Now, a year and half later, that reputation has snowballed and Borneo Beachouse is going from strength to strength as is underscored by their expansion into another property.

The Beachouse now also occupies a neighbouring house, immediately behind the current property, joined together by a short path. This effectively doubles the room inventory and the Beachouse can now offer 17 rooms of various configurations. This includes 4, 6 & 8 bed dormitories, twin and double private rooms and their most popular options, en-suit family rooms.

Other delights which have been added includes the pool table, on-request BBQs (requires a mininum of 5 paying guests), laundry facilities at RM5 per kg and satellite TV with the movie, sport and news packages for you couching surfing delight.

Of course, established facilities such as the free WiFi at Beachouse 1 and the Internet workstation at RM3 per hour is still there, as is the tour desk capable of booking an ever increasing list of activities for you to do during your stay in Sabah.

And don’t forget, Borneo Beachouse is within walking distance of the 3 most important things in Kota Kinabalu – 5 minutes from the beach, 10 minutes from the airport and as the official HQ of the Sabah Ultimate Players Association, it’s within 5 & 7 minutes walk respectively from both the Sunday field and Tuesday / Thursday beach pickup sessions of Ultimate.

For everywhere else in Kota Kinabalu, the Beachouse is right on a bus route with buses passing every 30 minutes, which will whisk you away to the town centre for less than RM2. There’s restaurants and bars at the beach and a small shopping centre just down the road.

If you’re looking for friendly, comfortable and affordable accommodation in Kota Kinabalu, you can’t go wrong with Borneo Beachouse.Since we first wrote about Borneo Beachouse in April 2008, it was already known as 1 of the friendliest and best organised backpackers in Kota Kinabalu.

Now, a year and half later, that reputation has snowballed and Borneo Beachouse is going from strength to strength as is underscored by their expansion into another property.

The Beachouse now also occupies a neighbouring house, immediately behind the current property, joined together by a short path. This effectively doubles the room inventory and the Beachouse can now offer 17 rooms of various configurations. This includes 4, 6 & 8 bed dormitories, twin and double private rooms and their most popular options, en-suit family rooms.

Other delights which have been added includes the pool table, on-request BBQs (requires a mininum of 5 paying guests), laundry facilities at RM5 per kg and satellite TV with the movie, sport and news packages for you couching surfing delight.

Of course, established facilities such as the free WiFi at Beachouse 1 and the Internet workstation at RM3 per hour is still there, as is the tour desk capable of booking an ever increasing list of activities for you to do during your stay in Sabah.

And don’t forget, Borneo Beachouse is within walking distance of the 3 most important things in Kota Kinabalu – 5 minutes from the beach, 10 minutes from the airport and as the official HQ of the Sabah Ultimate Players Association, it’s within 5 & 7 minutes walk respectively from both the Sunday field and Tuesday / Thursday beach pickup sessions of Ultimate.

For everywhere else in Kota Kinabalu, the Beachouse is right on a bus route with buses passing every 30 minutes, which will whisk you away to the town centre for less than RM2. There’s restaurants and bars at the beach and a small shopping centre just down the road.

If you’re looking for friendly, comfortable and affordable accommodation in Kota Kinabalu, you can’t go wrong with Borneo Beachouse.

Also, if you want to read more about what the accommodation in Kota Kinabalu’s TuneHotels.com is like, then visit the main page here. 

We visisted TuneHotels.com and got the skinny first hand.  Yes, the rooms are small, but damn, are they clean – and if you’re really an intrepid explorer, then that’s what you need.

The Welcome

We stepped into the grounds of Shangri-La’s Chi – The Spa and stood there for a moment taking in the beauty and admiring the landscaped gardens with the island backdrop, before being pleasurably interrupted by a gentle wafting of a indistinctive scent that begged to be identified.

Even before we could venture a guess, Spa Manager Alyssa Lim greeted us and within seconds had us seated, sipping cool cinnamon and pandan tea, an appreciated chilled beverage in contrast to the heat and humidity.

As we settled in we were introduced to the spa’s concept of the five elements (wood, fire, earth, water or metal) meant to balance a person’s energy.

