Weekend Staycation in Grandis Hotels & Resorts, Kota Kinabalu

UPDATED: Soft Opening Room Promotion from as low as RM238 nett which the price inclusive of breakfast for 2 and government tax. This promo rate only applicable to Sabah and Sarawak residents only. Other terms and conditions apply. 

Lately, I noticed there are numbers of new hotels are springing up like mushroom after rain in Kota Kinabalu city in order to meet the demand of increasing tourists. And among all of them, one eventually caught my attention, Grandis Hotels and Resorts and I personally thought this is the hidden gem one that I would highly recommend to those who plan their trip to Kota Kinabalu soon.

Located right in the heart of bustling and colourful city centre of Kota Kinabalu, Grandis Hotels & Resorts is the latest well-designed and luxurious hotel adjacent to Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, the award-wining premier leisure mall. Named after Ascidieria Grandis (Eria Grandis), an endemic orchid found on Mount Kinabalu, this hotel is perfectly sits in the shopping, business and entertainment area. And recently I was sponsored for a two days and one night stay inclusive of breakfast for 2 persons.

#1: Grandis Hotels & Resorts located right at the corner of Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, just besides Starbucks Coffee

#2: Classic and graceful looking lobby area

Once I stepped into the hotel, I was greeted with a big and sweet smile by all the friendly and attentive staffs; whether from the front desk, customer service and even the hotel concierge. Not just that, throughout my stay there, all the hotel staffs never failed to smile and greet me as well as the rest of the hotel guests. What an incredible and warm hospitality!  

#3: I was given a night stay in their Superior Bay View

Consists of 188 rooms, each and every room are thoughtfully designed to offer comfortable atmosphere and cozy ambiance and it perfectly suits for any kind of travellers; whether for leisure or business purposes. All the modern and elegant rooms are well-equipped and furnished with the up-to-date facilities for entertainment and connectivity which include flat screen LED TV, minibar fridge, complimentary drinking waters, in room locker, iron and ironing board, emergency torchlight, hairdryer. The best part, free WiFi connection is provided inside the room.

#4: Not just the room is so spacious, even the bathroom is also so large in terms of size.

#5: Daily bathroom amenities, hand towers and bath towels are provided for all the valuable guests.

#6: Coffee and tea making facilities. They even help to promote Sabah local product - Sabah Tea.

#7: Ironing board, emergency torchlight, iron and in-room locker. Oh wait! Sarong is provided so that the foreign guests can enjoy the beauty of our Malaysia product. 

 

#8: Deluxe Sea View - I was given an opportunity to view the other type of plush room as well.

#9: Bath tub - just when you need it to soak the tired legs after spending whole day outside

There are slightly differences between the superior room and deluxe room which beside in terms of the size of the room, a bath tub is available in the latter one. And perhaps, if case you want make this stay another remarkable and unforgettable one, opt for Deluxe Sea View for a splendid view of the blue sea, breathtaking sunsets and the picturesque Tunku Abdul Rahman Park islands.

 

#10: A stunning view that everyone wish for whenever they woke up from the bed

Done with the rooms viewing, now let us move to the restaurant and lounge instead. Shall we? Both restaurant and lounge located on the first floor, along with the business centre, two functions rooms and one boardroom. 

#11: Business Centre for the business travellers to catch up their work even on the go.

#12: Piano Lounge

#13: Electronic piano to entertain the guests

#14: Grab a drink or a plate of sweetylicious cake while enjoying the music.
From 7pm - 9pm, all the cakes are selling at 50% - what a great deal!

 

#15: Rosea Cafe - Chic and colourful restaurant that serve á la carte menus or specially prepared buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as Hi - tea buffets over weekends and public holidays.

#16:

#17: Always my favourite corner - delectable bakery (breads, cakes, muffins, danish, croissant)

#18: As for their breakfast buffet spread, although it features both western and local delights but the choices were pretty limited somewhere.

#19: But then this is the main highlight - enjoying breakfast with this kind of stunning view. Don't you wish for this every single day?

 

#20: Jesselton Point and Gaya Street Weekend Market

Talking about places of interests nearby the hotel, it's just 2-3 minutes walk to Jesselton Point (getaway to Tunku Abdul Rahman islands), Gaya Street Weekend Market, Atkinson Clock Tower, Sabah Tourism Board Building and also surrounding by countless of restaurants and cafes. What else can you ask for more?

