Jesselton International Launches RM1.5 Billion Seafront Mixed-Use Development in Kota Kinabalu

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 6, 2025) — Jesselton International has unveiled The V by Jesselton, a landmark RM1.5 billion mixed-use waterfront development along the picturesque Likas Bay coastline in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Oct 6, marks a major milestone for the state’s coastal real estate scene. Developed in collaboration with Yayasan Sabah, the 10.04-acre seafront project is gazetted under Lands No S5-2012, ensuring unobstructed sea views protected from future reclamation.

A New Benchmark in Waterfront Urban Living

The V by Jesselton features four residential and commercial towers complemented by a vibrant retail park, integrating:

• 1,754 commercial serviced suites,

• 112 corporate office units, and

• approximately 300 retail shops housed within 70 en bloc buildings.

Unit sizes range from 425 sq ft to 1,090 sq ft for the serviced suites, while the corporate offices span 1,624 to 2,153 sq ft. Retail units are offered in single-storey (1,804 sq ft) to five-storey (9,963 sq ft) configurations, catering to diverse business and lifestyle needs.

Prices for the serviced suites start from RM300,000, or about RM690 per sq ft — a competitive entry point for investors seeking exposure to premium seafront real estate in Sabah.

Bioclimatic Design and Sustainable Innovation

The master plan of The V applies bioclimatic architectural principles, optimising natural ventilation, daylighting, and energy efficiency. The design incorporates open-air corridors, shaded walkways, and green terraces to create comfortable, climate-responsive spaces.

Among its signature features are:

• Borneo’s tallest atrium,

• Malaysia’s first 100-metre seafront infinity lap pool, and

• Over 30 resort-style amenities, including rooftop zen gardens, pickleball courts, a wellness trail, and sky dining decks.

Construction will be led by China State Construction Engineering Corporation, which previously partnered with Jesselton International on Jesselton Twin Towers. Completion is targeted for 2030.

“Sabah’s greatest luxury is its natural landscape—the sea, the light, and the air,” said Nick Chu, group managing director of Jesselton International. “Our goal was to create a place where people can connect with that every day.”

Lifestyle Meets ESG and Innovation

The development’s retail and lifestyle components, The Shoppes at The V and The RiverWalk, will introduce Kota Kinabalu’s first open-air retail promenade and waterfront leisure corridor, blending dining, culture, and recreation in one integrated destination.

Additionally, the project debuts Sabah’s first wellness-focused office tower, designed with garden terraces, natural airflow systems, and health-oriented amenities to meet growing corporate demand for sustainable office environments.

“Developments like The V represent the evolution of Malaysia’s property landscape—where ESG compliance, design innovation, and livability are no longer optional, but essential,” said Kevin Thong, group chief executive officer of Jesselton International.

Broader Impact on Malaysia’s Real Estate Landscape

The V by Jesselton not only elevates Kota Kinabalu’s position as a regional coastal city but also reflects broader shifts seen in Malaysia’s property markets, where sustainability, mixed-use living, and smart integration are driving investment trends.

Similar momentum is emerging in commercial property in KL, office spaces in Bukit Jalil, and industrial property in the Subang area, as developers increasingly blend technology, design, and ESG principles to create future-ready urban ecosystems.

Meanwhile, demand for industrial land in Selangor and factories in Puchong continues to rise alongside national infrastructure and logistics expansion — forming part of the same economic narrative reshaping Malaysia’s built environment.

With its distinctive blend of architecture, sustainability, and lifestyle, The V by Jesselton is set to redefine coastal urban living in East Malaysia while strengthening Sabah’s appeal as an investment destination.