Live and Let's Fly: Review - HyattRegencyKinabaluHotel Suite @LiveandLetsFly

During our Christmas/New Year’s trip to Borneo, we stayed at the Hyatt Regency Kinabalu. We were able to use a suite upgrade and it was one of the best we have had. The waterfront location, excellent service, and suite were all excellent – but those were just the start.

Location

Jalan Datuk Salleh Sulong, Kota Kinabalu, 88991 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

+60 88-221 234

The Hyatt Regency Kinabalu is located in downtown Kota Kinabalu on the waterfront.

The location is centrally located for tourists and near many points of interest. There is a shopping center, restaurants, markets and a ferry terminal all within walking distance. Travel by cab from the airport was only about 15 minutes and cost around $7.

Checkin

Upon our arrival, we were greeted and escorted up to the Regency Club Lounge for our checkin.

The lounge offered canapés at night and a light breakfast in the morning with a mix of hot and cold items. There was enough to eat but for the minimal cost of breakfast in the restaurant it was no contest for us and we opted to eat our breakfast there.

We were able to use a Globalist suite upgrade for the duration of our stay and we were impressed. We use our Globalist suite upgrades sparingly but at the Hyatt Kinabalu it was worth it.

Guest Bathroom/Living Room

When you first walk into the suite, there is a guest bathroom immediately off to the right-hand side. This is a feature we really appreciate as we are often traveling with friends or family members.

If you invite others into your room it eliminates any awkward traipsing through your bedroom or amongst your personal belongings.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Live and Let's Fly: Review - Hyatt Regency (Kota) Kinabalu Suite

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Ikimasho!: Staying at the Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, Sabah, Borneo

Five-star luxury in Sabah – with design that gets better at every turn.

As a travel writer you usually know right from the off what your money-shot is going to be – that is, the photo you’re gonna lead with when writing an article.

For my stay at the Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, however, I was pretty much spoiled for choice. It seemed everywhere I turned I was faced with either an amazing view, an amazing piece of interior design, or plate after plate of amazing food.

In the end, I settled on the above shot as I think it sums up what the hotel does best: offering five-star luxury right on the edge of the South China Sea, overlooking the five tropical islands that make up Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park.

My first introduction to the Hyatt brand was actually way back in 2003 when I attended a three-day conference at the Park Hyatt in Tokyo – but despite having travelled the world since then, this was to be my first actual stay at one of the Hyatt’s famous five-star hotels.

And I can say first-hand that it lived up to the hype I had awarded it in my own head. It was very, very good.

Naturally good design

My huge room on the fourth floor (0445) was basically a giant portal into the vast South China Sea.

Huge panoramic windows framed the scene, with the sunset being the star attraction every night, filling the room with a red and pink glow. Borneo sunsets are famous, and it’s easy to see why.

The deign of the room itself shone in its simplicity. Quite often, hotel rooms are rather formulaic, with a boxed-off bathroom put in as an afterthought, doing nothing to enhance the living space.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Ikimasho!: Staying at the Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, Sabah, Borneo

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Luxury Hotel Review: Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

I just came from a day tour in Dinawan Island when I checked in at Hyatt Regency Kinabalu on my birthday, May 4. It was my third night in Kota Kinabalu, and after an entire day of snorkeling, fishing, and kayaking, staying in a world-class hotel with a view of the sea is the best way to relax and recharge.

As I entered the hotel, I was warmly welcomed by its Assistant Manager for Public Relations, Ervina Masduki, who I have been corresponding with since January. She assisted me during check in, gave me my keycards, and told me to meet her in Nagisa Japanese Restaurant after I drop my bags in my room.

As the first international chain hotel in the state of Sabah, Hyatt Regency Kinabalu has been around since 1979. It is strategically located in KK’s entertainment and business district, making it accessible to shopping centers, government offices, tourist spots, and the airport. It has undergone a few major renovations through the years, but its topnotch level of service and hospitality has remained the same. Hyatt Regency Kinabalu is also a consistent recipient of excellence awards from booking sites and Malaysia and Sabah Tourism Boards.

