Escape to Paradise: Rose Haven Homestay, Sandakan's Hidden Gem
Escape to Paradise: Rose Haven Homestay - Sandakan's Hidden Gem? Let's Dive In! (Brace Yourselves…)
Okay, so Sandakan. Sabah. Borneo. You’re thinking jungle treks, orangutans, maybe a bit of, well, roughing it. But then you stumble upon Rose Haven Homestay. "Escape to Paradise," they say. And honestly? After my stay… well, let's just say it's a mixed bag, like a delicious nasi lemak with a slightly burnt egg.
First, the Accessibility: The Good & The "Needs a Little Work"
- Getting There: Okay, good news and slightly tricky news. The airport transfer is a definite YES - a godsend after the sweaty, slightly terrifying taxi ride into Sandakan (seriously, the driving is… enthusiastic). But the car park [free of charge] and car park [on-site] are your friends. Makes life easier, especially if you're hauling luggage like I do (I'm that person). Airport transfer great!
- Wheelchair Accessible?: This is where things get a bit… iffy. While they list Facilities for disabled guests, I didn't see anything explicitly labeled wheelchair-friendly within the rooms themselves. Plenty of Elevator and Air conditioning in public area yay! It would be prudent to contact them directly to confirm specific accessibility details if you need them.
- Internet Access – Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms! (Hallelujah!): Thank the digital gods! Internet access – wireless, Internet access – LAN, Internet, Internet services, Wi-Fi in public areas, Wi-Fi for special events all there. Because, let's be honest, even in ‘paradise,’ you still need to check your emails, right? Speeds were decent, no catastrophic outages – a definite win.
Cleanliness & Safety: Trying Their Best, I Think
- Sanitizing the HECK Out of Things: Okay, Covid-times, right? Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hygiene certification, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Professional-grade sanitizing services: They're TRYING. I saw staff diligently wiping things down, and the hand sanitizer stations were plentiful. But… I still packed my own wipes. Just in case. You know.
- Safety Features: CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, Smoke detectors, Security [24-hour], Front desk [24-hour] all well implemented. I felt pretty secure, which is always a good feeling.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking: Nasi Lemak Dreams & Coffee Shop Realities
- The Restaurant Rundown: Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: The breakfast buffet was… well, it was what you expect. A bit of everything. The nasi lemak (the staple Malaysian coconut rice dish) was a highlight. If I could have that every morning, I'd be a happy camper. The Coffee shop good, a nice place to start the day. The Poolside bar was fun and offered some good views.
- My Breakfast Brainstorm: I loved the Breakfast in room and Breakfast takeaway service options and tried both. Very convenient for those days when you just wanted to chill in your jammies.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Pool Views & Maybe Not Enough Sauna?
- Pool with a View: YES. Absolutely yes. The pool is lovely, and the view… chef’s kiss. Perfect for a lazy afternoon, soaking up the sun, and pretending you’re in a brochure. The Swimming pool [outdoor] and Sauna great too.
- **Spa/Sauna? *Spa/sauna, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Spa*: I had a massage. It was… okay. Definitely not the best I've ever had, but hey, after a day of trekking, any massage is good massage, right? I did not take the *Body scrub, Body wrap*. The *Sauna* wasn't running when I wanted to use it, which was a bummer.
- Fitness Center & Gym/fitness: I didn't make it to work out, but it looked pretty standard. Cardio machines, some weights. You know the drill.
Rooms: Cozy, Functional, Minor Quirks
- The Essentials: Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: My room was clean, decently spacious, and had all the basics. Blackout curtains were a godsend for sleeping in, the bed was comfy enough, and the complimentary tea and bottled water were a nice touch.
- The Minor Grips… My view wasn't quite the paradise promised by the brochure, more a view of the next building. The carpeting was a bit worn, but mostly clean, and the additional toilet gave me some extra space to breathe.
