900 Inn Bintulu: Your Dream Sarawak Getaway Awaits!
900 Inn Bintulu: My Dream Sarawak Getaway? Let's Find Out! (A Messy, Honest Review)
Okay, buckle up, because I’m about to spill the Sarawakian tea on the 900 Inn Bintulu. This isn’t your typical, sterile hotel review. This is the raw, unfiltered truth, sprinkled with my own brand of slightly-too-enthusiastic-and-occasionally-cynical observations. Let's dive in!
First Impressions (and the All-Important Accessibility Check):
Getting there was… well, it was Bintulu. Let's just say it's not exactly the easiest place in the world to find without a GPS. That's where 900 Inn had a leg up, as they offered airport transfer. Huge win! Saves you wrestling with taxis after a long flight. Car park [free of charge], car park [on-site], and valet parking were a plus, though I'm not sure I qualify for valet. My parking skills… let’s just say, they're evolving.
The hotel itself… it's got that modern, slightly minimalist vibe. Elevator access is great for those (like me) who'd rather not climb a mountain of stairs after a giant plate of nasi lemak. Now, regarding Accessibility: while they list facilities for disabled guests, I’d need more specific info. Are hallways wide enough? Are bathrooms truly accessible? I didn't personally test it, but if you have mobility needs, contacting them in advance is a MUST. Don’t leave this to chance!
The Room: My Fortress of Solitude (and Occasional Chaos)
Okay, the room. Now this is where I spend most of my time on holiday. Let's see… Air conditioning? Check. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Double-check! They're serious about that Wi-Fi – my streaming habits will attest to that (binge-watching is a national sport of mine). Air conditioning in public area is also a relief in the Bintulu humidity, which is high. HIGH. Like, sauna-inside-a-sauna high.
Available in all rooms: The good stuff. You get the basics: Alarm clock, Coffee/tea maker (essential), Desk, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Mini bar, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Shower, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], and a window that opens (important for a night-owl like me who likes to feel the breeze. When there is a breeze, that is).
Extra details? Bathrobes and slippers, thank you very much. Blackout curtains, my salvation from the harsh Bintulu sunrise. Additional toilet? Luxury! But the best part? Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN. Dual access. I am a happy camper.
And now, the little things:
- Free bottled water. This is the small, beautiful gesture that warms my heart. Hydration is king.
- Daily housekeeping. Bless them. They deal with the evidence of my existence and re-make my bed after the chaotic mess I create in the name of relaxation.
- Non-smoking rooms: thank goodness.
- Extra long bed. Good for tall people, and good for general sprawl, honestly.
The Dreamy Stuff: Relaxing & Unwinding (or, The Attempt Thereof)
This is where the Inn promises a dream getaway. Things to do, ways to relax are everywhere! Let's see, what do we have?
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Ah, yes. A siren's call in a tropical climate. I did take a dive. It was a decent size, with a view.
- Spa: Spa/sauna, steamroom. I love a good spa. Body scrub and Body wrap? Yes, please! I am so there.
Did I actually get to do all of these things? Honestly? Time got away from me, and I was mostly in my room, and yes, the pool. I did, however, scope out the Fitness center/Gym/fitness, and it looked… adequate. (I'm more of a 'walk to the buffet' kind of exerciser, truth be told).
Dining: Fueled by Sarawakian Delights (and a Little Bit of Everything Else)
Alright, food. The most important part of any vacation. And the 900 Inn delivers… well, sort of.
- Restaurants: They’ve got a few options! A Buffet in restaurant (always a personal favorite, I am not ashamed to admit), Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant and even a Coffee shop for that caffeine fix.
- Breakfast: Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service. They've got you covered! I went for the buffet, which was extensive. Loved the local delicacies, and the coffee was actually decent, which is a HUGE win.
- Additional Options: A la carte in restaurant, Bottle of water, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, Poolside bar, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant.
My take? The food was good, but not mind-blowing. Good, solid hotel food. I would have liked more authentic local options, beyond the buffet. But hey, I'm not complaining. I ate a lot. And that's what matters.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Modern Reality
In today's world, safety is paramount. And the 900 Inn gets it. They've got a pretty impressive list of safety measures, which is reassuring.
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment.
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Room decorations, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Smoke detector
- There is also a Doctor/nurse on call.
