It took about 20 minutes to reach the hotel. I paid RM20, which was the standard fare, to the taxi driver. I should not have taken the taxi in the first place. I will tell you why in a minute.
.jpg)
See the "The Lavender Lodge" signboard? If you think I would be staying in some high class 5 star hotel, then you must have missed my previous post where I said that I would be backpacking this time around.
How did I know about this place? Well, it was where blogger QuaChee stayed the last time he went Kota Kinabalu (KK). He recommended it, so I guess why not give it a try!
Lavender Lodge is situated on the first floor of the shoplot. It is basically a bed and breakfast hotel, specially for backpackers. I was given a warm welcome by the Filipino staff there. She was surprised I arrived there by taxi. Didn't the boss meet you at the airport? she asked.
I was like, what?! The boss was supposed to fetch me at the airport?
She quickly made a call to her boss and told him I have already arrived. It seemed he had been waiting at the airport for me!
Now before you think I am some big shot who needs to be chauffeured driven, here's exactly what happened. When I booked this hotel 2 weeks before my trip, I learnt that they provide free transport from the airport if I stay for more than 2 nights. So I requested for it. At that time I was talking to the boss' wife. But 2 days before my trip, I called the hotel to re-confirm and the person in charge at that time told me I had to email the boss and make the request, otherwise I would not get the free ride. Well, I thought it was too much of a hassle, and decided to just take a taxi instead.
But it turned out that the boss kept to his words. It's a case of miscommunication, but I just lost RM20! Oh well.....
This is how the hotel lobby looks like. More like a sitting room in an average house, right?
.jpg)
This is one of the two tables where we ate our breakfasts. What did we have for breakfast? Well, they provided us with just bread with margarine and kaya, and either tea or coffee. Basic stuffs. Oh, and some bananas too. I guess bananas were the cheapest fruit they could find. Haha!
When I told my female friend back in KL that I ate bananas for breakfast in KK, she could not stop laughing. Aiya, so narrow minded one, my friend.
My room was on the 3rd floor. When I entered, I thought, how very small! And there was no window at all!
There was just a double bed, a small table and a cupboard inside the room. But I was not complaining. At only RM65 a night, I was satisfied. At least it was very clean. That's the most important thing!
I took a fancy to the mirror in front of the cupboard and took a snapshot of myself taking a snapshot! Haha!
.jpg)
Oh, did I mention there was no attached bathroom? They only have common toilets and bathrooms. To be precise, two toilets and two bathrooms on every floor. At first, I thought it would be a hassle, but I got used to it very quickly.
Besides, after some time, I thought it was a very good idea. It was the perfect way to bump into other backpackers staying in the hotel. There was one time I was washing my hands in the bathroom, when someone walked past and said hi. I looked up and was stunned to see a pretty young Caucasian lady who looked like Nicole Kidman, wrapped only in a bath towel! She was walking to the bathroom next door. I quickly recovered, smiled and said hi to her. Wow! Now you see why I don't mind not having attached bathroom?
By the way, the toilets and bathrooms were very clean! I was impressed.
Having checked into the hotel, I went out to explore KK town.
This is the food court opposite Lavender Lodge where you can find cheap seafood.
.jpg)
Next to the Food Court is the SEDCO complex which houses shoplots and other backpacker lodgings.
.jpg)
After walking around town for some time, I reached the KK Waterfront which faces the sea. I realised it was almost sunset and decided to stop by there to take some pictures.
Well, it was not really sunset time yet, so I decided to walk across to the evening market area, opposite Le Meridien Hotel. There were a lot of people and I did not take any photos here. But I could see the sea food that was on sale. They were huge! The fishes were big! And I have never seen squid that looked so big. At least I have never seen sizes like that in KL!
After walking in the crowded market for some time without buying anything, I walked back out again and realised the sun was setting. Quickly I snapped a few more pictures.
There were a lot of people here snapping photos like me and enjoying the sunset view. As my stomach started to growl, I decided to have dinner at one of the restaurants at the Waterfront.
After dinner, I headed over to the shopping malls to get myself a raincoat. Why raincoat? Because I would be going to Kinabalu Park the next day and I was advised to get a raincoat in case it rains!
