Hung Hung Inn Kota Kinabalu: Malaysia's BEST Kept Secret?
Hung Hung Inn, Kota Kinabalu: Seriously, Is This Place REALLY Malaysia’s Best-Kept Secret? (My Messy, Honest Review)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea and the lukewarm coffee about my recent stay at the Hung Hung Inn in Kota Kinabalu. The marketing material practically screams "hidden gem," "untapped paradise," and "the best kept secret in Malaysia!" Honestly? I was skeptical. Everyone claims to be a secret. But after a week crammed inside those walls, I'm starting to think… maybe, just maybe, they're onto something.
Let's be real, travel reviews can be so sterile. I’m here to tell you the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me… well, help me eat all the buffet breakfast croissants. Because, oh my god, we need to talk about that breakfast.
First Impressions & Accessibility: The Rollercoaster Ride
Okay, so, Accessibility. This is where things get a little… complicated. They say they have facilities for disabled guests, and an elevator. That's good! But I didn't personally check, and honestly, navigating Kota Kinabalu itself is a bit of a mixed bag for wheelchairs. Sidewalks are sometimes non-existent or riddled with obstacles. So, while the Inn says it's trying, do your research and call beforehand if mobility is a major concern. Sorry, can't offer more on that right now.
Getting There & General Vibe:
Airport transfer is available – a massive relief after those long flights. Car park [free of charge] is also a welcome bonus in a city where parking can be a blood sport. The building itself? It's not the Four Seasons, let's just leave it at that. It's… functional. But that’s okay, because the "secret" lies inside.
Cleanliness & Safety: COVID Conundrums and the Illusion of Security
Let’s jump right into the elephant in the room: COVID. The Hung Hung Inn definitely takes it seriously. They have a whole laundry list: Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, Rooms sanitized between stays, and Staff trained in safety protocol. You feel relatively safe, which is important. They also offer Room sanitization opt-out available if you're feeling extra… cautious. They tout Hygiene certification which is supposed to be more of them following proper procedure. But, here's a little something to be said, it's a constant battle to ensure everyone is doing everything, not just the staff.
Food, Glorious Food (And the Odd Incident with a Dodgy Shrimp)
This is where the Hung Hung Inn really shines. Dining, drinking, and snacking, they've absolutely got it covered.
- Restaurants: Plural! There are Restaurants. Inside the main restaurant, more often than not it felt like, Coffee/tea in restaurant was the only thing to get you going.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Okay, let's talk about that breakfast. It's Breakfast [buffet] AND it's a Breakfast service. Every morning, it was a glorious chaos. Think mountains of perfectly fluffy scrambled eggs (I'm obsessed), crispy bacon, a rotating selection of Asian delights (the nasi lemak was divine) and, of course, the aforementioned croissants. They even have all the condiments like Essential condiments! It’s a Western breakfast, Asian breakfast together! It's a Buffet in restaurant and I'd be remiss if I didn't go for the desserts.
- Room service [24-hour]: Brilliant! Especially after a long day of… well, doing anything. Sometimes felt impossible to order from, though, but I was just lazy.
- Poolside bar: Yes. With glorious cocktails. The Poolside bar is essential.
- Snack bar: Honestly, didn't try it.
- Coffee shop: The coffee's decent, but the conversations are golden.
- A la carte in restaurant: Sometimes felt better than other times.
Now, the slightly less glorious part: One night, I ordered some shrimp from the room service. Let’s just say, it wasn’t…fresh. My stomach did not enjoy the experience. (I did get a sincere apology and a free dessert the next day, so they handled it well.) Sanitized kitchen and tableware items is a priority and perhaps that was just a fluke.
The Room: "Cozy" is a Kind Description
The rooms? They're clean and functional. My room had Air conditioning, Free Wi-Fi, Coffee/tea maker, Daily housekeeping, Mini bar, Refrigerator, Safety/security features, Satellite/cable channels, Shower, Toiletries, and Wi-Fi [free]. And Additional toilet! A big win! It's not a huge sprawling luxury suite. They're a bit on the smaller side. But they're well-equipped. The Bed was extra long, which was great for my freakishly tall partner. Plus, Blackout curtains are a godsend after a late night at the Bar (see above). I was always able to get some sleep. The Soundproofing was surprisingly good. It wasn't perfect. I could sometimes hear the… ahem… enthusiastic karaoke from a nearby establishment, but hey, you're in Asia!
Amenities & Ways to Relax: Spa Day? (Maybe Not)
Okay, so this is where the marketing material might overpromise a little bit. They do have a Swimming pool [outdoor], and it's lovely. Has Pool with view. But the Spa, Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom and Fitness center? Meh. The spa menu seemed a little… limited. The gym was more of a room with some aging equipment. Don't go there hoping for a world-class spa experience. But the pool is a perfect place to chill!
