A couple of months ago I was feeling extremely stressed and needed to shut down from the endless emails and events relating to work, so I decided on going for a short break. My requirements were as follow: the hotel should be far away from the chaos of Kuala Lumpur, have a view of the ocean and be somewhat central. An easy choice was flying to Kota Kinabalu, and I decided to stay at the Pacific Sutera Hotel at Sutera Harbour, simply because it’s situated right by the sea and is a mere five-minute drive away from the city centre.
The ride from Kota Kinabalu International Airport to Pacific Sutera Hotel took about ten to twelve minutes (one can request for a pick up but I decided to just take a cab, of which there are numerous at the airport), and the check in was quick and easy. The smiling front desk staff also helped me change my booking to a smoking room without any hesitation.
The room
The deluxe sea view room had everything I needed: a bath tub, a separate shower, a luxurious king-sized bed, and a beautiful view of the pool and beyond that, the South China Sea. Guests will also enjoy free internet connectivity during their stay – something I can’t live without even though I was supposed to be on a break from my job. A flat screen TV, mini bar, ironing board, hair dryer and more are also provided for.
The restaurants
I was spoiled for choice at the Pacific Sutera, but I opted to have my meals at Cafe Boleh that offers elaborate daily buffet options and ala carte meals, and it was up to my satisfaction. It’s also opened 24 hours for both hotel guests and visitors. One can opt to sit indoors or at the balcony area, but smokers will have to refrain themselves in the morning as smoking is prohibited at Cafe Boleh’s outdoor area before 12 noon.
Those who fancy Chinese cuisine can go to Silk Garden Chinese Restaurant that’s located next to the hotel’s gardens and landscaped ponds. I didn’t have a chance to try their foods but this restaurant was listed in Malaysia Tatler’s Best Restaurants of 2009, so customers certainly won’t be disappointed.
The Lobby Lounge caters to coffee drinkers and often serves as casual business meeting venue during the day, and relaxing live band music is played at night. One can unwind on The Lounge’s sofas and armchairs while enjoying the view of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park across the sea.
The spa
What would a getaway be without being pampered? I’ve heard good reviews about Pacific Sutera’s Body Senses by Mandara from a few KK friends, and made a booking for a one-hour body massage. The single treatment room was beautiful and smelled of relaxing aromatherapy oils. My masseuse did an excellent job and I left Body Senses with my muscles feeling de-stressed and refreshed. The spa is also opened for non-hotel guests, and I would recommend it to all KK tourists – it really is just so good!
The pool
Whether you want to swim, have a drink or just sun tan by the pool – you’ll be delighted to know that Pacific Sutera has numerous swimming pools for you: an Olympic-sized swimming pool, two landscaped pools, a fun pool, and a kid’s pool if you’re bringing your little ones along. If you’re craving for a bite or a cocktail when you’re enjoying the sun rays, you don’t have to worry about walking back to the hotel or finding a waiter – there’s Waves Pool Bar that consists of a swim-up bar and pool-side seating, as well as The Breeze, an open air restaurant that faces the ocean.
Nightlife
During my stay at the Pacific Sutera, I was lucky enough to catch a special event at JUGs, the hotel’s bar/club. American comedian Paul Ogata and Malaysia’s Kuah Jenhan performed a sold-out comedy night during Comedy Bah, a stand-up comedy event in Kota Kinabalu. On normal nights, JUGs Sports Bar is a place for visitors and locals to enjoy casual actives of pool and darts, and also dance to live bands and DJs.
Verdict
The Pacific Sutera Hotel at Sutera Harbour is perfect for vacationers who want to have a relaxing getaway. Even with its close proximity to the city of Kota Kinabalu -which also makes it easy for guests who opt to explore downtown- the hotel proved to be a serene haven. It was for me an ideal vacation spot as it houses everything I needed during my stay – I didn’t even need to step out of the hotel vicinity. The friendly, always smiling staff of the hotel also get a two thumbs up as they were always ready to help and had a warm greeting no matter where I bumped into them, whether it was at the restaurant entrance or hallway.
Facilities:
- 24-hour room service
- Handicapped facilities
- Fully equipped business centre
- Meeting rooms and conference facilities
- Convenience store
- Limousine service
- Shuttle service within the resort and to the city
- High-speed internet access
Recreation:
- 27-hole Graham Marsh designed Championship Golf Course for day & night golfing
- 41-bay two-tiered driving range
- 104-berth marina
- Covered/outdoor tennis courts
- Badminton and squash courts
- 12-lane ten pin bowling centre
- Fitness centre
- Olympic-size swimming pool, kid’s pool and fun pool, 2 landscaped pools
- International spa
My booking was done via Agoda.com where you can go for affordable hotel deals, or check out The Pacific Sutera Hotel’s website.
The Pacific Sutera Hotel is part of Sutera Harbour Resort, a 384-acre integrated resort comprising of the Pacific Sutera Hotel, The Magellan Sutera Resort as well as the Sutera Harbour Marina, Golf & Country Club. More information here.