As for room rate wise, it depends on the occupancy rate at the time of booking.

NOTE: Currently, the hotel is still under construction, hence only three rooms are available for booking at this moment - Superior Bay View, Deluxe City View and Deluxe Sea View. As for the swimming pool and gymnasium, it is not available yet and the whole hotel is expecting to fully complete somewhere around July.

#21: Thanks to Grandis Hotels and Resorts for generously hosted and sponsored for my first ever weekend staycation. It was indeed such a pleasant and wonderful stay!

How To Get To Grandis Hotels & Resorts From Airport
The best way to reach the hotel directly from airport is by taking taxi which charge at the standard rate of RM35 per cab (fit up to 4 people). The other option is by taking airport bus which costs RM5 per person and it will stop in front of Padang Merdeka (Merdeka Field) and from there, walk to Suria Sabah Shopping Mall. However, the latter option is only available from 7:30am until 7:00 pm only.

This post is sponsored by Grandis Hotels and Resorts.

Chatuchak Weekend Market of Bangkok, Thailand

Date Visited: 20th October 2012

16th February 2013 

Besides few numbers of shopping malls around Bangkok which I went couple of times throughout my two visits, eventually there are three famous spots which I visited twice - Terminal 21 (a shopping mall with 9 different interesting travel concepts and themes), Damnoen Saduak Floating Market (largest floating market) and last but not least, the Chatuchak Weekend Market, which I don't mind of going back again and again in case I wanna visit Bangkok again in future.

#1: Chatuchak Weekend Market is grouped into 27 sections and roughly divided into 11 categories which selling all kind of items.

As the largest market in Thailand, Chatuchak Weekend Market or the right way to pronounce will be "Jatujak" is only open on every Saturday and Sunday and most stalls here operate from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm. If possible, plan your trip wisely and try to squeeze at least half of your day to visit this weekend market and trust me, you won't be disappointed and who knows, you might wanna go back again just like me. 

#2: For home decoration purposes

Chatuchak Weekend Market offers wide selection of products; ranging from foods, clothing, accessories, household items, furnitures, Thai handicrafts, artifacts, and even exotic animals such as python. This place is absolutely an ideal place to choose one or two souvenirs for your family and friends back home and you will completely be spoilt for thousand of choices being offered here. Beware - as this is one of the places where my purse almost bleed badly, besides Platinum Mall and Naraya outlets.

#3: Religious artifacts

#4: Household items

Interested to buy those unique and beautiful furnitures, antiques, household items, ceramics and pottery but found difficulties in bringing back home especially when the items were heavy and huge and your luggage allowance is limited, no worry as there is this shipping and cargo services provided within the market area. The one that we came across was Cargo Point Logistics which they have 4 different branches located with this weekend market.

#5: For me, I'm more interested on the clothing, accessories and Thai handicraft section

#6: Most of the T-shirts here were designed by the local Thai themselves. Such innovative and creative talents they had. 

#7: T-shirt with famous cartoon characters. Can you name all of them?

To be frank, I found most of the T-shirts designed by the local Thai were ain't cheap and some even cost 250 baht and above for just a white T-shirt with only a single design. But then, what make them special and unique was you can't found most of these designs in elsewhere. So in case you stumbled into the one you like, try to bargain and instantly buy it without thinking twice cause you wouldn't found the same shop selling the same item. Plus, as this market is so huge and large like I mentioned above, I doubt you might able to find back the shop you were interested earlier cause I experienced it twice. 

Bargaining wise, I noticed most of the stall vendors only allowed to lower few bahts when you bought two or more items from them. Perhaps, try to be friendly and give a big smile to the vendors in order to get the best deals.

#8: What a visit to Chatuchak Weekend Market will be without visiting the foods section? This is one best way to experience and enjoy the local foods - especially the fruit juices which being peeled freshly into a bottle. They were indeed so refreshing and juicier. As for non-halal, don't forget to try at least a bite of the roasted pork cause they were simply delicious and scrumptious, man!

#9: Don't ever leave this weekend market without having the famous and creamy fresh coconut ice-cream. It tastes so heavily especially under the hot heat and made me craving for second bowl.