Based on ancient Chinese and Himalayan beliefs, Chi works on the philosophy of helping one’s life force flow freely throughout the body and harmonising the Yin and Yang energies.  Therapies at Chi – The Spa are inspired by ancient healing treatments and rituals from the Himalayas, where Shangri-La, the legendary utopia that James Hilton wrote about in his 1933 novel, Lost Horizon, nestles.

A range of spa treatments, from all-in-one packages, to hot stone treatments, massages, wraps, scrubs, hand and foot treatments, and skincare all beg to be enjoyed.  Sabahbah.com chose the Pulau Bayu retreat, which, according to the menu, includes a footbath, uplifting himalayan bath therapy, a body scrub, and a Borneo Therapy Massage.

“Traditionally, we try to identify our customer’s element of the day first to determine the best scent to use during treatment to balance out their energy,” said Alyssa, handing us a form, which asked for info such as medical background and preference in food tastes and colours. After determining our elements for the day, a therapist showed us to our villas.

Chi – The Spa Experience – The Pulau Bayu Retreat

Filled with anticipation we arrived at our private villa after a short stroll through the spa gardens. Both single and couple villas are available to suit customers’ needs and spa treatments.

Our private villa was equipped with a changing room, treatment room, outdoor shower, steam room and outdoor bath with sun beds.

Our footwear come off at the door, while our daywear had to wait till the changing room. The robes provided were ultra plush and light, different from the usual heavy cotton or terry cloth.

For most people, disposable underwear found at spas are an uncomfortable and unflattering necessity, but the Chi experience provides a breathable, albeit see-through, garment, which is suprisingly comfortable and will sculpt itself around body shapes ample and slim.

A sarong for ladies or a pair of shorts for the men will protect any modesty you may have.  A ring of the bell later we were welcomed into the treatment room and the real pampering began.

Up first was another soothing cup of tea, served in cups fashioned out of pure jade, while our therapist explained the flow of the session.  A foot soak started us off, with warm water peppered with lemongrass, lime, betelnuts, lime leaves, ginger and cloves, topped off with a foot scrub.

The outdoor bath, already thoughtfully filled with hot water, beckoned us to perpetuate the relaxation from the footbath throughout.  Soaking in the tub amidst the creeping vines, looking out into the garden where we caught a glimpse of the South China Sea, is one of the most indulgent things yet we had the pleasure of doing here at Sabahbah.com.

After reluctantly getting out of the tub, we were lured to the treatment tables where it was time for the pearl cocoa scrub. Like its name suggests, the scrub is a scrumptious combination of crushed pearls from the east coast district of Semporna and cocoa beans, mixed with soya, ginger and pegaga leaf. It certainly smelled good enough to eat.

Our modesty was always protected by the therapists who respectfully veiled their gazes by lifting the sheets as we got comfortable on the table, either when lying down or turning over. Before the treatment begins, ladies are asked about their preference of having their chest area massaged.

After a shower to rinse the sinfully delicious smelling coconut off our bodies, a lovely experience with the outdoor-esqe rain shower, we once again were directed to the treatment beds.

This is where the Borneo Therapy Massage, a signature treatment of the spa,  promised to get rid of any stubborn tenseness that remained in spite of the prior pampering. The massage treatment is inspired by the traditions of bobohizan, the Kadazandusun native healers, and uses palm and thumb pressure that releases wind in the body and promotes good circulation.

The soothing music did wonders to while away the two and a half hours and before we realised, the treatment had come to an end. Another few sips of tea later, we were back in the changing room preparing for our imminent return to the real world.

But fortunately or not, a whiff of Borneo Therapy seemed to have rubbed off on cellphone or notepad, and continued to linger around us for days after, a wistful reminder of the indulgent escape we had at Chi The Spa at Shangri-la’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa.

Relax Yourself

Chi – The Spa’s garden is extremely conducive to relaxation. With stone elements intertwined with lucscious greens, surrounded by calm blue ocean, the garden’s western corner features a glass-walled hut, which overlooks the nearby islands.

This is Chi – The Spa’s Yoga & Tai Chi room where everyone with a health-concious mind in Kota Kinabalu is welcome to join a class to de-stress and refocus their energies.

Yoga Sessions
Monday & Sunday: 8am – 9am
Wednesday & Friday: 5pm – 6pm
Price: RM 70 per person or RM 100 per person for a private session

Tai Chi Sessions
Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays: 4pm – 5pm
Price: RM 60 per person or RM 80 per person for a private session

For more information about Shangri La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa Yoga or Tai Chi session, or Chi – The Spa, please email tah@shangri-la.com.

