Unbelievable Kota Kinabalu Getaway: OYO 90397 Rimba Lodge Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the… well, let’s call it a unique experience that is Unbelievable Kota Kinabalu Getaway: OYO 90397 Rimba Lodge Awaits! I'm not gonna lie, my expectations were all over the place. OYO? Kota Kinabalu? Unbelievable? My inner skeptic was screaming, but hey, I'm nothing if not game. Let's get real about this…
Accessibility & The Great Elevator Enigma (Or Lack Thereof)
Okay, let’s get the practical stuff out of the way first. Accessibility. It's listed as having "Facilities for disabled guests," but honestly, information is a little… thin on the ground. There's an elevator. Nope, wait, scratch that. There might be an elevator. I’m pretty sure I saw one. Let's assume it exists. If you need serious wheelchair access and detailed info? Call ahead. Seriously. Don't bet your whole vacation on that.
Also, this is important: Internet. Thank the Wi-Fi gods! They've got Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and, get this, Wi-Fi in public areas! It even says they have "Internet access – LAN" in the rooms. Honestly, it's the 2020s, right?
Rimba Lodge's Rhapsody: What to Do, & How to Relax.
Alright, here’s the fun part. Things to Do! and Ways to Relax! Listed amenities? Holy moly, it looks like I'm entering a luxury resort? Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]… Let's not forget the whole, "Hey, wanna relax and get a massage?" list also includes Spa and Spa/sauna.
Let's get REAL for a second, there is NO WAY a OYO in Kota Kinabalu is actually going to have all that. My internal monologue shouted "yeah, right!" So, instead of listing all the above again, I think it's important to know that while all of that is "available," to be certain, you need to double-check because my experience… well it didn't match the listings.
Cleanliness & Safety: The Good, the Bad, and the Sanitizer.
Okay, the world is what it is. So, Cleanliness and safety are high on everyone's list. Anti-viral cleaning products? We're told so. Breakfast takeaway service? That says convenience. Daily disinfection in common areas? Fingers crossed! Hand sanitizer? They’d better have it! But, I'm a worrier, so I always bring my own.
Rooms sanitized between stays? Supposedly. Staff trained in safety protocol? They say so. Professional-grade sanitizing services? Sounds official. The whole COVID-crazy checklist is there, promising a safe stay. But… and this is a BUT that's as big as the Sabah sky… I was also seeing some dust bunnies that had probably seen more of Kota Kinabalu than I had. So, a mixed bag.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Food Adventure
Okay, food! Let's get into this. Dining, drinking, and snacking. This is an area of possible adventure. They have listed : A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
That list, again, is something that requires confirmation. They advertise a buffet in restaurant, so I'd expect a hot breakfast, at a minimum, but again… double-check.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things
Alright, let's breeze through these, because there are a LOT. Services and conveniences: Air conditioning (thank GOD!), Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator (maybe?), Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, etc. Basically, all the usual suspects are listed and they seem to be there or at least available from there.
For the Kids: Babysitting!
If you're traveling with the little ones, hey, Babysitting service is listed!
Getting Around: Transportation, Wheels, and Parking
Getting around: Airport transfer (a big plus!), Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi service. So, you're covered in terms of getting to and from the lodge and getting around.
Available in All Rooms: Sweet, Sweet Amenities
Available in all rooms: Oh boy, this is a long one. Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathroom phone. Wait, a telephone in the bathroom? Really? That is a blast from the past! Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free]. Quite a list!
The Room… My Honest Assessment I have to be honest, it was okay. It was clean, but not exactly sparkling. The bed was comfy, and the AC? A total lifesaver. The Wi-Fi worked, though the speed was… let’s call it "relaxed." I wouldn’t exactly call it luxurious, but it was perfectly functional and provided with what I needed for a comfortable stay.
My Quirky Impression
The whole experience felt… a little… budget-friendly. But in a good way, you know? Like, it wasn't trying to be something it wasn't. It was honest. It was real.
The Proposition (Because I’m Supposed to Sell You This!)