HIGHLIGHT OF THE PROPERTY

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu’s strategic location on the waterfront area provides guests with sea view rooms a breathtaking view of the South China Sea and neighboring islands. The hotel is also the perfect place for taking those amazing sunset photos.

Aside from the view, Hyatt Regency Kinabalu is also an ideal spot for tourists who wish to see the rest of the city. With its proximity to Suria Sabah, Local Handicraft Market, Gaya Street Sunday Market, Jesselton Port, and other tourist attractions, it makes driving around efficient and seamless. Currency exchange is also not a problem as numerous money changers are found in Wisma Merdeka, which is right next to the hotel.

As mentioned, the hotel just had some renovations. One of their newest offerings is The Residence, described as “Kota Kinabalu’s only residential-style, multi-functional premium event facility.” During my stay, I was lucky to be invited to a meeting and events showcase party where Hyatt Regency Kinabalu re-introduced their meeting and event spaces and also launched The Residence.

THE STAFF

Back when I sent my proposal to Ervina about writing a review on Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, I knew that I am in good hands when I arrive in their hotel. She immediately accepted my request, and was kind enough to adjust my preferred dates so I will be there on my birthday.

I felt like family during my entire stay, especially when Ervina invited me to the showcase party and even gave me a 10:00 p.m. checkout so I could still use the room until the end of the event. During the party, I was able to meet Arifin Darmawan, the General Manager, and Bennett Peter, the Director of Sales and Marketing. They were very welcoming, asking me about my stay and what I think of their hotel.

As for the rest of the staff, I was very impressed with how attentive they are of their guests’ needs. There was a problem with my bathtub on the first night, and they immediately sent housekeeping to solve it when I called. Everyone was very friendly, greeting me with smiles on their faces whenever they would see me in the hotel.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Luxury Hotel Review: Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

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Curios Traveller - Mosaic @ Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

Cleverly designed as a high end cafe that belongs to the famous Hyatt brand, The Mosaic @ Hyatt Regency Kinabalu offer their customers an unforgettable amazing colorful and delicious all day dessert that includes 14 flavors of homemade ice cream.

Oh did I mention sensational Belgian Waffles topped with ice cream?

To add to that already appetizing desserts, the Mosaic offers some healthy option such as sandwiches and salad.

Mosaic is a stylish sidewalk cafe located on the street level of Hyatt Regency Kinabalu thus offering the perfect spot to people-watch on the busy street.

It is kinda seating and slurping your bevy at a Parisian Cafe (lol!) while looking at the passers-by (or they actually look at you?).

I decided to spend the early evening hours at the Mosaic recently and skip the other Hipster Cafes in Kota Kinabalu (the usual activity in the weekend).

I wanted to see how different the cafe is in comparison with the already abundant modern and hipster cafes.

Most important to be scrutinized is the level of service.

All modern cafes are the same for me, they have the usual Hot and Cold Coffee/Tea selections, be it Mocha, Cappuccino and so on.

Is Mosaic on par with the hipster cafes around Kota Kinabalu?

Does it offer an exceptional level of service since it is own by the Hyatt?

What extras do they have?

That were the main question before I entered the Mosaic.

I brought along my photographer @joehairie and together we ‘investigate’ this cafe.

Were we satisfied? Keep reading for the verdict.

Upon entering the Mosaic, we were immediately acknowledged by the staff.

We were very picky about the area that we wanted to seat but the staff simply letting us to choose our preference.

We chose to seat near to the bar so that we can have a closer look to the happenings around.

It was a lovely seating area with three individual sofas.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Curios Traveller - Mosaic @ Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

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Borneo’s Finest: A Review of the Hyatt Regency Kinabalu’s Bloody Mary

Man, it’s been a while…. Hi guys!!! Less than two weeks ago I was in the beautiful country of Malaysia, a land full of variety in terms of nature, culture, and cuisine. I visited a few towns in Peninsular Malaysia, as well as in Malaysian Borneo. And you’ll never guess how many Bloody Marys I had while in Malaysia… You would be surprised.

