Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu fuses sleek, contemporary design with the lush natural beauty of Borneo for an effortlessly stylish and unforgettable stay.
A beautiful mishmash of everything all at once, Kota Kinabalu, located on the island of Sabah in Malaysian Borneo, is something of an enigma. Within a single block, I have stumbled across old Chinese shophouses, rainbow-bright concrete towers from the 1970s, tin-roofed markets, and glitzy waterside malls.
A stroll along the waterfront reveals further paradoxes. Weathered fishing boats bob contentedly alongside gleaming luxury yachts. The air is thick with sea salt and the rich aroma of barista-crafted coffee wafting from sleek, modern cafes. It tangles with the primal, briny tang of fresh seafood and the smoky scent of smoldering charcoal from market stalls, where vendors fan glowing embers with practiced nonchalance.
Racking up the steps, a few kilometres later I come upon a rickety stilt village that seems to levitate above the water, its ramshackle, rusty roofs standing in stark, almost poetic contrast to the golden chevroned dome and striped minaret of the State Mosque. And all the while, jungle-draped hills hover on the periphery of the city, offering a quiet but constant reminder that I am in Borneo, after all. And it is wild.
That’s the thing with KK, it’s like one moment, you’re stocking up in Sephora, lapping up barista-brewed lattes and dodging scooters in the buzzing city centre, and the next, you’re trekking through a rainforest older than the Amazon.
Adding a fresh dimension to this vibrant city is the Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu. Sandwiched in the midst of the glorious jumble that is KK, and designed by the legendary Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the hotel is an architectural love letter to the city, bringing all of its eclectic elements into a single sleek sanctuary.
A building that breathes
The first time I step from KK’s steamy streets into the lobby of the Hyatt Centric, I let out an involuntary sigh – one of contentment, at suddenly finding myself enveloped in quiet, understated elegance.
Yes, it’s a luxury hotel, but it’s not the kind of place that feels removed from the city it inhabits. Instead, it’s rooted in KK’s identity, drawing on the culture, flavours, and natural beauty that make this city unique. There are no golden chandeliers or overly polished marble floors here; instead, this is a space that invites you to breathe, to slow down. Designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, renowned for his ability to blend modernity with nature, natural light floods through floor-to-ceiling windows to an interior inspired by Borneo’s majestic jungles, with bamboo accents in the lobby representing the vegetation found on the forest floor and a greenery-accented rooftop creating a sense of being at the canopy level, overlooking the blue waters and jungle-clad hills.
Kuma’s design philosophy is evident throughout the property, with sleek, contemporary elements that fuse seamlessly with local materials and environmental considerations. The crowning glory, however, is the pool on level 23 that seemingly dissolves into the horizon. A masterpiece of Kengo Kuma design, the stunning double infinity pool creates the illusion that you’re swimming straight into the South China Sea one way, while jungle awaits at the opposite end.
I should also mention the fitness centre, but, well, me being me, I can tell you there is one but not much more, ’cause you know, a girl’s got priorities – like diving headfirst into cocktails and soaking up the views.
Rooms with a view at Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu
Inside the hotel’s 222 thoroughly modern rooms and expansive suites, the natural world continues its influence. Rooms and suites feature a mix of contemporary and traditional elements, with carefully curated artworks and touches that nod to local culture and add a creative and unique flair to each space.
The room’s thoughtful design ensures maximum convenience, with most of the lighting easily controlled from a bedside panel. USB charging ports and a universal power outlet are perfectly positioned, catering to both domestic and international travellers. The king bed in my 21st floor hill view room is delightfully soft and plush, offering the perfect balance of support and comfort for a dreamy night’s sleep. And a large walk-in rain shower in the bathroom is spacious enough to rival a small dance floor, and a curated selection of eco-friendly premium toiletries and amenities further elevates the experience.
