Escape to Paradise: Kundasang Golf Lodge & Kinabalu's Majesty
Escape to Paradise: Kundasang Golf Lodge & Kinabalu’s Majesty – A Messy, Honest, and Often Hilarious Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (probably Earl Grey, judging by the amenities) on Escape to Paradise: Kundasang Golf Lodge & Kinabalu’s Majesty. This place…this place is a journey. Forget your pristine, perfect travel blogs; you're getting the raw, unfiltered truth, complete with my occasional fits of giggles and probably a few typos.
First things first: Accessibility. This is a crucial one for me, not because I’m personally in a wheelchair (though I've seen a few meltdowns over luggage that feel pretty crippling), but because I've learned over the years that a genuinely accessible place is a genuinely thoughtful place. Good news: The website says they have Facilities for disabled guests. But, and this is a HUGE but, I can't give you a definitive yes or no without a deep dive. I need to know if they've got ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and all the nitty-gritty stuff. If you need accessible, CALL THEM. Don't just trust the internet. Trust your gut, and ask the right questions. (I’m dying to know the answer, though! Let me know if you find out!)
Getting Around: Now, the Car Park [free of charge] is a godsend. Kundasang is a hilly place, and having a secure spot to park your chariot is a massive weight off your shoulders. They've also got Car park [on-site], and Valet parking. Score! And for the lazy bums (like me) there's got to be a Taxi service, and, thankfully, Airport transfer, which is a must. Seriously, after a long flight, the last thing you want to do is wrestle with a rental car in a strange land.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Again, crucial detail missing. Restaurants, yes. Poolside bar, yep. Bar, absolutely. But how accessible are they? Are the tables spaced far enough apart? Is the path clear? Again, this is a question for the Lodge itself. But the pictures online? Gorgeous.
Internet Access: Okay, this is where things get interesting. They boast Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, which, let’s be honest, is practically a human right these days. But then they also flaunt Internet, Internet [LAN], Internet services, and Wi-Fi in public areas. It's like they're throwing internet options at you like confetti. I’m calling it now: the Wi-Fi will be patchy in some rooms. Don't expect lightning-fast speeds to stream your favorite show; be prepared for a little digital disconnect, which might actually be a good thing. Embrace the mountains, the fresh air, and the lack of perfect buffering!
Things to do & Ways to Relax: This is where Escape to Paradise really shines. This isn't just a hotel; it's a full-blown relaxation station.
- The Spa/Sauna: YES.
- Pool with View: oh my god, yes.
- Spa: Double yes.
- Massage: Triple yes.
- Sauna: Quadruple yes.
- Steamroom: you betcha.
- Swimming pool: a giant yes.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: a big fat YES!
You can even get a Body scrub and a Body wrap. My inner sloth is already drooling! They've got a Fitness center and a Gym/fitness area too, so you can work off all the delicious local food. But let’s be real, I'm there for the sauna. I'm picturing myself right now, wrapped in a towel, gazing at Kinabalu while the steam melts away my stress. Pure bliss.
Cleanliness and Safety: Okay, let’s talk about COVID-19 times, because, let's be real, it's still a thing. They’ve got all the buzzwords: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. Phew. That's a lot of buzzwords! The key to me is the Room sanitization opt-out available. I'm always a fan. Being able to sanitize my own space just puts me at ease.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Now we're talking. The food situation is serious business. They've got Restaurants. Multiple, it seems! A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Room service [24-hour], Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant. My mouth is watering! Asian and Western food options that make my travel taste buds go wild.
I can't wait to try the Soup in restaurant, and I'm hoping to get my fill of Salad in restaurant. I love a good Salad!
They also have a Snack bar and a Happy hour. Now that is music to my ears.
The Bottle of water is also a small detail that just makes a stay so much better!
Services and Conveniences: Okay, this is where the Lodge REALLY pulls out all the stops. They’ve got pretty much everything you could think of: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
They’ve thought of everything. Which, honestly, can be a little overwhelming. I mean, a Shrine? I'm intrigued, but also, what do I even do with that?
