[Hotel Review] Beringgis Beach Resort and Spa

1:25 AM ACTIVITIES, ASIA, HOTEL REVIEW, MALAYSIA, SABAH, TRAVEL No Comments

At the end of March 2012, I had a chance to join an activity organized by aspiring students of International Business Club from UMS. It was a two days and one night 'rendezvous' session at one of the most beautiful resort that I have ever experience while I am in Sabah. 

Located in Papar, it is actually not so far from Kota Kinabalu. However, you would need to hire a transport in order to reach the place. It was my first time driving alone, so naturally I ended up going the wrong way. However, after making a u-turn and finally found the place, traveling time by car from the city center of Kota Kinabalu is estimated to be about half an hour to 45 minutes. Please take note to those who is driving, do not take the old road heading deeper to Papar. 

Resort Name
Beringgis Beach Resort and Spa

Website Address
http://www.beringgis.com

Facilities Review
There are several types of rooms available. The one I had was spacious and very comfortable. Each wing has several rooms on both levels. However, because the building materials are mostly wood, do take note that you may be mildly disturbed by sound either from outside or from your next door neighbours.

There is no internet or wireless available in rooms and other areas, but there is internet facilities provided in the lobby. Since I wanted a quiet time, no internet access is just what I needed ^_^. 

I am sure the restaurant served delicious foods. As I joined a group of people, we were served at the open deck area. From breakfast to dinner, the dishes served were tasty and just nice for my appetite. 

The swimming pool, which is located at the center where all the rooms are, is a nice place for you to do sun bathing and of course take a dive. However, please be aware of safety since there is no lifeguard stationed at the pool. 

...AND of course they have awesome beach. I could not swim in the water since the wind was strong and the waves were pretty rough. Nonetheless, there are small benches and huts for you to sit or lie down and relax while enjoying the sea.



Room Rates
Please refer to the website.

Personal Rating
4 stars

Pictures from the scene

(Photo Credit to UMS IB Club)

Read More

[Hotel Review] Lanjut Golden Beach & Golf Resort

5:54 PM ACTIVITIES, HOTEL REVIEW, MALAYSIA, TRAVEL AND JOURNEY No Comments

If you are looking for a quiet and luxurious style of holiday, there is no need to travel away from Peninsular of Malaysia. While Mersing is a known gateway to Tioman Island, Kuala Rompin also offers the same. However, if you wish to be on the mainland and still have the opportunity to leisure around white sandy beach, Kuala Rompin has everything to offer.

You should look for Lanjut Golden Beach & Golf Resort when you head to Kuala Rompin.

My family & I went for a short escapade in December 2011 and we were informed that the place had just finished refurbishment. A drive from Kuala Lumpur would take about 5 hours while if you are taking a southern route (via Mersing) I would be slightly more than 8 hours. Although it is a long journey, the view you would see will compensate everything once you reach the place.

After check-in we realized that with the price we pay, the room is extremely spacious, neat and clean. The rooms we had were facing the sea, with swimming pool view just below our balcony. This is a resort. Thus, you get everything in one place.


Activities
From golfing to karaoke to beach and sea activities, you can never get enough of them here. Since the vicinity is kind of secluded, you can enjoy the atmosphere and privacy here. They also have outdoor team building activity which you can enquire at their reception desk.

Food
The restaurant knows the best of what to recommend. They serve fresh water prawns and many other tasting delicacies. The service crews are also good at recommending places in the area for you to go for food hunt.

Personal Rating
4 out of 5 stars

Price
Check out their website at http://www.lanjut.my/

Pictures from the scene

Read More

[Hotel Review] Sawasdee Krungthep Inn (Bangkok, Thailand)

12:05 AM BACKPACKING, BANGKOK, HOTEL REVIEW, KHAO SAN ROAD, SAWASDEE KRUNGTHEP INN No Comments

Sawasdee hotel chain has four premises located in the vicinity of backpackers’ heaven in Bangkok. Via Asia Rooms users can make reservation at bargain price. Sawasdee Krungthep Inn is about 20 minute’s tuk tuk ride from Hua Lam Phong train station.

It is located at Soi Rambutri, Phanakorn; an area full of budget accommodations, café and restaurants and, most importantly, numerous tour & travel agent services. This budget hotel is slightly at the end of the street, which is near to the shortcut way heading to Khao San Road as well as to the Grand Palace (about 10 minute’s walk).

The hotel provides clean and comfortable room for guests including bed, towels, and toiletries and in some package may include breakfast. Wireless internet is complimentary but if your room is located on second floor and above or your room is at the end of the walkway, you may not be able to catch the signal. Users can always bring down their laptop to the lobby to enjoy faster WIFI connection. Those who do not have any laptop, computers with internet services and printer are available for use.

There is also a tour desk at the lobby that provides booking and reservation services for variety of tour or/and travel arrangements. As the hotel is located at the end of the street, you can expect reasonable amount of quietness when you are asleep in room. At the reception counter, you can also leave your valuables for safekeeping in locked locker at no charge. It is highly advisable not to leave your valuables in the room as the area is so busy with people. The hotel even put up a notice at the room door advising guest to use extra locks when you are asleep in room.

The only minus point for this hotel is the restaurant is located in another Sawasdee hotel, which is about 3 minutes walk from this hotel building. If you are worried of not having a place to eat, rest assured that you will not be starving. There are huge selections of café and restaurant to choose the moment you walk out the hotel’s entrance.

This is highly recommended for backpacker, especially single travelers. 
My personal rating: 4 stars

Read my journey in Bangkok in Day 5: Pit Stop in Bangkok

Read More

[Hotel Review] Moradok Thai Guesthouse (Ayutthaya, Thailand)

12:10 AM AYUTTHAYA, BACKPACKING, HOTEL REVIEW, MORADOK THAI GUESTHOUSE, THAILAND No Comments

If you are an adventurous and not “fussy”, this guesthouse is a good bargain. Located in Ayutthaya, this small guesthouse is run by a friendly Thai lady (married to a Swiss man), Gina. It sits next to one of the many temple ruins of Ayutthaya.

Do not attempt to walk from the railway station because it is not that near (despite google map saying otherwise). Instead, you can easily request for a pick up – free of charge, from the guesthouse owner herself. At bargain price you will get basic room with beds, blankets, ensuite bathroom and a cheerful entertainer, Samsee. The bar starts early and you can make friends here (I am not joking!!!). Breakfast is pretty standard – toast, eggs, fruits and coffee; and it is usually included in the price you pay for the room.

In front of the guesthouse is a traditional Thai massage place and a restaurant. You can also rent bicycle from the guesthouse at a very cheap price. Additional service at the guesthouse includes tour packages for many activities in Ayutthaya you want to do.

Location wise – this place is within walking distance to many Ayutthaya main attractions. Take a map at the counter and start exploring this ancient city. If you need to buy anything, you are only 2 minutes away from the 7eleven and the local night market.

You can book Moradok Thai guesthouse from AsiaRooms easily. My personal rating: 3 ½ stars.

Read entries on my experience in Ayutthaya

Day 3: Ayutthaya on Foot

Day 4 - Ayutthaya on water

Read More