Unbelievable Mt. Kinabalu Views: Perkasa Hotel's Secret Revealed!
Unbelievable Mt. Kinabalu Views: Perkasa Hotel – A Review (with a Side of Reality)
Okay, let’s be honest, writing about a hotel is…well, it's a thing. I'm supposed to be all objective and factual, right? But honestly, I'm still reeling from my trip to the Perkasa Hotel, particularly the whole Mt. Kinabalu situation. I mean, the views… they were seriously, seriously good. But the hotel itself? Well, it’s a whole other story. Buckle up, folks, because this is gonna get messy.
Accessibility, or "Can I Get There?"
Alright, let’s start with the practical stuff. Accessibility. Honestly? The website said they had facilities for disabled guests. Great! But navigating the hotel in a wheelchair? I’m guessing it wouldn’t be a picnic. The layout feels a bit… sprawly, and there's a lot of stairs. I saw an elevator, which is a HUGE plus, but overall, I'd recommend calling directly beforehand to get the lowdown on how truly accessible it is. Sorry, I didn't check this thoroughly but its a valid aspect of a hotel review!
Once I'm Inside… Restaurants and Lounges – Food, glorious food (and hopefully a seat!)
The hotel boasts on-site accessible restaurants/lounges. Good. Because after a day of hiking (or just trying to hike) Mt. Kinabalu, you're gonna need a hearty meal. Speaking of which, let's talk about the dining situation…
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – “Will I Survive the Buffet?”
Oh, the buffet. The buffet in the restaurant. It was… an experience. They offered Asian, International, Western cuisine– a veritable smorgasbord of choices. And a breakfast buffet. And salad in the restaurant and soup in the restaurant. And a coffee shop… and a desserts in the restaurant and a poolside bar. Okay, okay, I get it, Perkasa Hotel has eating options. The sheer volume of options was a bit dizzying.
But here's where the messy part kicks in. My first morning… Okay, scene: I'm bleary-eyed, desperate for coffee, and facing the buffet. It’s a sea of steaming chafing dishes. The bacon? Crispy, which is a win. The eggs? Uh… let's just say I've had better. The Asian breakfast offerings looked intriguing, but my Western palate was screaming for familiar territory.
I grabbed a croissant, which turned out to be tragically stale. Tragically. It's a small thing, I know, but it set the tone for the whole breakfast. I swear, the staff tried to be friendly, but it was a bit… frantic. Maybe it was the sheer number of people descending on the buffet. The coffee situation was a disaster. I went to the coffee/tea in restaurant, the staff members were swamped, and the machine was spewing lukewarm brown water.
And the bottle of water, well, that was a lifesaver.
However, on the plus side, there was a decent selection of vegetarian options. Because I'd hate to think they didn't consider us. And the happy hour… yes, the happy hour was a glorious escape from the buffet PTSD.
The room service [24-hour] was a lifesaver one night when a sudden downpour trapped us in our room. I actually had a truly delightful bowl of soup and some chips. Another win.
Cleanliness and Safety – “Is It Actually Clean?”
Okay, this is a big one, especially post-pandemic. The hotel definitely tries. They have a lot of things listed regarding hygiene. They had this hand sanitizer practically glued to every wall. There was daily disinfection in the common areas. And a sign saying they use anti-viral cleaning products. They even had individually-wrapped food options.
But… and this is a big but… there's a subtle, slightly musty smell in some corridors that’s hard to ignore. That and the general state of the bathrooms… I'll just say I brought my own wipes.
They do have a doctor/nurse on call, which is reassuring. They have the first aid kit and the daily housekeeping. The staff seemed well-versed in safety procedures, and there was a constant presence of security.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax – “Spa Day…Maybe?”
Now, the website promised a spa. The Spa/sauna was mentioned. There was a fitness center (which I, sadly, didn't visit – the Mt. Kinabalu hike was my workout for the week!). I'm not a huge spa person, but after a long day of looking at mountains, it did sound tempting. They boast a pool with view, which I can attest, is pretty damn incredible. The swimming pool [outdoor] was decent, but honestly, the views from my room were more impressive.
They also offer a massage and a body scrub and body wrap. They also have a foot bath. But honestly, the idea of getting pampered felt like a distant dream after staring at the majestic Mt Kinabalu.
The Rooms – “My Room… My Sanctuary (Kind Of)”
Alright, the rooms. They weren't bad. They were… functional. My room was a "non-smoking" room and with some "soundproof" qualities. The air conditioning worked. There was free Wi-Fi [free], which, thank goodness. But the décor? Let’s just say it was… classic. A bit dated. There was carpet, a closet, and a desk. The view? Oh, that was spectacular. Just breathtaking.
I had internet access [wi-fi], yes. Even Internet access – LAN, if you are so inclined. There was a refrigerator, a coffee/tea maker, and a safe box. Good.