Because that number is ONE. I only had ONE Bloody Mary for two and a half weeks. Call me crazy, but a lot of the Malaysian population consists of Malay Muslims that do not drink alcohol at all (they aren’t allowed to use any forms of intoxicants!) and the weather is so hot that sometimes all you want is a sweet alcoholic beverage to cool you down.

I enjoy Bloody Marys at most points and at most times, but in Malaysia, it was apparent that I would not be able to find one unless I was in an upscale restaurant or hotel. There were some nice hotels and some swanky restaurants along the way, but I don’t really do Bloody Marys at night time in the hot, humid weather.

Malaysian breakfast places (including most hotels) don’t serve booze. Therefore, I did drink my fair share of fruity cocktails– my favorite being the signature “vodka and watermelon juice on the rocks” that I told a bartender to whip up on the island of Borneo.

If you can find watermelon juice (or you could try to juice one yourself), I recommend this cocktail. It’s super freakin’ good and you’re bound to feel a little more hydrated.

Anyways, the one Bloody Mary I had was on the island of Borneo– a beautiful island abounding with friendly people, wildlife (from pygmy elephants to orangutans), delicious food, the lively jungle, and even the tallest mountain in Southeast Asia, Mount Kinabalu.

The Bloody Mary was made seaside in Kota Kinabalu at the Hyatt Regency Kinabalu for which I will call it…. the Kinabalu Bloody Mary. It was a perfect for both a refresher and a heat-inducer (hot spices in the hot weather, man) for me, while I sipped it near the South China Sea under a shady pavilion.

If you’re ever in Kota Kinabalu and want a Bloody Mary like I did, be sure to make your way over to the Hyatt! On a side note, there will be more tales of my travels when I craft my own recipe for a Malaysian Bloody Mary.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Borneo’s Finest: A Review of the Hyatt Regency Kinabalu’s Bloody Mary

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World class diving….Sipadan Island & Kota Kinabalu, Borneo, Malaysia

One month in Borneo. And then its over.

After 275 days in Asia, we will be flying back to Zurich.

It’s nice to have an end date – gives us more structure, but having talked to many people on similar trips, it will be weird to leave.

Reverse culture shock we think it’s called. And then what? Good question. We’re taking suggestions.

We flew from Singapore to Borneo, arriving in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia late evening.

We checked into our hotel and then went in search of food at the waterfront night market.

But first, we were summoned to a Carlsberg beer festival of some sort, where we watched a lady in skimpy clothes sing at the top of her lungs under flashing lights and lasers.

Not exactly how we expected to find Borneo, a rather conservative place.

We spent the next few days holed up in the Hyatt, taking advantage of the free cocktail hour and breakfast spread, as well as the bathtub.

Why so excited about a bathtub? Well, we haven’t even seen a bathtub since December.

And they make it infinitely more easy to wash our backpacks.

Riki’s backpack in particular had become quite foul-smelling.

After a long soak, and probably some strange comments from the cleaning crew, we were smelling fresh and ready for our next stop, Semporna, to do some diving on the famous Sipadan Island. Sort of a Clampett’s moment.

(You’ll notice there’s not much info on Kota Kinabalu. Because there’s not much to do. I got my hair cut. We did a little shopping. But mostly we went to the hotel gym and pool, and watched movies. It was nice not to be moving around for a few days. Oh, and they called us Sir Richard and Miss Catherine – they get confused by middle names everywhere we go – it was lovely.)

We took an hour flight from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau for $21.89 (for both of us). Plus $7.50 for a bag.

So much better than the 12+ hours we would have endured on the bus.

Tawau is about an hour and a half from Semporna, the gateway to Sipadan Island.

We ended up in a shared car with a speed demon driver.

The drive was primarily through palm oil plantations, which this area is full of.

Unfortunately, it is very detrimental to the wildlife and rather unnerving to see just miles and miles of palm trees in straight lines.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: World class diving….Sipadan Island & Kota Kinabalu, Borneo, Malaysia

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Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, Sabah

Location

An easy drive from the airport has us at the Hyatt Regency Kinabalu in 15 minutes. Its home in the heart of the city looks out over the South China Sea promising to deliver some of those spectacular sunsets KK is famed for.

