Escape to Paradise: Natol Homestay's Venice in Kuching!
Escape to Paradise: Natol Homestay's Venice in Kuching! - A Venice-Wannabe That Almost Gets It Right (And That's Okay!)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the murky (and sometimes mesmerizing) waters of Escape to Paradise: Natol Homestay's "Venice in Kuching!" This place… it’s an experience. Think less gondolas gliding through romantic canals, and more… well, more what you’d imagine a budget-friendly Venice impersonation in Sarawak would be. And honestly? I kind of dig it.
First Impressions (and a minor panic attack):
Getting there was a breeze, the airport transfer was (thankfully) smooth, and the exterior? Think vibrant, slightly over-the-top, and definitely Instagrammable. The exterior corridor felt a little… exposed, but hey, that's part of the charm (or maybe the slight feeling of being watched, I haven't decided yet). CCTV in common areas AND outside property did make me feel a little more secure, though, peace of mind is always a win, especially when you're a solo traveler like myself. Front desk [24-hour] – HUGE plus. I arrived at like, 3am after my flight and was more than happy to be greeted by smiling faces.
Accessibility:
- Wheelchair accessible? I didn't personally need it, but from what I saw, it appeared mostly accessible. The elevator was a lifesaver, and the common areas seemed relatively navigable. However, some of the walkways might be a little narrow, so check in advance if this is a priority.
- Facilities for disabled guests: While not explicitly specified, I'd suggest contacting them directly to confirm specific accessibility features.
The Room: A Venetian Dream…With a Kuching Twist!
My room, ah, my room! Let me tell you, the Non-smoking rule was strictly enforced (thank the heavens!), a big plus. The Air conditioning and Blackout curtains were absolute necessities in this crazy tropical heat, seriously, a god send. The Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Internet access – wireless were rock solid. I'm obsessed with Complimentary tea also, because I felt the need for one every hour.
- Available in all rooms: Everything I could ask for.
Now, about the aesthetics: Imagine a room channeling Venice, but with a healthy dose of Sarawakian flair. The Room decorations were… enthusiastic. Think less minimalist chic, more… bold. But honestly, the effort was there, and it made for a memorable stay. Soundproofing was decent, which was great because sometimes my inner monologue can be quite loud. The extra-long bed was a godsend, I've never needed as much space in my sleep as I did there, and the bathroom was…well, it had a shower and toiletries. And, miraculously, Hot water
Okay, I'm just going to be honest. The room wasn't perfect. I couldn't find the switch for the reading lamp at first, the Internet access – LAN was a bit clunky (Wi-Fi was superior, honestly), and the mirror was a little… shall we say, generously placed? But hey, it was clean, the Daily housekeeping was on point, and the smoke detector and safety/security feature gave me peace of mind. I even made good use of the Laptop workspace.
Food, Glorious Food! (With a Few Hiccups):
Dining, drinking and snacking: This is the area that truly shines.
In-room dining? Yes! 24-hour Room service is a lifesaver.
The Restaurants were pretty varied and catered to a lot of different tastes. In house Asian Cuisine in restaurant, Asian breakfast, plus a Vegetarian restaurant - and as a vegetarian, I was thrilled! The Coffee/tea in restaurant was, absolutely, a must have. The Bar was a nice touch - perfect for post sightseeing.
And now, a confession: The Breakfast [buffet] was the highlight. They had everything. Everything. I'm talking fresh fruit, both Asian breakfast and Western breakfast, pastries, all the coffee you could possibly drink… I ate my weight in nasi lemak and croissants. The Desserts in restaurant were also amazing, so I spent the day enjoying them.
One potential area for improvement: They did have Alternative meal arrangement, which was fabulous.
Things to Do (or Not To Do, Depending on Your Vibe):
Okay, here's where things get interesting. This place is designed for relaxation. They have a Swimming pool that offers a pool with view. Spa, sauna, steamroom… the whole shebang! I treated myself, you see, to a massage and a Body scrub - total bliss. I spent a SOLID chunk of the afternoon sweating in the sauna, and then chilling by the swimming pool [outdoor]. They even had a Poolside bar! (It felt very "Italian resort" in Sarawak, but hey, I wasn't complaining!).
- Fitness center/Gym/fitness: As a gym rat, I was a bit let down. The gym was small, but adequate.
