Kota Kinabalu's STUNNING Infinity Pool Seaview Studio: KWEN Suites Tanjung Aru Awaits!
Forget the Postcard: You HAVE to Stay at KWEN Suites Tanjung Aru's Infinity Pool Studio! (And Here's Why)
Okay, let's be real. Kota Kinabalu. Borneo. Tropical paradise. The photos? They're gorgeous. But do they REALLY capture the vibe? The humidity that clings to your skin like a lover's embrace? The sheer joy of sinking into an infinity pool that melts into the sea? Nope. But KWEN Suites Tanjung Aru's STUNNING Infinity Pool Seaview Studio? That comes pretty damn close.
I need to say this first: I stayed here. It was supposed to be a “work trip”. Yeah right. Let me tell you, I was supposed to be focused on a project. Instead, I was practically glued to the window, mumbling, "Oh. My. God."
The Big Wow: The View & The Pool. Duh.
Let's start with the obvious, the reason you're probably even reading this: the infinity pool. Seriously, folks, it’s what dreams and Instagram feeds are made of. The pictures? They don't do it justice. The pool looks out to the South China Sea, and the sunsets… well, they're enough to make you weep with beauty. Swimming there, you genuinely feel like you're merging with the horizon. And the fact that you can access the pool directly from the room? Pure genius.
My personal experience – I spent my first afternoon just…floating. Just staring. I swear, I ordered a cocktail from the poolside bar (more on that later) and thought, "This is not real life. This is a movie. And I’m the star." Then I accidentally dropped my phone in the pool. (More on that later, too… thankfully, it survived.)
The Studio: More Than Just a Pretty Face
The studio itself? Spacious. Modern. Clean. You've got all the conveniences:
- Air conditioning: Crucial, trust me. Borneo is HOT.
- Free Wi-Fi: (Yes, even in the rooms!) – Gotta Instagram that sunset, remember?
- Comfy bed: Honestly, I could have stayed in it all day.
- Blackout curtains: Essential for sleep, especially after a day of poolside cocktails.
- Kitchenette: If you're feeling ambitious, you could, you know, make some toast. Though, why would you when there’s food downstairs?
A little personal confession – Okay, I'm a sucker for those fluffy bathrobes. And the ones in this room? Pure bliss. I may have worn it ALL day.
Beyond the Room: Amenities That Make You Smile
Let's talk about the extras, the things that elevate KWEN Suites from "nice" to "OH MY GOD, AMAZING!"
- Food & Drink:
- Restaurants AND a Poolside bar: Yup. You can get everything from a casual snack to a sit-down dinner overlooking the water. The international cuisine at the in house restaurant is amazing.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Hello, breakfast! What a selection! Asian and Western options.
- Coffee shop: Coffee in bed, anyone? Yup.
- Room Service [24-hour]: Because sometimes you just need those late-night snacks.
- Vegetarian options: More than one! Good for those who prefer not to eat meat.
- Relaxation Central:
- Spa/Sauna and Pool with view: Need to destress? The spa is your sanctuary. The Sauna is hot and ready.
- Gym/fitness: For when you're feeling guilty about all the delicious meals.
- Massage: Ahhhhh. Need I say more?
- Convenience & Safety:
- 24-hour Front desk and doorman: That's always comforting.
- Security [24-hour]: Makes you feel extra safe.
- Daily housekeeping: The room is always fresh and clean.
- Cashless payment: (Super convenient, especially for us forgetful ones.)
- Anti-viral cleaning: Good to know for peace of mind.
- Doctor/nurse on call: Just in case. (Like, if you eat too much delicious food like I almost did.)
The Little Things That Matter (and Some Minor Gripes)
- Accessibility: While the studio itself is spacious, I didn't specifically check for wheelchair access. But the hotel has facilities for disabled guests, so do ask.
- Getting around: Airport transfer is available, which is super helpful.
- Things to do: From the studio, you are just a short hop from local sites, water activities, and shopping.
- The Minor Annoyance: Occasionally – and this is a minor gripe – the Wi-Fi could be a little spotty. But hey, you’re in paradise! Put down the phone and enjoy the view!
