City centre · 4-star · Also branded Crystal Crown Kota Kinabalu
Sabah Oriental Hotel
A large mid-priced hotel with a pool, gym and sauna on the Sembulan side of town near Imago — 12 minutes from the airport and a free area shuttle into the centre, which suits families and groups better than the older CBD 3-stars.
Checked against the hotel's own information and cross-referenced listings. Last checked August 2026.
Image obtained from sabahoriental.com.my
To the airport (KKIA)
12 min7 km by road
Pool
YesOutdoor pool on the 3rd floor with a sunset patio
Breakfast
Not included
Airport shuttle
Not confirmed
Walk to Jesselton Point
NoShort drive
Booking
Ask usWe check the rate with the hotel
What it is
Sabah Oriental (also sold as Crystal Crown Kota Kinabalu) is a 200-room hotel in Sembulan on the southern edge of the CBD, a few minutes' walk from Imago mall and Plaza Wawasan. It has an outdoor pool with a sunset terrace on the third floor, a fitness centre with sauna and steam room, two restaurants and a free shuttle around the city. Breakfast is charged separately on most rates. Gaya Street is a short drive, not a walk.
Rooms
Superior, Deluxe and Junior Suite rooms; higher floors have sea or Mount Kinabalu views.
Does Sabah Oriental Hotel have a pool?
Yes. Outdoor pool on the 3rd floor with a sunset patio
Facilities we could confirm
Fitness centre
Parking: paid, about RM3 a day
Pets not allowed
Suitable for families
Anything not listed here is unconfirmed rather than absent. We'd rather leave a gap than guess.
Eating
Cafe Oriental for the buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus the Tapai Lounge with live music.
About 12 minutes by car (7 km), depending on traffic. Grab and taxis are easy at KKIA, or ask us to arrange a pickup.
Is breakfast included at Sabah Oriental?
Only on rates that include it; otherwise it's charged per person. Ask us for a rate with breakfast.
Does the shuttle go to the airport?
The free shuttle covers the city area on a schedule. Airport transfers are separate; we can arrange one.
Can I book Sabah Oriental Hotel through this site?
Yes. Send your dates by WhatsApp or the form and our licensed Sabah tours agency confirms availability and rate with the hotel. There's no booking fee, and you can add island trips, a Kinabalu climb or airport transfers to the same enquiry.
