[2025 Kota Kinabalu Hotels] Travel Guide for The Jesselton Hotel (Updated Jul)

#kotakinabalutrip This heritage hotel in the heart of Kota Kinabalu brings colonial charm and personalized service. The Jesselton Hotel combines vintage elegance with comfort, making it one of the city’s most iconic stays. Rooms are classically furnished with cozy touches, and the staff delivers top-notch service with a personal flair. Located near Gaya Street, it’s perfect for exploring Sunday markets and local eateries. Ideal for those who love character and history in their accommodations. Though not ultra-modern, its charm and excellent location make it a unique and memorable option for your #kotakinabalutrip.

When you think of Kota Kinabalu, you probably picture the azure sea, majestic mountains, and a culinary adventure. This charming city in Sabah, Malaysia, offers not only stunning natural scenery but also delicious food and warm hospitality. Follow this guide for a healing journey! 🌟 Must-Visit Attractions 1. Kinabalu National Park 🌳 Recommended: ★★★★★ The first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Southeast Asia, known as the "Treasure of Nature." Mount Kinabalu is the highest peak in Southeast Asia, and hiking through the tropical rainforest and alpine plants is like a painting. For those who love challenges, try the two-day summit experience. 2. Tanjung Aru Beach 🌅 Recommended: ★★★★★ Known as one of the "World's Most Beautiful Sunsets," the soft sand and orange-purple sunset are mesmerizing. Visit in the evening to quietly enjoy the sunset's afterglow on the sea. 3. Gaya Street Sunday Market 🛍️ Recommended: ★★★★☆ Every Sunday morning, it transforms into a bustling market selling handicrafts, tropical fruits, and snacks. Don't forget to buy a souvenir to remember this unique city! 4. Manukan Island 🏖️ Recommended: ★★★★☆ A 20-minute boat ride from the city. The crystal-clear water is a paradise for snorkeling enthusiasts. The colorful underwater world is like a secret garden from a fairy tale. 5. Sabah State Museum 📚 Recommended: ★★★★☆ To learn about Sabah's culture and history, this is the place. From traditional longhouses to colonial relics, it records Sabah's diverse cultural fusion. 6. Proboscis Monkey & Fireflies Cruise 🐒 Recommended: ★★★★★ Take a boat tour of the mangroves in the evening to see the adorable proboscis monkeys up close and enjoy the fireflies lighting up the night sky like a galaxy. 🍴 Culinary Paradise • Yee Fung Laksa A local favorite, the Laksa here is spicy and rich, with a fragrant broth. The Bak Kut Teh is also a must-try. • Coconut Pudding A common beach snack, sweet and smooth, perfect for cooling off! • Seafood Feast Kota Kinabalu is known for its fresh seafood. Visit the Filipino Market for chili crab, butter prawns, and flower crab. 🏨 Recommended Accommodation • Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa With a beachfront view, it's the perfect place to watch the sunset. The hotel offers a variety of water activities, ideal for families. • The Jesselton Hotel Located in the city center, convenient for visiting major attractions, with a colonial design full of vintage romance. ❤️ Tips • Best Travel Season: March to October, with sunny weather, ideal for snorkeling and outdoor activities. • Sun Protection and Mosquito Repellent: Bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent, especially for mangrove tours. • Language and Currency: English and Malay are widely spoken, and the currency is Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). 🌟 Kota Kinabalu is a place that captures your heart. It offers both natural purity and urban enthusiasm. On the tranquil islands, we found long-lost peace; in the bustling markets, we felt the beauty of life. With fond memories and joy, you'll look forward to returning! Ready? Make Kota Kinabalu your next destination!

#kotakinabalutrip The **Atkinson Clock Tower** is one of the most iconic historical landmarks in **Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia**. Here’s a detailed review of this heritage site: ### **Overview** - **Location**: Jalan Balai Polis, near the KK Waterfront, Kota Kinabalu. - **Built in**: 1905. - **Height**: Approximately **15.7 meters (52 feet)**. - **Purpose**: Built as a memorial to **Francis George Atkinson**, the first District Officer of Jesselton (now Kota Kinabalu), who died of malaria at age 28. ### **Historical Significance** - One of the **oldest surviving structures** in Kota Kinabalu, having survived World War II bombings. - Originally used as a **navigation aid** for ships entering the harbor. - A symbol of **British colonial history** in Sabah. ### **Architecture & Design** - **Wooden structure** with a **four-sided clock face**. - Features a **simple yet elegant** colonial-era design. - The clock mechanism was imported from **England**. ### **Visitor Experience** - **Free to visit** (no entrance fee). - **Great for photography**—blends colonial heritage with the modern city skyline. - **Surrounded by greenery**, offering a quiet spot in the bustling city. - **Nearby attractions**: Jesselton Hotel, Signal Hill Observatory, Filipino Market. ### **Pros** ✔ Rich historical value. ✔ Easily accessible in the city center. ✔ A peaceful, nostalgic landmark. ### **Cons** ✖ Relatively small—visitors may spend only 10-15 minutes here. ✖ Some wear and tear due to age (though preservation efforts exist). ### **Final Verdict** ⭐ **4/5** – A must-visit for history lovers, though not a major tourist attraction. Best combined with other nearby sights.

