Sabah State Library Tanjung Aru
A modern architectural marvel with a vibrant children's section, offering a peaceful reading escape and community hub.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Sabah State Library Tanjung Aru
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A modern architectural marvel with a vibrant children's section, offering a peaceful reading escape and community hub.
"Beautiful architecture inside and out, a pleasant surprise and a great community focus."
📸 Snap Stunning Photos
The modern architecture is incredibly photogenic. Capture the unique design inside and out!
📚 Get a Library Membership
RM 10 for 2 years! Borrow books and get free Wi-Fi. A great deal for book lovers.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Architectural Marvel
Admire the creative and artistic architecture, both inside and out. A feast for the eyes!
Vibrant Children's Section
Discover a colorful and fun-designed children's area on the 2nd floor. No shoes allowed, ensuring a clean and engaging space.
Community & Reading Hub
Enjoy a quiet and comfortable environment with ample seating, newspapers, and magazines.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Modern Design
Membership Perks & Wi-Fi
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Snap Stunning Photos
The modern architecture is incredibly photogenic. Capture the unique design inside and out!
📚 Get a Library Membership
RM 10 for 2 years! Borrow books and get free Wi-Fi. A great deal for book lovers.
👟 Kid-Friendly Zone
The children's section is a highlight! Colorful, fun, and shoe-free for little ones.
☕ Vending Machine Refreshments
Grab a drink from the vending machines inside for a quick refreshment.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Snap Stunning Photos
The modern architecture is incredibly photogenic. Capture the unique design inside and out!
📚 Get a Library Membership
RM 10 for 2 years! Borrow books and get free Wi-Fi. A great deal for book lovers.
👟 Kid-Friendly Zone
The children's section is a highlight! Colorful, fun, and shoe-free for little ones.
☕ Vending Machine Refreshments
Grab a drink from the vending machines inside for a quick refreshment.
✈️ Airport/Beach Stopover
Perfect stop before heading to the airport or Tanjung Aru beach.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Sabah State Library's impressive modern architecture and vibrant children's section. It's praised as a clean, comfortable, and community-focused space, offering great value with an affordable membership that includes Wi-Fi and borrowing privileges. While not the largest book collection, its design and atmosphere make it a highly recommended visit.
"The design of the library is very modern and impressive. The floors are designated for different age groups. Not crowded even on a Sunday."
mingqle
"This Library is definitely a worth visiting place while in Sabah. There were plenty of seats, table and the kids section were our favourites!"
Marhanis Fuat
"I love visiting libraries when I go overseas and this library was a pleasant surprise. It has beautiful architecture both inside and outside. While it doesn't have the biggest of book collection, its emphasis on children and the community is commendable. It is a bit of a distance from the city centre but a great stopover before heading to the airport or Aru beach. Do visit!"
Mohd Jamalludin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The library is a bit of a distance from the city center, making it a great stopover before heading to the airport or Aru beach. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, it's accessible by car or taxi. Free parking is available.
Yes, there is easy and free parking available at the Sabah State Library Tanjung Aru, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Sabah State Library is generally free. However, a membership is available for RM 10 for two years, which allows you to borrow books and access other services.
Specific opening hours can vary, but the library is known to be open on Sundays and is not typically crowded. It's advisable to check their official channels for the most up-to-date hours.
Yes, with a library membership (RM 10 for two years), you can borrow up to 6 books. This membership also grants access to online resources.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The library offers a quiet and comfortable environment, perfect for reading or browsing. It's designed with different floors for various age groups, ensuring a pleasant experience for everyone.
Absolutely! The children's section on the 2nd floor is a major highlight, featuring a very colorful and fun design. It's a shoe-free zone to maintain cleanliness and a playful atmosphere for kids.
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available for library card members. You'll receive a 6-digit voucher code at the counter, which is specific to your membership.
Restrooms are conveniently located on every floor of the library, ensuring easy access for all visitors.
Besides a good collection of books, the ground floor offers a variety of newspapers and magazines for casual reading.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there isn't a full cafe, the library has vending machines selling drinks and hot beverages, perfect for a quick refreshment during your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally encouraged to capture the beautiful modern architecture. Many visitors share their photos online, highlighting the library's aesthetic appeal.
The entire library, both inside and out, offers stunning architectural elements. The children's section is particularly vibrant and photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the dedicated children's area, the library offers a pleasant environment for the whole family. Consider getting a family membership for just RM 10 for two years, which allows borrowing privileges and access to free Wi-Fi. It's a great way to keep kids entertained and educated, especially if you're looking for a break from the beach or other tourist activities.
📚 Book Lovers & Students
Maximizing your experience is easy with the affordable membership. For RM 10, you gain access to borrow books and utilize the free Wi-Fi, which is a significant perk for students or anyone needing internet access. The membership also unlocks digital resources like audiobooks and e-books, expanding your reading options considerably.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Visitors often share their impressive photos online, showcasing the library's aesthetic appeal. The spaciousness and clean design provide ample opportunities for framing shots that highlight the building's artistic merit. It's a location that rewards exploration with visually striking results.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Gem of Sabah
This library stands out for its emphasis on community and children's engagement. The vibrant and colorful children's section on the second floor is a particular highlight, designed to be fun and inviting. The 'no shoes' policy in this area contributes to its cleanliness and appeal for younger visitors. It's clear that a lot of thought has gone into creating an environment that is both educational and enjoyable for families.
Beyond its visual appeal, the library functions as a valuable community resource. It offers a quiet and comfortable environment for reading, studying, or simply unwinding. The availability of newspapers, magazines, and comfortable seating makes it an accessible space for everyone. The integration of modern amenities like free Wi-Fi for members further enhances its utility.
Maximizing Your Library Visit
Planning your visit can be enhanced by understanding the library's layout and offerings. The ground floor is ideal for casual browsing with its selection of newspapers and magazines. For families, the second-floor children's section is a must-visit, offering an engaging and safe space for kids. Vending machines are available for quick refreshments, ensuring you can comfortably spend a few hours exploring the library's offerings.
The library's location also makes it a convenient stop. Situated a bit away from the main city center, it's perfectly positioned as a stopover before heading to the nearby Tanjung Aru beach or the Kota Kinabalu International Airport. This strategic placement allows visitors to incorporate a visit to this architectural marvel into their broader travel plans.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit