Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa

Luxurious five-star family resort

The Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa allows you to experience the best of Malaysia with 25 acres of lush gardens and a location close to the coral islands of Tunku Adbul Rahman National Park. Here you can make use of the on-site dive centre and marina allowing easy access to these ocean attractions whilst jungle treks and bird watching tours are available in your lush surroundings. For some city exploration, head to Kota Kinabalu city, just minutes from the resort.

A haven of relaxation, the resort's luxurious rooms overlook the ocean or the spectacular Mount Kinabalu and feature your own balcony and elegant furnishings whilst magnificent views of the ocean can also be enjoyed from the Jacuzzi and beautiful infinity edge swimming pool. For ultimate rejuvination in paradise head to the CHI Spa for a pampering treat and revive your body and soul.

Ideal for couples and families, children can take a dip in the paddle pool, play on the slides and play away the hours in the kid’s club whilst adults enjoy a range of activities including scuba diving, football, yoga, Thai chi, volleyball, pilates, water volleyball, cricket, tennis, table tennis, petanque and pitch and putt.

Last but not least, dazzle your taste buds with delightful barbeque cuisine at the resort's bar and grill overlooking the ocean, or sample Chinese fare at Shang Palace. For drinks, the Sunset Bar offers a relaxing spot to enjoy a spectacular sun set, the perfect way to round off a fantastic day at this tropical retreat.

Hayes & Jarvis Rating

Average: 5 (1 vote)

Guide Price

£1,299 per person

Hotel Category

Luxury

Location Type

Beach

TripAdvisor Review

4299 Reviews

Read reviews

Hotel Gallery

Hotel Features

General Information

Check-in Time:
12:00
Check-out Time:
12:00
492 rooms

Main Facilities

Golf
Outdoor pool
Watersports
Wifi

Board Basis Options

Bed & Breakfast
Room Only

For Families

Babysitting
Family Rooms
Kid's Club
Kid's Pool

Hotel Location

Location Highlights

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa

Beach
approx. 10 minutes from Kota Kinabalu Airport.

4299 Reviews

87% of travellers recommended this hotel

Traveller ratings

Excellent 2422
Very Good 1223
Average 402
Poor 146
Terrible 106

What to Expect

Location
Sleep Quality
Rooms
Service
Value
Cleanliness

Reviews

Jan 17, 2020

Great location; excellent service & overall good place.

Sydney, Australia

Beautiful grounds, comfortable & excellent service. We stayed here in Jan 2020 on a family holiday. Tours etc were very accessible. The pool & surrounding activities kept the kids entertained. Overall a good stay.

Jan 13, 2020

Great resort in a beautiful location and excellent service

Melbourne, Australia

We spent over a week in this resort recently and had one of the most relaxing and enjoyable breaks. The service and staff in all parts of the resort, from restaurants, to sunset bar, to shops, tour operators, were excellent. One of the few places where we never felt that they were trying sell us the most expensive option. In fact, they would advise us of things to do and things to avoid based on our needs regardless of what the cost was. Very friendly and helpful. Our room was very well located with views of the South China Sea and removed from the main kids area which made it all the better. Food in all three restaurants was very good.

