I've been busy rediscovering Kota Kinabalu, and Sabah in general ever since the travel restrictions have been lifted. Mainly because everyone is having the BEST of prices! 😋 And I mean, THE BEST. This seems the perfect time to visit all the places I've had many excuses not to, expensive, crowded, far, etc.
This time... I discovered one of Kota Kinabalu's hidden gem, it's first and honestly the most legit industrial and rustic hotel in Kota Kinabalu, the Ibis Styles. Located within the beating heart of Inanam, and essentially along the busiest Tuaran-Inanam bypass, the location is perfect to cater to the demands of its bustling area.
For first impressions, this 3 star hotel is unlike any other sleek sparkly hotels. It is bold in design, with its bared brick as its entire exterior, complemented with lush landscape at the entrance, and bared cement walls in all rooms with simple but functional smart room designs. Including, a steel pipe as desk light! 😍
I had the opportunity to work + relax in this hotel over a weekend and had the pleasure of enjoying coffee and tea time, cocktails at the sky+rooftop bar. This bar overlooks Kota Kinabalu city (although rain), it was still so beautiful, because Skydex (the bar) is at the highest point in that area so it overlooks the entire city. I get to experience the sunset peeked through the sky, windows glisten and the night lights sparkle.
Sometimes truly, this is better than any Netflix.
It was really relaxing. Turns out, the cost for a day or two's peace of mind is only less than RM 150 per night, and best of all? I am slightly away from the vigour of KK city centre without exactly being too far from it either. Does it make sense? It's quite perfect 😊 Have you guys ever thought of just relaxing at a hotel or resort over a day or two?
If yes, this is really the perfect time 😊
What made me fall absolutely in love with this place is how zero-waste friendly it is. Perfect for the youthful modern day travelers. They refill water bottles great, refill shampoos and liquid soaps, all their takeaways are in recycled paper box much like the ones used for egg trays, but what really impressed me was the fact that they put a notice of informing you that they will not be providing toothbrush and toothpaste until requested. At first I was like, ey - where's the toothbrush, it can't be that they don't provide? So when I saw the notice I was like, this is excellent.
But I talked too much.
I hope the photos do justice at how cool this hotel is. They have function rooms for all your meetings, and a hall for your bigger events. Fitness center is open from 6.00am to 10.00pm.
If you are looking for an alternative place to work, stay and simply relax - I think Ibis Styles is what you're looking for. It's an indie and rustic alternative to what we're all used to and certainly fitting for the cool, like me 😜
Jacqueline Rowena @ Jacqkie.
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