Coming up next - My Adventure At Kinabalu Park
FIRST COMMENTER
chop!
YAY!!!! See? It pays to be a night owl ha ha!!
Wow Foong, some of the pics are really beautiful!
U know, I've never been to KK! For backpackers, the hotel sounds perfect but for me, for sure I'd want an attached bath! I LOL reading abt ur encounter with Nicole Kidman hehe!
Oh yay! We finally get a glimpse of u behind the camera! Hi Foong, I see you!! He he he! :)
Happily travelling away it seems Foong! Looking forward to ur next post on this, hope to CHOP again lol! :)
I wanna go to KK too!!
Nice photos... Beautiful sunset.
But oh hey look! You are a guy! ;P
yalar, first time we see your face (albeit partially) :)
yo foongpc! i miss the town so much... your photos bring back memories...
and hiding half of your face behind the camera is still not enough to convince me that u r a guy! nice try! hmmph!!
i never been to KK which my younger sis already been there on office trip. my company won't take me there for sure. they are just so stingy to spend every single cent but its ok to take other people's money? LOL.
the room is very clean. i won't mind but i do hope that the toilet is in the room. i use toilet a lot. do you put cream and lotion in the toilet too? ah hate it when people are looking at me with my stuff LOL.
but i know this is the best way to save your money and travel at the same time. if you and quachee can do it... why not me right? as long as it is clean.
er, can i?
Lavendar Lodge looks quite nice actually! Kewl.
mariuca, haha! It does pay to be a night owl sometimes! Congrats for being FC here.
I think most ladies would prefer an attached bathroom. Most of my female friends will attest to that! This is the first time I stay in a hotel with non attached bathroom and although initially I did not like it, I got used to it after that and it was fine with me.
The lady I bumped into really looked like Nicole Kidman - no joke! Maybe it's her sister. Haha! But unlikely she'll stay in a budget hotel unless she wanted to experience the backpacker way of traveling! LOL!
day-dreamer, then go! : )
cashmere, thanks. I love the sunset at the Waterfront. Now you believe I'm a guy? Haha!
lina, haha! Could not resist snapping a picture of myself but with my face hidden behind the camera. Partial better than nothing right? Hehe
nic, I thought you said you miss me. But you just miss KK town. Cheh! Haha - just kidding!
If you are still not convinced I am a guy, I guess there's nothing much I can do! : )
Btw, why are you no longer blogging? I'm waiting for you to blog publicly again!
Very interesting journey and pics you have there. I like blog posts series especially when they are interesting. Thank you so much hehe :D
Now you're more open about your identity? :p
faisal, your company so stingy one ah? Never mind lah, you go travel on your own.
I don't bring along lotion and cream on my travels, but you can bring them to the bathroom but cannot put your things there as it's a common bathroom and you don't want to see your stuffs missing, do you?
I'm sure you can travel solo like me and QuaChee, but if you really can't, maybe we should plan going on a trip together in future? : )
savante, yes it's quite a nice place. It's clean and neat and the people there are friendly and helpful too!
And it's located at the perfect spot in KK - just 5 mins walk to the nearest shopping mall, 10 mins walk to Waterfront to see the beautiful sunset and 15 mins walk to Jesselton Point to take a boat ride to the islands near KK.
I have no qualms recommending this place to anyone who is looking for a fuss free stay in KK!
Btw, thanks for dropping by! : )
JL, thanks and welcome! I'm still not open about my identity - look, I took the photo of myself but my face is hidden behind the camera. Haha!
In fact, I think it's better that I stay that way - more mysterious! LOL!
that is a great idea.
not that i can't travel solo, but i'd like to have a good conversation and sharing my joy with someone too.
:)
go and grab your awards :P
faisal, I have awards too? Thanks!
Oh, I love good conversation too and sharing is a good thing! OK, I'll plan a trip with you after my China trip in August, OK? : )
Lol. But at least people won't be confused about your gender now, keke. :p
JL, that's true. Haha!
I missed the clouds on Mount KK!
The motel had a very homely feel. At least it doesn't look sleazy with dubious characters!
that's great foong :)
JL, haha! i knew it.
