Oct 07, 2015 05:08 PM
4739 Views
(Updated Oct 08, 2015 07:21 AM)
Tourist’s Delight Kota Kinabalu, in Sabah, is a must visit destination in Malaysia. It boasts Mount Kinabalu, and the Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world. I had to visit it early in my time in Malaysia, for a translator conference. I chose to stay at the Kinabalu Daya Hotel, some 20 minutes away from the airport .
The Kinabalu Daya Hotel has a range of rooms and suites, fully equipped with modern facilities such as air-conditioning, private bathroom with separate shower unit, shaver unit, colour TV, cable TV channels, mini bar, IDD and bedside control panel for lighting. Besides the usual 24 hours security, safe deposit boxes, room service, major credit cards accepted, non smoking floor, bellman and porter service and baggage storage, they also provide the other normal hotel conveniences such as complimentary drinking water, free wireless internet access, wake up call service, laundry service, secretarial service(wonder what that is?!), car rental and tour operator and ticketing. It is about this last that I can vouch that they did a splendid job.
First Class Service I contacted the hotel many times before and after booking and Mr. Hafiz Abdullah, their Sales and Marketing Executive, was extremely helpful. He asked me if I required any assistance in arranging transport or a tour in Sabah such as mountain climbing, rafting, diving, a city tour, car rental, etc. He recommended the Tabin Wildlife Resort, in Lahad Datu, on the East coast of Sabah to see wildlife and nature and offered to help arrange a 2 day 1 night tour.
He gave me a neat insight into what was on offer and for how much(the prices are from 2005):
Day 1 Sightseeing of the proboscis monkey at Klias Beaufort(RM195), inclusive of transfer, meals, boat and guide with pick up at 1.30 pm at the hotel lobby and return to the hotel at around 8.00 pm.
Day 2 White water rafting at Padas river(RM180 PP), inclusive of transfer, meals, raft, train and guide with pick up at 7.15 am and return to hotel at 7 pm.
Rafting at Padas river In fact, I chose the last option for my son. It was 1 pax(RM 180) and all raft equipment was to be provided. One only needed to bring some mosquito repellent, sun lotion, some tidbits, water and swimming costume. My son enjoyed this experience hugely!
Kinabalu Daya Hotel Room Rates 2015 A Double costs RM138+(1 or 2 Breakfasts). Double/Twin is RM160+(1 or 2 Breakfasts) and RM171+(1 or 2 Breakfasts). 3 persons is RM248+(3 Breakfasts), and for 4 it is RM300+(4 Breakfasts). More details are on the website https://kkdayahotel.com/and there is a superior room for RM3180+, etc.
DINING / LOUNGE The hotel has the following: Hunter's Pub, Cafe and Karaoke and Hunter's Terrace for dining, relaxation and enjoyment. Asian and Western cuisines are served in the cafe as well as popular snacks, thirst quenching drinks and cocktails. The karaoke has aspiring vocalists and amateur entertainers. We happened to stay on the floor below and were “entertained” all night!
Verdict Though the room was very small, it was very modern and the hospitality of this hotel simply rocks! I had a great time and so did my son.
They are very helpful and thoughtful, providing some packed sandwiches if one needed them before the breakfast time. They really went all out to help a colleague pack her things as they were delicate goods. Alas, it is not easy to find such hospitality at a decent cost in India or even for higher cost. It is the culture of Malaysia which makes a hotel stay there a delight.
Most of all I loved the Cafe which is on the roadside outside the hotel. You can really chill there and the locals, who also patronise it, are friendly and helpful.
