Celyn Resort Kinabalu is just a short distance from the famous Poring Hot Springs in the Malaysian state of Sabah. It is also close to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinabalu Park. The nearest town is Ranau. A great base for exploring some of Sabah’s spectacular natural delights, the property also offers incredible views of the surrounding areas and very comfortable rooms for a great night’s sleep. Wake up feeling refreshed and raring to go!
Here’s why you should choose Celyn Resort Kinabalu:
Choice of beautiful rooms and suites spread between small low-rise blocks
Celyn Resort Kinabalu offers several room types to suit different group sizes, requirements, and budgets. Suites are also available. Whilst the walk-in rate, or rack rate, is fairly expensive, it is possible to get significant discounts when booking in advance and taking advantage of promotions.
Resort buildings are no higher than two stories, meaning that the stunning views are not obscured by towering buildings. There are also not many steps to climb come bedtime!
The cheapest rooms are located in the Valley Wing. With either a queen-sized bed or two single beds, the promotional price per night is 208 MYR (approximately 48 USD). There are 12 rooms in the Valley Wing.
Rooms in the Kinabalu Wing are also suitable for up to two guests, with a choice of a queen-sized bed or two single beds. The promotional price is 248 MYR (approximately 57 USD) per night, and there are 20 rooms in this section of the resort.
The only difference between rooms in the Valley Wing and Kinabalu Wing (apart from the price) is the direction that they face. The Valley Wing, as the name implies, overlooks the stunning valley, whilst the Kinabalu Wing provides incredible views of the soaring Mount Kinabalu and the Crocker Range.
Six Jungle Mountain rooms are available for three people, with one queen-sized bed and a single bed. These rooms cost 358 MYR (approximately 82.50 USD) per night with the promotion.
The resort also has two Jungle Junior rooms, with a queen or twin beds, and two Family rooms, suitable for up to three people sleeping in one queen-sized bed and one single bed. The difference between the Jungle Mountain rooms and the Family rooms is that a Jungle Mountain room has a balcony and a Family room has no balcony but has a separate living room.
A small selection of suites and villas are available at Celyn Resort Kinabalu, with nightly prices ranging between 398 MYR (approximately 92 USD) and 688 MYR (approximately 158.50 USD) (promotional rates).
Excellent room facilities and high standards of comfort
All rooms and suites have a private bathroom with hot and cold water, a selection of mini toiletries, a hair dryer, cable TV, a DVD player, and facilities for making hot drinks.
The resort’s location, amongst mountains and valleys, means that the temperatures are usually pleasantly cool. As such, all rooms and suites are cooled by electric fans. The only exception is the Family Suite, which has air-conditioning as well.
Rooms are spacious, with ample storage space in a tall wardrobe and small drawers.
The resort advertises that all beds feature “deluxe bedding”. It is certainly true that the beds are wonderfully comfortable, with mattresses that are neither too soft nor too hard, plump pillows and fluffy duvets, and pristine white sheets. Cocoon yourself in the soft bedding and breathe in the lovely, slightly sweet fragrance of washing detergent. You’ll have no problems drifting off to sleep!
Large windows and balconies
Most rooms and suites have large balconies from where you can feast your eyes on the natural splendour all around. Balconies have a wooden table and chairs and are accessed through large patio doors. They are an ideal spot to relax whilst enjoying the fresh air and great views.
The Family rooms and Kinabalu Suite do not have balconies. They provide a separate internal living area instead, complete with comfortable chairs and a table. You can still enjoy the stunning scenic views as soon as you wake up though – simply draw back the curtains from across the large windows!
Incredible views of the picturesque surroundings
Whether you gaze out of your windows, chill out on your balcony, or take a wander around the pretty resort, you cannot help but be impressed by the marvellous views all around. To one direction you can see the cloud-wrapped jagged peak of Mount Kinabalu, and if you turn around you can enjoy the sweeping views of the lush and verdant valley.
Celyn Resort Kinabalu embraces the natural theme, with several charming walking trails through the resort’s grounds. There is an abundance of flora and fauna almost right on your doorstep! The flowers are particularly vibrant and colourful and you may spot some interesting plants that you have never seen before. Mind your step on the Nature Walkway – the uneven log steps combined with loose stones can be really slippery.
Other resort facilities and getting out and about
There is an onsite restaurant, Bunga Raya Café, that serves a basic selection of local and international fare, such as rice dishes, noodles, and sandwiches. The food is average; not awful, but definitely nothing to write home about. Alcoholic drinks cannot be consumed in the large dining room, although you can drink on the terrace if you like. There is also a separate bar area. The resort’s fairly isolated location means that there are no real alternatives for meals unless you have your own transportation. You could, however, eat dinner before returning in the evening and wait until you are out and about in the morning to eat breakfast.
Due to the location and resort layout, Wi-Fi is not available in the rooms. If you are desperate to get online you can connect to the Wi-Fi in the lobby area (free of charge), although the signal is not very good. It is best to plan to have no internet access during your stay, and if the Wi-Fi is working well it will be a nice bonus!
Luggage storage facilities are available and there is a large car park.
The resort can assist with booking trips and onward transportation. Excellent places to visit in the vicinity include Kinabalu Park (15 km / 9.3 miles away), Poring Hot Spring with its dizzying jungle canopy walk (30 km / 18.6 miles away), and Kundasang War Memorial (10 km / 6.2 miles away).
It is highly recommended to pre-book your transportation to the resort (charges apply). We did not arrange any transportation for our arrival, instead planning to catch a taxi from Ranau town. The bus to Ranau from Sepilok dropped us off alongside a fairly busy road in a residential area. After waiting some time to try and flag down a (non-materialising) passing taxi, we eventually accepted a ride from a passerby in his private vehicle.
Whilst Celyn Resort Kinabalu may not have the best restaurant in the world, and you will probably find yourself using hotel-arranged taxis a lot during your stay, the awesome views, peaceful atmosphere, and lovely rooms may well be worth a few small trade-offs.
If you love nature, scenic views, and leaving life’s hustle and bustle far behind, book your stay at Celyn Resort Kinabalu.
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