Basically, they’re taking things seriously, and that's a huge plus in my book. Peace of mind is priceless.
Services and Other Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter (Mostly)
- Air conditioning in public area: Necessary.
- Business facilities: This seems to include Audio-visual equipment for special events, Xerox/fax in business center, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, Indoor and outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Seminars, Wi-Fi for special events. (If you're there for business, you're definitely set).
- Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes. The usual suspects for a well-run hotel.
The Quirky Stuff (or, What I Actually Remember):
- I loved the Terrace. Perfect for a sunset drink (or three).
- Smoking area: (shudders).
- My room had a Soundproofing. This was great. I did not test it, however, since my usual activities are not overly noise-creating.
- Couple's room: Hmmm. Something to test next time.
For the Kids (and the Inner Child in All of Us):
- Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal. They seem to cater to families. Good to know if you're traveling with little ones.
The Verdict: Would I Recommend It?
Okay, so the 900 Inn Bintulu isn't perfect. It’s not a lavish resort. But it’s a solid, comfortable, and safe base for exploring Bintulu and the surrounding area.
The Good:
- Clean and well-maintained.
- Great value for money.
- Fantastic Wi-Fi (seriously, I could stream all day).
- Good location (relatively speaking).
- Safety measures are commendable.
The Not-So-Good:
- Food could be more exciting.
- Accessibility - get more information if needed.
Overall, I'd give the 900 Inn Bintulu a solid 4 out of 5 stars. It’s not a "dream Sarawak getaway" in the sense of a luxury experience, but it's absolutely a comfortable and functional place to enjoy your holiday, with friendly staff and a commitment to safety that sets you at ease. If you're looking for a comfortable, convenient, and safe stay in Bintulu, the 900 Inn is a very good choice.
**My Personal Recommendation: Book It!
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups. This ain't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is… well, this is my attempt at surviving 900 Inn Bintulu, Malaysia. Prepare for a whirlwind of questionable choices, questionable food, and a whole lotta questionable… everything.
Day 1: Arrival & The Case of the Missing Luggage (and My Sanity)
10:00 AM (ish) - Arrival in Bintulu: Landed. Humidity slapped me in the face like a wet fish. Instantly regretted my decision to wear jeans. And then… the luggage carousel. It was… agonizingly slow. My bag? Nowhere to be seen. Cue the internal panic. My meticulously planned outfits? Gone. My emergency chocolate stash? Vanished. I'm starting to think my spirit animal is a lost sock.
11:00 AM - The Great Luggage Hunt (and a Curry Revelation): Filed a lost luggage report. The airline rep gave me a sympathetic look, which frankly, I didn't need. I needed my toothbrush! While I waited, smelling like desperation and tropical air, I wandered into the airport food court. Found a stall selling… drumroll… nasi lemak! The first bite? BOOM. Spicy, creamy, coconutty heaven. This, folks, is what they call a culinary redemption. Maybe Bintulu wasn't so bad after all.
1:00 PM - Check-in at 900 Inn Bintulu: Finally, the inn! It’s… functional. Clean-ish. The aircon is blasting a blizzard in this tropical heat, which is a good thing. The lobby smells faintly of disinfectant and… something… unidentifiable. But the staff are friendly, bless their hearts. Feeling a bit like a shipwrecked sailor.
2:00 PM - Lost in Translation (and the Search for a Souvenir): After a quick unpack (read: stared at my empty suitcase in despair), I ventured out. Armed with Google Translate and a prayer, I tried to find a local market. Ended up at a grocery mart, bought a toothbrush and some instant noodles, and got hopelessly lost. Asked a lady for help. Her English wasn’t great, my Malay was non-existent, so we communicated mostly with hand gestures and a shared understanding of the universal language of ‘Lost Tourist’. I bought a batik scarf, just to feel a little more culturally aware, and possibly to use as a pillow.
6:00 PM - Dinner Dilemma (and Unforeseen Fried Chicken): Evening rolled around. I was starving. Found a small restaurant on the side of the road. I swear a crow would’ve been a better translator. The menu was entirely in Malay, with a few vague pictures. I bravely pointed at something and asked for “one." The meal eventually arrived: a tower of fried chicken, rice, and… something green and mysterious. It tasted… interesting. Edible, but interesting. My stomach didn’t betray me. The restaurant was buzzing with locals. The food wasn't a culinary revelation in contrast to the nasi lemak, but there was an authentic feeling to the place. I felt a lot less alone.