Glorious weather you had, Foong, and what a sunset! Nice pictures, all of them. And the hotel looks great. Yeah, cleanliness is a priority though too bad about the miscomm on the airport transfer. Oh well, you lose some you win some, right? Life goes on..
It's good the hotel is in such a strategic location. How long were you there again?
So now we are able to match the torso with the (hairy) legs we saw earlier. haha... Unless this is a belated April Fool's.. :P
Bring on part two. We are ready for it. You know, if you could also provide details of the hotels, your posts would make a great resource for future travellers. Quachee did a great job of that. Just my two cents.
Interesting wv: outionol
Yeah, exactly that, optional on my last point.
DC,then you should go Mount KK again! Yes, the motel does look homely, definitely not sleazy at all. That's why I like it! : )
happysurfer, thanks! I was there for 4 days. Haha! This is definitely no April Fool. You will have to wait till next year April 1st for my next April fool!
I was actually thinking of providing details of the hotel but then I thought against it. Why? Cos I'm not paid to advertise for them! Haha! Just kidding there!
Seriously, I provided the link to the hotel's website so all info are at the website. Too lazy to type out the address and details when you can just get all of them at the click of your mouse! LOL!
I'm impressed with the Lodge. Good service from what I can see. But that type of accommodation don't suit me anymore. Last time in KK, I stayed in Capitol Hotel
I love KK...but it's quite expensive. For RM65 here, you can stay in a pretty good hotel with bathroom attached. Any plans to come to Sibu? Try getting the zero airfare or cheap offers on the cheap airline. Can always stay at my place - tidor, makan...all free! But share bathroom and toilet lah! Hahahahaha!!!
Lavender Lodge looks like a decent place to stay....but I don't like that they don't have attached bathrooms though.
Beautiful view of the sea and sunset! :)
Wah...SO nice. Wish I can go on vacation and really RELAX on my own...sigh...
~tired, sick, exhausted, in-need-of-relaxing-vacation Foong~
definitely ladies would prefer an attached bathroom. :p
Hurry up with your next post. Cannot tahan oredi!
wow, how can that 'nicole kidman' doesnt mind using a separate bath? she shud taken some better place with better privacy from eyes like foongpc!!!
but the place looks clean though, not like what i wud think those kind of place wud actually look like..
i like bananas n bread for breakfast! it's a great substitute to sausages.. hahahaha..
well, the room and the lodge look very clean!!
Foong, you are right. I missed that. Oops! Thanks.
Ai, you had bananas for breakfast? lolz
I wuz thinking that the place wld have been more suitably renamed peach lodge, until i saw the colour of your bedroom walls. ^_^
Have a wonderful week ahead! ^_^
+Ant+
oh now i know what KK means
what an intersting place it was
thanks for sharing
it to us
have a great day and happy blogging
of course i miss u man.. i mean.. girl... ive been reading yr blog religiously...
nah... prefer to stay low now haha...
last time i went to the marine park... did u go there?
haha nice photos..
i so wanna go KK one day.. =D
i just came back from my redang trip too.. haha..
BY THE WAY FOONGPC I JUST WANT TO INVITE YOU AND ASK IF YOU WANT TO JOIN my fun game called blog idol
dont worry the rules was very very easy
just give me 9 songs and thats it
hope you can participate
heres your personal page i made
http://blogidol09.blogspot.com/2009/04/hello-welcome-to-your-personal-page-i.html
Morning!!! I'm back! Wah got Adgi here edi, ok clicked ur adgi today woo hoo! Oso dropped EC! :)
Some more Nicole's "sister" said hello to u eh? LOL!
borneo falcon, why doesn't it suit you anymore? Where is Capitol Hotel?
suituapui, wah! Really ah? Then I must start planning to go Sibu! Got free makan and tidor sure I want! Don't mind sharing toilet and bathroom. So will you also act as my free tour guide? : )
mei teng, I think most ladies won't like the common bathrooms and toilets! But this one is a good experience for me! I guess there are many other backpackers lodges in KK with attached bathrooms.
foong speaks her mind, eh I thought you just came back from Bangkok? Want a holiday again so soon? : )
lina, yeah most ladies will want attached bathrooms. So this place won't score with the ladies! haha!
