The Shore — Local services in Borneo

Terrible experience last night . There was fire on the 5th Floor, no fire alarm went off, neither in the rooms nor the corridors‼️🤬Corridors filled with smoke. Hurried downstairs, mind you staircases not at ‘keluar’ but in the midth of the corridor, not well signed. At the reception only a few staff members, neither of them taking control. Could notice never had emergency training. While we exited through the garage of the Citadines(neighbouring hotel), could see the difference in staff. Outside their hotel there was a staff member with pen and paper registering guest names and room numbers, while giving some explanation in english. Later on even staff from Citadines came with a trolley, while waiting in front of the Shore now to suppy bottles of water to us. Nothing and no proper instructions and explanations from the Shore staff also very poor english to none speaking staff. Have to ask other guests to translate. When serious fire, with staff like this you’ll NEVER be safe and could lead to serious deaths. SHAME on the management, even later no higher ranking English speaking manager showed up. Only later in the morning there was a very short test fire alarm in the rooms. While location is nice, apartments/rooms are so-so, sewer smell in the bathroom and apartments. All rooms different and old worndown items. One of our friends even had a sagging bed and after complaining they brought a flimsy thin one person mattress for a double bed ! Advice: pay a little more for well trained staff and be prepared for sewer smell...

Terrible experience last night . There was fire on the 5th Floor, no fire alarm went off, neither in the rooms nor the corridors‼️🤬Corridors filled with smoke. Hurried downstairs, mind you staircases not at ‘keluar’ but in the midth of the corridor, not well signed. At the reception only a few staff members, neither of them taking control. Could notice never had emergency training. While we exited through the garage of the Citadines, could see the difference in staff. Outside their hotel there was a staff member with pen and paper registering guest names and room numbers, while giving some explanation in english. Later on even staff from Citadines came with a trolley, while waiting in front of the Shore now to suppy bottles of water to us. Nothing and no proper instructions and explanations from the Shore staff also very poor english to none speaking staff. Have to ask other guests to translate.|When serious fire, with staff like this you’ll NEVER be safe and could lead to serious deaths. SHAME on the management, even later no higher ranking manager showed up. Only later in the morning there was a very short test fire alarm in the rooms.|While location is nice, apartments/rooms are so-so, sewer smell in the bathroom and apartments. All rooms different and old worndown items.|One of our friends even had a sagging bed and after complaining they brought a flimsy thin one person mattress for a double bed !|Advice: pay a little more for well trained staff and be prepared for sewer smell...

I first visited Sabah in 2022 and stayed at Sutera Avenue, which at the time was still under construction as The Shore had not yet opened. During my second trip in 2023, I stayed at Jesselton Quay, which was also a great experience. For my third visit later in 2023, I decided to try The Shore. Although there was still some construction ongoing, it was already open for guests, and I opted to stay there.

In my opinion, The Shore is on the pricier side for couples, especially since most of the units are studio apartments with only a queen-sized bed. However, I really liked the location—it’s just a short walk to the Filipino Market (now called Anjung Kinabalu), which is perfect for shopping.

Over my visits, I’ve stayed in several different units:

Perfect Host Borneo (executive seaview): This unit had complete facilities. (Deluxe Seaview): Unfortunately, the TV wasn’t working during my stay. Ann Seaview: complete but didn’t have a washing machine, which was a downside for longer stays. My City View Home: complete, great for the view of Mount Kinabalu from afar. Majestic Seaview: complete but no dryer. Beautiful sea view that made for a relaxing stay.

I booked all my accommodations through Agoda, and thankfully, I’ve never had any issues or encountered any scams.

For fellow Sabahan travelers or anyone visiting, if you know of any affordable condos or hotels nearby (I enjoy buying fresh seafood and cooking at homestays), feel free to share your...