8:00 PM - Room Service and Existential Dread: Back at the inn. Ate more instant noodles because I didn't dare return to the mysterious green stuff. The room service menu was even more confusing than the restaurant menu. Decided to Netflix and chill: the ultimate solo travel companion. Started feeling the jet lag. Wondered if I'd ever find my darn luggage.
Day 2: Culture, Crocodiles (Maybe), and Catastrophe
8:00 AM - Breakfast Battle (and the Curse of the Cereal Box): Breakfast at the inn involved a buffet. The cereal tasted of cardboard. The coffee was akin to lukewarm battery acid. Found a very sweet, very sticky pastry in the bread section and made do. I’m pretty sure I saw a cockroach. Pretended it was my travel buddy.
9:00 AM - City Tour (or Tourist Trauma?): Hired a local driver for a city tour. I wanted to soak in some culture, perhaps see some local life. The driver pointed at buildings and spouted facts at warp speed. I mostly nodded and tried to look interested. Went to the Tua Pek Kong Temple, which was very pretty. But it was also hot, crowded, and I felt like I was sweating through all my layers.
11:00 AM - Crocodile Crossing (or, The Allure of the Unknown): On the list of activities during my trip was the search for crocodiles. It sounded exciting. Perhaps. But, considering the heat, the thought of seeing these animals freaked me out. I've never been a fan of nature so to speak and I'd rather avoid being eaten alive.
1:00 PM - Lunch: A Case For Simplicity: The city tour ended, and I was on a solo lunch quest again. The food stalls are the place to be! After a quick search, I found a small cafe that offered the most amazing chicken rice! Food is always the best option.
3:00 PM - The Great Laundry Incident (and the Loss of a Favorite Shirt): Decided to wash some clothes. Thought I would do it myself. Messed up my favourite t-shirt! It now has a permanent tie-dye effect thanks to some overly enthusiastic bleach and a questionable understanding of fabric care. It's now a makeshift rag.
6:00 PM - Sundown on the Waterfront: The Bintulu waterfront is actually quite pretty. Sat by the river, watched the sunset, and had a moment of peace. Realized I’d been going non-stop for two days. Felt a flicker of contentment.
7:00 PM - Dinner and a Meltdown: Okay, dinner. Thought I'd be brave and try to recreate my nasi lemak experience, but there’s no way to prepare it properly and the restaurant was too far. I decided to eat noodles, the very last ones from my stash. All the emotions I bottled up throughout the entire stay. I felt exhausted, homesick, and slightly defeated by a piece of luggage. Cried a little. Then ate the noodles. Solace in carbs, as always.
Day 3: Departure & Dazed Reflection (and the Hope of a Clean Shirt!)
8:00 AM - Final Breakfast Fiasco: Ate the remaining bread and made a pact with the cockroach to get along.
9:00 AM - The Great Suitcase Revelation (or the Triumph of Optimism): Checked again with the airline. My luggage? STILL MISSING. Accept the challenge. I bought more practical items
11:00 AM - Goodbye, Bintulu (and a lingering sense of bewilderment): Headed to the airport. Thinking about the trip, Bintulu was challenging, confusing, and at times, utterly bonkers. But it was also… an experience. And I'll probably never forget the nasi lemak. Or the cockroach.
12:00 PM - Journey Begins: So, bye-bye Malaysia! Now the next adventure begins.
900 Inn Bintulu: Your Dream Sarawak Getaway - Okay, Maybe! FAQs (Let's Be Real)
Okay, so... what *is* 900 Inn? Like, actually?
Alright, so imagine a place… in Bintulu, Sarawak. And it's called 900 Inn. Seems straightforward, right? Well, it's basically a budget-friendly hotel. Think: clean-ish rooms, maybe a slightly wonky shower head situation (more on that later), and a location that *mostly* gets you where you need to be. Don't go expecting the Ritz, but it's definitely a decent starting point for exploring the area.
Is it actually a good location? Tell me straight!
"Good" is relative, yeah? It’s not *bad*. You're kinda near the main drag, which is handy for food and… well, *stuff*. The best part is probably being fairly close to the airport. Saved me a ton of time and money on a taxi which is already a win!
