Kuching's HOTTEST Condo Stay: Vivacity Megamall & Jazz 1 Luxury!
Kuching's Hottest Condo Stay: Vivacity Megamall & Jazz 1 Luxury! - A Review That Keeps It Real (and Maybe a Little Messy)
Alright, folks, let's talk about the place to be in Kuching: Vivacity Megamall & Jazz 1 Luxury! – or at least, that's what the brochures holler. But does it actually live up to the hype? Let's dive in, because honestly, after a few days of Sarawakian heat, I'm ready for some serious air conditioning and brutally honest feedback.
(Disclaimer: I'm reviewing this from the perspective of a somewhat jaded traveler who appreciates a good spa day and isn't afraid to complain about a wobbly chair. You've been warned.)
Accessibility - Check! (Mostly)
Getting around here is pretty darn convenient. Vivacity Megamall is right there. I mean, you practically roll out of bed and into the shopping madness. Accessibility is decent, the elevator is working, the ramps are functional, and I don’t feel like I was being stared at for requesting the ramp, so fair play to them. Airport transfer is available. They also have car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site] which is great. I'm sure the taxi service is reliable, though I didn't use it.
Internet - The Good, the Bad, and the "Why is my Wi-Fi Spazzing Out?"
Okay, let's be real. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! is a HUGE selling point. And in the marketing material, they tout “Internet Access – Wireless” and “Internet Access – LAN.” The initial connection was smooth, but then… the gremlins invaded. Sometimes it was lightning fast, streaming everything I wanted. Other times, it was a buffering, pixelated nightmare. The internet was internet, sometimes it got you to the world, but sometime it was playing the 'loading circle of sadness'. The Internet services were supposed to be there, but they were only sometimes there. Oh yeah, and Wi-Fi in public areas was consistently available, which was a lifesaver when my room connection went on strike. Overall: It’s fine, but don't rely on it for important Zoom meetings or streaming anything remotely essential.
Cleanliness and Safety - Feeling Safe (Most of the Time)
This is where VMC & Jazz usually shines. The Daily disinfection in common areas is a relief, and I saw staff diligently cleaning. The Staff trained in safety protocol. They also have Hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere (thank goodness!). The Rooms sanitized between stays felt like a genuine promise, and the place felt clean overall. Doctor/nurse on call is comforting, though I didn't need their services (thankfully). They also have the basics like Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, and Security [24-hour], which is always a must for me. The CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property give you peace of mind.
My only minor gripe? I did see a lone, rogue dust bunny rolling lazily near the lobby. It was unsettling. Made me question everything.
Room Comfort and Amenities - Living the High Life (or at Least Trying To)
My room? Pretty swanky. Let's break it down:
- Air conditioning in public area and Air conditioning in the room - thank the heavens above! Kuching's heat is NO JOKE.
- Additional toilet, Additional bathroom - luxury.
- Alarm clock - actually works.
- Bathrobes and Slippers - a must for peak relaxation.
- Blackout curtains - HELLO, SLEEP.
- Coffee/tea maker and Complimentary tea - crucial for my caffeine dependency.
- Desk and Laptop workspace - got some work done.
- Free bottled water - hydration!
- Hair dryer - indispensable.
- In-room safe box - always a good idea.
- Mini bar and Refrigerator - stocked with essentials.
- Non-smoking - yay!
- Private bathroom - always appreciated.
- Satellite/cable channels - binge-watching potential!
- Seating area and Sofa - nice touch.
- Soundproofing - vital.
- Telephone - for ordering room service… (more on that later).
- Toiletries - pretty decent quality.
- Wake-up service - reliable.
- Wi-Fi [free] - when it works…
The extra long bed was a welcome sight. Even the mirror and closet are there. All the necessities.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - A Culinary Adventure (with a Few Bumps)
Okay, this is where things get… interesting. Let's start with the good: Restaurants are everywhere in the mall. Coffee/tea in restaurant is decent, and readily accessible. The Breakfast [buffet] at the hotel was a mixed bag. The Asian breakfast was spot-on. The Western breakfast was a little… meh. The buffet restaurant had some solid options, but also some things that looked like they'd been sitting there since the Jurassic period. The Breakfast service was on the ball, and the Bottled water was always welcome. I got a Salad in restaurant.
Now for the potential hiccups:
- The poolside bar was a great concept, but the service was a bit slow.