Internet & Connectivity: A Blessing and a Curse
Internet access is readily available! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Thank goodness. The Wi-Fi in public areas can be spotty. Internet [LAN] is available in some rooms, too. But honestly, I'm not a fan of LAN anymore. I found I could stay in touch with Internet services, so it makes life much easier.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Count
Concierge: Helpful. The Doorman is awesome.
Daily housekeeping: Excellent.
Laundry service: Good.
Cash withdrawal: Is available, which is useful.
Safety deposit boxes: Are there, which is good for security.
For the Kids:
Didn’t test out a Babysitting service personally, but there is a mention of Family/child friendly on the site. But I saw kids enjoying themselves! But I have no actual experience with them.
Getting Around:
Taxi service is readily available, as is Airport transfer. Bicycle parking is available, not like anyone uses it for bikes.
The Verdict: Is Hung Hung Inn Really a "Secret?"
Look, it's not perfect. It’s not the lap of luxury. But… there's something about this place. It's got genuine charm. The staff are friendly, and go out of their way to help. The breakfast alone is worth the price of admission. It's a solid, comfortable base for exploring Kota Kinabalu, and the location is pretty darn good, too.
So, is it Malaysia's best-kept secret?
Maybe. It's certainly underrated. It's got a no-frills vibe that I really dug.
Stop Rambling! Here’s the Deal
My Emotional Reaction: Honestly, I've got pretty mixed feelings about this place. I loved the breakfast, the friendly staff, and the convenience. I did feel comfortable and safe overall. There's a certain… realness to the Hung Hung Inn that I appreciated.
My Unsolicited Recommendation: If you're looking for a budget-friendly, comfortable, and conveniently located hotel in Kota Kinabalu with seriously good breakfast, Hung Hung Inn is definitely worth a look.
Here’s a little marketing angle for you: Are you done with the same old boring hotel chains? Are you looking for an authentic Malaysian experience with a touch of local charm? Then the Hung Hung Inn is perfect for you!
Compelling Offer:
- Book directly through their website and use code "SECRETESCAPE" for 10% off your stay!
- Free breakfast included! *
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to plunge headfirst into the chaotic, beautiful mess that was my trip to Hung Hung Inn in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. This itinerary… well, it’s less a pristine schedule and more a roadmap of happy accidents, desperate searches for laundry, and the occasional existential crisis triggered by a particularly vibrant sunset. Here goes nothing!
Day 1: Arrival - Jet Lag is a Jerk (and So is the WiFi)
Morning (or What Passed for It After a 16-Hour Flight): Landed at Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Humidity hit me like a… well, like a wall of humid air. Immediately regretted my decision to wear jeans. Finding a taxi was a minor battle of wills and haggling skills. Ended up paying WAY too much, but hey, I was tired. Lesson learned: Download the Grab app before you leave the airport.
Mid-Morning: Check-in at Hung Hung Inn. The lobby was… functional. Don't go expecting a Four Seasons. More like a clean-ish, well-lit hostel, with a super-friendly (but slightly overwhelmed) receptionist. MY room on the 4th floor was tiny, but it had a window! A window with some decent-enough views. Bonus points for the air-con blasting like a hurricane, perfect for melting the jet lag into the floor.
Lunch: Wander. Just wander. Found a tiny, hole-in-the-wall place two blocks away. Ordered “something with noodles and chicken.” It arrived. I ate it. It was amazing. Had no idea what I was eating, but it was a revelation. (This is where my memory gets hazy. I think I wandered a bit more. Lost my bearings. Spent at least an hour trying to find a wifi hotspot. Finally gave up and went back to the inn. Spent the rest of the day fighting off intense sleepiness. My internal clock was screaming, "It's 3 AM!" while my body was begging to sleep.)
Evening: Attempted dinner at a bustling seafood restaurant near the waterfront that I had read about, but the menu was a disaster. Couldn’t understand it. All the pictures of the sea-food look delicious though. Ended up ordering some bland rice and a grilled fish that definitely saw better days. Lesson learned: Google Translate needs to be installed and practiced before being deployed. Walked back to the inn, completely wiped. Slept like a log.
Day 2: The Island Escape (and the Great Flip-Flop Massacre)
- Morning: Woke up feeling… slightly less like a zombie. Booked a day trip to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. (This was an achievement in itself, as the booking system seemed to be designed by a sadist). Packed a bag, forgetting sunscreen. Major rookie mistake.
- Mid-Morning: Ferry to Sapi Island! (A small island). The water was crystal clear. The sand… well, the sand was the colour of pure, unadulterated joy. Spent the majority of the morning swimming, snorkelling, and generally feeling like I’d stumbled into a postcard. Watched for some fish, and the colours were amazing.
- Anecdote: At one point, I was swimming, blissfully unaware of my surroundings, when I accidentally swam directly into a school of fish. They parted around me in a shimmering, iridescent wave. It was the closest I’ve ever felt to being a Disney princess. I swear I thought one of them winked at me as it swam past.
- Lunch: The BBQ lunch on Sapi was… serviceable. Overcooked, slightly lukewarm, and crawling with what I affectionately dubbed “sand-loving seagulls of doom.” Still, the view more than made up for it. Ate my lunch, keeping a very close eye on my plate.
- Afternoon: Snorkeling at Manukan Island. (This was far more crowded that Sapi. I am not sure if it was due to the fact that it was a weekend). Saw the most beautiful coral I have ever seen. The colours were unreal. The fish, even more colourful than I’d imagined. Tried to take photos, but the water kept blurring the lens, and that's when I noticed that my flip-flops were gone! (or more accurately, stolen). Apparently, a rogue wave, or perhaps just gravity, had claimed them during a moment of indecision while I was putting on my snorkel mask. Damn you, ocean!
- Late Afternoon: The Ferry ride back was filled with a sense of the sun. It made me feel alive again.
- Evening: Dinner at a local market. Absolutely glorious! Food stalls galore, all with amazing smells and colours. Ate some satay with a sauce that nearly made me weep tears of joy. More wandering around more food stalls.
- Quirky Observation: Seriously, Malaysians know how to eat. The flavours, the aromas, the sheer abundance of food… I was in heaven. I also noticed that everyone, and I mean everyone, seemed to be wearing flip-flops. Maybe the flip-flop gods were angered by my footwear mishap earlier!
Day 3: Culture, Cats, and a Catastrophe Laundry Incident
- Morning: Decided to get my cultural fix. Visited the Sabah State Museum. It was… educational. Got a better understanding of the history and culture of the region. (It was hot, boring, and I kind of just sped through it.)
- Mid-Morning: Wandered into the city centre. Visited a tiny little cat sanctuary café. The cats were glorious! Pure, fluffy, adorable chaos. Played with them for over an hour. It was truly the highlight of the day.
- Anecdote: One fluffy ginger kitty decided that my backpack was the perfect napping spot. He curled up, purred, and ignored all my attempts to get him out. I ended up drinking my coffee with a cat sleeping on my back. Best coffee break ever.
- Lunch: Had a lunch at the Café, that came with the cats. Ordered a cake. It was good.
- Afternoon: Disaster struck. The laundry. I had been putting it off, but the mountain of sweaty clothes was becoming a problem. Found a laundromat. Put everything in, went off to get more food. Came back to find my laundry shrunk and discoloured. My favorite T-shirt was now a child's garment. I nearly cried.
- Evening: Comfort food. Lots of it. Found a place that sold amazing dumplings. Ate my feelings. Vowed to learn how to do laundry properly.
- Emotional Reaction: Laundry mishap: 1. Me: 0. This was a low point. Nearly considered leaving the trip at that moment. But then I had another dumpling, and the world felt slightly less cruel.
Day 4: Departure - The Farewell and the Flip-Flop Saga Continues
- Morning: Final stroll to the beach. The sun was shining. The water was calm. Still no sign of my flip-flops. Swore revenge on the sea.
- Mid-Morning: Last meal at a local coffee shop. The coffee was strong, the kaya toast was perfect. Sat there, watching the world go by, feeling a strange mix of sadness and contentment.
- Afternoon: Checked out of Hung Hung Inn. Said goodbye to the lovely (and now familiar) receptionist. Taxied to the airport.
- Late Afternoon: Flight home. So much to reflect on: the good, the bad, the ugly (the laundry, specifically).
- Emotional Reaction: Leaving always sucks. But I left so much better. I've seen a glimpse of another world, felt emotions I won't forget.
Final Thoughts:
Kota Kinabalu, and particularly this little inn, had its moments. It's no luxury resort, but you could never expect that. It's a bit rough around the edges, but it has its own charm and I could easily see myself going back. The food was incredible, the scenery was breathtaking, and the people were friendly. I'm better off for it. Now, I need to find a new pair of flip-flops… and learn how to do laundry.
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Da Nang Pool Villa with Ocean Views!
Hung Hung Inn Kota Kinabalu: Malaysia's... Alright-est Secret? (A Very Unofficial FAQ)
So, is Hung Hung Inn *really* the best-kept secret? Or just… kept?
What's the vibe like? Is it a party hostel or a grandma's house?
The rooms... are they clean? Are they *safe*? (Asking the real questions, people!)
What about the location? Is it actually *convenient*?
Okay, the food. Is it good? Does it take forever to arrive? Is there any?
Can you give me any *specific* anecdotes about your time there?
The downsides? Be honest! What were the things that bugged you?
Would you recommend it to *everyone*?
