Kota Kinabalu: A new landmark of elevation officially opened its doors here, Monday, as TP Group unveiled the Sheraton Kota Kinabalu in a grand ceremony officiated by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
“This hotel represents more than bricks and mortar. It represents confidence in Kota Kinabalu, confidence in Sabah and confidence in the future,” said TP Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Peter Chu at the opening ceremony, here, Monday.
“When we open a hotel, we are not just entering a destination. We are stepping into a place with character, heritage and a strong sense of identity,” he said, adding that the hotel was the product of years of determination and collaboration.
The Sheraton Kota Kinabalu is developed by TP Group in partnership with Marriott International.
Chu said the project had been anchored by TP Group Executive Chairman cum Managing Director, Tan Sri Paul Lim, who had remained committed to the development despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and escalating construction costs.
“Tan Sri Paul’s decision to press ahead was a bold one and the results of that commitment were now visible,” he said.
Chu said the arrival of internationally recognised hotel brands in Sabah, including InterContinental in Papar, Club Med in Kuala Penyu and Fairfield in Sutera Avenue, was not coincidental but a direct outcome of the State Government’s strategic direction under the Chief Minister.
“The Sabah Maju Jaya 2026 - 2030 roadmap and the Visit Sabah 2027 initiative are key drivers of investor confidence in the State’s hospitality sector.
“Sabah’s special allocation from the Federal Government had nearly doubled under the Chief Minister’s leadership, a meaningful gain for the State and its people that would support development across key sectors including tourism,” he said.
On a personal note, Chu, who grew up in Kampung Air, said he hoped one day to walk through the city with his grandchildren and recount the story of how Kota Kinabalu had grown into what it is today.
“Bear in mind that we are 100 per cent using local, the local people and zero foreign workers. Secondly, we also hope to provide businesses support the local community, in order to enhance the living,” Chu said.
“Thirdly, we aim to attract all the international tourists from all around the world, so that they know Sabah has such a nice place to live and join in and enjoy our hospitality,” he said.
On what Sheraton Kota Kinabalu has to offer, he said “Sheraton Kota Kinabalu is the new landmark of elevation.
He cited the swimming pool overlooking the city and the Bar Club.
“We also have the wedding pavilion, which is at the top floor. It is so breathtaking when you have your wedding there. We also have many outlets where you can enjoy the spa, enjoy our food and beverages like Sakagura, one of the renowned Japanese restaurant here.
“You can enjoy the sunlight and enjoy the facilities of the hotel,” he said, adding that Sheraton Kota Kinabalu offers a remarkable and breathtaking architecture that speaks and connect with people.
Meanwhile, Marriott International Malaysia and Indonesia Regional Vice President Ramesh Jackson said the opening reflects a shared commitment to establish a defining presence in the city.
“Kota Kinabalu’s natural setting and strong community identity made it a fitting home for the Sheraton brand,” he said.
“Sheraton has always been about bringing people together, creating spaces where connections happen naturally, and where communities gather. Here in Sabah, that already exists,” he said.
He said Marriott International was proud to contribute to what he described as Sabah’s next chapter and that the hotel would serve as a place where the State could be experienced in a way that felt real and authentic.
