Escape to Paradise: Kota Kinabalu's Infinity Pool You NEED to See!
Escape to Paradise: Kota Kinabalu's Infinity Pool You NEED to See! (And Whether It Actually Lives Up to the Hype)
Okay, so you're scrolling, dreaming of turquoise waters and a view that’ll make your jaw drop. Kota Kinabalu, eh? I've been there. More importantly, I’ve been to this place: The one with the infinity pool they all rave about. “Escape to Paradise,” right? Sounds like a tagline, doesn't it? Well, let's dive in (pun intended, naturally) and see if it's actually paradise, or just… pretty good. Because, let's be honest, expectations are a dangerous beast.
First Impressions (and the Accessibility Angle):
Finding the right hotel in Kota Kinabalu can be a quest. They need to have great accessibility, right? Well, I was impressed by Facilities for disabled guests and the Elevator which is always a good start. And the Car park [free of charge] is always a bonus. However, I didn't see much about how to get a car to the car power charging station. I saw Car park [on-site] and valet parking, but I'm not one to use those things, so I can't give much information on that.
The Internet & Tech Stuff (Because, Ya Know, We Still Gotta Work Sometimes):
Alright, let's talk practicalities: Internet access – LAN inside? Check. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! HELL YES! Because, let's face it, that's the lifeblood of modern travel. I needed to check in with the office and I had no problem getting work and the Wi-Fi in the room held up. I noticed Wi-Fi in public areas, too, which is handy, but I spent most of my time soaking up the atmosphere. Honestly, I wasn’t that concerned with internet access, the vibe just felt… lighter. A bit of Audio-visual equipment for special events and Projector/LED display suggests they're ready for those corporate retreats, if that's your jam.
The Room (My Cozy Little Bubble):
The room itself? Clean! Daily housekeeping was a definite plus. Room sanitization opt-out available – nice touch, they know we’re still navigating a wonky world. I opted in, purely for peace of mind, and everything was spotless. It had Air conditioning, a Coffee/tea maker, and, yes, Free bottled water. The little things are important, people. Plus, decent Blackout curtains, because sleep is essential. The In-room safe box was also nice.
I remember I could also see Bathroom phone, Hair dryer, Shower, Slippers, and Wake-up service, and complimentary tea in my room! I spent most of my time in the room just relaxing.
The Infinity Pool (The Moment of Truth!):
Okay, the main event. The reason you’re probably reading this. The legendary infinity pool. And guys, Pool with view is an understatement. The view… it's breathtaking. Truly. I actually gasped. Seriously. I'm usually the world's biggest cynic, but even I was impressed. The water shimmered, the sky was a watercolor painting, and I just… floated. It’s the kind of experience that makes you forget all your worries, all the emails you haven't answered, all the questionable life choices you’ve made… for a few glorious minutes, anyway. Did I mention it was an outdoor swimming pool? It's a massive upgrade from a dingy hotel gym pool.
The Spa & Relaxation Zone (Because You Deserve It):
After my marathon day in the infinity pool, I found the Spa/sauna quite relaxing, and I believe they offer Massage. Sadly, I didn't try it, but it smelled heavenly. Maybe next time. They also have a Fitness center if you are feeling like a workout. I wasn't, obviously. All that swimming burned me out.
Food, Glorious Food! (And the Dining Experience):
Okay, food. This is where things get interesting. I sampled a bit of everything, for research purposes, naturally. The Breakfast [buffet] was extensive, with an Asian breakfast and Western breakfast options. The croissants were… well, they weren't Paris, but they were passable. The fruit was fresh, and coffee was plentiful, which is the most important thing. I could find Coffee/tea in restaurant and Happy hour. A real bonus was the Poolside bar, which is essential, right?
And the staff were trained in safety protocol, so they followed the hygiene certification. They also had Alternative meal arrangement as well as Bottle of water to make sure everything was good. They also have a Vegetarian restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, and a Salad in restaurant. Overall, a great food experience.
Safety, Cleanliness, and All That Boring (But Necessary) Stuff:
Look, I’m not going to lie. I was a bit paranoid about hygiene. But they've taken it seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, check. Daily disinfection in common areas, check. Hand sanitizer everywhere, check. Rooms sanitized between stays, check. They were going overboard in a good way. Made me feel safe and able to kick back.
For the Kids (And Other Conveniences):
Didn't have kids with me, but I did see they have Babysitting service and Kids facilities. They also have Family/child friendly. Good to know! I also saw a Convenience store.