- The Room service [24-hour] was a godsend at 3 AM after a night out, but the quality of the food varied.
- There were restaurants serving Asian cuisine in the restaurant. I also saw some international cuisine in the restaurant.
- Happy hour was, well, happy!
- The bottle of water was always welcome.
- I didn't get to the snack bar.
The Spa Experience - My Moment of Zen (and a Few Minor Annoyances)
This is where VMC & Jazz really shines. I indulged in a Body scrub and Massage. It was pure bliss. The Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, and Steamroom are all top-notch. The Pool with view was just what I needed. They had a Foot bath to soak my tired feet after hours of walking. The massage therapist was an absolute angel, kneading away all my stress. I felt like a limp noodle afterwards.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Pampered and Pleased!
Swimming pool and Swimming pool [outdoor] were great, though a bit crowded at peak times. The Fitness center looked well-equipped, but I mostly stuck to the spa, because…vacation.
Services and Conveniences - Making Life Easier (Most of the Time)
The Concierge was helpful, and Cash withdrawal was a breeze. Daily housekeeping was excellent. Dry cleaning was a lifesaver. Elevator – thank goodness! Luggage storage was convenient. They also have Laundry service, Meeting/banquet facilities, and Business facilities. The Gift/souvenir shop was okay, but I preferred exploring the local markets. Front desk [24-hour] is a huge plus.
For the Kids - Family-Friendly Vibes
I didn't have kids with me, but the Family/child friendly atmosphere seemed clear. I saw some Kids facilities.
What Almost Ruined the Experience: The Case of the Wobbly Chair
Alright, here's a specific, possibly irrational, moment of pure hotel-room rage: I was enjoying my coffee at the in-room desk, admiring the view, when… the chair wobbled. Seriously. Like, threatening to dump me on the floor every time I shifted. I called the front desk [24-hour] (thankfully), but it took hours for someone to come and fix it. This is a minor thing, yes, but it broke my zen.
My Verdict: Book It! (But Manage Your Expectations)
Overall, Vivacity Megamall & Jazz 1 Luxury! is a great option for your Kuching stay. It's clean, comfortable, and the spa is to die for. The location is unbeatable. The internet can be annoying, the room service is hit-or-miss, and the wobbly chair of doom almost destroyed my sanity.
But, and this is a big BUT, the positives outweigh the negatives.
My Unbeatable Offer for You - Because You Deserve It!
Book your stay at Vivacity Megamall & Jazz 1 Luxury! using code "KUCHINGBLISS" and get:
- A free complimentary cocktail at the pool bar (because you deserve it).
- A late check-out (subject to availability) (so you can soak in the last moments of relaxation).
- A guaranteed room upgrade (because why
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this ain't your perfectly-curated Instagram grid itinerary. This is real Kuching, Malaysian time, unfiltered and probably involving questionable food choices. We're talking TR Homestay Vivacity Megamall, a dash of Jazz 1 (Cozy Condo) – basically, my temporary Kuching life. God help us.
Kuching Chaos: A (Mostly) Truthful Travel Mishap
Day 1: Arrival & Mild Panic
- Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Landed at Kuching International Airport. The humidity hit me like a brick. Seriously, I felt like I'd walked into a giant, warm, soggy sponge. Grabbed a Grab (bless technology) to TR Homestay in Vivacity Megamall. The driver, a lovely chap named Ah Chong, regaled me with tales of durian season and the best kolo mee in town. Already felt a flicker of excitement – and hunger.
- Morning (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM): Checked into TR Homestay. Honestly, it's… fine. Clean-ish, a bit Ikea-esque, but hey, the aircon works. And, important detail: there's a coffee maker. Crisis averted. Unpacked, then promptly got lost in the sprawling Vivacity Megamall. Seriously, it’s a labyrinth! Found a random bakery and inhaled a questionable-looking custard bun. Regrets? Zero.
- Afternoon (11:00 AM - 2:00 PM): "Cultural Immersion" – or, as I called it, "Getting Lost in the City Center." Grabbed another Grab. Went to the Kuching Waterfront. It was… pretty. But I was already feeling the heat. Stared at the Sarawak River, contemplated my life choices, and wished I’d worn something other than jeans. Found a stall selling coconut water. Saved. The coconut water was a life saver.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Attempted to explore the Chinatown area. Managed to find a decent little restaurant (forgot the name, naturally). Ordered some laksa – the broth was unbelievably good, but I also nearly choked on a rogue chili. Tears streamed down my face, but hey, at least I felt alive!