Few Tips

• Wear comfortable clothing (light T-shirts and shorts) and shoes and if possible, bring along hat, sunglasses and apply sunblock cause the weather will getting hotter especially during the noon time.
• Wear your bag in front rather on your back to avoid pickpockets
• Bring sufficient of baht cause I didn't spot any money chargers nearby. And also, most vendors do not accept credit cards, and it can be a long walk to the next ATM
• Visit Chatuchak Weekend Market as early as you can in order to avoid the heat as well as the crowd.

How To Get To Chatuchak Weekend Market

BTS Station: Mo Chit (Exit 1) and follow the crowd until see rows of canvas stalls selling clothes and accessories.

MRT Station: Chatuchak Park (Exit 1) and follow the crowd as well.
Open on every Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

Date Visited: 20th October 2012

14th February 2013

For sightseeing purpose, besides temples which commonly known as "Wat" by the local, there are numerous floating markets throughout the country, with many of them are situated just few couple of hours from the capital city. One of the most well-known and largest floating markets among the tourists is Damnoen Saduak Floating Market.

Located in Ratchaburi Province, 100 kilometers southwest of Bangkok (which took more than 2 hours car ride), Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is a very fascinating spot for the foreign tourists especially to see and experience the traditional way of selling and buying goods from countless of sellers paddled along the congested canals while enjoying the ride inside a paddle or longtail boat.

Besides tropical fruits, fresh vegetables and snacks, there are even vast of typical souvenirs, handicraft and even clothes selling along the canal. Bargaining among buyers and sellers is common here but I noticed the price of souvenirs here are higher compare the one I saw in town - mainly because this is the famous tourist spot. Hence, I advise don't be silly to purchase from here but try to scout around the town instead.

One thing I found annoying was our boat paddler purposely bring us closer to certain shops which we're interested at all in return hoping for us to purchase something from the vendors - probably they might get commission perhaps, I'm just guessing but the best we could do was smiled to them and politely said "Khob kun kap" to the guy and "Khob kun ka" if the vendor was a lady.

I went this floating market twice within less than half year - first time with my friend as it was my maiden trip to Bangkok, hence this famous and popular tourist spot shouldn't be missed out and the reason why I went for the second time was because of family trip which was their first time experience of visiting Bangkok. But honestly to say, after this there will be no more third visit cause one time is eventually pretty enough for an eye-opening. 

Compare to my second visit, I had more spare of time to wander along the bank after got off from the paddler boat and thus, my friend and I scouted for more food especially. We had coconut ice-cream, some flat noodle with beancurd, sweet mangoes (why most of Thai mangoes were so sweet and delicious compare to Malaysia one) and noodle served with pork and fish cakes. The price of the foods were incredibly cheap, ranging from 25 baht to 50 baht. 

How To Get To Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

As the journey from Bangkok town to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market takes more than 2 hours, hence it is not advisable to rent a taxi if you are travel in 1-2 pax as the taxi driver will basically charge higher and maybe, they will also try to arrange you for a private boat that will cost 5,000 baht for a boat. 

For my case, twice I booked this tour from Mama Travel & Tour, a local travel agent located in Khaosan Road that charge 400 baht for a pax (approximately RM41). This tour fee including pick-up from your lodging, the shuttle service and most importantly, the paddle boat ride. Just that by the end of the tour, the bus driver dropped us at Khao San Road and we had to make our own way back to our hotel.

Address: 144 Khaosan Road, Bangkok Thailand 10200

Tel No: +66 2 629 1163

You can even send direct message on their facebook page -Mama Travel & Tour. But in case they didn't reply you after certain period, then you have to go Khaosan road to look for them. This is what I did when I went Bangkok for the very first time. Thanks to my Japan travelmate, Nicole for sharing this local tour agent with me.

Bangkok, Thailand (2012) Day 3: Grand Palace

Date Visited: 19th October 2012

Besides purely for shopping, at least both my friend and I did spare few of our days for sightseeing around Bangkok. On the third day during my maiden visit to this City of Angels, we decided to visit the spectacular Grand Palace, undeniable one of the city's most visited famous landmark and symbol. Once we done with the breakfast, we walked roughly around 10 minutes from our hotel, The Period Pratunam Hotel of Bangkok to the nearest BTS Skytrain Station, Ratchathewi Station and from there, we travelled to BTS Saphan Taksin Station.

#1: Explore the city of Bangkok with BTS Skytrain and MRT is pretty convenient and inexpensive.

Of course, there are few options in order to get to Grand Palace; either you could directly take taxi, tuk-tuk or even the public bus but then, we opted for the most enjoyable and fascinating route which was to take BTS Skytrain to Saphan Taksin and from there, take the Chao Phraya Tourist Boat to Maharaj Pier.