The Things I Found Odd, Slightly Annoying or Really Great:
- The little extra touches. The Daily housekeeping was excellent, and they left fresh flowers in my room. A nice touch.
- They have Cashless payment service - this is nice too as it's convenient.
- They had First aid kit and Doctor/nurse on call. Just nice to know.
- They also have Bottle of water!
Final Verdict & A Compelling Offer (Because Why Not?)
So, does “Escape to Paradise” live up to the hype? Mostly, yes. The infinity pool is worth the price of admission alone. The rooms are comfortable, the staff is friendly, and the safety measures are reassuring. There are a few minor quirks, but honestly, they're overshadowed by the sheer beauty of the location.
Here's the deal:
Book a stay at Escape to Paradise in Kota Kinabalu right now, and receive:
A complimentary upgrade to a room with a balcony overlooking the stunning sea view, which features Air conditioning and a desk!
Enjoy FREE breakfast at the restaurant.
Also, get an exclusive welcome gift worth up to $50 USD!
You can book now with flexible cancellation options!
Don't miss out on your chance to escape the ordinary and experience true paradise. Book your stay today!
**FabExpress Gulshan Grand: Mumbai's Gateway to Luxury Near the Iconic Gateway of India**
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's perfectly-ironed travel itinerary. This is my Kota Kinabalu survival guide, infinity pool edition, at Sutera Avenue. Let's just say, it might be less "organized" and more "organized chaos." And full disclosure? I'm already running late. Deep breaths.
Kota Kinabalu Infinity Pool Shenanigans: A Chronologically-Challenged Adventure
Day 1: Arrival, Altitude, and Anxiety (Mostly My Own)
- 1:00 PM (or, ahem, "supposedly"): Touchdown at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI). Oh, the glorious humidity! Already sweating through my "breathable" travel outfit. Turns out, "breathable" means about as much against Sabah humidity as a wet tissue against a monsoon.
- 1:30 PM (ish): Airport chaos. Okay, I'm terrible at bartering. Apparently, "RM 50 for a taxi, please?" doesn't fly. Ended up paying RM 80. Lesson learned: practice that negotiation face. And maybe carry more small bills.
- 2:30 PM: Check into Sutera Avenue. First impressions: OMG, the view. Literally. My apartment is on the 20th floor, so I'm already feeling like I'm in the clouds. The air smells…different here. Not unpleasant, just…new. A mix of sea salt, blooming jasmine, and something unidentifiable but delicious.
- 3:00 PM: Panic over the infinity pool. My internal dialogue went something like this: "Okay, you're here to relax. Infinity pool. Amazing views. Just… don't fall in. Or look like an idiot trying to get in. Or get sunburnt. Or…” Yeah, you get the picture.
- 3:30 PM: The pool. Okay, here goes nothing. The sun is brutal. It’s even more gorgeous in person than the pictures. The water is a perfect temperature. Okay, feeling pretty good, looking at these gorgeous Sabah mountains. Trying to be that effortless-chic person, but in reality, I probably look like a beached whale. My sunglasses slipped momentarily, and I almost lost it, thankfully I caught it.
- 4:00 PM: Poolside observation: There's a stunning woman in a red bikini reading a book. She looks effortlessly elegant. Meanwhile, I'm pretty sure I'm covered in chlorine and existential dread. But hey, the view is still amazing. I think. I'm starting to feel a little sun-kissed, so I'm going in.
- 5:00 PM: The obligatory selfie. (Don't judge!) Trying to capture the 'chic lounging by the infinity pool' vibe. Failed miserably. Looked more like a startled squirrel. Delete. Retry. Still squirrel-like. Fine. I'll stick with the breathtaking view, and maybe invest in a better selfie stick.
- 6:00 PM: Sunset. Drinks. The sky is ablaze with colour. Orange, pink, purple, the whole shebang. This is what I came for. This is pure, unadulterated bliss. Order some teh tarik (Malaysian pulled tea). It's sweet, creamy, and the perfect end to a day of existential dread and stunning views.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Went to a local restaurant down the street. Ordered something that sounded delicious on the menu. Turns out, it was… a surprise. Let's just say, it's an adventure for my taste-buds.
- 8:00 PM: Nighttime walk. The air is already getting cooler. Kota Kinabalu at night is alive. Lots of people are walking around, and there's music playing.
Day 2: Exploring the Local Flavour (And Possibly Getting Lost, Again)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Okay, this time, no surprises. Roti canai with dal. Simple. Delicious. Fuel for a day of potentially getting lost in the city.
