Unbelievable H Benjamin Residence: Your Kinabalu Paradise Awaits!
Unbelievable? More Like Utterly Kinabalu-licious! My (Mostly) Glorious Stay at H. Benjamin Residence
Alright, folks, buckle up. Because I'm about to spill the (delicious, probably slightly salted Malaysian) tea on H. Benjamin Residence, your Kinabalu "Paradise Awaits!" haven. The marketing hype is real, but let's be honest, it's never all sunshine and rainbows, right? I've spent the last week battling the Sabah heat, chasing sunsets, and, you know, trying to decide if a durian is heaven or hell in a spiky package. (Verdict: still undecided.) And H. Benjamin? Well, it played a huge part in the experience.
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- Keywords: H. Benjamin Residence, Kinabalu, Mount Kinabalu, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, Hotel Review, Luxury Hotel, Accessibility, Pool, Spa, Restaurant, Wi-Fi, Family-Friendly, Breakfast, Cleanliness, Safety, Views, Mountain View, Travel Review, Southeast Asia, Malaysian Hotel.
- Metadata Description: My unfiltered review of H. Benjamin Residence in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia! Explore its amazing views, accessible features, delicious food, and (ahem) occasional quirks. Is it truly paradise? Find out inside!
Getting Started: The Arrival & Accessibility (Mostly A-Okay)
First off, getting to the hotel was a breeze thanks to the airport transfer. Super convenient after a long flight – no haggling with taxi drivers in the humid air. Now, let's talk accessibility. This is where things get interesting. The website claims to be pretty accessible, and honestly, they've made a decent effort. Elevators are crucial, of course, and they've got them. Ramps are available in most public areas. The Facilities for disabled guests are there, listed. But, and this is a big but, I didn't personally need them, so I can’t give a definitive verdict. I did spot some slightly narrow doorways in the restaurant area, which might be a squeeze for certain wheelchairs. Bottom line: check the specifics if accessibility is a HUGE concern. Don’t just take my word for it, you need to verify that they offer the amenities you need.
The Room: My Little Slice of (Mostly) Heaven
Right, the room. My room, my kingdom for a week. I, of course, needed the Air conditioning, a must in Sabah, and thank heavens, it worked. No, it thrived. The view….oh, the view! I'm talking jaw-dropping, Instagram-worthy, Mount Kinabalu in all its glory (when the clouds cooperated, which wasn’t always, but you get some stunning glimpses). My "high floor" request was granted, adding to the sense of spaciousness. The "window that opens" was a HUGE plus – I love the natural air – even though it was still hot, it was a relief.
Inside, there were the expected comforts - Bathrobes, Slippers, and Free bottled water (a lifesaver!). The Bed? Large, comfy, great for sinking into after a day of hiking and exploring. The Bathroom was spacious, the Shower was powerful (which can be surprisingly rare), and the Toiletries smelled divine. I did make a note of the Closet, which was spacious. And if you want to work, there's a Desk and a Laptop workspace.
There were Blackout curtains so if you wanted to sleep in… and lots of little touches that made the room feel luxurious (I also loved the Reading light, a small pleasure that I really appreciate, because I love to read).
A Note About the Imperfections: I found that the Internet access – wireless was a little patchy at times (despite the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! claim). The Mirror above the desk was a bit… odd. But hey, nobody’s perfect, right?
Food, Glorious Food (and a Few Hiccups)
Okay, food. This is where H. Benjamin really shines. Let's start with Breakfast [buffet]. Oh. My. Goodness. The abundance! The Asian breakfast was phenomenal. Nasi lemak, congee, all sorts of savory goodness to set your day off right! The Western cuisine in restaurant was also pretty good, think Western breakfast, eggs benedict, and waffles to fill your belly. The Breakfast takeaway service was great for those days when you felt a little bleary-eyed in the morning. The Coffee/tea in restaurant – excellent, kept me alive.
I did enjoy the A la carte in restaurant at dinner, too. I ordered a steak one evening (a little overdone, I admit) but the service was absolutely top-notch, super friendly, and helpful with navigating the menu. And that’s more important!