For the kids: Ah, the little cherubs. Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, and Kids meal are all good signs.
Access: I've discussed this earlier, I just need to know if it is accessible!
In the Rooms! Now, this is where things get personal. The rooms are where you spend the most time. This is my sanctuary, my fortress, my temporary home.
- Air conditioning: a necessity.
- Additional toilet?: This is pretty important!
- Alarm clock: necessary.
- Bathrobes: yes, please.
- Bathroom phone: never used one, but I'm strangely charmed.
- Bathtub: essential for soaking away the stresses.
- Blackout curtains: a must for a good night's sleep.
- Closet: very important.
- Coffee/tea maker: yes, I need to be able to wake up.
- Complimentary tea: perfect.
- Daily housekeeping: yes!
- Desk: good if you need to work, or, you know, update your travel blog…
- Extra long bed: the best.
- Free bottled water: again, little details that make a difference.
- Hair dryer: a must.
- High floor: is it high enough to see the view?
- In-room safe box: always a smart idea.
- Interconnecting room(s) available: for when you're with the fam!
- Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, yes!
- Ironing facilities: a must.
- Laptop workspace: ok!
- Linens: very, very important
- Mini bar: yes, because snacks are vital.
- Mirror: very important.
- Non-smoking: yes.
- On-demand movies: great.
- Private bathroom: yes!
- Reading light: super important.
- Refrigerator: a must.
- Safe/security feature: Always nice.
- Satellite/cable channels: more entertainment.
- Scale: ok I see you.
- Seating area: good to relax.
- Separate shower/bathtub: good.
- Shower: yes.
- Slippers: great, you can walk around in comfort!
- Smoke detector: a must!
Alright, buckle up buttercups! Because we're heading to Kundasang Golf Lodge (Lot D78) in the glorious, slightly unpredictable, sometimes muddy heart of Kinabalu National Park, Malaysia. And trust me, this isn't your pristine, perfectly curated Instagram feed. This is the real deal.
Kundasang Chaos: A Messy, Magnificent Itinerary (and My Brain's Ramblings)
Day 1: Arrival & Altitude Adjustment (and Existential Dread, Let's Be Real)
- Morning (and most likely, a slight panic attack): Arrive at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI). The humid air smacks you in the face like a wet towel of tropical delight. Grab a pre-booked transfer to Kundasang. Pray to the travel gods the driver speaks some English and doesn't think "scenic route" means "take the road less traveled, which is now a herd of adorable goats and a landslide." (It happened once, okay?)
- Mid-day: Check into Kundasang Golf Lodge. Oh, the view! Seriously, the view of Mount Kinabalu is supposed to be breathtaking… IF the clouds decide to cooperate today. You'll probably see it, in bits and pieces. Maybe it's "peek-a-boo" Mountain, playing coy to your camera lenses. Settle into your villa. Honestly, it's more "rustic charm" than "luxury penthouse." But hey, those creaky floorboards add character, right? (Right?)
- Pro Tip: The "golf lodge" part is a bit misleading. It's more "mountain views" than "bogey-free fairways." Don't expect a putting green. Expect potholes and maybe a stray monkey or two.
- Afternoon: Altitude adjustment. Take it easy. Walk around a bit. Breathe. Feel the air get thinner with every step. Consider the meaning of life while staring at the mountain. Are you in enough good shape to climb to the top? Probably not. Regret all the burgers. Seriously, the thinner air is not your friend.
- Anecdote: I remember, back on my first trip, I thought I was super fit. I started jogging around, full of beans. Big mistake. I ended up gasping for air like a landed fish, thinking I was having a cardiac arrest. Don't do that. Learn from my foolishness.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Find the place with the best Sabah cuisine. The "Sabah Tea." The fresh veggies. The amazing rice. The only problem? EVERYTHING looks and sounds good, and you're starving from all that altitude. Try to order less than you think you can eat, because you may be wrong. The food coma is real.
