Luxury Hotels in Papar, Malaysia

Papar is a town and a district in West Coast Division, Sabah, Malaysia. It is 38 kilometres south of the state capital, Kota Kinabalu. It is located along the main federal highway linking the south of Sabah to Kota Kinabalu, with Papar railway station become one of the main stops of the Sabah State Railway. The Papar area is characterised by low-lying coastal areas which extend inland towards the Crocker Range. Such land was traditionally used for growing rice, and the flat paddy fields once common in the district may have given it its name. Despite the rapid expansion of Kota Kinabalu, the district is still dominated by paddy fields, which are largely worked by natives, and fruit orchards, most of which belong to the ethnic Chinese minority.

The name 'Papar' originates from a Bruneian word meaning 'flat or open land'. As with most of the west coast of Sabah, it was originally ruled by the Bruneian sultanate. Its first local leader was Datu Amir Bahar, of Bajau descent. It was then handed to the Overbeck and Dent brothers in 1877. The first British officer to serve in Papar was H.L. Leicester, who took office in February 1878 aiming to increase Papar's revenues. He was replaced by Alfred Hart Everett after failing to improve Papar's economic outlook. For those enamoured with nature and adventure, Papar offers delightful destinations such as the KK Adventure Park, Dinawan Island and Kawang Forest Centre.

How to Get There

By Flight

If you are traveling by air, nearest airport is the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (IATA: BKI, ICAO: WBKK) is an international airport, which located in the city of Kota Kinabalu, the state capital of Sabah. The airport is in Kota Kinabalu, about 40 minutes from the Papar.

By Car

Papar is approximately 40 minutes’ drive through approximately 30 kilometres of Jalan Putatan and Jalan Pengalat Lok Kawi from Kota Kinabalu town, heading towards Papar. For cheaper alternatives, you can also rent a car to the Papar. Fasten your seatbelt! The breathtaking journey will take about 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the traffic. In-town public buses are available at reasonable price, depending on the type of bus and destination. Metered taxi can easily be found at affordable price. You also can rent a car to tour around in Papar.

By Train

Visitors may take the train at the Tanjung Aru Train Station to reach Papar Train Station. From Monday to Saturday, the train is scheduled to depart at 7.45 a.m and on Sunday, the train departures are scheduled at 7.45a.m and 1.35p.m. Train fare per person is RM1.85 per way.

Tourist Attractions

Tamu Papar

The most popular spot in the Papar district is its Tamu (Sunday market) which opens every Sunday from 6.00 a.m to 1.30 p.m. The Tamu offers a wide variety of juicy local fruits, unique Sabahan handicrafts, fresh vegetables, fish, and many more.

Hotels

Beringgis Beach Resort & Spa

Beringgis Beach Resort & Spa is located in the heart of Papar town is the only 4-star hotel in Papar. The hotel offers appealing guestrooms inclusive of standard, deluxe room and suites, all equipped with Wi-Fi access. Those who love recreational activities must be impressed with the hotel’s fitness centre, which comprises of the gym, sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, tennis and squash courts, and an outdoor swimming pool. Just about few kilometers off the Papar town, this luxury hotel is strategically located only a few minutes from Tamu (Sunday market), which offers a wide variety of juicy local fruits, unique Sabahan handicrafts, fresh vegetables, fish, and many more.