure to specify The Pacific Sutera Hotel, as the complex is large and it can be a long walk from other parts of the site.
Tips
- Book the North Borneo Sunset Cruise (or Night Cruise) in advance, ideally for the evening of your arrival. Choose the Rain Check Flexi option so you can reschedule or get a refund in case of bad weather.
- Check-in is from 3:00 p.m. If you arrive earlier, you can leave your luggage and go for a swim or explore. Early check-in is sometimes possible.
- Late check-out is sometimes available (for a fee). Worth considering if you have a late flight.
- If you’re heading out early for a tour, ask for a breakfast box the day before — you can pick it up early in the morning.
- If you skip the sunset cruise but still want an epic sunset, take a Grab (10 mins max) to Tanjung Aru Beach, where you’ll find beach bars and a night market.
- You’ll hear planes quite clearly as the flight path is over the city — surprisingly, it’s not too disruptive, and kind of cool to watch.
- The first boat to Manukan Island from Jesselton Point leaves at 8:00 a.m. The earlier you go, the quieter it is. You can buy tickets online or on the spot.
Suggestions?
Got any good tips to share with us? Do you know of any great things to do in Sabah, or tips on the best places to eat? Let us know by leaving a reply below or join our private Facebook Group Friends of Malaysia.
