D'Borneo Hotel: Your Kota Kinabalu Paradise Awaits!
D'Borneo Hotel: My Kota Kinabalu Paradise… Mostly? (A Thoroughly Unfiltered Review)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea, the coffee, and maybe a little bit of my soul about D'Borneo Hotel in Kota Kinabalu. The tagline promises paradise, and well… let's just say it's a journey to get there. But a good one, mostly! This isn't your typical sterile travel blog review, folks. This is my experience, warts and all.
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The Good Stuff First (Because I'm Trying to Be a Positive Human):
The first thing that hit me? Service. Seriously, those Sabah hospitality genes are STRONG. Right from the airport transfer (yep, they have it! Airport transfer saved my sanity!), the staff were ridiculously friendly. Smiles, helpfulness, the whole nine yards. Made me feel like I actually belonged somewhere, unlike my usual travel experience where I feel like a perpetually lost tourist. Okay, so maybe that's a slight exaggeration, but still!
Let's talk about the Internet! (It's practically a survival skill these days.) They shout about Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, and guess what? It actually worked! (Unlike that other hotel I stayed at where the Wi-Fi was basically a mythical creature whispered about in hushed tones). They also offered Internet access – LAN, for those of us who still like a good wired connection (me, sometimes!). Internet services were decent, but let's be honest, I was mostly glued to Instagram. So, I can't really speak to its business capabilities if you need those.
Accessibility? Now, this is where I was pleasantly surprised. Wheelchair accessible features were actually usable. The elevators actually worked. And there were ramps! (Unlike some places where the ramp is just a decorative element). They do have Facilities for disabled guests, so definitely check with them if you have specific needs. This gets a HUGE thumbs up from me.
Food, Glorious Food! Okay, the Asian breakfast was a delicious adventure. Think steaming bowls of noodles, fluffy rice, and mysterious savory sauces I loved! The Breakfast [buffet] was expansive! Okay, maybe a little overwhelming. I mean, I love food, but sometimes I think "What do I do with all this abundance?". But you'll find everything from the typical Western breakfast options to local delicacies. The Coffee/tea in restaurant was passable, but I'm a picky coffee snob so I’m not the best person to ask. They have Restaurants and other Dining, drinking, and snacking options, and a Coffee shop, so plenty for a hungry traveler. I found a Vegetarian restaurant which pleased me and they gave me a Bottle of water which kept me hydrated. They also have a Poolside bar! I can't not give a shout-out to the pool bar. Drinks with that incredible view? Yes, please!
(Now, for a little stream-of-consciousness about my pool bar experience… Prepare yourself…)
Okay, so the pool. It's an Swimming pool [outdoor] pool with view. The view is breathtaking. I'm not even exaggerating. It's like someone painted the sky with vibrant watercolors and then decided to reflect it in the water. The Poolside bar… ah, yes. I swear, I spent a solid three hours there. I'm not sure I was even drinking that much. Really, it was just the perfect spot to unwind. The sun hitting your face, the gentle breeze, the barely-there sound of the waves… It was pure bliss. Until that ONE guy decided to do cannonballs. I mean, seriously? Cannonballs? In a resort pool? I felt my face get red, but I didn't say anything. And then he did a belly flop. And then he splashed me. And that finally broke the spell. I spent the next hour trying to dry myself and regain my composure. It wasn't what I expected for my ways to relax. But hey, at least the drinks were good. And the view… magnificent. … Deep breath … Okay, back to the review.
The Spa & Relaxation Situation:
They promise to help you relax with a spa/sauna. This is where things got a little… muddled for me. They have a Spa, a Sauna and even a Steamroom! Which were all really good. The Massage was heavenly. I mean, pure, unadulterated bliss. I think I may have even drooled a little. But… then I asked about the Body scrub and Body wrap and the options felt a bit… slim. Maybe it was the language barrier (I'm atrocious at Mandarin), or maybe they were just booked solid. But, honestly, I would have loved a whole day to luxuriate there.
Cleanliness and Safety – Good, but…
Okay, the Cleanliness and safety situation was pretty good. The Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff took things seriously. They have Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, which is good to see. The Staff trained in safety protocol, and, what's more impressive is they do their job well. I felt relatively safe, and that's important these days. I did love the Rooms sanitized between stays part, it makes you feel like you are using the newest of the new. The Sanitized kitchen and tableware items are, frankly, a given. But the Anti-viral cleaning products, that's a nice touch.
Now, the "but…" It's more of a "this could be better." While they have Safe dining setup, it's not necessarily the most exciting. Maybe a little more thought on presentation might be a good idea. The Room sanitization opt-out available option is, well, you are going to have the room sanitized whether you like it or not. The truth is, it all felt a tad… sterile. Which is ironic considering the emphasis on relaxing and finding your own tranquility.
