Kota Kinabalu

Posted by jojo67 (563 days ago)

My husband and I are planning to go early March for 6 nights, just to get away and relax poolside/beachside. No children.
We have read older posts that the Rasa Ria was a little 'run own'. Has anyone been there more recent, and has it been improved?
Which has nicer beach area, Rasa Ria, Tanjung Aru or Nexus?
Is the ocean nice for swimming? Still sandflies bad ?
Thanks

(I am based in Hong Kong)

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Posted by meawre (560 days ago)

Hello - I went to Rasa Ria back in October and it is still run down...I wasn't very happy with my stay there. Tanjung Aru, I heard, is much better and there are more things to do as well.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by jojo67 (560 days ago)

Thanks. Looks like we will stay at the Nexus then. Anyone stayed there??

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by ABCGG (559 days ago)

I was probably responsible for the comment about the Rasa Ria being a little run down or tired, following our stay there last June. I was at the Tanjung Aru a month or so ago and would say that the rooms feel newer (or at least the bathrooms, which were not great at the Rasa Ria). Having said that, the beach at the Tanjung Aru is smaller than at the Rasa Ria and a large part of the waterfront is a boardwalk. I did not take part in many activities at the Tanjung Aru, but would be surprised if there were more things to do there than at the Rasa Ria, which has pools, large gardens, enormous beach, nature reserve, orang-utans, many watersports, golf course, spa, various restaurants, etc. We loved the sea at the Rasa Ria, after Hong Kong any beach seems clean. Did not notice any sandflies, but am not sure what time of year they come out.

Some friends of ours went to the Nexus and had a good time, without providing much detail. Sounds like you have three pretty good options.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by jojo67 (556 days ago)

Anyone have information good or bad for the Nexus?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by char88can (555 days ago)

THe Nexus Hotel is a relaxing and safe holiday treat to you and your family.Check out the website: Nexusresort.com

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by ninalee (554 days ago)

We stayed at the Nexus about 2 years ago and had a good time. Room was nice with garden/patio.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by long (552 days ago)

We were at Nexus over the Chinese New Year holidays. It was fantastic! The beach is beautiful and the pools were great. The room was clean and the food was OK. My boys (aged 4 and 6) enjoyed rolling in the sand and swimming. They have a great golf course too if you are into golfing. We also did banana boat ride, kayak, paddle book and at a nearby water lagoon. We paid RM80 for adults and RM45 for kids and had unlimited use of the water rides and did some batik painting. It was a perfect family vacation. Everyday was sunny and skies were very blue! Hope you enjoy it. I highly recommend the Saturday nite BBQ on the beach. My husband and I had that while the kids had pizza and TV in the room. Hope this helps.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by conordec (551 days ago)

yup i'd stay at either nexus or rasa.
if you stay at rasa, call ahead and confirm room type, ie, newer room, as i think they have done half refurb. old rooms are yuk.
same for tanjung aru, not a very nice beach, but you can get a boat out to the islands which are really nice.
also there ask for nice rooms.

tanjung will have kids.
rasa will have kids.
nexus will have kids.

but rasa and nexus are bigger so kids don't seem to be in your face all the time.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by granite (551 days ago)

The Nexus is great, have stayed there twice and both times the atmosphere was really relaxing, the staff were friendly and helpful, and the facilities and grounds were well maintained. Would thoroughly recommend it.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by jojo67 (550 days ago)

Thanks for all the replies. We decided on the Nexus and leave in 2 days. Looking so forward to some relaxing time.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by conordec (550 days ago)

just don't forget that nexus is a looooooong way from the city, but not much in the city to look at anyway.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by english speaking travel agent (550 days ago)

The Nexus is a sprawling place with a wide beachfront. The facilities are well maintained and its great value for money.

Its highly recommended

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by char88can (550 days ago)

The Nexus Resort is paradise. You have made the right choice.

(I am based in Hong Kong)