I asked for a high floor, and they mostly accommodated. The bathrooms, I'm sorry to say, weren't sparkling. But the hot water linen and laundry washing was a positive, and there were towels. The bathrobes were a nice touch.
They also boasted several extras: In-room safe box. Hair dryer. Wake-up service. Ironing facilities. Linens. Slippers. Mirror. Sofa. Additional toilet. Shower. Separate shower/bathtub. They also included toiletries. I guess.
Services and Conveniences – “Needs Improvement?”
The hotel offers a plethora of services, many of which I did not use. Daily housekeeping. Laundry service. Dry cleaning. Concierge. Currency exchange. They offered an airport transfer and taxi service. They even had a luggage storage area.
They have a convenience store, for those quick essentials. I had problems with the cash withdrawal – they had it, but it wasn't working.
They have facilities for disabled guests, and non-smoking rooms, which I appreciated.
For the Kids – “Family Friendly…ish?”
They have babysitting service, and facilities for family/child friendly. They also have Kids meal, so that's good! But I would't recommend this hotel solely for kids.
Getting Around – “Lost in Sabah?”
Getting around was… mostly fine. They had a car park [free of charge]. And even a car park [on-site]. You can arrange for airport transfer.
In Conclusion… (The Rambling, Unedited Truth)
Look, the Perkasa Hotel is a mixed bag. The staff tries hard. The views? Unforgettable. The food situation? Hit and miss. The cleanliness? Could be better. The overall experience? Well, it's certainly memorable.
Would I go back? Honestly, yes. But I'd go with a hefty dose of reality and a very strong desire to see Mt. Kinabalu. And maybe an extra pair of wipes.
SEO & Metadata (Because I'm Supposed To!)
- Keywords: Perkasa Hotel, Mt. Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, Hotel Review, Accommodation, Mountain View, Travel, Accessibility, Dining, Spa, Pool, Wi-Fi, Cleanliness, Family Friendly, Room, Buffet, Views, Hiking, Travel Review.
- Title: Unbelievable Mt. Kinabalu Views: Perkasa Hotel's Secret Revealed! (A Messy but Honest Review)
- Meta Description: My honest review of the Perkasa Hotel near Mt. Kinabalu. The views are stunning, but the experience? Find out about the rooms, food, accessibility, and more. Prepare for some blunt truths!
- H1 Title: Unbelievable Mt. Kinabalu Views: Perkasa Hotel's Secret Revealed! (A Messy but Honest Review)
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Alright, here we go. My Mount Kinabalu… adventure. This is gonna be less "meticulously planned trip" and more "unhinged journal entry of a mountain conquest (attempt)." Buckle up, buttercups.
The Perkasa Hotel Debacle (aka, Day 1: Arrival & Mild Panic)
- 14:00 - Arrival at Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI): Okay, first impression? Hot. Humid. Jet lag already kicking my butt. Finding the pre-arranged car transfer was… a struggle. Let's just say my Malay is rusty (read: nonexistent) and the driver seemed to have a personal vendetta against English. Finally, finally, we found each other.
- 16:00 - The Drive: Oh my GOD, the views! Mountains, jungle, the whole shebang. I kept muttering “holy crap” under my breath. Seriously, Insta-worthy every five seconds. The road itself, however, was a masterclass in hairpin turns and questionable overtaking. I swear, at one point I saw a chicken cross the road, then another chicken chasing the first. Rural Malaysia, folks.
- 18:00 - Perkasa Hotel Check-in: This is where the cracks start to show. The hotel… it's… rustic. Let's call it that. The room? Basic. The view? Magnificent if you squint past the slightly cracked windowpane. Also, my initial reaction? "Oh god, the bed looks like it’s been around since the dinosaurs.” Note to self: pack extra-strength anti-allergy meds (and maybe a hazmat suit).
- 19:00 - Dinner at the Hotel Restaurant: Okay. Food. I was starving. Ordered some kind of noodle soup. It was… edible. The staff was incredibly sweet, though, bless their hearts. But honestly, the air was THICK with the smell of… something. Maybe damp wood? Maybe mountain air? Doesn’t matter, my stomach grumbled for more.
- 20:00 - Stargazing Mishap: The brochure promised amazing stargazing. Armed with a flashlight and a naive sense of adventure, I stumbled outside. Found… mostly clouds. And a lot of bugs. Got bitten, scratched, and emotionally defeated by the vastness of space. It’s okay though, I’ll get ‘em tomorrow.
Day 2: Training (Or, The Day My Legs Screamed)
- 07:00 - Breakfast Buffet & existential dread: The buffet was… an experience. Questionable pastries. Coffee that tasted like weak tea. But hey, food is fuel! I fueled up like a champion because I knew what was coming… the dreaded training hike.
