This Villa is like a Palace. Super friendly and helpful staff. My family really loves the T shape large pool, we spend way too much time in it in the evening. Superb beach and interesting jungle too. James the host was really helpful, especially doing our shopping for our barbeque including my favourite chashu pork. Staff were great, just the right balance of help and privacy with perfect breakfast for us and chef when we used him was great too. We'll be back next year for sure.
We stayd for 8 night in Villa Hibiscus (Tip of Borneo).
Based on website and comments we had expected a 5 star butik hotel. We have been disappointed : the view and the villa itself is beautiful, but the promissed service is almost complitelly missing. The stuff is helpful, but undertrained. Their job is just to sweep out the million of bugs from the villa. They don't change towels, just on special request, they don't clean the saniters. They have to prepare the breakfast, but they can't cook ( my husband made the egg-meals ). The owner, James met us once and explained the rules. We were not told that no one normal shop is available in this area. So we had no chance to get cold cuts, sausage, cheese, joghurt or anything else you used to have for breakfast.
The only 5 star service we got from the owner of a restaurant located nearby the villa, who came twice a day and carried the well done local food. The stuff went home at 5 pm and after that time we had had full selfservice.
James hadn't called us at all...
The beach is great, but ther is plenty of sand flies. Their bites are terrible. Although James had mentioned these insects, no any protection rules or medicines were stored in the villa as it use to be in tropical hotels.
So we suggest to everybody who likse real luxury to buy all the necessary items in Kota Kinabalu.
In summary : we dont't want to blame the stuff, the owner must train them after he aknowledged the 5 star service e.g. of Elite Havens villa-chain.
What a treat to only have to make a relatively short and rather pleasant 3 hour drive outside of the city of Kota Kinabalu and actually find paradise instead of having to step on a plane and fly for several hours in order to discover it.
The photos of Hibiscus villa do the place justice in that it is indeed stylishly furnished, well appointed with a fabulous pool and truly spacious enough to allow guests and staff space to find peace and quiet without feeling any intrusion.
However what truly makes the villa paradise is of course the location, Kudat, the tip of Borneo. The accommodation is nestled amongst the rainforest trees just steps away from one of the most beautiful beaches you are likely to find in Malaysia. Crystal clear waters, white sandy beach, amazing snorkelling and not a soul around to disturb the feeling of privacy and exclusivity, except perhaps the odd crab or two, or a local fisherman.
Unspoilt, undeveloped with no fancy resorts or high end restaurants is what makes the place feel special and true. It is a real gem and I do hope it remains fairly well undiscovered.
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We came to the villa for 5 nights in August and could have stayed for longer. The standard of the accommodation is exceptional, amazingly well appointed, like a 5* hotel. The maids are amazing and cooked a great breakfast. We used the private chef Jay every day, 4 nights and one lunch and he cooked us some awesome dishes- well worth it. The staff are amazing and the owner James was super helpful and hospitable. The highlight for the kids was the infinity pool and the short walk to what is effectively a private beach. If you stay the next bay along has a great beach bar with sunset BBQ and very nice owner, it's called the Secret Place. Also nearby is good surfing and snorkelling. Overall probably the best place we've stayed at, blew the Shangri La resorts we stayed at out of the water and we really enjoyed them!!
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Our family of five arrived after driving up from KK. Despite lacking GPS and maps we found the place quite easy. The place is just absolutely stunning - the view from the pool, the interior of the house, the beach - just about everything was perfect. We were fortunate enough to experience blue skies and sunny days during our entire stay. The beach was wonderful, however the coral was not at its best when we visited. I can only think of one minor disappointment of the estate - the mosquitos (though we had forgotten repellents which probably would have helped). Also, we found the unconnectedness of the place with regards to both wifi and cell-phones very relaxing.
All in all - a fantastic stay and whole-heartedly recommended.
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The villa is even better in real life than the pictures. The view across the gardens to the sea is beautiful and the sunsets are to die for. A very peaceful and tranquil location. We loved the infinity pool. The breakfast served each day was great and all of the staff were kind and spoke decent English. The host James could not have been more helpful and made us all feel very welcome. The local area is underdeveloped, but there is a lovely beach bar and an internet café in close proximity. Hire a car to explore the Northernmost Tip of Borneo , or just enjoy the villa and its lush surroundings. The beach is walking distance and pretty much private. Safe and clean for children with good snorkeling. Overall, a lovely place to stay. Highly recommended.
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We stayed in the Villa for two nights. James and team were awesome and let us have a super late check out.
The Villa is amazing.. everything about it is luxurious. We had pretty average weather, however as the villa has so many entertaining areas we were not phased and enjoyed the sunshine when it poked its head out briefly.
Staff were are great and friendly, James, Joe & team organised a massuse to come in for a day to massage our sore legs from the hike. Chef was amazing too!!
Would highly recommend!!!
P.S. Hire a car to get there, the drive was super easy and we did a couple of quick trips to the tip of borneo and the town.