The Verdict: Book It. Now.
Seriously. Do it. Don't even hesitate. This isn't just a hotel room; it's an experience. It's a chance to unplug, unwind, and soak up the beauty of Borneo. Yes, it's a little pricier than some places, but trust me, the view, the pool, the whole vibe… it’s worth every single penny. So, book that flight, pack your bags, and prepare to be amazed.
PRO TIP: Book a room on a higher floor. The views are even more breathtaking. And bring a waterproof phone case. You know, just in case.
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My Special Offer: Book Now & Get a Free Sunset Cocktail!
Book your stay at KWEN Suites Tanjung Aru's STUNNING Infinity Pool Seaview Studio using the code "SUNSETDREAM" and receive a complimentary cocktail at the poolside bar upon arrival! (Because you deserve it.)
Phu Quoc Paradise Found: Duong Dong Hotel's Unforgettable Luxury
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is… well, this is my honest, messy, possibly-teetering-on-the-brink-of-chaos itinerary for four glorious days in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, bunking up at the KWEN Suites-Tanjung Aru with that infinity pool I've been drooling over. Prepare for emotional whiplash.
Day 1: Arrival - Sun, Sand, and… Wait, Where's the Sunscreen?
- 7:00 AM (ish): Wake up in a state of mild panic. Did I pack everything? (Narrator's voice: Spoiler alert, you did not.) International flight chaos. The usual pre-trip jitters, imagining luggage lost in the Bermuda triangle for the better of humanity.
- 9:00 AM: Arrive at the airport. Ah, the sweet, stuffy kiss of airport air. It's a love-hate relationship, really. Check-in, which surprisingly went smoothly. The gods of travel must be smiling on me. For now.
- 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM: The long flight lands. Taxi to the KWEN Suites. The driver was playing some questionable, but catchy, Malay pop music. Definitely a vibe.
- 1:00 PM: OMG, THE ROOM! That infinity pool view… my jaw actually dropped. Pictures never do it justice. Seriously, I could cry (happy tears, obviously). The studio itself? Chic, modern, aircon blasting a welcome icy kiss.
- 1:30 PM: The unpacking ritual. Shoving everything into the minimal storage space, attempting to make the place feel less like a temporary hotel and more like… well, home even if just for a few days.
- 2:00 PM: Pool time! Or so I thought. Realization hits: NO SUNSCREEN. Epic fail. Facepalming. This is why I shouldn't be allowed to plan anything.
- 3:00 PM: Scrambling to find a convenience store. Hot, bothered, and starting to resemble a lobster. Found some sunscreen, thank goodness.
- 3:30 PM-7:00 PM: Pool time. Finally! Bliss. Floating in that infinity pool, gazing at the South China Sea… pure, unadulterated zen. Then, I burned my shoulders. The sunburn is the price of beauty.
- 8:00 PM: Dinner at a local seafood restaurant, "Restaurant Gayang Seafood". Wandering the streets of KK, hoping for authenticity. Ordered everything, basically, after seeing other people's plates. The grilled fish was incredible but I am the weakest link, in the sense that I am not able to withstand spice very well. Tears welled up from the chili prawns I ordered and I was almost tempted to give it away.
- 9:30 PM: Dessert. Because self-control is a myth, especially on vacation. Some delicious coconut ice cream with, as a bonus, a picturesque view of the Tanjung Aru beach.
- 10:30 PM: Collapse into bed, exhausted but happy. Jet lag is starting to kick in, but I don't care. Tomorrow, more adventures. And hopefully less sunburn.
Day 2: Island Hopping - Seasickness and Selfie Stick Mayhem
- 7:00 AM: Wake up feeling like I’ve run a marathon. Still battling that jet lag, but the promise of island hopping pulls me out of bed.
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at a local cafe. The scrambled eggs were… okay. The coffee, however, was strong enough to wake the dead. Needed that.
- 9:00 AM: Head to the jetty. The boat was a little rickety-looking. Hope I packed my life jacket.
- 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM: Island hopping. This is where things got messy.
- Island 1: Sapi Island: The water was so clear. Snorkeling was good, if you ignore the fact I kept swallowing seawater and panicking that I'd swallowed a jellyfish (I didn't. I think). Lost my snorkel. Found it again. Triumph!