Cleanliness and Safety (A Post-Pandemic Perspective):
Okay, let's be real. Travel in the era of COVID-19 is different. Natol Homestay clearly takes it seriously.
- Hand sanitizer everywhere? Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas? Yep.
- Rooms sanitized between stays? You betcha.
I appreciated the efforts. They ticked all the boxes: There was Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, the staff were wearing masks (and were very friendly!), and they provided Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. I loved the safe dining setup! I also saw Staff trained in safety protocol, and was happy to see Anti-viral cleaning products being used.
Hygiene certification was another plus.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter:)
- Cashless payment service: Yay!
- Laundry service/Dry cleaning/Ironing service: Super convenient.
- Luggage storage: Very helpful!
- Concierge: Always handy.
The Bottom Line (and My Honest Opinion):
Escape to Paradise isn't perfect. It's a little rough around the edges, a bit… quirky. But that’s precisely what makes it so endearing. It offers a unique experience – a playful take on Venice in the heart of Borneo. It’s clean, the staff are incredibly lovely, and the amenities (especially the pool and spa) are top-notch.
I had a fantastic time there. More importantly, I felt safe and well taken care of.
My Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars. Definitely recommended for anyone seeking a fun, relaxing, and slightly unconventional Kuching getaway. If you’re looking for a place that takes itself too seriously, this might not be for you. But if you're game for a bit of adventure and charm, book it! You won't regret it.
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Unbelievable Deal! Wisma Auliyah Kolaka Utara - Your RedDoorz Oasis in Wajo, Indonesia!
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this ain't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. We're going to Kuching, staying at the Venice of… well, maybe not Venice, but Natol Homestay, right there in the heart of Samajaya Tabuan Tranquility Township. Prepare for beautiful chaos.
Kuching: A Journey into the Soul (and the Mosquitoes)
Day 1: The Arrival, the Smell of Rain, and the Quest for Teh Tarik
Morning (or What Passes for Morning After a Red-Eye Flight): Land in Kuching, bleary-eyed and utterly deflated. The humidity hits you like a warm, wet hug. Except, it's less hug, more… smothering sauna. Baggage claim? A glorious free-for-all. Seriously, it felt like a rugby scrum for suitcases. Eventually, miraculously, my bag appears. Thank you, unseen baggage handlers, you're the heroes of my morning.
Mid-Morning: Taxi to Natol Homestay. The driver, bless his soul, is a local legend. He tells me the best way to find teh tarik, the Malaysian pulled tea, is to "follow the smell of happiness." That's my kind of travel advice! The homestay itself… oh, it's charming. It’s more like a comfortable house you could happily live in. I am already in love with the atmosphere.
Lunch: I find a warung (small local eatery) down the road, but the first one I tried didn't quite get the memo about food safety. I ordered mee goreng (fried noodles) and the first bite was a little too… al dente… even for me. Second attempt was a charm, however, and I managed to get a plate with the most delicious noodles.
Afternoon: Exploring the Neighbourhood: I go for a little walk, and I immediately find myself getting lost. This is the start of my new life of being lost. The township is quiet and peaceful, and the houses are neat. I end up wandering around more and more, and I don't mind it.
Evening: Teh Tarik and the Twilight Hour: I embark on my teh tarik quest! Following the "smell of happiness" (which, let's be honest, just smells like sugar and tea), I find a street stall. This is it! The perfect teh tarik. It's like a warm hug for my soul (and a sugar rush for my system.) I spend the evening on the balcony, watching the day fade.
Day 2: Cats, Culture, and the Case of the Missing Sambal
Morning: Okay, so the first thing you need to know about Kuching? It means "cat" in Malay. So, naturally, I have high expectations for feline encounters. Breakfast at the homestay - simple, delicious, and the perfect base for a day of exploring.
Mid-Morning: The Cat Museum (No, I'm Not Kidding): I have to admit, I wasn't sure what to expect from a Cat Museum. But it's real, and it's glorious. I spent hours there! From ancient Egyptian cat statues to modern pop-culture cat memorabilia, it's a testament to humanity's long-standing obsession with these furry overlords.
Lunch: I venture to a local market in search of authentic Malaysian food. Ordered nasi lemak (rice cooked in coconut milk with anchovies, peanuts, egg and other good stuff) and, OH. MY. GOD. The sambal (chili paste) was an explosion of flavour. Then I accidentally eat too much.
