ATAP Hotel Kota Kinabalu: Your Unbeatable KK Getaway Awaits!
ATAP Hotel Kota Kinabalu: My Honestly Messy, Unfiltered Take (and Why You Should Book)
Alright, listen up, fellow travelers, because I just got back from a stay at ATAP Hotel Kota Kinabalu, and let me tell you, it's a vibe. This ain't your sterile, boring hotel review; this is the raw, uncut truth, with all my quirks and opinions thrown in. Get ready, because we're diving DEEP.
First Impressions (and That Awkward Elevator Ride)
Getting to ATAP? Pretty darn easy. Accessibility is a solid win. Reaching the hotel from the airport was a breeze with their airport transfer. Finding the entrance was a piece of cake. The lobby? Bright, airy, and… well, the décor is modern-minimalist, which is either sleek or a bit bland, depending on your mood. I'm usually a "more is more" kind of gal, so I'll admit the initial burst of minimalism left me a little… underwhelmed.
But hey, first impressions aren't everything. And then, the elevator. Ah, yes, the elevator. I swear, there was a moment… a significant moment where I felt like I was trapped in a cheesy 80's music video. Thankfully, there was at least an Elevator, so I quickly got over it.
Rooms: Comfort & Convenience with a Dash of "Oops, I Forgot My Toothbrush"
Now, let's talk rooms. My room was… well, it was a room! Okay, okay, more than that. It was a comfortable, functional room. Air conditioning? YES, PLEASE. Crucial in KK. The bed? Actually, it was amazing. I slept like a log. A REALLY long log, thanks to the Extra long bed.
They hit most of the basics. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, which is a lifesaver. Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN, so you can choose your digital battleground. Coffee/tea maker? Check. Complimentary tea? Double-check! And, thank goodness, a refrigerator to keep that all-important water bottle cold. (They even gave you Free bottled water! Bless!)
The bathroom was clean and modern. Separate shower/bathtub? Score! Though, I did have a near-meltdown when I forgot my toothbrush (again!). Luckily, the convenience store downstairs saved my bacon (and my pearly whites!).
The Nitty Gritty: Cleanliness, Safety & the Whole "COVID-19" Thing
Let's be real: post-pandemic travel worries are a THING. I was hyper-aware of all the safety measures and they were good. Cleanliness and safety seemed to be a priority. They had the usual suspects: Hand sanitizer galore, and the staff were masked up. The rooms sanitized between stays, Anti-viral cleaning products - those things gave me (at least) a sense of security. I didn't see people sanitizing themselves, a big plus.
I also noticed CCTV in common areas AND CCTV outside property, which always makes me feel a bit safer. They were also obsessed with hygiene – in a good way. The Hand sanitizer was everywhere and the Daily disinfection in common areas.
Food, Glorious Food (and My Personal Buffet Disaster)
Okay, food. This is where things get interesting. ATAP has a decent selection of dining options. Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant AND both Asian breakfast and Western breakfast, great to give yourself a varied way to eat. And the Breakfast [buffet] was the biggest event.
The Breakfast [buffet] was the scene of my first minor internal crisis. I consider myself a buffet pro, capable of navigating a sea of breakfast foods like a seasoned sailor. But this one… it was… overwhelming. My initial plan to strategically sample everything disintegrated within minutes. I ended up with a plate piled high with scrambled eggs and… I can’t even remember what else. It was a glorious, chaotic mess.
The rest of the dining options were better, though. The coffee shop, was actually, surprisingly nice. Great coffee and pastries – perfect for a pick-me-up. The Restaurants were where the pros hung out and you could get, a la carte or from the Buffet in restaurant.
Relaxation Station: Spa Days & Poolside Bliss (Almost)
I am ALL about relaxation. And ATAP has options: Fitness center, Gym/fitness, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor].
The swimming pool looked amazing! But, alas, I never actually used it. I'm a terrible planner, and the one time I had the time, it was raining. This, friends, is life. ðŸ˜
Things to Do (and My Failed Attempt at Being Adventurous)
KK is a treasure trove of experiences! ATAP is well-placed for exploring. Their Concierge were helpful, recommending tours and attractions. I did try to be adventurous.