Mosaic at Hyatt Regency Kinabalu is importing juicy, 300g prime Australian ribs to tantalise the taste buds of discerning diners in Kota Kinabalu and torture everyone else in KK with the exquisite, smoky aroma of their char-grilled delight.

The tender ribs are marinated an seared a full day before it’s served to you to lock in its natural juiciness. The final preparation is made moments after your order and just before it hits your plate, hot, aromatic and sumptuous.

Accompanied with a generous helping of French fries, corn-on-the-cob, string beans and tomatoes, your char-grill rib meal is a hearty one.

Mosaic presents this gastronomic feast, including a glass of wine at just RM60, or RM48 sans the wine.

Enjoy this special treat during August on at Mosaic, Hyatt Regency Kinabalu.

Thanks for the pic Wendell

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu recruited this talented 7-piece band from the Philippines to delight the crowd that regularly gathers at KK’s first and only Latin grill & bar.

Equipped with an extensive repertoire of popular music such as rock, latin, R&B, reggae, top 40 and pop, the energetic Switch Groove promise to give you the urge to dance.

The band members comprise 6 guys and a girl, so let’s meet the band.

Cooky is the band’s only lady and leads on vocals. A long time visitor to KK, Cooky previously fronted the band Swerve who played at Tang Dynasty in 2003 and BED in 2006.

The male lead vocalist JC, inspires with heartfelt singing and is new to KK.

Joe, second on vocals, returns to Kota Kinabalu after a previous stint at Shenanigans with the band Poetry. Joe also appeared with the band Swerve when they performed in BED, back in 2004.

Dean strums the rhythm guitar and plays the keyboard.  He formerly played the keys for DB8, a band popular with the KK pub crowd.

Art plays the bass guitar and also previously starred in DB8.  He returns to KK after successful stints with that band at Shenanigans.

Vin is the lead guitarists and Rod is on drums.  Both joined Switch Groove after successful stints with other bands.

Switch Groove gets the party started at Rumba, which is open every day except Sundays, from 5pm – 1am, or until 2am on weekends and the eve of public holidays.

Rumba is in the city centre, located at ground level, street level at Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu, and as KK first and only Latin grill and bar and offers vibrant flavoursome Latin food, a great selection of wines and a marvelously minty Mojito.  Cuban cigars and great music are par for the course.

Comedy Court is a Malaysian institution that has been delighting audiences since 1996.  Allan Perera and Indi Nadarajah, Comedy Courtiers of note, are famous for having audiences in stitches with alter egos and comedic match-ups the likes of Loga & Singam, Mat & Din, the two Dato’s, KC & TC and more.

For a belly-full of laughs and an evening of light hearted entertainment, don’t miss the Comedy Court Dinner show hosted by Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa in Kota Kinabalu on 19 August at 6.30pm, priced at RM 150 per person.

For reservations phone +60 88  327 871 or email tah@shangri-la.com.

With 306 rooms located right in the centre of KK’s shopping and nightlife district, about 10km from the airport, Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu makes a convenient base from where to explore KK and Sabah.

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu hosts 4 food and beverage outlets:

• Circle Restaurant offers international food in a casual dining atmosphere;
• The Lounge provides a quiet drink in a relaxing setting;
• The Pool Bar offers refreshment next to the pool; and
• Rumba Latin Grill & Bar specialises in Latin cuisine and is known for vibrant KK night life;

Additional features of this Kota Kinabalu hotel include a gym with weight and cardio equipment, an outdoor pool with panoramic views of the sea, a Jacuzzi, steam room and a sauna.

Amongst the many other noteworthy facilities and services to be found, the following are included:

• 24-hour Room Service;
• Currency Exchange;
• Babysitting Service;
• Luggage storage;
• Valet Parking;

Complementary wireless Internet access is available in the public areas of Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu.

Check-in time is 2pm and check-out time is 12pm.

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

To be fair, Kota Kinabalu and Sabah doesn’t see its fair share of international artist. But the landscape is changing and with KK’s permanent population and temporary tourist population growing year on year, that might all be changing.

