Golden Land Bhd (GLB) recently launched The Playground @ Kota Kinabalu (Riuh KK Suites), a landmark commercial suites development that heralds a new chapter in lifestyle hospitality and short-stay accommodation in the state.
Developed in exclusive collaboration with Maple Hospitality Group (MHG), Malaysia’s largest short-stay property management operator, the project marks the debut of the MapleSuites brand in Sabah.
The launch was officiated by Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun.
The official ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by Masidi together with senior representatives of GLB and MHG and invited state dignitaries.
The presence of distinguished state leaders and industry stakeholders reflects the project’s significance in supporting Sabah’s tourism growth, investment landscape and urban transformation.
Developed by Sembulan Emas Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of GLB, the project comprises a nine-storey tower situated on a 0.6ha (1.63-acre) leasehold site along Jalan Sembulan Lama.
With a gross development value (GDV) of RM230mil, it features 364 commercial suites in studio, one-room suite, two-room suite and dual-key suite configurations, alongside 13 prime retail shoplots. Commercial suites are priced from RM500,000 - RM1mil.
Designed to meet growing demand for urban serviced living, the project is supported by Sabah’s expanding tourism sector, increasing business travel activity and rising demand for professionally managed short-stay accommodation.
“The Playground @ Kota Kinabalu reflects our aspiration to create destinations that go beyond conventional real estate by bringing together culture, lifestyle, hospitality and sustainable value creation,” said GLB chief executive officer Stewart Yap.
“Through our collaboration with MHG, we are able to strengthen the long-term value proposition of our hospitality-linked assets while reaffirming our commitment to contributing to Sabah’s growth and development,” he added.
MHG co-founder Danny Hor stated: “Sabah represents one of Malaysia’s most promising hospitality growth corridors, supported by strong tourism fundamentals and increasing demand for quality short-stay accommodation.
“We believe strategic partnerships such as this enable us to elevate guest experiences while delivering sustainable value to property owners, travellers and the broader tourism ecosystem,” said Hor.
Rooted in Sabahan heritage
The Playground represents a sophisticated dialogue between Sabahan heritage and modern aesthetics.
The development weaves the Linangkit, a traditional Sino-Kadazan-Dusun craft symbolising artistry and unity, into the very fabric of its architecture.
This cultural foundation is energised by a Modern Memphis design language of bold geometric patterns and vibrant colours.
Beyond its suites, the development is anchored by a suite of curated experience centres that draw inspiration from Sabah’s natural and cultural landmarks – spanning adventure play zones and a beach-concept pool to communal BBQ and karaoke spaces, dedicated children’s play areas and relaxation lounges, each thematically tied to icons such as Mount Kinabalu, Gaya Island, Sipadan and the Maliau Basin.