Services & Conveniences: Beyond the Basics
Beyond the usual hotel stuff (Daily housekeeping, Laundry service, and the 24-hour front desk), they had some great extras. Cash withdrawal was handy. They even had Facilities for disabled guests, which is a BIG plus for inclusivity. Luggage storage, Dry cleaning, and Ironing service made the stay feel more manageable.
The Quirks, the Imperfections, and That "Would I Go Back?" Question
Okay, so ATAP isn’t perfect. No hotel is. The elevator experience, the occasional buffet-related existential crisis… these are just a part of the charm.
The real test? Would I go back? Absolutely.
Here's My Honest-to-Goodness Offer for YOU!
Listen, you. You deserve a break. You deserve a getaway. And ATAP Hotel Kota Kinabalu? Well, it's a pretty damn good basecamp for your adventures.
This is my offer to you, my fellow traveler:
Book your stay at ATAP Hotel Kota Kinabalu in the next 14 days using the code "MYMESSYTRIP" and get:
- 15% off your room rate!
- A free upgrade to a room with a view (subject to availability)!
- A complimentary welcome drink at the bar (you deserve it after the elevator)!
- A special "buffet survival kit" (just kidding… but you’ll need it!)
Use Code: MYMESSYTRIP
Click this link to book now and let ATAP Hotel Kota Kinabalu be your home base for your messy, beautiful adventure. You won't regret it.
And remember, life's too short for boring hotel reviews. Go get lost, explore, and make some messy memories!
**Surabaya's Hidden Gem: Cozy Taman Melati Studio You NEED to Book!**
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly polished travel itinerary. This is… me in Kota Kinabalu, armed with a questionable map and an even more questionable sense of direction. Let's see if I survive this ATAP Hotel adventure!
Kota Kinabalu: Survivor Mode (and hopefully some fun) - ATAP Hotel Edition
Day 1: Arrival, Mild Panic, and a Surprisingly Good Nasi Lemak
Morning (7:00 AM - 11:00 AM):
- Arrival at KKIA (Kota Kinabalu International Airport): Ugh. Airports. They should come with a complimentary shot of something strong just for getting through them. Finding the taxi stand was a victory in itself – I swear, the signs are designed to confuse you. After a brief taxi negotiation (always a test of wills), I arrive at ATAP Hotel.
- Check-in Chaos: Honestly, the lobby is cute, all minimalist chic. But then I realize I am completely out of my element. Luckily the front desk is warm and friendly, even when I blurted out “Is there coffee? I NEED coffee.” The room is kinda tiny, okay, but it's clean, and the AC is blasting, so I feel I can survive.
Lunch (11:30 AM - 1:00 PM):
- Nasi Lemak Hunt: The hunger pangs are real. Everyone raves about the local food. I’m on a mission. Armed with a map that’s probably wrong, I stumble upon a tiny street food stall a few blocks away. This is where the magic begins. Oh. My. God. The Nasi Lemak. Creamy rice, spicy sambal, the perfect little fried egg. I practically inhaled it. Seriously. I was sweating. I didn't even care.
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 5:00 PM):
- Wandering and Wondering: Explore the nearby areas. The area around the hotel is surprisingly lively! Explore the waterfront, even it feels like you can get lost in a matter of seconds. Then I got lost! Oh, the shame. Finally, found my ways to the hotel.
- Nap (5:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Jet lag. It gets you every time. And let’s be honest, that Nasi Lemak needed to settle.
Evening (6:30 PM onward):
- Dinner & Sunset: Found a little seafood restaurant with a view. The sunset was incredible! Like, Instagram-worthy incredible. Ate way too much, but the view was worth it.
- Early Night: I'm exhausted. Off to sleep.
Day 2: Island Hopping… or Island Hiding?
Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM):
- Breakfast at the Hotel: Complimentary breakfast. Decent. Coffee situation: acceptable. Fueled up for the big adventure: ISLAND HOPPING!
Morning/Afternoon (9:00 AM - 4:00 PM):
- Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park: This is where the good intentions… kind of, sort of, went sideways. The ferry ride was fine. Getting to the island… okay, a bit crowded. The water IS beautiful, no denying it.