Every room has also been designed to make the most of its surroundings with floor-to-ceiling windows and a private balcony offering a front-row seat to the city’s ever-changing skyline. Look one way, and you’ll see Signal Hill’s lush greenery. Look the other, and there’s the South China Sea, shimmering like molten gold at sunset.
And when it comes to the little details, Hyatt Centric KK doesn’t miss a beat. Inviting robes and slippers – nothing beats the feeling of stepping into a fluffy pair after a day of exploring. They even provide a generous supply of drinking water, a coffee machine in the living room, and a teapot and cups, which makes brewing a decent cup of tea in the morning feel less like a hassle and more like a ritual. It’s the kind of thing you don’t expect but is absolutely appreciated, something this hotel excels at.
Wining and dining at Hyatt Centric KK
Perched high above the city, the stunning ON23 Sky Bar and Lounge is the kind of place where you can lose hours without realising it. The bar itself is sleek, intimate, and serves up cocktails that are as meticulously crafted as the hotel. Do yourself a favour and order the Signature Haus Bah!, a heady mix of locally distilled rice wine, sour plum, Havana rum, citrusy calamansi, and carbonated Sabahan craft ginger. Or maybe two.
Speaking of local flavours, ON22, the hotel’s signature restaurant, takes Sabah’s bounty and spins it into something extraordinary. The seafood, sourced fresh from the South China Sea, is the star of the show. Think grilled tiger prawn laksa and wok-fried chilli crab and a garoupa fish curry that’ll have you licking your plate clean. Of course, there’s more than just seafood, with noodles, steaks, and salads, and plenty of fresh local ingredients that make the dishes sing.
Breakfast is a scene, too, with a heaving buffet of Western and Southeast Asian dishes, accompanied by an à la carte menu. Think eggs benny and granola for those who prefer a walk on the mild side, as well as local gems like Sabah laksa noodles with prawns, Bunga Telang Nasi Lemak with spiced chicken and blue pea flower rice, and roti jala soaked in rich curry – the perfect punch in the mouth to kickstart my day.
If you’re hungry for more, just opposite the hotel is the Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, where you will find a wide range of casual dining restaurants, as well as a supermarket where you can stock up on snacks and other consumables.
Location, location
The Hyatt Centric’s prime location makes it an ideal base for exploring Kota Kinabalu and beyond. Situated directly across from Suria Sabah, a gleaming waterfront shopping mall heaving with both high street and designer stores, the hotel is also within walking distance of key attractions like the Filipino Market, Gaya Street Sunday Market, and the city’s scenic waterfront. Guests can easily explore the local culture, the city’s plentiful dining options, or venture further to natural attractions like Mount Kinabalu and Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Superlative service
Sabahan people are a special breed – warm, easygoing, and downright fun. It’s like they’ve figured out the secret to living life without taking it all too seriously. And that vibe? It’s all over the Hyatt Centric KK. From the moment you walk in, you’re hit with that genuine, no-pretences hospitality. While unquestionably professional, there’s none of that stiff, transactional vibe you get at some places. Instead, I feel like I’ve walked into a friend’s living room – at least it would be if I had friends with impeccable style and million-dollar views.
There’s a sense of ease here that’s contagious, and it’s all tied back to the people. In a world that’s increasingly obsessed with efficiency over humanity, the Hyatt Centric, though very much a 21st century hotel, feels like a throwback to the way things should be – relaxed, warm, and genuinely welcoming.
Getting there
AirAsia flies from Sydney to Kota Kinabalu via Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. Upgrade to a Premium Flatbed for business-class comfort at a premium economy price and a more restful experience. Click here for a comprehensive review of AirAsia’s Premium Flatbed experience.
Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu
18 Jln Haji Saman,
Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu,
88000 Kota Kinabalu,
Sabah, Malaysia
PH: +60 154-874 1234
An award-winning travel writer and photographer, Aleney de Winter was fresh from school when she first set off to explore the far reaches of Australia with a two-man tent and a beaten-up Kingswood for company. Three decades, and two kids later, and she's still on the go, with her itchy-footed offspring in tow. 