- 9:30 AM: The plan: Explore the Gaya Street Sunday Market (even though it's not Sunday, I hear good things!). Realistically, I'll probably get hopelessly lost and end up buying something completely random.
- 10:00 AM: Transportation. This is my biggest problem. I'm still trying to figure out the best way to move around. I'll probably walk, which is a great way to get to know the area, but the sun is brutal.
- 11:00 AM: Gaya Street. Wow! Colorful, bustling, and incredibly overwhelming. The smells! The sounds! The sheer volume of stuff for sale! Found some amazing little trinkets. Talked with the locals and ended up buying things that I didn't even plan.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch. Found a little "warung" (local eatery) and ordered something that looked promising. The food here is unbelievably good.
- 2:00 PM: Exploring. Got completely and utterly lost. Ended up stumbling upon a gorgeous little temple that wasn't even on my list. It was quiet, peaceful, and truly breathtaking. I'm so glad I got lost.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the infinity pool! Second time around and feeling a little more confident, a little less terrified of the water. Today my sun tan will be even!
- 5:00 PM: The infinity pool magic continues. The view is just amazing. It's the perfect place to relax. I am getting a little bit emotional about this.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner Again! This time, I decided to go to a local market. The lights, the sounds, the smells…so many different types of food. I ended up grabbing a plate of chicken rice.
- 8:00 PM: Night time walk. Even more than the city during the day, I loved Kota Kinabalu at night. The city and it's people!
Day 3: The High Life (Literally) and the Lowdown (On My Sunburn)
- 9:00 AM: Woke up early and decided to go for an early morning. Breakfast.
- 10:00 AM: The plan: Go see Kota Kinabalu on a day trip. And I am so excited!
- 10:30 AM: The plan: Explore the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. I booked a tour. Wish me luck.
- 12:00 PM: Tour. Boats, snorkeling, beaches… the adventure!
- 2:00 PM: Lunch. Enjoyed local snacks and drinks.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the infinity pool! Third time around and feeling a little more confident, a little less terrified of the water.
- 5:00 PM: The infinity pool magic continues. The view is just amazing. It's the perfect place to relax. Another emotional moment.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner Again! This time, I decided to grab some food back at the apartment!
- 8:00 PM: Packing my bags.
Day 4: The Departure
- 9:00 AM: Sleep in (yay!).
- 10:00 AM: Breakfast and check out.
- 11:00 AM: Say goodbye to the infinity pool. I actually feel sad to leave.
- 12:00 PM: Transfer to the airport.
- 1:00 PM Depart from Kota Kinabalu.
The Verdict: Kota Kinabalu, specifically the infinity pool at Sutera Avenue, is a wild mix of amazing views, delicious food, and the constant threat of sunburn. It's a place where you can relax. It's a place where you can get lost on your journey. And it's a place that will probably charm you completely, leaving you wanting more. Will I be back? Without a doubt. Because, despite the imperfections, the chaos, and the slightly embarrassing tan lines, this trip? This trip was pure, unadulterated magic. And I can't wait for the next adventure.
Escape to Paradise: Galyat Gateway Hotel & Restaurant, Abbottabad
Escape to Paradise: Kota Kinabalu's Infinity Pool - You NEED to See! (Or Do You...?) - The Unfiltered FAQ
Okay, FINE. Where *exactly* is this mystical infinity pool everyone's raving about?
Is the pool *actually* as amazing as it looks in the photos? Be honest. My crippling fear of disappointment depends on it.
Speaking of which, Sunbeds? Is it a free-for-all or is there a system?
What's the vibe like? Relaxing? Party central? Somewhere in between?
Is the food/drink at the pool stupidly expensive? Because…budget.
Tell me something I *won't* find in the glossy brochure. The REAL dirt.
- The "perfect" sunset photo is a lie. I spent four evenings trying to get *the* shot. The sun is amazing, but you’ll be competing with about 50 other people, desperately trying for the exact same photo. Prepare for elbows. And blurry Instagram feeds.
- The "serene" spa treatments are interrupted. Often. I was mid-massage and was treated to the cheerful voices of the kids playing in the pool. It was... jarring.
- The wifi? Patchy at best. Embrace the digital detox. Or bring a backup hotspot. Because, honestly, I NEEDED to stalk my friends' holiday photos.
- That chipped tile I warned you about? Right in front of the jacuzzi. You’ve been warned.
Is it worth it? Honestly. Would you go back?