Initially, we planned to buy the One Day River Pass which cost 150 baht but somehow, they refused gave us that fare and requested us to buy a single trip ticket instead. Got no choice but to pay 40 baht for the single trip fare at the end. By at the end of the trip, we only being notified that every boat and ferry stop operated after 11 am for some maintenance.

#2: Chao Phraya Tourist Boat

Chao Phraya River, which known as River of Kings by the local, plays many important roles in Thai life. It is a major transportation artery for a wide network of river buses, cross-river ferries and water taxis, also known as the longtails. Due to increasing number of tourists and travellers, the Chao Phraya Express Boat or Chao Phraya Tourist Boat was established to provide tourists and travellers with the opportunity to see Bangkok from a whole new perspective. The Chao Phraya Tourist Boat services eight piers, which in turn give access to Bangkok's most famous tourist attractions such as the Grand Palace, temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), the great Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho, Asiatique and many more.

#3: Few temples or known as wat can be seen from the river. One of them is Wat Kalayanmit.

#4: Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) from across Chao Phraya River

In order to get to Grand Palace, we hopped off from Maharaj Pier and it requires at least short walking distance to get to the Grand Palace public entrance from the pier. Although we got lost upon arrived the pier but with the direction given by the friendly local and helpful monks, we managed to find our way there. The weather in Bangkok was extremely scorching hot throughout the year. 

#5: Grand Palace view from the public entrance.

#6: The entrance fee we paid on that particular date was 400 baht, which besides the Grand Palace, it also inclusive access to The Temple of Emerald Buddha, The Royal Thai Decorations & Coins Pavilion and Queen Sirikit Museum of Textile, which are located within the Grand Palace compound, and to Vimanmek Mansion Museum on Ratchawithi Road.

Grand Palace consists of not only the royal residence and throne halls, but also a number of government offices as well as the renowned Temple of the Emerald Buddha. In shape wise, the palace complex is roughly rectangular and has a combined area of 218,400 square metres surrounded by four walls, 1900 metres in length. Rather than being a single structure, the Grand Palace is made up of numerous buildings, halls, pavilions set around open lawns, gardens and courtyards. The Grand Palace is currently partially open to the public as a museum, but it remains a working palace and used for official events. Several royal ceremonies and state functions are held within the walls of the palace every year. Today, the complex remains the spiritual heart of the Thai Kingdom with its beautiful architecture and intricate detail.

#7: Phra Siratana Chendi on the left and Phra Mondop in the middle

#8

#9: This Westerner tourist wasn't my friend but she took photo with me cause she thought I was Thai. #facepalm

#10

#11

#12: Lucky us cause managed to take photo with a soldier of the Royal Guard

#13: Phra Thinang Chakri Maha Prasat is a blend of Thai traditional architecture and a combination of 19th-century European styles.

An entrance fee of 400 baht seems to be pretty pricey as I could buy two skirts with that particular amount of money. This place getting more crowded as hour goes by and if you are thinking to get a perfect photo without being photobombed by other visitors, you might finding difficulty for doing so. 

Important Note Before Entering Grand Palace

Visitors are required to dress appropriately before being allowed entry to the temple as the Grand Palace with the Temple of the Emerald Buddha is Thailand's most sacred site. These following clothes are strictly not allowed as outer garments for both ladies and gentlemen:

• Shorts, mini-skirts, short skirts, tight fitting trousers, and tights
• See-through shirts and blouses, as well as culottes or quarter length trousers
• Sleeveless shirts, vests or tank tops
• Sandals or flip-flops (without ankle or heel straps)
• Rolled-up-sleeved shirts
• Sweatshirts and sweatpants, wind-cheaters, pajamas and fisherman trousers

However, in case you show up at the front gate with improper clothes, don't worry as there is a booth near the public entrance that can provide clothes to cover you up properly. A deposit is required and will be refunded when return the clothes.

Opening hours: Open daily from 8:30am to 3:30pm except during special royal ceremonies.

Another thing you have to take note is the well-known Bangkok scam where the local will approach you and inform you that the palace is closed and approach to bring you to another nearby attractions. In case you really being approached with this scam, just ignored them with a sweet smile anyway.

[Credit To: Wikipedia, Bangkok.com, Tourism Thailand]