Unbelievable Kundasang Guesthouse: Your Kinabalu National Park Escape Awaits!
Unbelievable Kundasang Guesthouse: My Kinabalu Mountain Meltdown (and Miracle!)
Okay, folks, let's talk about Unbelievable Kundasang Guesthouse. The name alone is a commitment, right? Like, they're daring you to not be amazed. And look, I’ll admit, I went in with expectations. This trip to Kinabalu National Park was supposed to be a spiritual reset. Me, the mountain, the breathtaking vistas…sounds idyllic, yeah? Well, buckle up, buttercups, because reality, as always, had other plans.
First Impressions: The "Unbelievable" Test
The first hurdle: Getting there. Accessibility? Hmmm. Driving up, the roads were… well, let's just say they tested my suspension. Car park [free of charge] is a definite blessing because finding parking after a long drive can be a killer. Airport transfer? A must-have! I booked, and their driver was punctual and the car clean.
Once there, I found the guesthouse itself quite accessible in the common areas, and that definitely helped in navigating. The main entrance was flat, and thankfully, I didn't have to struggle with any stairs.
Rooms: My Personal Comfort Zone (And Mini-Fridge Sanity Saver)
Ah, the room. My sanctuary. And believe me, after the drive, I needed it. My room – the one with the Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, 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, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], and Window that opens..
It may sound dramatic, but that Refrigerator was LIFE. Pre-packed snacks (I'm a HUGE snacker) and drinks, kept cool and ready for me. Pure bliss. The Free Wi-fi in all rooms!? Yup. Essential because I needed to upload the Instas right away.
The Bathroom phone made me chuckle -- a little old school! But more importantly, the Bathtub was a godsend after a day of hiking.
Dining: Food Glorious Food (And My Quest for a Decent Coffee)
Okay, let’s be real. I’m a foodie. I take my coffee seriously. And here's where Unbelievable stumbled a little, in my opinion. The Restaurants offer a decent menu, and I appreciated the Asian breakfast, and Vegetarian restaurant choices. The Buffet in restaurant was good. I did get a bit lost in the choices.
The Coffee shop inside the property was pretty, but the coffee itself? Let's just say it wasn’t the rich, bold brew I crave. So, I had to go find a decent one outside the property.
But a major win was the Room service [24-hour]. Need a midnight snack because you can't sleep and need to eat something? Yup. The options was good. I ordered some A la carte in restaurant.
I didn't need the Babysitting service, but I really loved all the Family/child friendly options.
The Spa & Activities: Seeking Zen (and Failing… Gloriously)
This is the part I was really looking forward to. The whole Spa experience! Visions of me, serene and glowing, floated in my head. The reality? A bit different, but still amazing!
I tried the Body wrap. Now, I’m not entirely sure what a body wrap is supposed to do, but I think it’s supposed to relax you. I spent the first few minutes wondering if I was accidentally being mummified. After that, though, I actually mellowed. And hey, my skin felt amazing afterward!
The Pool with view looked INCREDIBLE. Unfortunately, the weather had other plans, and it was a bit too chilly to take a dip that day, but I managed to appreciate the views of the mountains from the poolside.
They had a Gym/fitness facilities. I did not go.
Cleanliness and Safety: COVID-19 and Beyond
Here's where Unbelievable REALLY earned its stars. The Cleanliness and safety protocols were top-notch, and it really put my mind at ease. Seeing this everywhere: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Hand sanitizer everywhere. The staff were wearing masks and were really professional and helpful. The Room sanitization opt-out available was really considerate of the guests. All the food options had Individually-wrapped food options and the Safe dining setup. It felt more than just safe. It felt genuinely cared for.
The Little Things: The Devil is in the Details (And the Luggage)
Okay, some quirky observations! They had little touches that really made a difference.
- Luggage storage: A lifesaver since my flight arrived VERY early.
- Concierge: Always super helpful with directions and local recommendations.
- Convenience store: Stocked with all the little essentials you might forget.
- Daily housekeeping. My room was always pristine.
- Gift/souvenir shop. I found a cute souvenir to take home.
The Verdict: Unbelievable? Maybe, But Definitely Worth the Stay
Look, Unbelievable Kundasang Guesthouse isn’t perfect. The coffee could be better. The weather is unpredictable. But what it does get right, it gets REALLY right. It offers a comfortable stay. The staff are warm and welcoming. And the backdrop? Utterly breathtaking.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just maybe bring your own coffee!
SEO & Metadata Stuff (Because the Internet Demands It):
- Title: Unbelievable Kundasang Guesthouse Review: Your Kinabalu National Park Escape Awaits (Honest & Quirky!)
- Meta Description: A raw and honest review of Unbelievable Kundasang Guesthouse near Kinabalu National Park. From spa experiences to accessibility and food, find out if this guesthouse lives up to its name.