- Island 2: Manukan Island: More beautiful beaches, but the crowds were intense. Selfie stick wars. Everyone trying to capture the perfect Instagram shot. Me included.
- Island 3: Mamutik Island: This is where the seasickness really kicked in. Oh, the churning of nausea. I spent approximately 30 minutes horizontal. Did I mention I easily suffer seasickness? Should have taken tablets. The lunch, however, was delicious, even if I could only manage a few bites before the waves of nausea pulled me under again. Eventually, I rallied. Sort of.
- 4:00 PM: Back at the hotel. Showered. The feeling was unreal after the salt water from the pool and the ocean.
- 5:00 PM: Sunset over the South China Sea on the Balcony! The view that I craved for.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a restaurant. This restaurant wasn't as good as the previous one. I'm starting to feel like a local cuisine expert.
- 8:30 PM: Collapse, again. Seasickness has me. The day has wiped me out.
Day 3: Culture Shock and Chocolate Heaven - A Taste of KK
- 8:00 AM: Woke up from sleep. Still feeling groggy; the seasickness did a number on me.
- 9:00 AM: Decided on a trip to the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque. What a magnificent sight. Truly beautiful and peaceful. I spent a good hour walking around. The architecture and the serene atmosphere.
- 11:00 AM: Next location, the local market. The smell of durian filled the air. I didn't dare to try it, though. I was also a little bit lost as I followed some of the path and ended up at the end of a stall with people selling questionable wares.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. I went with my gut and picked the eatery with the longest line. It was worth it, and absolutely delicious!
- 2:00 PM: Chocolate factory. This is where I went crazy. It was a chocolate paradise that made Willy Wonka look like a cheap imitation. Samples galore! I walked out with a bag full of goodies, feeling slightly guilty and very happy.
- 4:00 PM: Foot massage. My feet were sore.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner, in a small, but cozy, cafe. It was quite nice!
- 9:00 PM: Bedtime.
Day 4: Departure – Sadness and Souvenirs
- 8:00 AM: Woke up, feeling a wave of sadness wash over me. It’s the last day. Nooooo!
- 9:00 AM: Last breakfast at the hotel and I am eating everything I have as I attempt to finish the food.
- 10:00 AM: Quick stroll along the beach. One last glimpse of that gorgeous sea.
- 11:00 AM: Check out of the KWEN Suites. Saying goodbye to that infinity pool felt like leaving a friend behind. Snuck in one last photo.
- 12:00 PM: Souvenir shopping. Found a gorgeous batik scarf, a few magnets… and some more chocolate (surprise, surprise).
- 2:00 PM: Airport. Security check. It feels like it took an eternity.
- 4:00 PM: Flight. I am getting sleepy. Goodbye to Malaysia. I want to come back!
- To be continued…
KWEN Suites Tanjung Aru: Before You Dive In (Literally!) - FAQ, Babble, and Honest Truths
Is the Infinity Pool REALLY as amazing as it looks? (Because, let's be honest, Instagram lies...)
Okay, deep breath. YES. But let me qualify that. I'm not one for the usual "OMG! Paradise!" garbage. I'm more of a "meh, pretty good" kind of gal. But this pool... THIS POOL... It seriously blew me away. Wading in, and then the edge... just disappears. You're basically *swimming* into the South China Sea. It's a legit "pinch me, is this real life?" moment. I spent, like, a whole afternoon just floating there, staring at the sunset. And the sunsets in KK? Forget about it. They're something else. One time, there was this *massive* storm rolling in over the water, and I just huddled in the pool, watching the lightning. Terrifying, exhilarating, and utterly stunning all at once. Just… amazing. (Okay, I lied. It *is* paradise.)
What's the deal with the "Seaview Studio"? Does it *actually* have a good view?