The Room Itself (My Humble Abode):
The room itself was perfectly functional. Air conditioning worked like a dream (essential in KK!), and the Blackout curtains were my best friend. I need my sleep! I appreciate things like the Coffee/tea maker (because I need my morning caffeine fix) and the Free bottled water. Although… one thing. The Additional toilet wasn't actually additional. I mean, it was a toilet, but it wasn't extra. Maybe my hopes were too high. The Bathtub was heavenly. The Bed was comfy, and the High floor meant I got a great view, which was what I loved. I used the Desk to do some work and had a nice Seating area to chill and relax. The Internet access – wireless was pretty fast but I did not use the Internet access – LAN. The Mini bar was well stocked.
Things to Do & Services:
They have a ton of services! Laundry service, dry cleaning, concierge, luggage storage… the works. They even have Cash withdrawal, which, let's be honest, is a lifesaver when you're navigating a new country. The Daily housekeeping was flawless, and the staff even remembered my odd habit of leaving my shoes by the door (why do I do that?!). One of the only issues I encountered was the Elevator which could be a little slow at times.
For the Kids (and the Kid in Me):
They are rated as a Family/child friendly hotel. They have Babysitting service, which is a game-changer. They also have Kids facilities, and even a Kids meal. I didn't go with children, but I saw many families and the kids seemed to be having a fabulous time.
The Downsides (Because I'm Real):
Okay, here's the brutally honest bit. The location, while generally okay, wasn’t ideal. It's not right in the heart of things, which means you'll need to factor in taxis or Grab rides to get to the main attractions. The Car park [free of charge] is pretty decent.
To Sum Up (Because I'm Running Out of Steam):
D'Borneo Hotel exceeded my expectations. Is it perfect? Nah. But is it a damn good hotel? ABSOLUTELY. If you're looking for a comfortable, well-equipped hotel with genuinely friendly staff and some seriously amazing views, then this is a great choice. The good points vastly outweigh the minor negatives. Just be prepared to embrace the chaos and the cannonballs, and you’ll be just fine. I'd definitely go back. I'm already dreaming of that pool bar…
Laramie's BEST Hotel? Holiday Inn Laramie Review (You Won't Believe This!)
Okay, buckle up buttercup, 'cause this ain't your grandma's itinerary. This is how D'Borneo Hotel in Kota Kinabalu chewed me up and spit me out (in the best possible way, mostly).
D'Borneo Debauchery: A KK Confession
Day 1: Arrival & Mild Panic
14:00: Arrive at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI). Okay, this is where honesty kicks in. The airport? Utter chaos, in a charming, Southeast Asian sort of way. Finding the Grab – more of a scavenger hunt. After a few false starts, finally, I see my ride. The guy’s blasting some aggressive pop music, and I immediately feel a kinship. We're on the same level of barely functioning.
15:30: Check-in at D'Borneo Hotel. First impressions: Lobby is… colorful. Let's call it that. Think bold patterned tiles and enough faux-wooden furniture to furnish a small village. The staff? Super friendly, like, ridiculously so. I get the feeling they deal with a lot of tourists who are a little… lost. Which, as it turns out, is me.
16:00: Room Revelation. My room is okay. The AC? Like a blizzard, in the best possible way. The bed is surprisingly comfy, and the view…well, it's of a parking lot. But it's a Malaysian parking lot! And hey, I'm here, right?
17:00: Wander. Just wander. I'm famished. Found a little street food stall nearby and ordered something I couldn't pronounce. It was phenomenal. Honestly, the best thing I've eaten in ages. (And that's saying something because I’ve lived on instant ramen.)
19:00: Sunset stroll along the waterfront. The sky explodes with color. Totally Instagrammable. I take the mandatory photos, but also, I just stand there and breathe. The ocean. The breeze. The sheer absurdity of being in a different country. Pure bliss. Then I get overly ambitious and try to get back to the hotel fast.
20:00: Dinner at a seafood restaurant recommended by the hotel. Ordered way too much. Regret levels: rising. Enjoyed the food, but it was very, very spicy. I'm beginning to think my stomach is going to stage a protest.
22:00: Crawl back to the hotel. Sleep. Or try to sleep. The AC is on maximum chill, I'm stuffed, and the parking lot view is surprisingly noisy. I did manage to fall asleep around 1:00AM.
Day 2: Island Fever (and a Near-Death Experience with a Coconut)
07:00: Wake up, miraculously mostly rested. Buffet breakfast at the hotel. The classic - Nasi Lemak, the ubiquitous coconut rice dish, is fantastic. I almost take seconds and then remember yesterday's seafood. Moderation is key, I tell myself… then I load up a plate of toast.
