Guest Reviews

Locavore: "Awesome set menu"

Very fine place to lunch or dinner. Reservation by phone quite hard, but female staff more helpful when you come to booking. However, the set menu is amazing. You will happy to spend two hours meal. 😆😙👍

Babe: "Sensational. A really special experience."

"Among all of the places I have eaten at, Babe exudes an atmosphere that rivals the most energetic of places, with the food sharing that same energy. Chef Jeff Ramsay and his team of chefs and hosts provide an experience that's unlike any other in Malaysia. The food is refreshingly inventive, executed well, and finished off with attentive explanations. I really enjoyed my time here and I recommend the place to anybody who's looking for a good time. "

Noel Rodrigo’s Leopard Safaris: "Enchantingly Memorable"

"We (family of 4 with kids 8 and 11) spent 2 nights at Noel's camp. This included 4 Safaris. Both Noel and Cecile were our hosts, a lucky thing as they are not always present at the camp. Tent - we are not campers and had just come from several days in Amanwella, so ""glamping"" was the intention. We got the aircon tent, a semi-permanent structure that runs on solar power. Very comfortable, and the AC was a key feature during the stifling dry heat of the day, and also made it a lot easier to fall asleep at night. There were a few quirks here and there but when glamping, you factor that into the mix. Overall the tent delivered beyond expectations. The one observation I will make is on security - nothing happened and there is a safe in the room, but the tents are zipper operated (no locks). The camp site is not that far from village areas. I would advise to bring 2 padlocks to lock the zipper clasps together at the 2 entrances (front flap and back flap leading to the bathroom). Your valuables will be secure enough in the safe but I didn't like the idea that someone could unzip and enter while we are asleep at night. To be clear, none of the camp staff are an issue, but it's outsiders who know the price of staying at this camp who could get ideas. Food - spectacular. They source organic and fresh from the farmers in the area, and their talented chef put together very flavorful breakfasts, lunches and dinners. It was all local cuisine, and there was always spicy plus non spicy varieties to ensure the kids would be fine. Your taste buds will be in for a real treat. Camp ambience - charming. The volunteers (especially Christina from Spain) entertained the kids with games. They also organized the building of an insect hotel which the kids loved, and also had them participate in tree planting to show the importance of giving back to nature when you leave a carbon footprint. Both entertaining and educational. Meals were communal style and made for enjoyable conversation. Breakfast and lunch under a thatched roof, dinner under the stars. Yes you will now and then see a small lizard or mantis or other creature on your armrest or the table... to be expected in a wildlife park. Safaris - prime time to see stuff is at dusk and dawn, so the AM departure is before 6AM and the PM outing is from 3pm to 6:30pm. On our first two outings, we saw numerous spotted and barking deer; eagles, kingfishers, peacocks, many other birds; mongoose; crocs; elephants. Watching 2 alpha deer bucks clash was neat but we still had not seen what we came for - leopards. The third outing was the charm, and we watched a large leopard lounging in the grass. I don't quite know how to describe the feeling of watching a beautiful and free animal in its natural habitat. All I can say is: a zoo ain't the same. My iphone camera shots won't do it justice. Fortunately, Noel was our guide and when you combine a passion for wildlife with an 8kg-supersonic-Nat Geo-caliber camera lens, the results are amazing. Attached are 2 of his pics of our leopard. As a bonus, we also spotted a young sloth bear. Noel is very knowledgeable and gave us valuable insight and commentary during the rides. His Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles were properly decked out, and I noticed in the park many other outfits carrying tourists in rickety vehicles (one was even lopsided due to different sized tires). Also must credit Noel for truly trying hard on safari #3 to spot a leopard. He badly wanted for us to spot one before we depart, and made it his mission. There are no guarantees but it helps when your guide badly wants you to leave happy. We did the 2 night package and I highly recommend it. Had we done 1 night, we would have missed out on safari #3 which was the highlight. After safari #4, we had our fill and were ready to head off so the format was just right. I guess you could get lucky on a 1 night stay but your chances go up much more on the 2 nighter. There are some who do a day excursion from their beach resort, and this would be a mistake as you would arrive past dawn and leave before dusk, i.e. be on safari while the animals are asleep in a hidden shade. This is an eco-minded camp run by owners who are passionate about wildlife and conservation, and keen to impassion others by delivering on client experience. If you visit a big city like London or Manhattan, the hotel you choose plays a part but the city itself largely makes the experience. At a wildlife park, the hosts who run your camp and guide your safaris largely make for good vs bad experience. Is this value for money? I will answer same as when someone asks me that about my Porsche: I won't describe it as value for money but will just say, it's worth every penny."

