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Kota Kinabalu: Golden Land Berhad (“GLB”) today officially 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 the Guest of Honour YB Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Masidi Manjun, the Deputy Chief Minister II of Sabah and State Minister of Finance Sabah.

The official ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by the Guest of Honour, 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.

Through this exclusive collaboration, The Playground @ Kota Kinabalu will be the only development in Sabah operating under the MapleSuites brand. By combining GLB’s development expertise with MHG’s hospitality management capabilities, the collaboration positions the project as a distinctive destination that blends short-stay hospitality, curated lifestyle experiences and long-term investment value.

Developed by Sembulan Emas Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of GLB, the project comprises a nine-storey tower situated on a 1.63-acre leasehold site along Jalan Sembulan Lama. With a gross development value (GDV) of RM230 million, 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 - RM 1,000,000.

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 Stewart Yap, CEO of GLB.

“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.

MapleSuites Makes Its Sabah Debut

MapleSuites will make its debut  exclusively in Sabah at The Playground @ Kota Kinabalu. Positioned as a boutique hospitality brand, it caters to modern travellers seeking stylish, seamless and convenient stays, complemented by hotel-inspired comforts, contemporary interiors infused with local character, professional front-office services and a seamless digital guest experience.

“Sabah represents one of Malaysia’s most promising hospitality growth corridors, supported by strong tourism fundamentals and increasing demand for quality short-stay accommodation,” said Danny Hor, Co-Founder of MHG.

“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,” he said.

A Concept 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, creating a high-energy, “insta-worthy” environment for the modern traveller.

Key highlights of the development include:

•   Experience-Driven Architecture : the first commercial suites in Kota Kinabalu designed specifically for the social-media era, featuring photogenic common areas and interiors.

•   24/7 Lifestyle Hub : among the first developments in the region to offer full-fledged, 24-hour facilities curated for both local and international tourists.

•   Hassle-Free Investment : units are delivered fully furnished and managed by MapleSuites, providing a seamless short-stay solution for owners.

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.

A Shared Vision for Sabah

The collaboration reflects a shared vision by GLB and MHG to elevate Sabah’s property and hospitality landscape through thoughtfully curated developments with strong lifestyle and investment appeal.