- Quirky Observation: You'll notice the locals are way better adapted to the altitude than you are. They're probably running marathons while you're trying to catch your breath walking to the bathroom. Don't feel bad. They have the advantage.
Day 2: The Real Reason We're Here: Kinabalu Park & The Mountain (and the weather)
- Morning: Head out to Kinabalu Park. If the weather is a jerk, get the Park entrance. Be prepared for rain, sun, wind, and possibly a snowstorm (ok, not snow).
- Rambling Thought: Okay, this is why we're here. We have to see the mountain. Hopefully, the gods of the weather have been appeased by your prayers or offerings of coffee.
- Mid-morning: Hike around the park. Explore the trails. The Canopy Walkway at the park is cool, if you're not afraid of heights (I am. Trembling, but I still do it). Look for Rafflesia flowers (if you're lucky and the conditions are right; it is a lottery). The best part? The air feels so fresh that you can actually taste it.
- Emotional Reaction: This is where the magic kicks in. The rainforest, the colors, the smells… it's truly awe-inspiring. And if you catch a glimpse of the mountain, it's even more spectacular.
- Afternoon: Head back to the lodge. Relax. Drink tea. Look at the flowers. Write in your journal (if you brought one, unlike me). Just be.
- Evening: Dinner at the lodge or a nearby restaurant. Discuss the glorious, and possibly obscured, view of the mountain.
Day 3: Markets, Mud, and Mountain Air (with a heavy dose of existential reflection)
- Morning: Visit the Kundasang War Memorial. A sobering reminder of history. Take a moment. Remember. Reflect. Honestly, it's a pretty powerful place.
- Opinionated Language: It's a must-see. Not optional. Just go.
- Mid-morning: Explore the Kundasang market. Fresh produce. Local crafts. Souvenirs galore. Bargain! Don't be afraid to haggle. Enjoy it. Get some local food to take back to the resort.
- Afternoon: Try a mud bath, if you are into that kind of stuff.
- Evening: Pack your bags. Stare at the mountain one last time, because tomorrow, you're probably leaving. The mountain will seem smaller and not as intimidating now, but it will still have a magical tinge.
- Messier Structure: Okay, not all things had to be done. It's okay if you leave a bit disappointed, or tired, or with dirty shoes. That's life! That's travel!.
Day 4: Goodbye, Glorious Mountain (and a slight ache of sadness)
- Morning: Breakfast. Check out, if you're leaving. Breathe in the mountain air one last time. Say goodbye.
- Mid-day: Depart for Kota Kinabalu Airport.
- Afternoon: Fly home (or to your next adventure). Reflect on the journey. Remember the good times, the bad times, and the moments when you thought you might actually pass out from the altitude.
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: My emotions, mixed with the amazing scenery, had me in tears. This trip, I think, changed my life. I felt pure wonder. I have to come back one day.
This itinerary got a bit rambly, I know. But hey, that's Kundasang for you. A messy, beautiful, unforgettable experience. Embrace the chaos, the altitude, and the occasional cloud that blocks the view of the mountain (it'll probably clear up eventually). And most importantly, embrace the adventure. You'll need it. (And maybe some anti-altitude sickness pills…)
Durham's Potterhouse: Your Dream Short Stay Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Kundasang Golf Lodge & Kinabalu's Majesty – The Real Deal (And My Take)
So, is Kundasang Golf Lodge ACTUALLY a paradise, or just marketing fluff?
The golf – worth it? I'm not exactly a pro.
What about the food? Is it all boring hotel fare?
Tell me about the rooms. Are they comfy? Clean?
What's the deal with the staff? Friendly? Helpful?
What's the *vibe* like? Is it a party place or a quiet retreat?
Is it easy to get around? Do you need a car?
What else is there to do besides golf?