Now, I gotta mention the Poolside bar. Ah, the cocktails by the pool, the sunset views… It's worth the extra expense, trust me.
A Note About the Restaurants The hotel has Restaurants, which feature International cuisine in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, and Vegetarian restaurant options. The Buffet in restaurant seemed to run the whole day. The Desserts in restaurant were amazing. The Bar had a great selection. The thing I was looking for was the Soup in restaurant. I am not a Soup person normally, but I was in the mood for soup, and they had a decent offering.
A Note On My Favorite Thing Hands down, my favorite meal was in the outdoor dining area, and the Happy hour was great fun. Plus, they have options such as a Salad in restaurant, and the Snack bar served some truly wonderful things to eat.
Relaxation Station: Spa, Pool, and Pampering (Oh Yes!)
Let's get to the good stuff: relaxation. The swimming pool is gorgeous, with that Pool with view. Perfect for a dip to cool off during the day. I spent hours lounging by the pool, reading books, and soaking up those Kinabalu views.
I treated myself to the Spa. I went for the Body scrub and the Massage, and oh man, it was pure bliss. The masseuse? She’s a magician’s apprentice! The Sauna was a nice touch, although I’m not entirely sure I managed to relax much in it, I was too busy wondering what my body has suddenly become! The Foot bath was a delightful start to the treatment and the Spa/sauna combination really made the whole place feel like a retreat.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Covid-Era Reality
Let's be real, in this day and age, cleanliness is paramount. H. Benjamin Residence seems to take it seriously. I saw Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer stations everywhere, and the staff was masked and, I assume, thoroughly Staff trained in safety protocol. My room seemed spotless - Rooms sanitized between stays is critical. I didn’t specifically check for Anti-viral cleaning products, or inspect the Kitchen and tableware items but I did feel like they were doing everything they could during the period I was there. There was a Doctor/nurse on call and I was given the impression they take hygiene seriously.
Things To Do & Getting Around: Adventure Awaits (But Also, Parking)
The hotel is well-situated for exploring. The Concierge can help arrange tours, and the Taxi service is readily available. They also had a Car park [free of charge] which was great.
I went on a trip into town and for the most part, got around okay.
For The Kids & Other Niceties:
They have Babysitting service and Kids facilities, which shows they are Family/child friendly. I felt that this was the sort of hotel you could take a family to.
My Final Verdict: Worth It? Absolutely! (With a Few Caveats)
Would I recommend H. Benjamin Residence? Absolutely! Despite the very minor hiccups, the good far outweighs the slightly imperfect. The views are incredible, the food is fantastic, the staff are friendly, and it's a great base for exploring Kinabalu.
Here's a quick summary:
- Pros: Stunning views, delicious food, excellent service, beautiful pool, good location, good cleanliness, a great base.
- Cons: Sometimes patchy Wi-Fi,
It’s not perfect, but what is? Go, experience it for yourself. And tell them I sent you. (Just kidding, don't do that. They won't know who I am). Enjoy Sabah if you decide to go, it is absolutely beautiful there!
Luxury Anapa Apartments: ДВА БЕРЕГА - Unforgettable Views & Beachfront Bliss
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly curated Instagram travelogue. This is a real account of my time at H Benjamin Residence in Kinabalu National Park, Malaysia. Prepare for the rollercoaster. It's going to be… well, it's going to be me.
H Benjamin Residence: Kinabalu Debacle (But in a Good Way, Probably)
(Day 1: Arrival and Altitude Angst… and a Chicken)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive in Kota Kinabalu via a flight. Smooth… mostly. My luggage, however, seems to have taken a detour to Narnia. Brilliant start. Feeling a slightly panicked that my favorite hiking socks are gone, but hey, new adventures await. I'm trying to stay positive. This is Malaysia! What could go wrong? (Famous last words, right?)
- 2:30 PM: The drive to Kinabalu Park. Scenery is AMAZING. Lush green hills, winding roads… and my stomach is starting to feel a bit… off. Maybe it's the missing socks. Or the lingering airline food. Or, you know, the fact that I’m basically driving toward the highest point in Malaysia. Altitude sickness, here I come!