09:00: Island Hopping! This is what I'm here for! I join a tour group. We head out to the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Sapi Island first. Clear water, white sand, the works. It's gorgeous. I spend a good chunk of the day snorkeling. Honestly, felt like I'd been transported to a different planet; a planet where the fish are impossibly bright and the coral is like a Dr. Seuss book come to life.
13:00: Coconut Debacle. Okay, this deserves its own paragraph. I get a coconut. This is my first time with a coconut, and I feel a surge of optimism. The vendor hands it to me, and I take a big, dramatic swig. Delicious, right? Then I get distracted. I stumble, lose my balance, and the coconut goes flying. It misses my face by, like, a millimeter. I swear, for a moment, my life flashed before my eyes. This is the closest I've ever come to dying from a tropical fruit-related injury. I'm still not sure if I should be terrified or laugh. Ultimately, I buy another one. A win is a win.
14:00: Manukan Island. More snorkeling. More bliss. The water clarity is mind-blowing. I'm seriously considering just living in the ocean.
16:00: Back to the hotel. Shower. Recover from coconut trauma (mental scars remain).
17:00: Pre-dinner nap. Needed it.
19:00: Trying new restaurant, this time, I get to order some food. The food is amazing but my stomach is again in a turmoil of pain, my fault, I know.
22:00: Attempt to sleep. This time, I actually manage to get some serious shut-eye.
Day 3: Culture Shock (and Mangoes)
08:00: Another breakfast buffet. This time, I'm a pro. I get the toast, the eggs, and even try some local pastries. Feeling adventurous!
09:00: Visit the Sabah State Museum. Lots of history, artifacts, and all that. It's fascinating, but also a bit overwhelming. I love exploring different cultures, but after an hour, my brain starts to turn to mush. I do, however, learn a lot and witness some fascinating traditional costumes.
12:00: The Filipino Market. Chaos! Wonderful, chaotic chaos. So many smells, sounds, and colors. I buy a ridiculously bright shirt. I'm sure I'll regret it later, but right now, I feel fantastic. I sample some local snacks. Everything is so cheap, and I feel like I should buy everything.
14:00: Mango Mania. Okay, this is the highlight of the day. I find a street vendor selling fresh mangoes. He slices it up for me, and it's the most incredible thing I've ever tasted. It's sweet, juicy, and I could seriously eat twenty of them. I ask if I move to Borneo and become a mango farmer, would I be happy?
16:00: Relaxation time. The beach is good, but not the only thing in town. I have a bit of my itinerary that I didn't do, but hey, there is always another time. I decide to go for a swim in the pool.
19:00: Final dinner. Back to my favorite street food spot. I figure if I’m going to be sick again, might as well go out with a bang.
21:00: Pack. A tiny bit of sadness creeps in. I'm surprisingly sad to leave.
23:00: Sleep, finally.
Day 4: Departure & Lingering Regret
08:00: Last breakfast. Say goodbye to the friendly hotel staff.
10:00: Check out. The friendly staff wave me off. I'm pretty sure they are glad to see me go.
11:00: Trip to the airport. Same Grab driver, same aggressive pop music. He remembers me. We share a wry smile. This trip has definitely left its mark, you know what? I don't regret any of it.
13:00: Flight back home. Already missing the chaos, the heat, the food (even the spicy stuff). The mangoes. The coconut near-death experience. Everything.
Final Thoughts:
D'Borneo Hotel? It's not the Ritz. It's a little rough around the edges, but it's clean, the staff is amazing, and it's perfectly situated for exploring Kota Kinabalu. Would I go back? Absolutely. In a heartbeat. I will definitely go back. I have some unfinished business with those mangoes… And maybe I’ll finally learn to pronounce the names of some of those dishes. Maybe.
And there you have it. My messy, honest, and slightly chaotic account of my stay at D'Borneo. Hope you enjoy it! Now go explore!
Indonesian Paradise Found: Hotel Merdeka Madiun Awaits!
Okay, so, D'Borneo Hotel. Seriously, Is it *that* great? 'Cause the pictures... they *always* look good.
Alright, listen up. Deep breaths. The pictures? Yeah, they're slick. And, yes, D'Borneo is pretty damn good. Not *perfect*, mind you. (Where is?) Okay, let me spill the tea. The first thing that got me was the *smell*. Seriously. Not a bad smell, like a damp towel in a budget hostel. Think…fresh wood, maybe a hint of that ocean humidity Kota Kinabalu is famous for. Immediately, I was like, "Okay, this isn't just another hotel; this place actually *cares*." I'm not going to lie. I was already fighting jetlag and grumpy, but the reception staff, bless their hearts, were just *lovely*. Like, genuine smiles, not the robotic kind. They even managed to understand my sleep-deprived rambling about needing a strong coffee BEFORE anything else. Which brings me to...