But look, Bintulu isn’t exactly bustling with world-class attractions. So, location-wise, it's good enough. Don't expect a view of the Eiffel Tower, that's for sure.
What are the rooms like? Are they clean-ish? Because I HATE gross bathrooms.
Alright, deep breaths. I’m a bit of a germaphobe myself, so I get the bathroom anxiety. The rooms? Okay. They're not *sparkling*. It's more like… clean-ish. Like, they made an effort. I'd give it a solid 7/10 on the cleanliness scale. The sheets seemed fresh enough, which is a major win in my book. The shower… well, the water *did* come out. Sometimes the pressure was a bit… enthusiastic. And the shower head, as I mentioned, wasn't exactly aligned. Minor quibbles, really. Just bring your own bleach wipes, you know, for peace of mind. Gotta get that feeling of "I'm safe from the horrors" when you're travelling right?
Is there Wi-Fi? Because I *need* my Instagram fix.
Yes! But... temper those expectations, my friend. It's Wi-Fi. In a budget hotel. In Sarawak. Let’s just say it’s not the speediest connection in the world. I *struggled* to upload a truly stunning photo of a sunset over the South China Sea. Took like, half a century...okay, maybe not, but felt like it! Fine for basic browsing and emergencies. If you're planning to live-stream a marathon, think about a local SIM card, to be on the safe side.
What about the staff? Were they nice? Do they speak English?
Okay, the staff… that was a bit of a mixed bag, to be honest. Some were genuinely lovely, super helpful with directions and recommendations. Others… well, let’s just say communication was a bit of a struggle. English is spoken, but it varies. Some are fluent; others are... less so. Be patient, smile a lot. That always helps. I managed to glean some great tips for local food, which, by the way, is a highlight of Bintulu!
One time... and get ready for a *mess* of a memory...I asked for an extra towel. Took about three tries, and a whole lot of gesturing while using my hands to act like I was drying my hair. Hilarious in hindsight. Really made me appreciate how much of a communication crutch a simple towel can be. Good times, I swear.
Is there breakfast? (Because I'm a breakfast person.)
Aha! Now you're talking my language. Yes, there *is* usually breakfast. But, and this is a *but* with capital letters, don't expect a five-star feast. Think: toast, maybe some eggs (if you're lucky), coffee, and the occasional mystery fruit. I remember a particularly… interesting looking papaya one day. It *looked* like it *had* seen better days, but I was hungry!
Honestly? I'd recommend grabbing breakfast at a local *kopitiam* (coffee shop) nearby. You'll get a much more authentic experience and probably something far more delicious. And cheaper!
Okay, the shower. You mentioned the shower. Tell me EVERYTHING. I have trust issues now.
Alright, alright! Deep breath. The shower. Look, it's a shower. It gets you wet. The key thing to remember is that it might be… unpredictable. My own personal experience had its highs and lows. One day, the water pressure was so intense, it felt like a fire hose. Another day, a mere trickle. Sometimes, the water temperature swung wildly from Arctic blast to something that felt like stepping into a volcano (seriously, watch out!).
The shower head itself... let's just say it had seen better days. It seemed to be permanently stuck at an angle, spraying water at an odd trajectory. It was like it had a built-in vendetta. I think I spent the entire time angling my body strategically to get the water where I needed it. There was also a slight issue of the water spreading all over the bathroom floor. I mean, it was kinda like a free, indoor water park, but maybe not the most hygienic one.
But you know what? After a long day trekking through the jungle and seeing what the area had to offer, a slightly wonky shower was still better than no shower at all. It was part of the charm, the imperfection. It reminds you that you aren't at a five-star resort, but you're actually *experiencing* something. It's the stuff of stories!
Would you stay there again? Be brutally honest.
Honestly? Yeah, probably. If I was on a budget and just needed a basecamp for exploring Bintulu and the surrounding areas, it's fine. Like I said, it's not the lap of luxury. But it’s clean enough, the location's decent, and the price is right. Plus, the shower experience alone is worth the price of admission for the story material!
Look, it's not a perfect place, not by a long shot. But it's a solid choice if you’re after a real and slightly quirky experience, and not all the fuss of a big resort. Just pack some extra bleach wipes, a sense of humor, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. YouBook Hotels Now