- Evening (4:00 PM – 7:00 PM): Megamall Recon: Faced my fear and, with newfound courage, braved the bowels of Vivacity Megamall again. Found a cinema and watched a terrible action movie just to escape the heat and humidity. My brain is now somewhat numb.
- Evening (7:00 PM – 9:00 PM): Dinner: Finally mustered the energy to find some proper food. Walked around the streets from Vivacity, trying some new foods. After a somewhat adventurous meal, I ordered way too much.
- Night (9:00 PM - bedtime): Back to the homestay. Face planting into the bed, feeling simultaneously exhausted and exhilarated. Kuching, you wild beast, you.
Day 2: Culture, Cats, and Questionable Decisions
- Morning (8:00 AM – 10:00 AM): Woke up. Coffee time. Thank god for coffee. Made a half-hearted attempt at a journal entry. Mostly just scribbled down the word "sweaty."
- Morning (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM): The Sarawak Museum! Or, as I call it: "The Overwhelmingly Interesting Room of Old Things." I learned a lot about Sarawak’s history, but mostly, I was fascinated by the weird and wonderful masks and old rifles. Took some pictures. Lots of pictures. Tried to look sophisticated. Probably failed.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM): Kolo Mee mission. Remembered Ah Chong’s advice and hunted down a recommended stall. The kolo mee was, in a word: sublime. Seriously, the perfect blend of noodles, minced pork, and sauce. This is what I came for.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM): CAT MUSEUM!!! Yes, a whole museum dedicated to cats. It was… exactly what you’d expect. Cats in every conceivable form: statues, paintings, even taxidermied ones. I may have taken more photos of the cats than of anything else on this trip. No regrets again.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM): Decision time: To rent a kereta (car) and visit Bako National Park, or, remain indoors, and read a book? My travel partner was feeling exhausted, and I was feeling the pull of airconditioning and Netflix. We spent our last day in a mall.
- Evening (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM): Dinner: Found a great restaurant near the Jazz 1 (Cozy Condo) where we are staying and had great local food.
- Night (8:00 PM - bedtime): Feeling satisfied with the day.
Day 3: Jazz 1, Packing, and Departure
- Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Moved to Jazz 1 (Cozy Condo). It's small but well equipped and has a great view!
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Grocery Shop. Trying to cook my own meal, but I think I will fail.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch (cooked)
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Packing. What a mess.
- Evening (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Last taste of awesome Malaysian food.
- Night (8:00 PM - bedtime): Sleep
Day 4: Departure
Morning (Whenever the alarm goes off): Check out, Grab to the airport…
Throughout the Trip:
- Mood Swings: I have experienced a wide range of emotions. From pure elation at the perfect kolo mee, to a sweaty existential crisis in the humid streets.
- Lost in Translation: I keep butchering the local language. Managed to order water with "air" and somehow managed to use the word terima kasih banyak (thank you very much).
- Food Diary: My personal food log is probably 75% noodles and 25% questionable street snacks.
- The Heat: The humidity is a constant, oppressive presence. I’ve learned to embrace the sweat, and to carry a small towel.
- Overall Reflections: Kuching is a chaotic, wonderful mess. It’s challenging, exhausting, and utterly absorbing. I came here to see a new place, and I think I’ve found a new thing to love. The food is incredible, people are friendly, and despite the heat, I'm enjoying every moment. I can't wait to come back..
So there you have it. My version of a Kuching itinerary. It's not perfect, it's not polished, but at least it's honest. Now go forth and explore Kuching, and remember: embrace the chaos. And eat all the kolo mee you possibly can.
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Vivacity Megamall & Jazz 1 Luxury Condo: The Unofficial FAQs (Because Let's Be Real, Official Websites Are Boring)
So, is this place REALLY luxury? Like, actual champagne wishes and caviar dreams luxury?
Okay, let's be honest. "Luxury" in Kuching is... a *slightly* different beast than, say, a penthouse in Monaco. Think less gold-plated everything, and more... well-appointed. The Vivacity Megamall & Jazz 1 Luxury condos are *nice*. They've got the basics: comfy beds, aircon (a godsend in Kuching!), a decent kitchen, and sometimes (emphasis on *sometimes*) a killer view.