| Quaint and friendly choice. 🌟 Hotel rating: Ideal overnight stay 📍 Address: 69 Jalan Gaya, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia 🏨 Hotel introduction Jesselton Hotel in Kota Kinabalu is located in the city center, with convenient transportation, only a 12-minute drive from the airport. The hotel has a unique decoration style with a retro charm, making people feel a different kind of warmth and comfort as soon as they enter the door. The surrounding environment is lively, and it is very close to the waterfront, bars, and shops. Whether it is a leisure or business trip, this is a good choice. 👑 Experience sharing · The hotel is very close to major attractions and the waterfront, making it an excellent place to stay for exploring the city. · Each room provides basic facilities such as a refrigerator, safe, and air conditioning, which is very convenient. The electric kettle adds points for convenient tea service. · The breakfast in the morning is delicious and convenient, and even provides a takeaway breakfast service, which is especially suitable for travelers catching early flights. · The hotel staff is friendly and enthusiastic, and the service is thoughtful. They properly handled small problems in the room, such as air conditioning failure and noise problems, making people feel at home. · Although some users mentioned that some rooms are old, they are generally clean and tidy, and the room service staff has a very good service attitude and is always ready to help guests. 🌟 Recommended nearby attractions 1. Sunday Market: Located at the hotel entrance, you can experience the rich market culture of the local area, with a dazzling array of stalls. 2. Jesselton Point: About a 10-minute walk, you can enjoy the beautiful sunset and convenient sea transportation. 3. Fook Yuen: A well-known restaurant that offers authentic Malaysian cuisine, within walking distance, super convenient. 4. Sin Kee Bah Kut Teh and Yu Kee Bak Kut Teh: Friends who like to taste local specialties should not miss it, very close to the hotel. 5. Mother India Restaurant, El Centro: High-quality surrounding restaurants to meet the needs of different tastes. With its quaint atmosphere and superior location, Jesselton Hotel provides a comfortable and unforgettable accommodation experience for every traveler who comes to Kota Kinabalu. Whether you are looking to explore the charm of the city or seek a peaceful rest, this is an ideal choice.

Love night market at Gaya Street every friday and saturday. I will check in at this area like The Jesselton Hotel, Horizon Hotel, Pantai Inn, Stanton Hotel Gaya. All of this at Gaya Street Area. At sunday morning also have Tamu Gaya Street will start from 6am to 12pm. This area very suitable for foreigner to come and see more about Sabah. I will say Sabah is truely asia.

| The Jesselton Hotel Hotel: The Jesselton.📌 Kota Kinabalu Treasure Hotel | The Jesselton Hotel 🏨 Hotel: The Jesselton Hotel 🏠 Address: 69 Jalan Gaya, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia 🌟 Hotel Introduction The Jesselton Hotel is located in the center of Kota Kinabalu, with an excellent location. It is only a 12-minute drive from Kota Kinabalu International Airport and a 13-minute drive from Tanjung Aru Train Station. The hotel is surrounded by convenient transportation, with taxis available to reach major attractions in the city. It not only provides convenient facilities for business travelers but also offers various room types for leisure vacationers, including Superior Rooms, Deluxe Double Rooms, and Deluxe Twin Rooms. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, a safe, cable or satellite TV, and an electric kettle. Most importantly, the hotel's public areas offer free Wi-Fi, allowing guests to stay connected at all times. 💫 Guest Experience For guests, The Jesselton Hotel brings many surprises. Firstly, its location allows easy walking access to the waterfront area and nearby bars and shops. Many guests highly praise the hotel's service, specifically mentioning the delicious breakfast, which is more convenient than going out to find a place to eat, and the friendly and helpful staff. For late-arriving guests, the hotel's breakfast takeaway service is very considerate. Although some facilities are a bit outdated, the overall cleanliness and spacious, comfortable rooms make guests feel at home. 👔 Hotel Features 1. Classic Retro Decor: The hotel retains many traditional decorations, making guests feel like they are in the elegant times of the last century. 2. Thoughtful Service: Friendly and enthusiastic staff, smooth check-in and check-out process, and some guests even received free upgrades. 3. Convenient Facilities: Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a safe, and an electric kettle, with complete facilities; fast Wi-Fi, and free Wi-Fi in public areas. 4. Thoughtful Details: The hotel provides newspapers, and some guests have reported high-quality bathroom and bedding products. 🍽 Nearby Recommendations 1. Mother India Restaurant: If you like Indian cuisine, you must not miss this restaurant. 2. Ferdinand's: A great place to taste delicious Italian cuisine. 3. Brass Monkey Cafe & Bar: Offers delicious Western food and drinks in a relaxed atmosphere. 4. El Centro: A popular bar and restaurant, perfect for a drink in the evening. 5. Chilli Vanilla: Offers a variety of delicious dishes with a great reputation. The Jesselton Hotel is not only an ideal choice for business trips but also a great place for travelers who want to experience the traditional charm of Kota Kinabalu! Don't miss this classic and charming place on your next visit to Kota Kinabalu~ 🌺

Nice stay & good location

Enzo restaurant

Love this hotel. please come to feel Jesselton.

#mytripvlog