One of Sandakan's oldest hotels to shutter on June 15

KOTA KINABALU: One of Sandakan's oldest hotels – the Nak Hotel here – will close its doors for the last time on June 15.

This comes soon after the five-star Sheraton Four Points closed down on May 31, after more than seven years in operation.

The Nak Hotel operators announced its decision on the Ba Lin Rooftop Bar & Restaurant Facebook page.

"It is with a heavy heart that Nak Hotel has decided to close its doors for the first time in over 54 years, until further notice.

"The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, global lockdowns and advice against social gatherings have all contributed to making it operationally unsustainable for us," read the post on Saturday (June 6).

The hotel's general manager Linn Ngui said it had been extremely challenging operating during the MCO period.

"Our priority has always been making sure our employees are taken care of," she said, adding that some of its 20-strong staff would be retrenched and while others would be given other roles in the company.

She said that the San Da Gen Kopitam restaurant, located on hotel's ground floor, would continue to operate.

Nak Hotel was opened in 1966 by a well-known local family involved in the timber business.

The 24-room hotel was popular among visitors to the east coast town and its Ba Lin Rooftop Bar and Restaurant that overlooks Sandakan holds many fond memories for locals and tourists alike.

-Star