Jan 10, 2020

Disappointed

Bath, United Kingdom

We had stayed at this hotel before and in Dec 18 we had such a wonderful time we decided to come back again the following year. However, we were very disappointed and will not be returning. We stayed 8 nights. We did not receive a welcome at the door when we arrived. At the Horizon Lounge we waited for check in and that was fine. It was good to see some familiar faces and the welcome from Rozzell was great. When we got to our room, Horizon Seaview, although it had been refurbished and was elegant and clean, it was not what we had hoped for. There was hardly any room for two cases. There was one wardrobe with very little space as it also contained a large safe. It also opened onto the bed. The bed was lovely but larger than usual. The carpet was new but was more like a very large rug with a lot of bare floor. The entrance to the bathroom was narrow due to the very large bath surround and extra large shower room. Although the bathroom had been retiled to perfection, the shower bar was very loose on the wall, the shower hose was not flexible so that the shower head either faced the wall or the shower door. There was hardly any space by the sink. The hairdryer was in a drawer under the sink. Totally impractical. No thought had gone into this. The hairdryer itself was wired into the drawer, you had to keep your finger pressed on the button to get it to work, it had no nozzle and it was old, faded and dated rubbish. We had no welcome amenities whatsoever, not even fruit. We had advised the three we required before we came. We were also celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary but this wasn't acknowledged either. When we went to the Lounge for afternoon tea, we advised them of this, but later we had only one of the three amenities and rose petals on the bed in a heart shape and a small cake. This was nice, but having to tell them, it didn't feel the same. We still had to chase up the rest of the amenities we were missing. GC Jade membership didn't seem to count for much here. The view from the balcony was of the Putting Green and a very partial Seaview. There were workmen up an hydrolic crane on a lorry on the far side of the apartments and also sitting under the tree in front of us. We could see that they were working their way round the building towards the rooms on our side. We made some of our feelings known to Kevin, Horizon Club Manager, while we were there and he very kindly found us another room in the Kinabalu Wing. It was an old style room, but on the 7th floor with a wonderful Seaview. There was plenty of room, plenty of hanging space, carpeted floor and there was plenty of room in the bathroom. The shower worked perfectly. We had someone repair the shaving mirror which was hanging off the wall, but other than that, it was great. A decent plug in hairdryer with nozzle in the desk drawer. Afternoon tea was a disgrace. Dried up white or brown bread sandwiches with the merest scraping of what was apparently coconut jam. There was one tray of carrot cake which went so fast that it ran out and was replaced with plain sponge squares. We didn't bother after the first day. It was an insult. The breakfast was OK, the ordered food was very good, but the other food was hit and miss. The worst thing we witnessed were unsupervised children using their fingers to pick up food and one child playing with the toaster, taking every piece of bread from the basket with his hands, ramming in the toaster and piling it all up whether toasted or not on the bread board. We saw another with fingers in the chocolate spread. The evening canapés were poor to start with but improved during our stay. The main problem was plates running out and the food. We were annoyed on our first night that someone came over to us while we were getting food and said we had to sign something they had forgotten at check in. We said we would come to the desk when we had finished, but we were further interrupted whilst sitting down eating by the same person who thrust a piece of paper in front of us and forced us to sign. This was extremely unprofessional and we were very insulted. As for the Horizon Club Lounge itself, it comes nowhere near the experience of when it was in the Kinabalu Wing. It is next to the very busy Tanjung Wing main Lobby, so it's extremely busy outside. The Lounge has been very nicely decorated with good tables and chairs but beneath this it is very poor indeed. The ceiling leaks badly when it rains and looks like a patched up ships hull. There is mold when the rain has come in. It is awful. Outside, the covered seating is fine, but there is a large proportion which is open to the elements, has ruined furniture which no one will use and therefore is wasted space. The food area needs a complete rethink. It is far too cramped. The main fridge next to the kitchen door is absurd. Everyone converges there in the morning and especially in the evening. With the fridge door open, it blocks the kitchen entrance. In the morning you cannot reach yoghurt, fruit or muesli without spilling it. There are no small plates, so people tend to take too much and either leave it or leave none for other people. Some of the cutlery was dirty. Plates regularly ran out. You can't make your own tea and coffee during the day. The kids area was a good idea but they still ran around in the Lounge and were constantly opening and closing the small door. The TV room was nice but small and underused. There were far too many people, so the service was not exclusive and was rushed. The staff do their very best for you but haven't time. Too many rooms for the size of the Lounge. One day we came for evening canapés and we're confronted by someone with a clipboard taking room numbers. We were told the Lounge was full, so we're told to wait with many others and herded like cattle. It was a total shambles. Then we were told we could go to the Borneo Lounge, nowhere near the food etc. Then we were found a table but the floor surrounding it was covered in food like some fast food restaurant because no one had time to clear it up. We sat on a table with someone with a pram next to us. It was one of the worst experiences of our holiday. The gym was very good but the pool was full of people in life jackets and snorkelling gear who had no manners and crashed into us so swimming was difficult. A lot of people brought their kids into the adult pool which wasn't properly policed. The pool depth in the adult pool is only 1/3 suitable for those who don't like deeper water and most were in the area up to 1.6m, so very crowded. Nothing exclusive about this pool. Not enough sun beds for everyone. It is a great pity that the Horizon Club has gone down hill. The staff we know and others we didn't were all fantastic. Rozell and Farah who were wonderful to us, Norman, Rais, Johnny, Ling Ling, Joanne and many others all give great service. Our thanks to Kevin who was a pleasure to talk to and kindly moved us to a better room. Linda was excellent and did our self check in with our airline and printed boarding cards for us: thank you so much. We appreciate that there were aspects about the Horizon Club building which were beyond the control of the staff, so to this end, we will write to head office to express our opinion. Sadly, we are unlikely to return.