Alright, another truth bomb incoming. "Seaview" is a bit of a loose term, sometimes. Think of it as "possibility of a view, depending on the angle, the weather, and whether your neighbor is having a particularly enthusiastic laundry day." In my room, it was *mostly* sea view, but there was a bit of building, a little palm tree action… Let's be real, it’s still a bloody good view. Waking up to that ocean… It's a solid start to your day. Worth it, absolutely. Plus, I spent more time *in* the pool anyway, so the view from the room was secondary. But yeah, it *does* have a view. A good one. Don't let the skeptics win. Though my advice is to try for a higher floor if you can. Helps with the view and also maybe the noise from the pool (which is honestly pretty charming during the day and mostly quiet at night).
How's the room itself? Is it comfy? CLEAN?! (Asking the important questions...)
Okay, the room. It’s modern, it’s pretty well-appointed, and yes, it was *clean*. (God, I’m a clean freak and this is important!) The bed was comfy, the air con worked like a dream (essential in Kota Kinabalu), and the bathroom was… functional. Nothing fancy, but perfectly acceptable. Think IKEA-chic, but thankfully without the existential dread *usually* associated with IKEA furniture. They provide the basics – shampoo, soap, towels. A small kitchen area with a microwave and fridge is a win for the midnight snackers (like me, guiltily). The only real downside? The lack of proper coffee. Instant coffee is a crime against humanity, especially when you're surrounded by such beauty. Bring your own coffee fix. Seriously. You’ve been warned. I even ordered a French press from GrabMart. (I'm THAT addicted.)
Is the location good? Close to things? (I hate long taxi rides...)
The location is pretty darn good. Tanjung Aru Beach is literally a short walk away. Food stalls, restaurants, the beach itself… all within easy reach. The airport is super close too – major win if you hate long journeys after a flight (because who *doesn’t*?). Central Kota Kinabalu is a bit further, but taxis and Grab cars are readily available and cheap. It felt safe to walk around during the day. Honestly, I even *enjoyed* the odd taxi ride, just to gawk at the scenery. (Sabah is beautiful.) There is a 7-Eleven about five minutes away by foot, which is vital. You can get all the snacks your heart desires. Just a warning…those 7-Eleven sausage rolls are addictive.
Anything I should be *really* aware of beforehand? Any hidden pitfalls?
Okay, a few things. First, book ahead! This place is popular, and for good reason. Second, the Wi-Fi can be a bit… temperamental. It's fine for basic browsing, but don't expect to stream HD movies without the occasional buffering nightmare. Third, the pool can get busy. It’s not a secret, so be prepared to share the aquatic paradise with other humans. (But hey, that's part of the fun, right? People-watching, judging their swimwear choices, the whole shebang.) Fourth, the pool closes at a certain time. Can't remember when, but it’s not 24/7. Just check. That was a huge disappointment the last night, I tell you. My heart was broken. Fifth, and slightly weirdly, the corridor outside my room could occasionally smell faintly of… well, I don't know what. Maybe cleaning products? It wasn't awful, just noticeable. Weird, but not a deal-breaker. Oh, and sixth, mosquito repellent is your friend. Seriously. You *will* get bitten, especially at sunset. Bring it, use it, love it. Seriously, I am still itching.
So, overall: Would you recommend KWEN Suites? Be honest!
HELL YES. Even with the minor imperfections – the slightly wonky Wi-Fi, the potential for the occasional mystery smell, the fact that people will probably be in the pool with you - it's a fantastic place to stay. The infinity pool alone makes it worth every penny. The location is great, the rooms are comfortable, and the whole experience is just… *magical*. It was so good, I almost didn’t want to leave! My biggest concern now is, when can I go back? I'm seriously considering remortgaging the house. Go. Book it. Just… don't hog the pool *too* much. (Kidding! Sort of...)
Any secret tips you didn’t mention above? Spoilers!
Okay, listen up, because this is gold. The rooftop bar at the Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort is... *chef's kiss*. It's a short taxi ride away. Sunset cocktails with a view? Do it. Also, if you can, try to catch a live cooking class at the Gaya Street Sunday Market. You'll learn so much about the local cuisine (and get to eat delicious food!). And my absolute, *absolute* top tip? Get a massage on the beach. The sounds of the waves, the sea breeze, the skilled hands... pure bliss. I went twice. I think I even fell asleep during one. Don't judge me.Stay Finder Review
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