Wow! You are waiting for my next post already? I'm so grateful to readers like you! I'll try and be a little more quick but no guarantees! A good post is worth the wait mah : )
merryn, I think Western ladies are not so concerned with attached bathrooms. Haha!
Banana and bread is a good substitute for sausages? haha! Good one : )
renaye, it is very clean indeed! : )
happysurfer, no problem! : )
anton, actually I do eat bananas for breakfast back home! So it's not too unusual for me to eat bananas there! Now I'm talking about the fruit just in case you are as narrow minded as my friend! Haha!
bluedreamer27, have a great day and happy blogging to you too! : )
nic, I'm a man, not a girl OK? You sure you miss me and follow my blog religiously or not? OK, to prove it, I expect to see your comments on every post on my blog from now on! haha!
Yes, I went to Manukan Island - will blog about that soon! : )
kenwooi, oh you just came back from holiday too? Did you take lots of pictures? I wanna see! : )
bluedreamer27, blog idol? Sounds like fun! Will go check it out! : )
mariuca, excuse me, what morning? Now is night already lah! : )
Thanks for clicking on my Adgi! And dropping on my EC : )
Yalah, if only it's Nicole Kidman herself and not her sis! LOL!
what a perfect getaway, foong!
great captures. i know what u mean, if i were there, I also can't resist the beautiful sunset.
all i can see is your face mainly hidden; only showing glimpses. sigh!
wow...love those pics.. now I missed my hometown!
It's too bad you missed out the transfer to your lodge and wasted RM20! But it's ok, as long as you enjoyed the stay and holiday. :) The pictures of sunset are really beautiful!
Wow so lucky to have met "nicole kidman" at a place like that! Did you go to any of the bars at the waterfront?
You are going to be there for 3 night? War..Quachee must be happy to know you pick the some lodging as his. Ha :D
Wow! You can get free ride? Not bad at all ler! The living room is quite ok ler! Very cosy and makes me feel at home!
War...you bumped into nicole kidman who is scantily clad? Lucky you! :P Did you....
Anyway You photos are great! Hopefully you enjoy yourself ya! :D
The sitting room, with a TV set, is the place to meet other travelers.
I also like to backpack, but it is kinda weird to do so in my own country.
RM20 is not a lot, i think you have already forgotten about that after you saw "Nicole Kidman" right?? hehehe..
what's the problem with having bananas for breakfast?? i'm very curious why your friend kept laughing at that??
the waterfront was a great place to hangout i supposed, hope it's as beautiful as what has been portrayed in your photos..
I stayed at a lodge near the filipino market when I was there. The living room look quite the same with mine. Except the room, we have double-decker & windows! Hehe
Ate at the food court opposite your lodge and had diarrhea after that. Kekeke
Love the purplish sunset view.
See you in here for the first time, Foong! I thought you want to keep your identity? BTW, staying in lodge or hostel or guesthouse is fun and cost saving too. If you do research before booking, you certainly will not bump into a dirty one!
is the hotel in a convenient location at KK? i hv been in KK for few times, business trips...just too rush, so nvr hv chance to hanging around in KK...:(
Reading the comments gotta say I feel so privileged to have seen your real person xD
So are you going to Sibu to meet STP? Woah...
Oh how exciting! i feel like I am on this adventure with you! I love all the pictures and finally I see you (okay well part of you). Looking forward to more adventures!
The backpackers' hotel looked clean and good enough for me.
*make plans*
hmmmmm u r a guy afterall? O_o
p/s: cnt wait to see ur next post!
Those places still looks the same. I went to KK few years back. Nice view from the waterfront.
life ramblings, thanks! Yeah, the sunset was beautiful indeed! I still prefer not to reveal my face, so if you want to see me, you have to meet up with me. Haha!
monica, you just gone back hometown last year if I am not mistaken? Have to say your hometown is really nice! : )
iamthewitch, yeah, I guess it's OK lah. I love the sunset too! : )
eiling, ya lucky me. Haha! I passed by those bars at the Waterfront but didn't go in cos I wanted to have dinner at somewhere slightly cheaper (also at the Waterfront) After dinner it started raining, and I had to go into the shopping malls in search of my raincoat : )
tekkaus, yeah, the place is not bad at all. And yes, get free transport from airport too.