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Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa

Facilities

Swimming Pool

The resort's 2,000 square metre pool comes complete with tapered shoreline for children, a Jacuzzi® and infinity pool section for adults.

CHI, The Spa

A haven of rest and relaxation, the spa village is built on a private island and features eight treatment rooms equipped with a steam room, outdoor shower and bath. Yoga and Tai Chi is also conducted daily at the yoga pavilion.

Health Club

The Health Club has dedicated areas for cardio, weights, Pilates and personal training; an energy boosting juice bar; relaxing sauna and locker rooms with male and female orientated zones.

Sports & Entertainment

Arange of activities can be enjoyed at the resort including scuba diving, football, yoga, tai chi, pilates, water volleyball, cricket, tennis, table tennis, petanque and pitch and putt.

Pitch and Putt Golf Course

Star Marina

Exclusively owned and operated by the resort, STAR Marina provides professional water sport services, boating and cruise facilities and also includesa learning centre for scuba diving enthusiasts. The dive centre offers a variety of dive certification classes, facilities and equipment in line with PADI standards so if you are thinking about learning to dive or a fully qualified diver; this is the place for you. For non-divers, snorkelling trips are offered daily too.The STAR Marina is located within the grounds of the resort offering guests easy access as well as the option to explore neighbouring islands for day trips and beach activities from their very own private STAR Marina Jetty. Please note, charges will apply locally for some activities.

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru offers a shuttle service to nearby Lok Kawi Wildlife Park three times a day. Lok Kawi Wildife Parkis home to Pygmy Elephants, Proboscis Monkeys, Malayan Tiger and different species of deer. Shuttle service is on a first come first served basis and bookings should be made one day in advance at the concierge desk. Charges apply for shuttle service and entrance to Lok Kawi Wildlife Park.

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available across the Resort

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa

Room Types

Horizon Club Seaview

Double/Twin: max 3 adults or 2 adults and 1 child

Horizon Club Seaview Rooms are located in the Kinabalu Wing. Incredible views of the sea can be enjoyed from your balcony and your bathroom is fitted with a bathtub and shower. In addition complimentary Wi-Fi and Club Benefits come inclusive with the room.

Horizon Club Room Benefits Include:

Your personal concierge
Private check-in and check-out
Premium toiletries
Access to private Horizon Club lounge, which features daily breakfast, evening cocktails and canapes.
Access to private Horizon Club lounge, which serves beverages from 6:30 am to 11:00 pm
Premium WiFi dongle during stay
In room wireless and wired charging device
One free suit pressing per stay and shoe shining service
Minibar filled with one serving of selected beverages and snacks
In-room personal coffee making machine

Size: 45sqm

Show room facilities

Air Conditioning
Balcony or Terrace
Bath
Hairdryer
In Room WiFi
Minibar
Safe
Satellite/Cable TV
Sea View
Separate Shower
Telephone
Towels included

More images

Tanjung Seaview

Double/Twin: max 3 adults or 2 adults and 1 child

Tanjung Seaview Rooms are located in the Tanjung Wing. Sea views are available from your private balcony and your bathroom is fitted with a bathtub and separate shower. Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided for your convenience.

Size: 47sqm

Show room facilities

Air Conditioning
Balcony or Terrace
Bath
In Room WiFi
Minibar
Safe
Satellite/Cable TV
Sea View
Separate Shower
Telephone
Towels included

More images

Kinabalu Seaview

Double/Twin: max 3 adults or 2 adults and 1 child

Kinabalu Seaview Rooms feature private balconies facing the South China Sea. Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided for your convenience and your bathroom features a bathtub and separate shower.

