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Malaysia (Asia) Reviews |
S McGrath
Guest
Voted this Destination:Not voted yet
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This hotel is simply superb! I have visited a number of 5* hotels over the years but none top this one.
During the day you can sunbathe as close to the fairly busy pool(s) or as far away as you like on the manicured lawns to escape any noise from the children (or the occasionally very noisy Japanese parties!)
The hotel is Cosmopolitan, but being fairly close in terms of air flights to Japan and Australia, I would say that these two nations make up for the majority of clients.
We stayed at the Kinabalu wing which is the 'cheaper' end of the hotel but remains excellent value for money and loses none of its 5* appeal. We also looked at some of the other wings available and these were all 5* plus, so wherever you book within the complex you will not be disappointed.
You can stay all the time within the complex as there are watersports facilities etc at reasonable prices available next to the complex. Also, reiki, massage, gym are all good, the reiki/massage at good prices, a lot lower than other hotels charge.
I would strongly recommend however that you go on a trip. We went on a 2night/3 day trip by plane to Sandakan that included Turtle island stayover (where they incubate turtle eggs and release them into the wild-you are almost always guaranteed to see a turtle coming ashore and laying her eggs. Baby turtles that hatched in the safety compound are then handed over to you and you can release them into the sea). Sepilok was next to se the Orang Utangs...a must for everyone who loves nature. We then overnighted at Sukau which is a rustic but endearing jungle chalet next to the Kinabatang? river. A river boat 'cruise' that involves a small 4-6 man boat takes you to a small tributary where you can see many monkeys, and animal life, pointed out by a guide.
If you want to save money, I would recommend that you do not book these trips in advance by your Tour operator. You can get them at up to £100 savings by booking in Kota Kinabalu during your stay (there are a few travel/tour operators next to Borneo Divers in the town)
SCUBA DIVING- If you want to see large Pelagic life, ie Whale sharks, MantaRays, sharks etc, dont dive off of Kota-the waters are too shallow. That said, the dives are good and there is an abundance of marine life and corals. If you want the 'big stuff' go to Sipadan Island which is in the east of Sabah. Scuba prices are reasonable and cheaper than most places I have visited.
The town of Kota Kinabalu itself is fairly basic but well worth a visit or 2 at least. If you want to eat cheap, take the last shuttle bus to town and then eat out at the many outdoor restaurants....fish is fresh (mostly in tanks!!), lobster is superb. We had a lobster, Snapper, Chicken/vegetable dish for £15 for 2 of us and that included 2 beers each. If you want chinese, try the restaurants at the seafront...all you can eat for 10 quid for 2 !!
All in all, a great experience and well worth a wee bit of jet lag on our return!
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Phillip Wright
Guest
Voted this Destination:Not voted yet
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We had 4 days in Bangkok, 4 days in Kuala Lumpur and 12 day in borneo staying in Kota kinabalu. We arrived in the afternoon transfer was about 15 minutes. Hotel is massive. Tradewinds messed our booking up so I got upgraded to a suite. This was fantastic the room was massive. I had a lounge with a bar, Bedroom was massive with view over the golf course and the bathroom has a sunken marble bath and big walk in shower and dressing room not bad for free! Hotel was lovely although the prices where quite high for drinks and food. KK was brill found loads of nice bars and restaurants all very reasonably priced. The highlight of our stay was going to Seplikok the the orangatang sanctury. We got a flight to Sandakan and had a tranfer to the saictury. We saw loads of orangaktangs which we where lucky. Being in the rain forrest the heat was intense, but worth it.
I would tell anybody to go to borneo as the place and the people are so friendly. Can't wait to go back.
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mikerichnz
Guest
Voted this Destination:Not voted yet
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Although part of Borneo comes under Malaysia, it is as different from mainland Malaysia as Ireland is from England. It is only a short hop from Kuala Lumpur and cheap using the new Air Asia airline.
The many cultures and the mass of different scenery from huge mountains to rainforest to miles of empty beaches all make Sabah and Sarawak two of the most unique countries in the world. Of course it is very hot during the day - almost unbearably so at midday - but beautifully cool and mild in the early evenings and mornings.
Besides all this, the local food is a highlight, combining both Chinese and local Malay cooking, especially out of doors dining.
Getting around was cheap by taxi and incredibly cheap by bus, although waiting for a bus in that heat was at times unpleasant. The secret seemed to be never stay far from water! A quick shower, a dip in the river or sea restored one's body heat to normal; the fierce air-conditioning of the big hotels and shopping malls was too much except as a brief escape around midday; and stay away from the hot and noisy town centres! Best of all was the almost eternally warm and moist climate right inside the rainforest - you felt as though this was the place that man started his life on earth where food and warmth was always available.
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