Breakfast: The make-or-break situation. What's the deal with the food? Is it just…breakfast?
Breakfast! Ah, the most important meal of the day. Okay, the breakfast is decent. It’s not Michelin-star worthy, but it's definitely not your sad, lukewarm continental spread either. There's a good balance. You've got your usual suspects – eggs (cooked to order!), toast, cereal, fruit (HELLO, amazing tropical fruit!), and then some local options that you *absolutely* should try. Now, the first morning, I was a bit of a wreck. Jet lag’s a cruel mistress, and I was fighting to stay awake. I made a beeline for the coffee (told ya!). The coffee was…OK. Nothing to write home about. But the *staff*? They saw my slumped posture and brought me a second cup, no questions asked. That's when I knew I was going to be okay in D'Borneo. The vibe is chill, the food is sufficient, and the people are genuinely gracious. I’m not a huge breakfast person, but the *ambiance*… It was a lovely, low key start to each day. You can people watch a bit and take it easy before hitting the streets.
Rooms! Let's talk rooms. Cleanliness? Space? Is the Wi-Fi fast enough to upload Instagram stories of me pretending to be an adventurer?
Rooms… Okay, I'm going to level with you. My first thought? *Slight* panic. I’d seen some of the slightly…older reviews. But in reality, they were clean. Spotlessly clean, actually. And that's a huge win. No mystery stains on the sheets, no questionable smells. Big win. The room itself wasn't *huge*, but it was perfectly functional. The air conditioning worked a treat (essential in KK, trust me). And, most importantly, the Wi-Fi? Surprisingly good. I could actually upload my carefully curated photos of, ahem, *adventures* without wanting to throw my phone out the window. I didn't try to do any live-streaming, however. Let's be real, even the best Wifi has limits... I mean, it's not the Four Seasons or anything, But seriously, the room was comfortable. The bed was amazing. Super comfy. The bathroom was clean. What more do you need?
Location, location, location! Is it actually near things? I don't want to spend ALL my time in taxis.
Okay, this is where D'Borneo *really* shines. Seriously, the location is fantastic. Walking distance to the waterfront? Absolutely. The night market? Literally across the road! Yes, you heard me. You can stumble out of the hotel, and you're practically *in* street food heaven. Fresh seafood, noodles, all the things. Just...be prepared to smell like deliciousness for the rest of the day. Also, it's a good base for exploring the Gaya Street Sunday market. And shops. And restaurants. And all the activities, are pretty accessible, which is a big plus. I'm all about convenience, and the location here delivers. Getting around was super easy.
Any hidden drawbacks? Someone has to have a horror story – spill the tea!
*sighs dramatically* Okay, deep breath. There's one real "complaint," and it's not even a huge deal, but I want to be honest. The walls might be a *little* thin. I'm not talking "hear-everything" thin, but you might catch snippets of your neighbor's midnight karaoke session. And yes, someone *did* have a karaoke session the night I was there. It was... memorable. I think I got to hear a full rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody" at approximately 2 AM. It wasn’t GREAT karaoke, but it was… part of the experience? Honestly? It didn't ruin anything. Noise is part of travel. I just closed my eyes and pretended I was in Bornean Night Club. But that’s it. Everything else was pretty solid. Just pack some earplugs, just in case.
Service. Were the staff helpful? Or did they just...exist?
This is where D'Borneo gets a GOLD star. The staff? Truly, genuinely, lovely. Not just superficially polite, but actually *helpful*. I needed help with all sorts of things. I had a luggage situation (don't ask… long story involving a rogue mango). They were there to help. They organized tours. They gave me recommendations for local restaurants (which, side note, were *amazing*). They even helped me translate something on a menu (my Malay is…non-existent). They remembered my name. And they always greeted you with a smile. Just good people who are genuinely trying to make your stay better. It made a lot of difference.
Okay, final verdict? Recommend or not? Be honest!
Okay, final verdict. Would I recommend D'Borneo Hotel? YES. Absolutely, without hesitation. It's not the flashiest hotel, and remember the Karaoke? But it is clean, comfortable, well-located, and staffed by genuinely lovely people. For the price, it’s a steal. You're getting a solid experience. It's perfect for all types of travelers, but I would say it's best suited to people who like a little more than just 'cookie cutter' hotels. I can't wait to go back!
