Cuti-Cuti Sabah BAH: Sutera Sanctuary Lodges At Kinabalu Park

Let's take a break from my 3rd Solo Trip to Europe travelogues, and give way for me blog about the place I called my hometown - Sabah.

If any of my friends and relatives who plan to come and visit Sabah and asking for my opinion of what to do and see - definitely I would highly recommend two things; the majestic Mount Kinabalu and abundance of tropical islands with crystal clear sea water. Of course, not forgetting the fresh and affordable seafood too. 

Now, let's us talk about our state pride, and also the national proud - the Mount Kinabalu which is the highest mountain in Malaysia. Situated in the lush-green town of Kundasang which is approximately 2 hours drive away from the city center of Kota Kinabalu, the best way to get there is by driving. If you consider to rent a car in Kota Kinabalu, I would recommend you my friend's car rental company - Mirai Travel and just quote my name to get the best price. Trust me, not only that he provides the best car rental services but he will give you any recommendations and suggestions of the city too.

So, now done with the car. How's about accommodation? Well, a day trip to Kundasang is doable but it's pretty rush and the trip seems like touch-and-go. So why not plan for a two-days and one-night trip instead? Not just that you don't have to be in hurry, but you can also enjoy the cool breeze and cold atmosphere during the night time. That's sound interesting, right? 

My family and I went Kundasang quite number of times and we even overnight at different type of accommodations there; from budget hostels and hotels to luxurious chalet and resorts. We went again end of last year when my dad's cousin and his family came over to Kota Kinabalu. As usual, I was in charge of searching for the accommodations for big group of family, including mine. Somehow, luck was on my side when I happened to come across Sutera Sanctuary Lodges where they were doing promo. A two-bedroom normally costs more than RM900 or even more but I got for RM300 nett only - it's like hitting the jackpot. And the best part is that Sutera Sanctuary Lodges is one and only lodging located inside Kinabalu Park, Malaysia's first UNESCO Heritage Site and this is where climbers begin their climb from. Without waiting and thinking any longer since the deal is so hard to resist, immediately I booked and I'm overly excited about it. Why not, cause it's not like I always have the chance to grab this incredible cheap deal right?  

#1: Kinabalu Park - The first UNESCO Heritage Site in Malaysia

We departed from our home before the lunch hour and before reaching our accommodation, we dropped by the local market to get some fruits and fresh vegetables cause we are planning to have steamboat as our dinner? Steamboat - my all-time favourite, especially with fishballs, fishcakes, prawnballs, cuttlefishballs and etc. I can't wait to indulge them. After drove for about 1 hour and 45 minutes (provided when the road condition is smooth and steady), finally we saw the Kinabalu Park signboard. Because our accommodation is tucked inside Kinabalu Park, hence we need to pay the admission fee first (Adult RM3 and Child below 18 years RM1). As for the check-in procedure, the check-in counter situated just besides the ticket counter booth (on the right-side) and make sure you do it first, before getting to the lodging cause the road in Kinabalu Park is just one-way.


#2: Check-in counter just besides the ticket counter booth on the right-side

#3: Living room with fireplace

Generally, Sutera Sanctuary Lodges offers 11 types of accommodation and I booked the Garden Lodge - a two-storey accommodation comes with 2 luxurious bedrooms and both rooms attached with its own bathroom. The moment when I opened the door, my jaw-dropping by just glanced through the brightly coloured living room polished with wooden floors. Cause we went in December last year which is the month of Christmas, there's a Christmas decoration at the fireplace and this setting making the whole place seems like we're in Western countries. Awww, I begin to love this place. 

#4: Dining area

And the next thing I did is thoroughly checking the whole place - from dining area to the guest room and not forgetting, the master bedroom which built on the upper floor. Everything looks exactly the same as what they published on their website. When my dad, his cousin and his family stepped in, they kept asking me, "Are you sure you book the right place cause impossible the whole place for RM300?". I replied them, "I'm pretty sure, or else I won't have the key on my hand now". Besides Garden Lodge, I did book the other type which is the Peak Lodge (not far away from Garden Lodge) cause Garden Lodge only able to accommodate at least 4 people. However, Peak Lodge isn't that impressive and stunning enough, unlike Garden Lodge which still stuck in my mind until today.   

#5: Well-equipped kitchen with fridge, kettle and utensils.


#6: Two single bedroom


#7: With the view of green lush rainforest


#8: Bathroom


#9: Masterbedroom on the first floor


#10: Another shot of the master bedroom cause I really love the setting


#11: Master bedroom's bathroom

#12: When the night turns into cold weather, it's best for steamboat time especially with a big group of companion. My dad even brought along fresh fish he caught for our dinner.   

#13: This is the Peak Lodge, the other lodge I booked but not the whole row. It's just half of it. Though it has two separate bedrooms, but it only attached with 1 bathroom. 

Talking about Internet and WiFi connection, I have to admit that the connection it's pretty weak - you know, cause the place is quite remote and rural but hey, who need an Internet when you can have the best and amazing view like this, especially when you wake up from your comfy bed in early morning and the Mount Kinabalu in standing right in front of you? Absolutely unforgettable experience and sometimes, how I wish the time can stop for a little while in order for us to enjoy this beautiful moment. 

#14


#15: And if you are lucky, not only that you can see the rainbow but you can view the moon too.

I will try to blog and share more about the local trips. Especially with the current situation which hit badly majority of traven and tourism industries, let's us together support the domestic tourism when things are back to normal again.