Okay, here's the deal. Unbelievable Kota Kinabalu Getaway: OYO 90397 Rimba Lodge Awaits! ain’t perfect. But it's also a real Kota Kinabalu experience.
Book it if:
- You aren't a super high-maintenance traveler.
- You're on a budget.
- You want a location that isn't too far from the airport or the city center.
- You REALLY want to see Kota Kinabalu.
- You're looking for a good night's rest.
Don't book it if:
- You need absolute luxury.
- You absolutely need top-tier accessibility.
- You have a phobia of potentially encountering dust bunnies.
My Verdict:
It's not "unbelievable" in the way a 5-star resort on the Maldives is unbelievable. But for the price? For the accessibility? For the location? For the simple fact that I got a good night's sleep and a hot shower? I'd consider it again. With some minor adjustments to my expectations, it was a surprisingly enjoyable experience. Kota Kinabalu is waiting, so book your adventure now, and get yourself ready for an adventure!
Solano Hotel Batangas: Your Dream Philippine Getaway Awaits!Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned spreadsheet of a trip. We're going to Sabah, Malaysia, base camp: OYO 90397 Rimba Lodge Kota Kinabalu. And let me tell you, this is gonna be… an adventure. A messy, glorious, possibly slightly disastrous adventure.
Sabah Scramble: A Kota Kinabalu Confession
Day 1: Arrival, Annoyances, and the Allure of Cheap Noodles
Morning (ish): Landed at KKIA. Flights? Don't ask. Let's just say I wouldn't trust the airline to deliver a pizza, let alone me. Immigration? Smooth. Luggage? Miraculously arrived. Yay! Now, the real adventure begins: finding the Rimba Lodge. Taxi drivers are vultures, by the way. They circle, they haggle, they try to convince you that your perfectly sensible map is a lie. Eventually, after a near-meltdown, I get a Grab. Success!
Afternoon: Rimba Lodge. Okay, it's… basic. Very basic. Think "hostel ambiance meets slightly questionable plumbing." But hey, the aircon works, and the bed doesn't seem to have any suspicious inhabitants. Check-in was a bit of a comedy of errors. The receptionist (bless her heart) looked about as thrilled to see me as I was to discover the shower pressure was roughly equivalent to a garden hose on a bad day.
Evening: Food hunt! Oh, glorious, glorious food. I'm starving, having skipped airline food (smartest move of the trip so far). Found a local hawker stall down the road. These places are gold. I'm talking mountains of noodles, sizzling meats, and enough chili paste to set my tongue on fire – and I loved it. The real stuff, not that sanitized tourist nonsense. The price? Practically charity. The experience? Pure, unadulterated joy. I’m already in love with this city, even if the wifi dies every ten minutes.
Day 2: Islands, Seasickness, and the Deepest Regret
Morning: Island hopping! The brochures promised paradise. White sand, crystal-clear water, blissful relaxation. The reality? A speedboat that felt like it was trying to eject me from the planet, waves that seemed intent on swallowing me whole, and a level of seasickness that made me question my life choices. I wanted to die. I really did.
Afternoon: Finally, land! (Thank God, I needed to feel solid earth beneath my feet.) Sapi Island. Beautiful, yes. Crowded, yes. I snorkeled, I saw fish, I pretended not to gag from the lingering aftertaste of breakfast…and the choppy sea.
Evening: Seafood dinner! (This time on solid ground.) I saw a beautiful seafood restaurant, and I thought, this is great. I ordered a massive grilled fish, some prawns. Oh, the prawns were just divine. Maybe even good enough to forgive the sea. This was the turning point.
Night: The deepest regret. After dinner, I thought it would be a great idea to treat myself to dessert. As I walked, I noticed a stall selling durian. "Oh! I should try this!" I thought. "It's the King of Fruits." Famous last words. It was also the King of Smell-So-Bad-It-Knocks-You-Out. The taste…? Imagine garbage, seasoned with onion, and a hint of old gym socks. I bravely choked down one bite, then the second. I tried to be brave, but I am the opposite. The smell wouldn't leave my hands, my mouth, my entire being. The hostel room became the scene of a crime. I was forced to sleep with the window open while the rain poured in. A truly traumatic experience. Never again.
Day 3: Culture Shock, Jungle Fury, and the Lost Laundry
Morning: Morning market. A visual feast. The smells! The colors! The cacophony of sounds! I loved it. I bought a sarong, haggled (badly), and felt utterly alive. It's like being in a different world. Everywhere you go, smells, sounds, all assaulting your senses. It's wonderful and overwhelming all at once.
Afternoon: Jungle trek. A guided tour up a mountain. Beautiful scenery, but the sweating! Oh, the sweating. My clothes were soaked within minutes. Mosquitoes were having a field day. My guide, a stoic local named Alex, seemed to find my flailing hilarious. I got a glimpse of a Rafflesia flower in bloom (the world's largest flower). Apparently, it smells like rotting meat. The durian experience flashed before my eyes. I think I can handle it.
Evening: Laundry day. Or, at least, attempted laundry day. The Rimba Lodge laundry service? Well, let's say they're "aspirational." My clothes went in pristine and came back… well, not exactly pristine. Some were missing. Others were stained. And the shirt I was particularly fond of? Shrunk to the size of a postage stamp. At least the aircon still worked.
Day 4: Sunset, Seafood, and the Realization that this Mess is Amazing
Morning: Relax! I'm so drained after everything. I decided to take a break. I went to the local pool, which was practically empty and surprisingly clean. I read my book. I was just… calm.
Afternoon: The most magical sunset. We went to a cafe overlooking the sea, and watched the most beautiful sunset. I never knew those colors existed. It was magic!
Evening: More seafood (this time, with a renewed respect for the simple things in terms of taste). The day’s adventures didn't change the fact that this city is magic.
Day 5: Departure - A Fond Farewell (Mostly)
- Morning: Saying goodbye to Rimba Lodge. Leaving my little, temporary hell. I'm going to miss it.
- Afternoon: Airport. I am not leaving this place without a trip to the airport.
- Evening: On the plane. I am leaving.
This trip wasn’t perfect. Far from it. I was seasick, sunburnt, and generally a hot mess. But I wouldn't trade it for anything. Kota Kinabalu: You glorious, chaotic, durian-scented paradise, I'll be back. This is an honest reflection that I will miss.
Escape to Nashville: Unbeatable Deals at Quality Inn Lebanon!
So, Rimba Lodge. Where *is* this place anyway? And is Kota Kinabalu even worth the hassle?
Alright, so Kota Kinabalu, or KK as the cool kids say (I’m not a cool kid, just FYI), is in Malaysian Borneo. And Rimba Lodge, well, it's *in* KK, though pinning down the exact location feels like a scavenger hunt with bad clues. Let's just say it's *there*. And KK? Oh man, is it worth the hassle? ABSOLUTELY. The sunrises alone make the trip worthwhile. That orangey-pink glow over the South China Sea? Chef's kiss. Okay, maybe I'm biased. I nearly got into a fight over a durian at a night market. (Worth. It.) KK is a chaotic, glorious mess of markets, food stalls, beaches that aren’t pristine but are *real*, and people who are generally pretty darn friendly. Just... be prepared for humidity that clings to you like a sweaty hug.
What's the *actual* vibe of Rimba Lodge? Is it like, Instagram-worthy minimalist chic or... something else?
Instagram-worthy? Honey, no. Minimalist? Ha! Let’s just say Rimba Lodge has a certain… *character*. The kind of character that says “I’ve seen things.” And by “things,” I mean a questionable paint job, a shower with a personality of its own (more on that later), and furniture that probably predates your grandma. But listen, that’s part of the charm! It’s… *rustic*. It’s got a lived-in feel. It’s the kind of place where you *might* find a forgotten sock under the bed, but hey, at least it has a bed! (And honestly, compared to some places I've crashed in, Rimba Lodge is the Ritz.) Think backpacking hostel meets slightly neglected family home. You're just getting a good deal. Plus it has AC in these places, which is a godsend in that weather.
The Room: Let's Get Real. What Can I Expect in terms of comfort, cleanliness, and… bugs? *shudders*
Okay, deep breaths. Comfort? It *exists*. The beds aren’t the stuff of dreams, but they'll get you through the night. Cleanliness? Let's say… it varies. I'm not saying you need to bring a Hazmat suit, but maybe pack some wet wipes. And yes, the bugs. Welcome to Borneo, my friend! The local fauna is… enthusiastic. You're going to encounter things. Tiny ants, maybe a spider the size of your thumb (don’t panic! they're probably more scared of you!), and the occasional mosquito that thinks your blood is the finest vintage. Bug spray is your new best friend. Embrace the chaos.
Tell me about the shower. I need the real, unfiltered scoop. This is important.
The shower. Oh, the shower. This deserves its own chapter. My shower experience at Rimba Lodge was… an adventure. Picture this: You turn on the tap. Nothing. You fiddle with the handle (it's a bit loose, by the way). Suddenly, a torrent of icy water erupts. Then, just as you’ve adjusted, it switches to scalding hot. Then back to freezing. It's a Russian roulette of temperature. You learn to become one with the water, to move like a ninja, to avoid the dreaded arctic blast. One time I was showering, and the water pressure was so intense the shower head practically detached itself and started spraying water everywhere. I swear, it had more power than my ex. But hey, at least it *worked*. Mostly. Eventually. It's a story I'll be telling for years to come.
Foodie Time! Any Recommendations for where to grub in KK? And is the local food good?
Oh, the food! KK’s food scene is a straight-up explosion of flavor. YES, the local food is PHENOMENAL. Go to the night markets! Seriously, GO. Try the Laksa (spicy noodle soup – get the Katong Laksa), the satay (grilled skewers with peanut sauce – order everything), and the seafood (fresh, glorious seafood!). The fresh fruit you can find there... Ugh. Dreamy. Don’t be afraid to venture out of your comfort zone. And if you see a place packed with locals, join the crowd! They know what's up. Honestly, I think I gained five pounds just *thinking* about the food. Just be warned: I had a little episode with a very spicy curry that involved a lot of water, some tears, and a near-death experience I will not elaborate on but let’s just say, when they say "spicy," believe it.
What's the deal with the staff? Are they helpful? Do they speak English? Can I get my laundry done?
Okay, the staff. They are generally friendly! English is usually spoken, but be patient! They are trying their best, and you are in their space, so be mindful of that. "Laundry"? Well, probably not *on-site* laundry, but ASK! The front-desk staff may be able to point you in the direction of someone who can take care of your dirty clothes – ask them – they know the city better than you do! Most importantly, they were chill and didn't bug me when I was just hanging out in my room and avoiding the world. I found them helpful, even if the language barrier caused a few amusing misunderstandings ("More towels? Yes, yes, this is a good idea!"). But hey, who doesn't love a friendly smile and a gesture to explain something?
Getting Around KK. Is it easy? Do I need to rent a car?
Getting around KK is pretty easy. Taxis are readily available, and Grab (the Southeast Asian version of Uber/Lyft) is your friend. You could rent a car, but honestly, you probably don’t need to, especially if you're planning on sticking to the main tourist areas. Traffic can be… a thing. Walking is perfectly doable for exploring the city center, but be prepared for the heat and humidity. Just... be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. And learn a few basic Malay phrases (hello, thank you, and where's the bathroom). It shows respect, and it might just make you some friends. Plus, it’s fun to try.
Rimba Lodge vs other options? Is this place actually *worth* staying in?
Okay, the BIG question! Is Rimba Lodge worth it? Look, it’s not the Four Seasons. It's not going to win any design awards. But if you’re on a budget, and if you're looking for a genuinely unique (and slightly chaotic) experience, then yes, it's worth it. You are going toFind Hotel Now
