Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu Showcases Arts Made to Appeal to the Senses

HYATT CENTRIC KOTA KINABALU is an urban oasis in Kota Kinabalu. Perched on the stunning waterfront of Sabah, Malaysia, the hotel showcases the best the region offers, whether culinary ingenuity, architectural acumen, or creative spirit.

Just a short drive from the airport and the city’s vivacious nightlife, Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu takes its aesthetic cues from the elegant simplicity of nature, channelled through a lens of urban cool and easy convenience. The hotel makes an ideal base for holidaymakers, business travellers and adventure seekers landing in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah’s capital city.

Bold and Creative

Complementing the bold lines of construction — courtesy of respected Japanese architect Kengo Kuma — the 222-room hotel’s interiors evoke the wonder of Borneo’s incredible landscape, incorporating the abundant greens of Sabah’s jungles with the subtle earthy tones found at nearby Mount Kinabalu, Borneo’s tallest peak. 

The sense of place is taken further on the guest floors, where the earthen palette is mixed with artworks inspired by the region’s Kadazan Dusun culture, bringing the creativity of the community to life with decorative textiles and hand-woven wall hangings dotted throughout corridors and public spaces. The rooms also feature creations from the region’s gifted homegrown artists.

Moreover, popular local fashion designer Melinda Looi designed the hotel team’s eye-catching uniforms to enhance the guest experience with a flourish of colour and style. Accessories by Happy Plastics Borneo, created from upcycled materials, add flair to the unique designs and promote sustainable fashion.

“We are delighted to work with award-winning Kengo Kuma and Melinda Looi – who are masters of their craft – to drive the design and the look and feel of the first Hyatt Centric hotel in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.  We want to provide a journey of discovery for our guests through the hotel’s unique interior spaces and art pieces, where they can discover and further explore the rich, natural and cultural heritage that Sabah is famous for,” said Ruben Schrijver, General Manager, Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu.

Unbound Dining

Bringing drama, style and an elevated perspective on fine dining and expertly crafted artisanal cocktails, the choice and quality of gastronomy and mixology have reached dizzying heights.

Since Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu first opened, its signature restaurant ON22, led by  Head Chef Ho Jun Yip, AKA Chef Jun, has produced unforgettable plates to impress diners. The restaurant’s impeccable service and imaginative menu have proved a hit with foodies and casual diners alike, with patrons arriving in droves to sample dishes infused with local flavours, such as Lamb Shank Rendang, Cheeky Masaman, Curry Cauliflower, Grilled Sweet Miso Pumpkin, Grilled Chili Lobster Pasta and Salmon Laksa.

ON22’s charm is enhanced with indoor and alfresco seating spread across three distinct dining areas. Sea Forest provides awe-inspiring views of Sabah’s rolling hills and sublime seascapes; Wood Garden artfully employs the colours and textures of the jungle to create a tropical forest atmosphere; and The Dry Garden uses boulders, stone and cinnamon-hued panels to honour the mighty Mount Kinabalu.

Local Hero

Up on the 23rd floor, ON23 Sky Bar’s Manager, Kenneth Klassen, is a local success story who has worked in some of the country’s finest hotels and been a key figure in promoting the art of mixology to Sabah.

Extolling the virtues of both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, Klassen has installed a gin bar, housing 55 different gin and tonic combinations, as well as introducing 22 iced tea flavours, perfect as part of a refreshing mocktail up amongst the clouds.

Klassen’s passion for his craft and pride in his country’s produce is a source of inspiration, and the cocktail master par excellence has created several drinks infused with local ingredients, including Haus Bah!!!, inspired by kit chai ping, a sour plum drink found throughout Sabah, and Citrus Market, a zesty mix of Cointreau, the local rice wine, and lashings of fresh calamansi, lemon, lime, and orange yuzu, sweetened with a few drops of grenadine.

“We hope to build a cocktail culture here at ON23 Sky Bar, beginning with a place where people can come to chill and discover classic and new cocktails while having a good time against a backdrop of magnificent views. “We believe there’s a cocktail with your name on it at ON23.”  

Events and Culture

With the charm of its location, the striking skyline views, and the high quality of its drinks, ON23 has become a leading venue for events in Kota Kinabalu. The rooftop space regularly hosts themed nights, such as its Paint & Sip series, which pairs local artists with expertly crafted mock and cocktails.

There are also live bands every week supporting local talent and solo performers.

The calendar of events and parties culminates in December with the third edition of the Ewan Lane Festival, a celebration of Kota Kinabalu’s urban culture hosted by the hotel. The super popular community events include skateboarding, live music and art installations, and food stalls in a lively carnival atmosphere that never fails to deliver fun and excitement for everyone involved.

Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu is a stunning hotel that celebrates Sabah, Malaysia’s natural beauty and cultural richness. With its innovative design, exceptional cuisine, creative cocktails, and vibrant events, the hotel provides an immersive experience that showcases its guests’ best of the region.

For more information, please visit www.hyattcentrickotakinabalu.com or call +60154 874 1234 or follow on Facebook and Instagram.

Article Sponsored by Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu.
Images courtesy of Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu.

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