My Take: I'd say it's more "luxury-adjacent." Like, you're not exactly roughing it. You're getting a good quality, well-equipped, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll get the feeling that you're living it up. I remember this one time I was there. The balcony was great, but I had to keep the doors closed after sunset - the mosquitos were ruthless. Literally, like a biblical plague of tiny bloodsuckers. So, yeah... fancy-ish.
Okay, real talk, what are the beds actually like? I’m a sleep snob.
The beds are… variable. I’ve had some incredibly comfortable experiences - cloud-like mattresses that beckoned me to stay forever. Then, I’ve experienced… well, let's just say I developed a sudden, intense love for the floor. (Which is probably a bad sign, health-wise). It really depends on the unit, and the owner’s taste.
My Anecdote of Doom: Ugh, there was this one time in a unit I was convinced the springs in the mattress were designed to torture. I swear, I could feel every single one digging into my back. I ended up sleeping diagonally, trying to find a sweet spot. My partner, bless their heart, slept through the whole thing. I was a disaster the next day. So, check reviews! It's your best friend, my friend.
Tip: If you're a sleep snob, pack a pillow (just in case) and pray to the sleep gods.
The location – is it actually convenient? I'm not planning on renting a car.
Convenience is the name of the game at Vivacity. You're practically *in* the mall! That's both a blessing and a curse. Need groceries at 2 am? No problem! (Though... maybe check the mall's hours, first). Restaurants, shops, the cinema – it's all at your fingertips. You literally walk out the door and you're surrounded by... well, Vivacity.
The Catch: The traffic in Kuching can be... epic. Like, 'stuck-in-a-parking-lot-for-an-hour' epic. If you're relying on Grab (the local ride-hailing app), factor in some extra time, especially during peak hours. Public transport… exists, but eh… It’s not exactly the most efficient. Walking is an option, but Kuching weather… you’ll need an umbrella or a swamp cooler.
What about the pool and gym? Are they actually worth using?
The pool is usually pretty decent. Clean, a good size for a quick dip, and a nice escape from the Kuching humidity. The gym... can be hit or miss. Generally, there’s some basic equipment. If you're a serious gym rat, you might be disappointed. But if you’re happy with a treadmill and some weights, you’ll be fine.
My Horror Story Okay, so one time, I went to the gym and someone was doing… what I can only describe as interpretive dance with the elliptical. It was… unsettling. Don’t expect pristine equipment and no-one else there. But the pool is usually a safe bet
Do they have reliable Wi-Fi? I need to work (ugh, adulting).
Wi-Fi is a gamble, my friend. Most units *say* they have it, but the speed and reliability? That’s another story.
The Real Deal I've had experiences where I could stream Netflix without a hitch. Then there are times where my phone's tethering was faster. Bring a backup plan, especially if you have important meetings. If you really need reliable internet, maybe consider a local SIM with a decent data plan.
Pro Tip Even if you have *good* Wi-Fi, Kuching power outages… sometimes. So, charge your devices beforehand.
Is there anything I should REALLY watch out for? Spiders? Ghosts? Rogue Durian Bombs?
Okay, the Durian Bomb thing is an exaggeration (though that's an excellent name for a band). But, you should be prepared. Bugs. Kuching has bugs. I'm talking ants, cockroaches (shudder), and mosquitos. Mosquitoes that will happily feast on you all night long.
My Nightmare: Once, I was brushing my teeth when I saw one of those giant cockroaches scuttling across the bathroom floor. I screamed. I almost moved out. Okay, I considered it. So, bring insect repellent, and check for any gaps in the windows or doors!
Also, Heads Up: Some units are more meticulously maintained than others. Check reviews! See what people are saying about cleanliness. And, you know, maybe pack some hand sanitizer. Like, a lot of it.
Is it good for families?
Vivacity’s got its perks if you're traveling with kids. The mall has a cinema, play areas, and lots of kid-friendly restaurants. The pool is definitely a hit. But honestly? It depends on your family.
The Downside If you've got little ones who need a lot of space to run around, a condo might feel a bit cramped. And, remember the traffic? That can make getting around with kids a real drag. But access to shopping and food, that's pretty sweet.
Overall, would you recommend staying there? Is it worth the price?
Okay, the million-dollar question! Honestly… it depends. For convenience, especially if you don't have a car,Explore Hotels