Afternoon: Cultural Immersion: Stroll along the Kuching Waterfront. I get that classic postcard view of the Astana (the Governor's residence), the colonial buildings… Very nice. I try to imagine what it was like in the old days, a mix of local people and European merchants.
Evening: Dinner Disaster (and Redemption): I try to cook myself a meal, but it ends horribly. I decide to try again at a local restaurant. They have a dish called Sarawak Laksa (noodle soup with prawns and spicy broth), and it is heavenly.
Day 3: Nature's Embrace (And the Mosquitoes' Buffet)
Morning: A day trip to Bako National Park. The boat ride is exhilarating. The water splashes up, the salty breeze in my hair.
Mid-Morning: The trek, oh my god, what a trek! So many trails and I don't want to be eaten alive by the local fauna. The feeling of being able to touch nature is phenomenal. I meet proboscis monkeys (with their ridiculous noses) and some cheeky macaques who try to steal my water bottle. It's pure, unfiltered nature.
Lunch: Picnic lunch in the Park. I had packed my own but got a plate of local food because I was hungry. I was expecting a feast!
Afternoon: Swimming, the best way to get the sweat off. The cool water feels amazing after all the walking.
Evening: Back at Natol Homestay: Dinner at a local restaurant. I can't resist ordering kampung (village) style food. It always has the most delicious taste. The owner is friendly, and the food is good.
Day 4: Farewell (for Now)
Morning: A last, lingering breakfast at the homestay. I feel a pang of sadness saying goodbye to this little haven.
Mid-Morning: Last-minute souvenir shopping. I want to bring a little piece of Kuching home with me.
Lunch: Second lunch at the same place, and it is as good as the first time.
Afternoon: The flight home. I look out the window and think about the things I experienced. The feeling is unreal.
Evening: Land home, already dreaming of my return. Until next time, Kuching!
Food for Thought (and the Stomach):
- Eat EVERYTHING. Don't be afraid to try new things. The joy of eating in Malaysia is the variety!
- Negotiate: Don't be afraid to haggle a little at markets, but always do so respectfully.
- Spice Level: Ask for "less spicy" if you're not used to it. Or just embrace the burn!
- Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate! The humidity is no joke. Water, water, water!
Final Thoughts:
Kuching is a city that gets under your skin. It's a mix of chaos and charm, history and modernity, nature and… well, more nature. It’s imperfect, it's messy, it's real. And that's exactly why I loved it. Natol Homestay was the perfect base: a comfortable, welcoming haven to return to after a day of exploring (and getting lost!). So go, get yourself to Kuching. Just… be prepared for mosquitoes. And maybe a few surprise cat sightings. And definitely, definitely, the teh tarik. You won't regret it.
Clarks Inn Airport Bangalore: Unbeatable Deals & Luxurious Comfort Await!
Escape to Paradise: Natol Homestay's Venice in Kuching - FAQ (with a Little *Extra*)
Okay, so... Venice IN Kuching? Seriously? Is it a *massive* letdown?
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this is the million-dollar question, isn't it? Venice *in* Kuching. My first thought? "Is this going to be a giant, slightly soggy, disappointment?" And the truth? Well, it's... complicated. Look, it's *not* the canals of Venice, let's be brutally honest. No gondolas piloted by charming Italians (unless you count the slightly sunburned guy with the inflatable flamingo who maybe *sort of* offered a ride... I'm not judging).
But… it’s also *not* a total disaster. Think more "Venice-themed village" with some charming (and some less-than-charming) quirks. The canals are there, but they're more like meandering waterways. The buildings? Think colourful, slightly weathered, with a definite Southeast Asian flair. My initial reaction? A little chuckle followed by a "Huh, this is… different." Don't go expecting the real deal, and you won't be disappointed. Think charmingly kitsch over authentic Italian architecture. And frankly, sometimes kitsch is exactly what you need.
What's the *actual* accommodation like at Natol Homestay? Rooms? Cleanliness? Does it feel, you know, *homely*?