Services & Conveniences: Efficiency and the Helpful Staff
- The Basics: Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: The staff were super helpful and friendly, always ready with a smile and a suggestion. Contactless check-in/out made things super efficient. Luggage storage was great.
- A slight drawback: On one occasion, I tried to use the Cash withdrawal service and it was unavailable which made me a little bit irritated.
For the Kids: Family-Friendly, But…
- Family/child friendly, Babysitting service, Kids meal, Kids facilities: While Family/child friendly they don't have a specific kids club or anything like that. And no Babysitting service at the time. So, good for kids, but maybe not the ultimate kid-centric resort.
The Verdict? The Undeniable "Maybe" with a Pinch of Salt
Rose Haven Homestay is a decent option. It's clean, comfortable, and the pool is amazing. The staff are lovely. But it's not quite paradise. It's more like a well-kept, slightly imperfect haven. If you're looking for a good base to explore Sandakan, then definitely consider Rose Haven. If you're expecting a flawless, luxury experience… well, temper those expectations a little. The fact that it wasn't overly expensive also helped.
My Opinion: I rate it a solid 7/10. I'd go back. Maybe.
Escape to Paradise: Rose Haven Homestay - Your Malaysian Getaway Awaits! (Book Now!)
Tired of the Ordinary? Craving the Unforgettable?
Sandakan is calling, and Rose Haven Homestay is ready to answer! Nestled in the heart of Borneo, our hidden oasis offers the perfect escape from the everyday. Picture yourself…
- Sinking into Bliss: Take a dip in our stunning outdoor swimming pool with a breathtaking view. Breathe in the tropical air, let your cares melt away, and find your Zen.
- Indulge Your Senses: Wake up to a delicious Asian breakfast which is a feast of flavors. Pamper yourself with a soothing massage at our spa.
- Stay Connected, Stay Comfortable: Enjoy free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Plus, experience a range of services designed to make your stay effortless.
This isn't just a hotel, it's an experience. Think:
- Cozy, Clean Rooms: Unwind in your comfortable haven, featuring all the amenities you need for a relaxing stay (including **free bottled water
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your meticulously planned, picture-perfect travel itinerary. This is more like… a slightly deranged diary of a Sandakan adventure. And it's going to be gloriously messy. We're talking Rose Haven Homestay, Malaysia, but through the lens of a sleep-deprived, coffee-addicted, possibly-slightly-overenthusiastic traveler (that's me, folks).
Destination: Rose Haven Homestay, Sandakan, Borneo
(Note: The official itinerary is a suggestion. Let's see how that goes!)
Day 1: Arrival & Mild Panic
Morning (8:00 AM-ish): "Arrived" at Sandakan Airport. Actually, it was more like "staggered off the plane, blinking in the humidity, convinced I'd forgotten to pack pants." Okay, I had pants. But the existential dread of travel always kicks in. Saw a woman with a particularly magnificent floral print bag and immediately decided I needed one. Priorities, people! Taxi to Rose Haven. The driver gave me the most intense look. I think I may have slightly over-estimated how far I could push it with my "charm."
Late Morning (9:30 AM - 11:00AM): Rose Haven. Finally. Whew, it's charming! But also… a bit… rustic? (Translation: "This is going to be an adventure.") I met the owner, a lovely woman named Mrs. Lee, who greeted me with a smile and a welcome drink of something fruity and delicious that I swear tasted slightly of sunshine. Got assigned to the room. It was like stepping into a dream! A slightly dusty, possibly moth-eaten dream, but still a dream.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Wander into the nearest food stall, order something indecipherable, and immediately regret it. BUT! Turns out to be deliciousness! I'm a food adventurer.
Early Afternoon (1:30 PM - 3:30 PM): Attempted a nap. Failed. The humidity is REAL. And the birds (or what I suspect are gargantuan, hungry avian cousins of the dinosaurs) were doing their best to wake me. Gave up.
Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Walked around Sandakan town (mostly to find a grocery store as I am in need of snacks). The heat hit me HARD. I saw a monkey. Seriously, an entire family of monkeys frolicking at the water's edge. I think I nearly passed out from the excitement. Took a blurry photo. Fail.
Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Got dinner at a local restaurant. Sat next to a family that were having a truly intense argument. Couldn't understand it but it was really interesting. Went home. Exhausted.
Day 2: The Orangutan Encounter (and my emotional breakdown)
Morning (7:00 AM - Breakfast): Up early for a trip to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Breakfast at Rose Haven. The coffee. Oh, sweet, sweet coffee (it's the only thing keeping me sane). Mrs. Lee made me an omelet. Bless her.
Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Sepilok. And I mean, OH. MY. GOD. The orangutans. They're real. Big, majestic, ridiculous, utterly adorable creatures. The way they swing through the trees. The way the babies cling to their mothers… I actually teared up. Like, full-blown, mascara-running-down-my-face ugly cry. I felt like a total fool, but the emotional impact of seeing these incredible animals up close was just… overwhelming. I may or may not have tried talking to one. He seemed unimpressed.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Ate some lunch (curry!) at the café near Sepilok. Still reeling from the orangutan experience. Kept staring into space, probably looking like a loon.
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 3:30 PM): Visited the Rainforest Discovery Centre. More amazing wildlife. More chances to feel like an idiot because I can't identify anything. The canopy walk was breathtaking. Terrifying. Breathtakingly terrifying. I made it. Barely.
Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Back to Rose Haven. Decided I needed a lie-down but ended up journaling about orangutans for 2 hours.
Evening (7:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Dinner somewhere casual. This evening my goal is to eat less and not be an emotional mess. Failed.
Day 3: Cruise of the River and the Monkey business
Morning (7:00 AM - 8:00 AM): Early start for a Kinabatangan River cruise. Breakfast hastily consumed. Coffee levels: critical.
Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): On the river. Absolutely stunning scenery. Proboscis monkeys looking like they were auditioning for a comedy show. Crocodiles (from a safe distance). The birds. The sounds. The sheer, untamed beauty of it all. This is precisely why I travel (even though I'm not good at).
Lunch (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM): Lunch at the resort. Tried to make friends with a particularly persistent fly. Lost.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Went back to Rose Haven and I thought to go for a walk. But I decided to stay for some reading and afternoon cat naps.
Evening (6:00 PM - onwards): Dinner, journal. Repeat.
Day 4: Departure & The Lingering Smell of Adventure
Morning (7:00 AM - 8:00 AM): Last breakfast at Rose Haven. Said goodbye to Mrs. Lee (bless her, she's a saint).
Mid-Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Airport. Slightly hungover from the previous night's adventure (a very mild attempt at local liquor).
Departure (11:30 AM): On the plane. Feeling vaguely heartbroken to leave. Also slightly itchy from all the insects. But mostly, just filled with a strange, bubbling mix of awe, exhaustion, and the lingering scent of the jungle.
Conclusion:
This trip was messy. It was chaotic. I probably didn't follow the "plan" for even five minutes at a time. I got eaten by mosquitoes, nearly fainted from the heat, and embarrassed myself on more than one occasion. But dammit, it was also incredible. The orangutans, the jungle, the food, the people… it was all worth it. I'm already planning my return! (And this time, I'm bringing the good bug spray.) This isn't a perfect itinerary; it's more like… a love letter, to Sandakan.
Gold Coast Paradise: Stunning Ocean Views from Your 26th-Floor Apartment!
Escape to Paradise: Rose Haven Homestay - The Messy Truth (and why you *need* to go!)
So, Rose Haven... is it REALLY paradise? Or just another Instagram trap?
How do I even *get* to this "paradise?" Sounds complicated...
The rooms... are they actually nice? Or just, you know, "rustic"?
What's there to *do* at Rose Haven? Besides, you know, look at monkeys all day?
Let's talk food. Is it good? Because I'm a picky eater.
Okay, you've convinced me! But um... What about mosquitos? Are they a NIGHTMARE?
