Kota Kinabalu: A Sabah-based hospitality operator, Homesuite’ Group marked a major milestone with the grand opening of The SIGAR Hotel at Sutera Bay, Sadong Jaya, signaling its transition from a trusted Airbnb operator to a full-fledged hotel management company.
The hotel is integrated within the Sutera Bay development by VTS Group.
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Homesuite’ Group director of sales Gloria Wong said the opening also marked the launch of the group’s headquarters, describing the hotel as a new chapter for hospitality in Kota Kinabalu.
She said the SIGAR Hotel, which is operated by Homesuite’ Group, is a culturally inspired sanctuary where meaningful design creates lasting brand value.
“This is more than a ribbon-cutting ceremony. It reflects months of dedication to creating a space where guests feel at home, supported by strong partnerships and authentic local experiences.
“The hotel’s design and concept align with Sabah Tourism Board’s vision of promoting a proud and authentic Sabah on the international stage,” she said.
Gloria said the building itself, developed by the esteemed VTS Group, is a tribute to the local heritage and culture.
“Its silhouette, viewed from above, mirrors the traditional Kadazandusun Sigar headwear.
“The facade features vertical patterns evoking local Linangkit craftsmanship, while three distinct architectural peaks symbolize the strength and permanence of the much respected Mount Kinabalu.
“This thoughtful design establishes the hotel as a distinctive landmark, aligning with the Sabah Tourism Board’s vision of promoting an authentic and proud Sabah,” she said.
Gloria said this in her speech after a ribbon cutting ceremony and lion dance performance to mark the grand opening of the SIGAR Hotel at Sutera Bay and the Homesuite’ Group headquarter’s office here on Friday.
Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Joniston Bangkuai witnessed the opening of the auspicious event together with four directors of Homesuite’ Group – Spencer Chiu Jin San, Melanie Oh Fui Yee, Asther Wong Yee Ling and Yong Kui Chung and the unit owners and seven vendors.
Homesuite’ Group currently manages 100 homestay units and hotel rooms totaling 425 beds, catering to both domestic and international travellers.
The SIGAR Hotel features 200 rooms comprising one- and two-bedroom studio configurations that can accommodate up to five guests per room.
“The rooms are designed around three key themes — Deru (coastal blue), Jati (tropical rattan and timber), and Alam (natural green) — reflecting Sabah’s natural landscapes and cultural identity.
“Facilities include Bayu Hall, an event space capable of hosting up to 100 guests for corporate functions, private events and community gatherings,” Gloria said.
In line with its commitment to promoting local experiences, she said The SIGAR Hotel collaborates with Sabahan brands and communities, offering Rustic Borneo toiletries produced by a local women’s group, Yit Foh coffee from Tenom, and Sabah Tea grown at the foothills of Mount Kinabalu.
She said the Homesuite’ Group has also signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with seven local businesses to seal collaborations with HomeSuite’ Group such as restaurants, café, convenience store, wellness and spa centre and laundry, among others.
Gloria said the opening of the hotel represents the Group’s long-term commitment to Sabah — supporting community-driven brands, cultivating and collaborating with local talents, and positioning Sabahan hospitality on the international stage.
Meanwhile Homesuite’ Group director Melanie Oh Fui Yee said the hotel represents what is believed to be Sabah’s first self-sustained hospitality ecosystem built through collaboration with individual unit owners and local vendors as their partners.
“I believe SIGAR Hotel is the first in Sabah that build a community which is a self-sustained ecosystem for the hotel hospitality.
“Initially, Sutera Bay was developed as an Airbnb suite concept. Under our operations, we managed to unite the owners who shared our vision to establish it as a branded hotel and collaborate with several local vendors by signing MoU with them,” she said.
Melanie said the name ‘SIGAR’ was inspired by the traditional Kadazandusun headgear, while the building’s architectural design symbolises Mount Kinabalu.
She added elements of local heritage, including ‘linangkit’ craftsmanship from districts such as Tambunan and Kota Belud, are incorporated into the hotel’s interior décor.
“Tourists today want comfort, but they also want a story. Each room tells a story of Sabah’s diversity, culture and identity,” she added.
