TRANQUIL AND RELAXING: The Hot Spring Garden Hotel
THE gentle breeze over the treetops, the swishing sounds of bamboo fronds, the distant laughters of children and the ever-present gurgles of water flowing down the riverbed.
These are the perfect scenarios of rural life which translate into peace and tranquillity and they provide the hassle-free and lovely settings the Hot Spring Garden Hotel has to offer … and more.
This garden hotel within three acres of land is located at the famous Poring Hot-Spring in Ranau, about three hours’ drive from Kota Kinabalu.
Boasting eight rooms, it offers a tranquil hideout for guests to relax, read, go for walks or just enjoy nature around them.
Hotel assistant manager Oliver Wong said the hotel offered a perfect sanctuary, especially for city dwellers and overseas tourists wishing to enjoy peace and quiet and live for a few days in a place where they can wake up to the sounds of nature.
“The natural environment such as the virgin tropical jungle is around us as well as the bamboo groves and the people’s orchards,” he enthused.
These sights are quite a novelty for visitors — so they have become selling tourism points.
With this in mind, the hotel is providing simple but functional accommodation. Four rooms are equipped with dorm-style bunk beds while another four are family-style rooms.
There are four double-decker beds in the dorm-style room while three-in-one beds (for a couple and a child) are provided in the family room.
Keeping up with local standards, the hotel offers two different kitchens for guests — one for Muslims and one for non-Muslims.
The cutlery and kitchen utensils as well as the plates, bowls and dishes are kept in different cupboards.
“These are for guests who wish to cook. I’m sure some of our guests want to cook, so we make sure they have the facilities. If they don’t wish to cook, we have our kitchen and will provide them with food. Our famous offering is the satay,” Wong added.
He pointed out that the kitchen was also useful for those on a lengthy stay while those coming for a retreat or seminars may find it even more useful.
“We offer a function room for guests who wish to hold seminars, talks or workshops. Those who wish to party can also do so there. Facilities such as air-conditioning, LCD screen and PA system, among others, are available as well.”
The room could accommodate 100 people classroom-style and 50 people round-table style, Wong said, adding that bookings for the facilities had to be made as early as possible.
He assured guests could always enjoy the hot springs nearby from 5pm to 9pm, sparing them the hassle of competing for the hot tubs and swimming pools with othre day-trippers or those staying at the resorts within the area.
“We also take them on a tour around the nearby people’s orchards to show them the local lifestyle.
“If some fruits are in season, we will buy them from the local people for our guests to try out.
“There is also an area not far from the hotel where the Rafflesia grows and if it’s in season, we show this special bloom to our tourists.”
“Moreover, we will take them through hill paddy plots and show them how rice plants look like,” he said.
A half-hour trek uphill will allow guests a look at the valley where the hotel is situated.
Wong said through activities such as the orchard visit, the hotel was also helping the orchard owner to earn a bit of income.
“Our employees are also from around here, so I believe we are not only helping to promote tourism in this area but also provide jobs for the locals.”
The hotel was opened on Nov 1 last year and the first batch of tourists came from Holland on Nov 16.
Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun who officiated at the official opening, said it was commendable to build a hotel at the famous Poring Hot-Spring in Ranau to complement the businesses of other
operators.
He pointed out this was a positive move towards helping the government to promote tourism in the state which has so much to offer in terms of exotic tourist spots and scenery.
He noted that more and more tourists were coming to Sabah due to the availability of direct flights from destinations such as Guangzhou, Shanghai and Hong Kong, among others.
“As such, accommodations such as yours will be very much in demand,” he said.
Masidi also emphasised on cleanliness and proper presentation of such establishments, saying these were the fundamental requirements for all hotels and hospitality facilities.
On the yet unsealed road to the hotel, the minister said it would be looked into soon.
Wong shared the a couple of chalets would be put up at the hotel soon.
There is now a camping ground for outdoors buffs and a shower in the middle of the field for them to cool off during a warm
afternoon.
Tranquil and serene, the hotel is indeed the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.The dorm-style room with double-decker beds.