The Island Lodge: "Great time in “l’ile de la licorne"

"We really had great time in Island Lodge. It deserves its name of ""secret retreat"". The location is amazing and totally surprising. The hosts really welcoming. They have decorated all the rooms and hotel with great taste. We highly recommend the boat and bike tour that give you unique experience of Mekong Delta. The homemade food is delicious and worths also the trip. Perfect getaway from Saigon...book quick there is not a lot of rooms!"

Samanea Beach Resort: "Highly recommended as excellent accommodation for Kep and Kampot"

Our stay was six nights in the junior suite overlooking the pool and the water. The grounds are wonderful, peaceful, secluded and private. The rooms are high quality although a few small maintenance issues could have made them excellent plus upgrade to delux bathroom towels. Outside shower and bath with privacy and nature. Onsite is Chankiri Restaurant providing exception meals and the best cocktails. For those travellers that value privacy, nature and quiet. Highly recommended.

Rachamankha: "Great hotel on great location"

"I stayed at this hotel for 3 nights. The rooms are spacious and clean, and so is the hotel. Service is outstanding and all staff is really friendly. My stay included breakfast, which was delicious! Food is so good and inexpensive! Location is great, near the night market (10 min in tuk tuk), but far from the loud areas, which is good for me. My only complaint is the lack of a fitness center. I would stay there again!"

Kinabalu Park: "A Paradise up in the hills"

My cousin and I stayed at one of the units in Nepenthes Lodges managed by Sutera Sanctuary Lodges. The lodges are located right in the heart of the Unesco World Heritage Site. We had the luxury of a two storey lodge with two bed rooms, a balcony, a nice sitting room with a fire place and a kitchen. The place is well run. I would like to commend the manager, Alvina, who was very concerned about us after we checked in, as it was raining heavily. She made sure that our small requests, including room service, were met with great efficiency. From the lodge, we could see Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, and misty rain forest around us. It was so relaxing staying in the lodge and taking cool walks to see the flora and fauna in a natural setting. Temperature at this 5,200ft highland was very comfortable. We really enjoyed our stay and appreciate the good service.

Tugu Lombok: "Unique…authentic hotel"

Good service, good food and beautiful beach. Very unique atmosphere. Would definitely recommend to stay in the North side of Lombok as this part is the most developed one. Would only recommend to stay in hotels such as Oberoi, Lombok lodge, Tugu or Qunci.

Mrauk U Princess Resort: "Boutique luxury off the beaten track"

Mrauk Oo Princess Resort, a sister hotel of the more prominent Inle Princess Resort, is by far the best accommodation option in town. Each of the 23 spacious, dark wood- dominated villas represents a blend of traditional furnishings and modern amenities. Both the restaurant (overlooking the lotus dotted pond) and the spa (situated on the bank of the river) are designed with an artistic touch. The landscaping is also easy on the eyes. At the time of my visit, the swimming pool was not at the visitors’ disposal but it has recently changed; from October 2015 hotel guests can cool down from the tropical heat with a splash in a 45 feet long swimming pool. The hotel staff are very friendly and can help you organize sightseeing around the temple complex or day trips to Chin villages and Wethali etc. Staying at Mrauk Oo Princess Resort gives you the rare opportunity to experience the remote, unspoiled Myanmar without compromising on the quality of your accommodation.

The River Resort: "Fabulous location – charming hotel"

Great location, right on the side of the Mekong with two inifnity pools. Charming staff, lovely well-appointed rooms, not really much more to say. REstaurant probably a little pricey, but not unreasonably so for a western class resort..