Okay, the rooms... were fine. Clean enough. Not *sparklingly* clean, mind you. There was, shall we say, a certain "lived-in" feel. Like, someone had definitely used the room *before*. But hey, I'm not a princess. The bed was comfortable enough. The aircon worked, mostly. Let's just say, I wouldn't have eaten off the floor (I'm a germaphobe, sue me!), but it served its purpose. The decor had a definite… personality. Think brightly coloured walls, maybe a slightly mismatched collection of furniture, and the odd quirky knick-knack.
The 'homely' feeling thing? That really depends on what you consider 'home'. It's not a sterile hotel room, that's for sure. It's more like staying at a slightly eccentric relative's house. You know, the one with the weird wallpaper and the slightly broken lamp, but they're genuinely nice people. And honestly? That's kind of nice. There's a certain charm to imperfection, you know? And that charm is definitely present here.
Also, and this is a *huge* bonus, the staff were incredibly friendly! They were genuinely happy to help. Like, really. That made up for a lot of the minor imperfections, to be honest. One staff member, bless her heart, even helped me navigate the local bus system which I'm pretty sure saved me hours of unnecessary walking. Seriously, good staff is a major win.
The Canals! What's the story? Can you actually *boat* around? And is it, like, smelly?
Ah, the canals. The *raison d'être*, the very reason we're all even bothering with Kuching's version of Venice. Yes, you *can* boat around. They have little boats (more like punts, really) that you can rent. It's… an experience. Think gentle paddling, picturesque (ish) views, and the constant hum of nearby traffic. Honestly, my arms got a workout. Which, after a week of eating too much nasi lemak, wasn't the *worst* thing.
Now, the smell… Okay, let's be honest. Sometimes, yes. There were definite moments where the air was… fragrant. Let's just leave it at that. Think ‘refreshing aquatic notes' combined with... well, the kind of stuff that collects in canals. I'm not gonna lie, I occasionally held my breath. Especially near the… yeah. But hey, it's part of the experience, right? Embrace the muck! (Just kidding... *mostly*.) But it’s not *constantly* overpowering. And the slightly off-putting odours come and go. And honestly, after a while, you kind of tune it out. Or maybe you just go nose-blind. One of the two.
The boats themselves... well, they're not exactly state-of-the-art. You're essentially paddling in a slightly glorified bathtub. But the novelty factor is high. And when you’re gliding (slowly but surely) past the colourful buildings… it’s a uniquely charming experience. Even if you *do* have to swat at a few mosquitos along the way. Remember bug spray always, always!
Food! What's the food situation like? And is there authentic Italian food, at least *pretending* to be there?
Food! Okay, this is a mixed bag. They have restaurants. Some of them are *okay*. Some of them are… let's just say, you'll be ordering satay the next day. Don't expect Michelin-star quality, or even… particularly sophisticated fare. It’s more home-style cooking. Think hearty portions, simple flavours, and a definite emphasis on the local cuisine.
The "Italian" food? Now *that's* a laugh. They try. They really, really try. But the pizza often resembles… well, it doesn't resemble pizza I've eaten in Italy, that's for sure. It leans heavily on the cheese, and the crust is, shall we say, a little *tough*. Pasta dishes? Okay, but don't get your hopes up. It's not exactly a culinary masterpiece. I did try one place that put pineapple on their pizza. *Pineapple*! I almost lost it. *Almost*. But hey, maybe you'll find a hidden gem. Maybe I just have unreasonably high standards when it comes to Italian food. Or perhaps, it just wasn't meant to be. I’d stick to local dishes and save the Italian for when you're actually... you know... in Italy.
But! There are street food stalls nearby. You know, the places where everything costs a few Ringgit and the flavour is *amazing*. Trust me, *that's* where you want to eat. The Char Kway Teow? To die for. The Laksa? Spicy and delicious. The desserts? Worth every single calorie. Embrace the local cuisine, and you *will* be happy.
Is there anything *actually* Venetian about the experience? Any attempt to capture the *spirit* of Venice, or is it just the canals and some painted walls?
Okay, here’s the thing. You can’t expect to experience *the* spirit of Venice in a Kuching homestay. It's just... unreasonable. It's like asking for a Rembrandt from a kindergarten class. Yes, there's an attempt... sort of. Some of the shops have vaguely Italian names. There are attempts at Venetian-style architecture, but it's more like a suggestion than a reality.
Look, they're trying. You can see theChicstayst