Size: 45sqm

Show room facilities

Air Conditioning
Balcony or Terrace
Bath
Hairdryer
Minibar
Safe
Satellite/Cable TV
Sea View
Separate Shower
Telephone
Towels included

Kinabalu Mountain View

Double/Twin: max 3 adults or 2 adults and 1 child

Kinabalu Mountain View Rooms are located in the Kinabalu Wing. Enjoy views of Mount Kinabalu from your balcony and complimentary Wi-Fi, provided for your convenience. Your bathroom features a bathtub and separate shower.

Size: 45sqm

Show room facilities

Air Conditioning
Bath
Hairdryer
Minibar
Safe
Satellite/Cable TV
Separate Shower
Telephone
Towels included

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa

Food & Drink

Coco Joe's Bar and Grill

Coco Joe's Bar and Grill is a contemporary beach barbeque restaurant and bar, serving refreshing cocktails, fresh seafood and an a la carte menu.

Café TATU

Café TATU is a contemporary restaurant featuring a varied buffet breakfast and dinner in an open-kitchen design. Cuisine options include Mongolian, Tandoori, Asian noodles, Dim sum, pasta, salads and desserts. A la carte lunch is available

Shang Palace Restaurant

Shang Palace Restaurant is renowned for its dim sum, available for breakfast and lunch, as well as its mouth-watering choice of Cantonese and Chinese fare.

Sunset Bar

An iconic bar facing the South China Sea, the ideal place to watch the sunset

Borneo Lounge and Bar

Borneo Lounge and Bar is a Lobby lounge with live evening entertainment.

Cool Box Ice Cream Bar

Cool Box Ice Cream Bar serves ice creams, milkshakes and sundaes.

Board Basis Options

Room Only

No meals included.

Bed & Breakfast

Buffet breakfast is in Cafe TATU from 06.00hrs,

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa

Special Offers

Honeymoon offer

Honeymoon and Anniversary Offer

Honeymoon couple receive a complimentary room upgrade from Kinabalu Mountain View or Kinabalu Seaview to next room category.

Plus a welcome fruit platter, a pair of Borneo Black Pearl earrings for the wife, two alcoholic cocktails at Sunset Bar and His & Hers Batik Beach Sarong

Special offer

2020 Early Booking Offer

Receive 25% discount on your accomodation - if you book before 31st March 2020

Also receive 20% discount on selected food and beverage, selected massage treatments at Chi, The Spa and also on selected watersportsat STAR marina.

Travel Dates 1st February 2020 - 31st March 2021

Blackout dates apply.

Travelling

Saturday, February 1, 2020 to Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Offer ends in 70 days

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Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa

Luxurious five-star family resort

Hayes & Jarvis Rating

Guide Price

TripAdvisor Review

Hotel highlights

Hotel Gallery

CHI, The Spa

Restaurant

CHI, The Spa - Entrance

Aerial View

Beach

Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park

Coco Joe's Cabana

Pitch and Putt Golf

Cafe Tatu

Bar at sunset

Infinity Pool

Coco Joe's Cabana

Borneo Lounge and Bar

Hotel Features

General Information

Main Facilities

Board Basis Options

For Families

Hotel Location

Location Highlights

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa

Traveller ratings

What to Expect

Reviews

Great location; excellent service & overall good place.

Great resort in a beautiful location and excellent service

Disappointed

One of the best Beach Resort Hotel I have stayed

Amazing hotel

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa

Facilities

Swimming Pool

CHI, The Spa

Health Club

Sports & Entertainment

Pitch and Putt Golf Course

Star Marina

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available across the Resort

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa

Room Types

Horizon Club Seaview

Tanjung Seaview

Kinabalu Seaview

Kinabalu Mountain View

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa

Food & Drink

Coco Joe's Bar and Grill

Café TATU

Shang Palace Restaurant

Sunset Bar

Borneo Lounge and Bar

Cool Box Ice Cream Bar

Board Basis Options

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa

Special Offers

Honeymoon and Anniversary Offer

2020 Early Booking Offer

Try these inspiring itineraries

Singapore and Borneo Multi Centre Holiday

Hong Kong and Borneo Multi Centre

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