- 08:00 - The Waterfall Trail: This was supposed to be a “gentle warm-up”. Lies. All lies. I’m pretty sure the “gentle” part didn't include the altitude. My lungs felt like they were made of lead. I’m not good at climbing stairs, either. But, it was truly beautiful. The waterfall was magnificent, and I saw a monkey! One of the guides pointed out some orchids, too, and I felt a little less pathetic.
- 12:00 - Lunch at the Hotel: Back at the hotel. I ordered a burger and spent an hour contemplating the meaning of life while devouring it. Every bite was a victory. I’m also pretty sure I saw the same chicken from yesterday. Small world.
- 14:00 - Rest, Attempted Reading, and Mild Meltdown: Tried to read. Failed. The altitude was getting to me. Head pounding, slight nausea… the first whisper of the mountain sickness. The walls of my room seemed to be closing in. Briefly considered quitting. Then I thought of the Insta-worthy views. That got me through the tough thoughts.
- 16:00 - The Altitude Sucks Experiment: (This is a new category, by the way.) I decided to experiment with my reaction to altitude. I made it to the highest point in the hotel (the balcony, I think) and immediately regretted it. My heart pounded. I felt lightheaded. I needed a nap.
- 18:00 - Dinner… Again?: More noodles. More smiles from the waitstaff. I’m starting to think I’ve become a regular. And I’m starting to be okay with it.
Day 3: The Mountain… (or, why I should have trained more)
- 02:00 - The 3 AM Wake-up Call Disaster: This is where things get real. It's pitch black. Freezing cold. The alarm screams. I feel like I’ve been run over by a mountain goat. Somehow, I manage to drag myself out of bed for the briefing. My boots are too tight. My backpack suddenly feels like it's filled with lead bricks. I'll survive.
- 03:00 - Headlamp Glare & The Start of the Climb: Okay, foot after foot. Breathe. The trail is a relentless staircase to the sky. My legs are screaming. My lungs are on fire. I am questioning every life choice that led me here. People are passing me. But I don't care. I would just collapse right here on the trail if that’s what it took.
- 06:00 - The Dawn… and the Altitude Headache from Hell: The sunrise! Spectacular. Breathtaking! But the headache. Oh, the headache. It was like a tiny man with a jackhammer had taken up residence in my skull. Every step was agony. And I'm not kidding.
- 08:00 - The Summit (Almost): I made it to the base camp. I actually, physically, did it. Okay, I didn't get all the way to the peak, because my face, it turns out, is an awful shade of green. And the headache said, "Nope, you're not making it."
- 09:00 - The Descent from Hell, Now With Added Knee Pain: Going down was harder than going up. My knees were screaming. My toes were numb. I tripped over a rock. I probably cried a little. But I also laughed. Because honestly? What else can you do?
- 14:00 - Back at Perkasa, The Aftermath: Showered (bliss). Ate the biggest bowl of noodles in my life. I'm now sprawled on my bed, feeling like a semi-truck ran me over. The view is still amazing, though.
Day 4: Recovery & Departures (or, Sweet, Sweet Freedom)
- 10:00 - The slow, agonizing recovery process: I’m pretty sure I pulled every muscle. Walking is a challenge. But I'm alive! And, I accomplished something. I'm now a pro at sitting in a chair.
- 12:00 - Farewell Lunch & Reflection: One last, enormous, noodle bowl. This time I am feeling the emotions, and it’s a blend of relief, pride, and pure exhaustion. This trip was NOT perfect. And I wouldn't trade it for anything.
- 14:00 - The Drive Back & Departure: So. Many. Hairpin turns. More chickens. The landscape as the car sped away… Gorgeous, as always.
- 17:00 - The Memory: I’m exhausted! My body is aching. My brain is fried. But even though this wasn't the perfectly planned trip, it was my trip. I have memories that I would not have had if I would have skipped the mountain. So there. In these moments, I realize that it doesn’t have to be perfect to be amazing. No, I didn’t conquer the summit. But I did get higher than I ever thought I could. And I’m gonna tell everyone how much it sucked. And how much I loved it.
- 18:00 Home. The end.
Unbelievable Mt. Kinabalu Views: Perkasa Hotel's Secret (and My Completely Unfiltered Thoughts)
Okay, spill the tea. Is the view from Perkasa Hotel REALLY as mind-blowing as everyone says?
So, what *specifically* makes Perkasa's view better than, say, just…staring at Mt. Kinabalu from the roadside?
What’s the best time of day to soak in the scenery? Sunrise? Sunset? Other?
Let's talk practicalities. Is the hotel itself decent? Or is all the beauty papering over a crumbling facade?
Any tips for snagging the best room with the killer view?
Alright, let's say I'm there. What’s the ONE thing I absolutely MUST do while enjoying that view?
Any weird or unexpected things about staying at Perkasa that people should know?
Would you go back? Be honest!
