By Geena Roslyna
Have you ever had a vacation so good you didn’t want to go back to reality? Three days and two nights in Tuaran, and that’s exactly where we found ourselves.
About 30 minutes from Kota Kinabalu, sitting right on the beach, is Hilton Garden Inn Kota Kinabalu Tuaran, a coastal retreat where the views do all the talking.
First Impressions of Hilton Garden Inn Kota Kinabalu Tuaran
The adventure started before we even arrived. We gathered at Kota Kinabalu International Airport with the rest of the media crew, all buzzing with excitement to head towards our destination in Tuaran!
Arrival at the hotel was warm in every sense. The team greeted us with genuine smiles and cool welcome drinks waiting at the lobby.
Just when we thought that was a pleasant surprise, we also spotted a mini Starbucks bar and a grocery store just right next to the drinks station.
It’s little touches like these that makes a stay more thoughtful and special.
The hotel only opened its doors on 26 March 2026, and its newness shows in all the right ways, every surface crisp, every detail considered.
With 167 thoughtfully designed guestrooms ranging from cosy King and Twin configurations to spacious Deluxe and Premium rooms with private patios and soaking bathtubs, there’s room for every kind of traveller.
High ceilings and open layouts in select rooms make the coastal air feel even more present, like the outdoors has been quietly invited in.
Together & Co. — Where Every Meal Becomes a Memory
If there’s a soul to this hotel, it lives in Together & Co., the all-day dining restaurant and bar where Western classics share the menu with Malaysian favourites.
On the evening of our arrival, we made our way up to the open-air upper deck bar perched above the restaurant.
The sky had turned soft and grey, a light shower had rolled in, but nobody moved. If anything, the rain made it better.
There’s something quietly cinematic about sitting above the beachfront while the clouds do their thing, a cocktail in hand and good conversation in the air.
And speaking of cocktails, do not leave without trying the hotel’s signature Tuaran Breeze, a tropical blend of cranberry, lime, and ginger.
We saved the best food moment for last. On our final morning, we were treated to Tuaran Mee, the district’s beloved signature noodle dish, paired with a bright, refreshing prawn salad that we’re still thinking about.
Prefer to eat at your own pace, in your own space? The hotel’s Call & Collect service lets you enjoy the full menu from wherever you are, poolside, your room, or anywhere in between.
Activities & Curated Experiences
Besides its peaceful location, Hilton Garden Inn Kota Kinabalu Tuaran is blessed with a stunning landscape.
Tuaran’s coastline and mangrove ecosystem create a natural playground that few hotels in Malaysia can rival, and the team here has curated a collection of experiences that draw you into it completely.
Sunrise Kayak
There’s something quietly magical about being out on open water before the world fully wakes up. We paddled out into the waters with Mount Kinabalu looming in the distance. Still, majestic, and impossibly beautiful against the morning sky.
Mangrove Tour
After a filling breakfast, we set off on a guided river cruise along Mengkabung River, and it turned out to be one of the most unexpectedly rich experiences of the trip.
Our guide shared stories about the neighbourhood, the local ecosystem, and the communities that call this stretch of Sabah home. At one point, we spotted the Pan Borneo Highway being built right above the river.
We also stumbled upon a charming little jetty along the way, where we stopped for photos and to just soak in all the sights and sounds around us.
Firefly Watching
As night fell, we made our way onto the river. The trees along the banks were lit up like living Christmas lights, a group of fireflies blinking in quiet, rhythmic unison.
Here’s something we didn’t know going in: fireflies are drawn to green light. To camouflage it even more, they would use a leaf to shield their torchlights, mimicking the glow of the trees.
Batik Painting & Traditional “Kuih” Making
Before our batik session began, we were treated to a live demonstration on how to make kuih lenggang and kuih penjaram, two traditional Malay kuih. Then came the painting, a slow, satisfying afternoon of colour, pattern, and one’s creativity.
These activities are available on request for groups.
Beach Sports
Pick your game between a pickleball session on the court just beside the restaurant, volleyball on the sand, a cycling loop along the coast with bikes available from the recreational centre, or a casual game of football with the sea as your backdrop.
Pool & Property
Families with little ones will love the outdoor swimming pool with its children’s wet playground, while the 24-hour fitness centre keeps the routine-keepers happy. There’s also self-service laundry on site, and a quiet stretch of beach just steps away for whenever you need a moment to yourself.
The Moment We’ll Never Forget
One unforgettable moment was when we were fishing at the deck overlooking the mangrove area. Around 6pm onwards, we witnessed the golden hour transforming the skies into a vibrant explosion of orange hue. The sunset’s lighting also shone on Mount Kinabalu which created a sight straight out of a painting.
Everything You Need
Hilton Garden Inn Kota Kinabalu Tuaran delivers comfortable, reliable hospitality that works just as well for a romantic weekend as it does for a family trip, group retreat, or long-overdue solo escape.
A 164 sqm Multi-Purpose Hall accommodates up to 80 guests, ideal for team-building, corporate training, or intimate gatherings, all with a seaside backdrop. Complimentary Wi-Fi, parking, and guest laundry facilities come as standard.
Hilton Honors members earn points per stay, plus an additional 1,000 bonus points per night through June 2026. Worth booking sooner rather than later.