Air Supply, as some of us may remember and the rest of probably have read, is the core of Gramah Russel and Russel Hitchcock. They’ve been together ever since 1975 when Air Supply was formed after they met in the Australian production of Jesus Christ Superstar.

Ever since they’ve been together in some or form and have produced hits and karaoke legends such
All out of Love, Making love out of nothing at all and Lost in Love. These three often-sung karaoke hits are also prime examples of exactly why a world tour of a band most popular during the 70’s and early 80’s can still be successful in Asia in 2008.

Presented by concert organisers HTC, Air Supply will be performing to the people of KK when they appear at The Magellan Sutera later this month. The Magellan Grand Ballroom at Sutera Harbour Resort is Kota Kinabalu and Sabah’s biggest indoor conference and hosting space and was thus the logical choice as venue for a concert of this magnitude.

Tickets for the Air Supply concert are available through Star Planet and Ticket Pro, or through a selected few outlets in Kota Kinabalu. Phone Sutera Harbour Resort on +60 88 318 888 for more information about where to obtain tickets for the show.

There are three categories of tickets for the Air Supply concert in KK, namely Platinum, Gold & Silver. The costs of each is advertised as RM260, RM180 and RM120 respectively.

Quality acts like Air Supply breezes through Kota Kinabalu and Sabah only once in a while, so take this opportunity and book your ticket for the Kota Kinabalu leg of Air Supply From the Heart World Tour 2008.

A distant cousin of Air Asia with their most striking resemblance being the loud red and white colours, Tune Hotels is also low cost (budget or no-frills, as they prefer in marketing circles), where the bare minimum is included and the extras are, well, extra.

The nett effect of this business model is that you get what you need for seriously low prices, while you pay a little more for creature comforts.

1Borneo’s Tune Hotel is the first in East Malaysia and Sabah and brings 165 budget rooms to 1Borneo’s impressive inventory of hotel rooms.  Tune Hotels was one of the first tenants in 1Borneo to reach completion and during our visit it was already humming with people both checking-in and hanging out.

The lobby, as is the rest of Tune Hotels at 1Borneo, is clean and modern.  A 7-11 convience store shares the lobby space and provides vital necessities, whilst in the other corner a Gloria Jeans Coffee Cafe has a ready supply of caffeine on tap.

The lobby area also boasts free wi-fi Internet access, although limited seating might become an issue when Tune Hotels at 1Borneo starts achieving high occupancy.  Visible security in the lobby, and electronic security throughout the rest of the hotel, ensures a safe environment.

Spread over 4 floors are 1Borneo’s Tune Hotel rooms, where a “5-star sleeping experience at a 1-star price” can be achieved, claims Tune Hotels, and judging by the sturdy King Koil beds that each room is equipped with and the quality duvets and pillows, it’s well believable.  The rooms at Tune Hotels are on the smallish side, but for the budget traveler or explorer who will be out-and-about most of the day, it won’t be an issue.

The bathroom is well beyond expectations with a standard that many star rated hotels will struggle to achieve.  Hot water is on tap (at no extra charge) from power showers, which is a standard fitting.  Minimalist, clean lines give the bathroom is very contemporary look.

Over the bed, a solid fan provides complimentary temperature control, with an air-con unit featured as a pay-for, optional extra at RM4.99 for 5 hours, or RM9.99 for 12 hours.  At the foot of the bed, the flat-panel, wall-mounted LCD screen with satellite channels is another pay-for optional extra at RM6.25 per 24 hours.

Other optional extras include in-room Internet access at RM9.99 for 24 hours.  Towels can be rented from the check-in desk in the lobby at RM5, plus a refundable RM10 deposit.  Currently Tune Hotels at 1Borneo includes a free Senses toiletry pack with towel rental, consisting of shampoo, bath gel, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, shower cap, sanitary bag and ear buds.  Usually they sell for RM5.

With 1Borneo’s soft launch now only days away, more and more stores are opening in Sabah’s largest life-style hypermall.  For those who visit for business or pleasure, if you want to be where the action is at an affordable price, then your only choice is Tune Hotels at 1Borneo.

The only modern boutique hotel on Sandakan Harbour Square’s waterfront in Sabah.

Consisting of 138 elegant rooms and suites, At Ease Hotel offers modern day conveniences in comfortable accommodations in a location central to both business and leisure travellers.

Book@Ease Boutique Hotel Sandakan here.