- Sapi Island: Snorkeling! The brochures made it look so idyllic. In reality? Fish, yes. But also a lot of other people. Constantly bumping into fins. Losing breath. I panicked, got back to the beach, and laid there thinking maybe it's better to stay on land.
- Gaya Island: Okay, attempted hiking trail. Got a bit lost again… more sweating… more questioning my life choices. Eventually did find a gorgeous viewpoint. The view was incredible, despite the sweat.
- Lunch (1:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Had a pretty good lunch, even though I was too tired to truly appreciate it.
Afternoon/Evening (4:00 PM onward):
- Beach Debrief: Back at the hotel. Beach cleanup. Felt like I needed some serious decompression. Took a long shower, then a brief existential crisis on the bed.
- Dinner at a fancy restaurant: Celebrated surviving the day with some delicious dumplings and fancy cocktails.
Day 3: Culture Shock and Durian Delights – Or, More Like, Sensory Overload!
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM):
- City Tour: Decided to embrace the culture! Visited a local mosque. The architecture was stunning, and the call to prayer was powerful. Felt a little out of my depth, but in a good way. Walked through the central market. The smells! The colours! Everything was so… much. Found some interesting souvenirs.
- Lost in Translation: Tried ordering a coffee at a local cafe. Massive communication breakdown. Ended up with something resembling a coffee, but tasting like it was made of old shoe. Laughed it off, learned my lesson, embrace the adventure.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM):
- Durian, the King of Fruits: This is the experience that deserves even more attention. This is where the real mess began. I found a durian, and I bought it! The vendor gave me a knife, I cracked it open, and BAM! The smell! People say it smells like gym socks and rotten onions. They weren't wrong. The vendors are looking at me with an expression of, “good luck.” Brave, I told myself. I must be brave!
- The Taste Test: Plucked a piece. The texture is unlike anything! Creamy. Custardy. The taste… okay, it’s… intense. The taste is really a matter of personal preference. Some people say it tastes like heaven, while others say it tastes like hell. I’ll be honest, the flavor is beyond describing. I thought I would throw up. It was… a lot. I was torn. I swallowed. Then another. I'm currently unsure if I love it or hate it!
Afternoon (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM):
- Shopping Spree: Went looking around the handicraft market. Spent way too much money on some ridiculously impractical souvenirs. Couldn't resist the charm.
Evening (6:30 PM onward):
- Farewell Dinner: A very, VERY late-night dinner at a restaurant I can’t even remember the name of. The food was great, though! Slept like a baby.
Day 4: Leaving and Longing – Until Next Time!
Morning (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM):
- Packing: Realized I’d bought way too much stuff. Attempted to re-pack. Failed but managed.
Checking Out, and the Airport Run: Check-out was quick. After one last brief look at the hotel. The airport. Ugh, again! The flight.
Reflections and Departure:
- The Good, the Bad, and the Durian: Reflecting on the trip. It wasn't perfect. I got lost, sweat a lot, freaked out, and may or may not have developed a weird obsession with durian. But, the people were amazing, the food was incredible, and the sunsets were magical.
- Until Next Time: Kota Kinabalu, you were a crazy, beautiful, and slightly overwhelming experience. I'm leaving a piece of my heart there, and also, maybe just a little bit of durian breath. I will be back!
ATAP Hotel Kota Kinabalu: Your Honest-to-Goodness KK Getaway FAQs (Because Let's Be Real)
Okay, spill the tea. Is ATAP Hotel actually *good*? Like, *really* good?
The Location – Tell me everything (and I mean EVERYTHING) about getting around from ATAP.
What about the rooms? Are they… claustrophobic? I need space to breathe! (and spread my clothes)
Breakfast? Don’t tell me it's just toast and instant coffee. (I have standards!)
The Staff – Are they friendly? Or are they the grumpy, seen-it-all types?
WiFi – A dealbreaker for many. It is, right? How’s the connection?
Is there a gym? (Please say yes… I feel guilty after all that food!)
What’s the vibe? Is it a party hotel? Family-friendly? Somewhere in between?