- 5:00 PM: Check-in to H Benjamin Residence. Okay, the good: it's charming. The bad: THE STAIRS. So many stairs. I swear, they’re intentionally designed to test my already questionable fitness level. And my missing luggage definitely makes things more interesting.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner. The restaurant at the residence? Let's just say the food was… "memorable." There was a chicken. A whole roast chicken. It was huge. And slightly intimidating. I swear it was judging me as I clumsily tried to carve it. I did conquer that chicken. Victory!
- 7:30 PM: Attempt to relax. Fail. My head starts throbbing, and I'm pretty sure my lungs are plotting a mutiny. The altitude is kicking my butt. I drink about a gallon of water and pray for the headache to go away. Stare out the window. The stars are ridiculously bright. Okay, maybe this isn't so bad after all. Maybe.
- 8.30 PM: Decide to go to bed. Still missing my luggage. And the socks. And my sanity. Goodnight, world.
(Day 2: The Mountain's Whisper and a Near-Death Experience (Okay, Exaggeration Alert!)
- 6:00 AM (ish): Wake up. Altitude headache, check? Feeling like I was run over by a bus, check. But the view from my window makes everything better. The mountain. Majestic, imposing, and currently shrouded in mist. It's… breathtaking.
- 7:00 AM: Breakfast. Same restaurant, different day, same… slightly terrifying presentation of the food. However, I am now fueled, and ready to explore.
- 8:00 AM: Hiking trail. This is where things get real. I'm not a hiker. I’m a walker. There's a difference. The trail is… well, a series of rocks, roots, and steep inclines. I'm panting like a dog and questioning all my life choices. See a beautiful picture and have a strong desire to take this picture back home.
- 10:00 AM: I meet this old woman who looks like she could conquer the mountain with one hand tied behind her back. She's got a walking stick and moves like a mountain goat. She gives me a knowing look. It's saying, "You'll feel this tomorrow." I'm scared but strangely motivated.
- 11:00 AM: The moment? That breathtaking viewpoint, the mist clearing, and the mountain… Oh. My. God. It's stunning. Worth every single ache, every single gasp for breath. This is what I came for. And the photo. I took the photo. I'm so glad I did.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. I'm in desperate need of a large fried rice. And maybe a lie-down.
- 1:00 PM: I decide to go back to my room and rest. Take some time to plan the rest of my day. While I am there, I come to a realisation… I'm missing my toothbrush!
- 3:00 PM: I start to feel like i'm getting a cold. Nose is running non-stop. I think it's the altitude. I take some medicine and go back to bed.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner time. I'm feeling better and I'm starving! I decide to take a walk and get some fresh air. It's dark, but the stars are out and it's so beautiful.
- 8:00 PM: I get back to my room and feel like I can't see straight. I take some more medicine and go to bed. Let's hope I feel better tomorrow!
(Day 3: Departure and the Aftermath (of Altitude, Chicken, and Lost Socks))
- 7:00 AM: Wake up. Still got a headache, and my nose is still running like a tap. My missing luggage is still missing (I'm starting to suspect it's having its own adventure). But hey, at least I'm alive! And the mountain is still gorgeous.
- 8:00 AM: Check out of H Benjamin Residence. The stairs are still there, mocking me. Goodbye, chicken. Goodbye, altitude sickness (hopefully). Goodbye, H Benjamin Residence. It's been… an experience.
- 9:00 AM: Start the drive back to Kota Kinabalu. The sun is out!
- 11:00 AM: Arrive in Kota Kinabalu. Wait, my luggage is here!
- 11.30 AM: Get on the plane, finally! I'm so excited to be home.
- 12.30 PM: Land home. Put my luggage away, and put my hiking socks into the washing machine.
- Evening: Write this travel log.
Final Thoughts:
H Benjamin Residence? It's… rugged. It's beautiful. It's a challenge. And it sticks with you. It's a microcosm of travel in general, really – the beauty and the struggle mashed together in a way that makes you want to scream, laugh, and maybe take a nap. I wouldn't trade it for anything. Well, maybe for my hiking socks. And less altitude sickness. And a slightly less terrifying chicken. But you get the idea. Go. Experience it. And prepare to be humbled (and slightly breathless).
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