Tourist attractions, including the popular Fishermen’s and Central Markets are a block away, and a stroll along the waterfront is accessed literally from the front doorstep. Shopping and entertainment, commercial and office buildings are found in the surrounding blocks, making the hotel an ideal stop for both business and leisure travelers.

Rooms

288 rooms and suites range in size with a Standard room taking up a generous 45.6sqm of space, up to a decadent Suite occupying 180sqm. All contemporarily designed accommodations are fit with work stations, complimentary Wi-FI access, 42” HD flatscreen TV with international channels, mini bar, safe big enough for a laptop, and daily newspaper delivery.

These of course are all things you’d expect to find in this hotel category. Some extra details however, such as a DVD player, scales and magnified make-up mirror, do not go unnoticed.

Views of the city or a pretty atrium are the general vistas, but we think it’s worth a few extra ringgit to secure an outlook to the sea and further beyond to the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.

Interiors showcase clean lines associated with modern design. A light colour palette is brightened with soft hues from local artworks and the stunning scenery itself viewed from enormous windows. A frosted glass sliding door opens or privatizes the bathroom as needed, and plenty of storage space is appreciated enabling the uncluttered feel to be maintained.

An upgrade to a Regency Club room offers use of the boardroom and access to the Regency Club Lounge. Even if you haven’t booked a sea view room for your stay, you can still admire the beautiful panoramas at any time of day from the lounge. What’s even better is that service staff are there to assist your every need.

Breakfast is served here too promising a quieter environment than the buffet downstairs, and an evening cocktail and canapés session is well attended. Light refreshments including tea and coffee, nuts, chips and cookies are served throughout the day.

Facilities

There’s much to see in the neighbouring areas, but for those who don’t want to venture too far from comfort, Hyatt Regency Kinabalu has fitness and relaxation facilities at leisurely convenience.

Claimed as the pool with the best view in KK, the newly renovated area commands lovely views out over the islands and calm blue sea. Cabanas with stylish new sunbeds grab our attention, as does the verdant landscaping. There’s even a massage area where the Avantang Spa team can make your experience even more de-stressing.

A separate children’s pool keeps the little ones safe, and child-free adults at an out-of-earshot distance. Cocktails and snacks delivered to your deck chair from the Poolside Bar boost the cheeriness of the spot even further.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, Sabah

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The Lounge, Afternoon Tea, Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, Sabah

Set up as a modern living room, the recently renovated Lounge at Hyatt Regency Kinabalu immediately sets us as ease with its homey décor.

A meeting place pre or post dinner, or for a longer stretch nibbling on an afternoon tea set with sweets, savouries and a hot beverage, The Lounge offers a versatile setting, just as if we might be in our own home.

We’re here today for their Tiffin Afternoon Tea. Following a day of sight seeing, it’s just what we need to refresh and carry us over until evening.

House baked goodies, of both sweet and savoury in nature, are accompanied by our choice of hot beverage.

An organic Sabah Tea is my pick, and hubby chooses a Teh Tarik.

The Teh Tarik is lighter and not quite as sweet as the KL version: I enjoy this more mildly sugared style, as does hubby (surprisingly).

A beautiful red and black lacquered basket tiffin carrier holds a duo of trays: a layer of western and another layer of local.

The top basket is packed tight with treats, the only savoury inside being a three-tiered club sandwich.

The sandwich is plump with sliced beef and chicken ham, tomato, lettuce, egg and mayonnaise.

A large scone, already spread with blueberry jam and cream, centres the tray, with the rest of the sweets encircling it.

Blueberry cheesecake, various fruit tarts, a jam sponge and, a biscuit cored walnut brownie round off the western selection.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: The Lounge, Afternoon Tea, Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, Sabah

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Diversity Awaits On Borneo

East Malaysia, located on the Island on Borneo, is known for its diverse cultures.

The name “Borneo” may conjure up images of people living in a primitive manner, but Kota Kinabalu is a dynamic city with malls, four-lane highways and even Burger Kings.

I am always interested in learning about various ethnic groups and their lifestyles.