No, I did not do anything with "Nicole Kidman" if that's what you mean! : )
khengsiong, it's not really that weird. What's wrong with backpacking in your own country?
oh from the pic... too flat...u r not a lady ..i tot u were a lady based on yr April 1st post. have a great trip
SK, actually RM20 not really a lot, but if can get free ride why waste it, right?
Regarding the bananas, it's just a joke for narrow minded people. I'm sure you can figure it out. hehe
The Waterfront is more beautiful than what my camera could capture. Furthermore, I'm just an amateur at photography so someone with better skills would most probably capture nicer looking photos!
che-cheh, actually the lodge I stayed in also have rooms with windows. Just that those were fully booked.
Oh, you had diarrhea after eating at that Food Court? Lucky I didn't get it otherwise will spoil my whole trip! : )
jam, well, just reveal a bit only it's fine. Not revealing my face so it's OK. Haha!
Yes, agree with you that it's quite nice to stay in lodge or hostel that is clean. Really save money! : )
amei79, yes the location is pretty good. Just 5 mins walk to Centrepoint Mall, 10 mins walk to Waterfront and Central Market, 15-20 mins walk to Jesselton Point if you plan to go island hopping. And there are banks within 5 mins walking distance behind the lodge. Also just 10-15 mins walk to the popular and busy Gaya Street.
JL, I am privileged to have met you too! Regarding Sibu, I think it's a good deal, don't you think? Maybe can meet up with Beng Beng and Borneo Falcon over there too! Sibu has quite a number of good bloggers! : )
heidi, thanks! Haha! Finally get to see part of me now, yes? : )
eastcoastlife, so you are planning to go KK for a holiday?
xin, of course I am a guy! Don't get confused over my April Fools joke, and don't let people like nic tell you otherwise! : )
My next post is coming up very very soon! : )
keeyit, still the same after all these years? Yes, the view at the Waterfront is nice indeed! : )
bengbeng, well, it's proven then. Haha! Maybe can meet up with you if I plan to go Sibu and stay with suituapui! : )
thanks my friend for the answers will give you the update for this fun game
the other participants will be revealed soon
thanks again
Wow, Nicole Kidman... like that I will stay in the common bath for hours to wait for her! Wakakaka...
Nice sunset pics.
Lucky guy, seems like you were stunned by the "nicole kidman" look a like!
Nice photos of the sunset, love it!
ehehe, Filipinos are everywhere! The hotel you stayed over looks pretty clean. You snapped a shot of yourself but you purposely covered it!
Have replied you in my blog... Welcome anytime, and JL...would love to have you here too!! My guest room can take in at least 3 people...(or more, if wanna squeeze!!! LOL!!!)
bluedreamer27, OK will wait for your update : )
neo, haha! You'll probably scare her like that! : )
ayie, yes I purposely covered my face : )
suituapui, wow thanks! Will think about it and let you know! : )
really at strategic location, will be in the hotel preference list when travel to kk. 10s 4 the info....
btw, i oso tot u r a girl...^ ^
Stop hiding foong! haha
where's your next post? +D
amei79, it's a good place to stay as long as you don't mind not having attached bathroom : )
You also thought I'm a girl? Well, what else is new? LOL!
ayie, haha! Next post coming up soon! : )
haha no pressure foong! I'm just enjoying reading because it frustrates me everytime i remember our kota kinabalu trip getting cancelled. I should've been there last year =(
ayie, oh really? Never mind, try again this year! : )
Looks like that's how it's gonna be. Hopefully next year! =D
hey you're using a Lumix LX3 as well?!!! that's cool.
no wonder the pics turned out so nice. of course, skills also needed lah .... hehe ...
J2Kfm, yes using it but not very sure how to use all of its functions. So still sticking to auto mode. Haha!
heya, it could just be the same room haha! some actually have windows - but think they reserve it for their regular guests.
quachee, well maybe it's the same room! Haha! yes, I notice other rooms have windows : )
What namely you're saying is a terrible mistake.
full version games | pc games download 247 | free games for pc | game news sites | flash gamer blog