- Keywords: Kundasang Guesthouse, Kinabalu National Park, Sabah, Malaysia, travel review, spa, accessibility, family-friendly, accommodation, hotel review, Unbelievable Kundasang, mountain view, guesthouse review
- Category Hotel Review
- Tags: Travel, Kinabalu, Kundasang, Malaysia, Hotel, Guesthouse, Review, Vacation, Mountain, Adventure
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your pristine, Instagram-ready travel guide. This is the real, sweaty, sometimes-hangry, probably-slightly-off-schedule Kundasang guesthouse experience. Prepare for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable decisions, and enough "oh my gods" to sink a small boat.
Kundasang Chaos: A Messy Itinerary (Kinabalu National Park, Malaysia)
Day 1: Arrival of the Mountain Gods and the Great Toilet Paper Hunt
- Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Landed in Kota Kinabalu. Airport chaos, as per usual. The immigration officer actually smiled at me. Is this a sign? Probably not, just a very nice person. The drive to Kundasang… well, it's a long one. Let's put it that way. The roads wind like a drunken snake, and the driver kept singing off-key to a remix of Malaysian pop songs. He also nearly ran over a chicken at one point. Good times.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Arrived at the guesthouse. It’s charming, in a slightly-faded-paint, "been-here-since-the-British-left" kind of way. The air? Crisp. The view? Stunning, if you ignore the slightly dodgy looking electrical wiring. Immediately had a mental battle with the stairs to the guesthouse room. Victory! Just a slight wheeze.
- Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Found a random local warung. Ordered what I thought was "nasi lemak," instead got something that looked suspiciously like… squints… green rice. Still, the chili paste was amazing, and the woman running the place gave me a knowing look. Clearly, I was not the first tourist to make this mistake.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): The Great Toilet Paper Hunt. Seriously. Why is this always such a quest when traveling? The guesthouse only had one roll between all the rooms. Did I mention the electrical wiring? Also discovered the TV only has 3 channels. Two of which are in bahasa malaysia and the third is the same channel just with more ads.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Sunset! Finally, the payoff. The view of Mount Kinabalu is breathtaking. I mean, seriously, it stopped me mid-sentence. Took a million photos, all of which will probably look the same. Dinner at a local restaurant. Tried the local game meat. It was good, but did it taste like chicken?! Or maybe it was just really well seasoned.
- Night (8:00 PM onwards): Guesthouse is freezing--turned on the heater. But the bathroom is colder so I took a warm shower. Drank some tea. Reading from that book I bought, hoping to gain knowledge of the culture of the people.
Day 2: Kinabalu's Embrace (and My Own Personal Everest)
- Early Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM): The dreaded early wake-up call. Hike up to the Kinabalu Park Botanical Garden. I'm not a morning person. The humidity hit me like a wet blanket. But the views? Stunning. The air so clean. I think I actually felt my lungs breathe for the first time in years. Saw some pitcher plants, they were like tiny green alien mouths.
- Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Hike to viewpoint. This is where things got REAL. Steep inclines. My legs are screaming. I'm pretty sure my heart is trying to escape my chest. Kept going, though, because: bragging rights. Also, that view. Worth it. Absolutely.
- Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Packed lunch. Ate sandwiches and fruit, feeling victorious. People I passed on the way up came down and said well done. It made me feel accomplished.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): I doubled down on the Kinabalu experience. This is where the mess started. I went to the Nabalu Market. Seriously, the chaos of it all! Colorful fruits I couldn't identify, dubious-looking spices, vendors shouting in a language I didn't understand. It was an assault on the senses. But I loved it. Overpaid for a mangosteen. Totally worth it. Also, got a massage from a little old woman who looked at me and smiled, like "you need this". My back, muscles started to slowly unknot.
- Evening (5:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Went to the guesthouse in high spirits. Took a shower in the freezing cold bathroom. Felt my body numb after half an hour.
- Night (8:00 PM onwards): Dinner at a local restaurant. Tried the local game meat. It was good, but did it taste like chicken?! Or maybe it was just really well seasoned. Feeling happy now.
- Late night (10:00 PM onwards): Feeling a bit sad about leaving the next day. Took some time to think.
Day 3: Farewell, Mountain (and Maybe a Little Bit of Me)
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Last breakfast. That toast again. Checked out. Almost forgot my phone charger – always a close call.
- Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Hike to the fish spa! Had a little fish nibble on my feet. Felt weird but clean. It was quite refreshing.
- Late Morning/Early Afternoon (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Departure. The long drive back to the airport--felt longer. I did a lot of quiet reflection.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM onwards): Goodbye, Kundasang! Goodbye, Kinabalu! On the way home, realized I left my favorite socks behind in the guesthouse. Annoying. But hey, that's life, right? The journey, not the destination…and the socks, well, they're probably having a better time without me.
Final Thoughts:
Kundasang. It's a place that gets under your skin. It's not perfect. Far from it. But it's real. It's beautiful. It's challenging. And, most importantly, it's a place where you can leave a little piece of your sanity behind, in exchange for a whole lot of memories and a profound respect for the power of a really, really big mountain. I'll be back. After I figure out how to pack that toilet paper.
Kota Kinabalu Luxury 10-Pax Penthouse: Sutera Avenue Stay!
Okay, spill the beans! What *is* Unbelievable Kundasang Guesthouse, and why should *I* care?
Alright, settle in, because this is Kundasang we're talking about! Unbelievable Kundasang Guesthouse? Well, it's a name that's... ambitious. Let's just say the "Unbelievable" part... well, it has moments. Basically, it's a guesthouse right in the heart of Kundasang, smack-dab in front of the majestic Mount Kinabalu. That's point number one: the view. The view is genuinely, jaw-droppingly gorgeous. Think postcard-perfect. You care because, hello, Kinabalu National Park! Hiking, fresh air, stunning landscapes... it's an escape from… everything. But be warned, sometimes the "escape" is into a… more rugged adventure than planned. More on that later...much later.
How's the price? Ballpark figure, please. Don't want to break the bank.
Price-wise? It’s Kundasang. Generally it’s reasonable. You’re not going to find a five-star resort here, thankfully. Think mid-range. It fluctuates (especially during peak season, when EVERYONE wants to see Kinabalu), so check booking sites for current prices, but I’ve always found it to be a damn good value. Just... budget a little extra for snacks. You're gonna need them. And maybe for some… therapy. Just kidding! (Mostly).
Location, location, location! Where *exactly* is this place? And how do I get there? I'm terrible with directions.
Okay, location: Kundasang, Sabah, Malaysia. Right off the main road – easy to spot once you're in the area. Getting there? From Kota Kinabalu (KK) there are buses, a couple of taxis, and definitely renting a car is the best option. The bus is… an experience. Let’s just say it involves a lot of winding roads and a potential aversion to durian (stinky fruit). The rental car gives you freedom, which is HUGE. You're gonna want to go wandering. Trust me. The Google Maps link on the booking page usually works, or at least gets you close. "Close" is good enough and part of the adventure. This is why you should rent a car!
Is it close to the Kinabalu National Park entrance? That's the main reason I'm going!
Yes! It's *incredibly* close. Like, a short drive, maybe 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic (which, let's be honest, isn't a huge concern in Kundasang). This is a HUGE selling point. Convenience is king (or queen!) when you're gearing up for a mountain climb. You can practically roll out of bed and be at the park entrance. Just don't underestimate the altitude!
So, what are the rooms like? Are we talking luxury, or more… rustic charm?
Rustic charm, my friend. Let's be clear. Rustic. The rooms are clean, basic, and functional. Don’t expect a five-star hotel experience. I’ve stayed in worse but also better. The views, though… compensation for the “rustic” part. I once opened the curtains and nearly fell over from the sheer beauty of it all. It's a trade-off. Cleanliness generally good though. And hey, you’re not there to stay *in* the room, are you?
What about the amenities? WiFi, hot water, things like that? Can I still be connected to the world (or at least bathe in warmth)?
WiFi is… present. Sometimes. Let’s just say it’s not the strongest signal in the world. Embrace the digital detox. And hot water? Yes, usually! But occasionally... well, it's a mountain guesthouse. Sometimes you have to be quick! In my experience, it's generally reliable. Just be prepared for the occasional invigorating cold shower, if you're feeling brave!
Besides the view and location, what can I actually *do* there? What's the fun stuff?
Okay, here's where it gets good! * **Mount Kinabalu:** Obviously. Hiking, climbing... it's right there. Book your climb *far* in advance. Seriously. People book months out. * **Desa Cattle Dairy Farm:** The cows! The views! The ice cream! Seriously, the ice cream is worth the trip alone. Amazing. Go early. Crowds! * **Kundasang War Memorial:** Sombre but important. A moving tribute to the war. * **Poring Hot Springs:** Relaxing after a hike, I was a little bit afraid to go... but loved it and it's about an hour away. * **Local Markets:** Buy fruits, vegetables, souvenirs. Support the local community! * **Explore the surrounding countryside. Don't just stay in the guesthouse!** Honestly, there’s a ton to do. Driving around is awesome!
Feed me! What about food and drink? Are there restaurants nearby? Breakfast included?
Breakfast *usually* included... but it's basic. Toast, eggs, maybe some local fruit. Be prepared to supplement. There are restaurants nearby, offering a mix of local and Western cuisine. The quality varies. The warungs (local stalls) are usually good and very affordable! Try the local dishes like Nasi Lemak! I've had some absolutely *amazing* meals and some… less amazing. The food scene is developing, but don't expect Michelin-star experiences.
What's the staff like? Are they helpful? Friendly? Do they actually speak English?
The staff is generally very friendly and helpful! English is generally spoken, but you might encounter some communication challenges. Embrace it! Be patient, smile, and use your hands if necessary. One time, I was trying to explain my "stomach issue" (translation: a rogue durian I ate) to them, and it was an epic comedy of gestures and facial expressions. We all laughed a lot. They really do their best to make you feel welcome.