Even though in the remote parts of Borneo some people still follow a traditional way of life the best place to learn about the different groups is at a cultural village.

While in KK, which is the easy way to refer to Kota Kinabalu, we booked a tour to Mari Mari Cultural Village with the travel agent at the Hyatt Regency’s tour desk.

The cultural village, high in the hills in the rainforest, consists of five traditional homes.

Each house has its unique architectural style and was built by the members of the tribes they represent.

John and I were greeted by guides in traditional outfits and learned about some of their traditions.

We prepared a portion of our lunch local-style by wrapping diced chicken and vegetables in a banana leaf that we inserted into a section of bamboo to be cooked over the open fire.

The Murut group is best known for their blowpipes used in hunting and in war.

John was the only one in our group to hit the target with the blowpipe, which was only right since he was the “chief” of our group.

In the center of the floor of the Murut house there is a large round bamboo section that works like a trampoline.

The warriors get it bouncing then one would jump up to reach a “prize” hanging from the ceiling.

The last stop was a cultural show of the traditional dances from the various groups.

At the end of the tour we enjoyed a lunch that included the bamboo portion we had prepared earlier.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Diversity Awaits On Borneo
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Huge bash to mark KK City Square waterfront opening

KOTA KINABALU: The city waterfront project along Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, which features among other public facilities a City Square and a 2.1km boardwalk, will change the facade of the state capital.

Work on the project is in progress and there is no truth in the claims that it has stopped, said Johnson Koh, the executive director of Waterfront Urban Development Sdn Bhd, which is undertaking the project.

Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun and Mayor Datuk Iliyas Ibrahim, who visited the project site yesterday, expressed satisfaction with the progress of work.

The 2.1 kilometre boardwalk from Anjung Senja to Hyatt Regency Kinabalu Hotel is expected to be the main attraction among the public as it offers a great view of the sea and islands.

The City Square or Dataran Bandaraya will be officially opened on Dec 31, which is New Year’s Eve.

Masidi told reporters after the inspection that work on the project was on schedule and he was happy with the progress as it now only needs some touch-up and beautification of the area.

“Some of the components will have traditional motifs to reflect the rich heritage of Sabah,” he said, adding that the ultimate plan was to connect the boardwalk with the existing one behind Hyatt Regency Kinabalu.

Iliyas disclosed that City Hall is planning a huge bash to celebrate the official opening of the state capital’s very own City Square.

Continue reading at: Huge bash to mark KK City Square waterfront opening
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Bent on Bento at Hyatt Regency Kinabalu Hotel

Few places in Kota Kinabalu are truly worthy of calling themselves Japanese restaurants, but the Hyatt Regency Kinabalu’s Nagisa is certainly the genuine article.

Known for its high tea promotions in conjunction with the Tanjung Ria Café and its Sunday buffets, Nagisa is one of the best places to come to for great beef teppanyaki and tempura.

The restaurant spices up its selection this month by introducing a few new items to its already well-rounded Bento menu.

Bento basically involves lacquered wooden boxes that hold complete meals in their compartments, much like a sophisticated Japanese lunchbox.

Nagisa offers an excellent variety of bento sets that combine meat, fish and vegetable dishes in convenient and filling portions, all served with white rice, miso soup and chawan mushi (a silky soft bean curd which contains seafood).

Continue reading (Incl. pic) at: Bent on Bento at Hyatt Regency Kinabalu Hotel

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu Hotel, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Reopened in June 1998 after 18 months of renovation, the Hyatt Regency Kinabalu is located in the heart of shopping, banking, government, and entertainment districts, including the popular Filipino market, where a lot of handicrafts can be bought at bargained price - although you must be warned that these handicrafts are not indigenously assembled or made by local Sabahans.

Hyatt Regency Hotel overlooks the beautiful islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman (TAR) Marine Park (see Tropical Islands for more information). High standards are offered throughout with an wide variety of services and facilities on offer which include a 22 meter swimming pool, and Shenanigan's Fun Pub.

Continue reading plus more photos at: Hyatt Regency Kinabalu Hotel, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah