Kokol Heights Villa

The kitchen was in good shape and had what we needed, so I’d give it 4/5. The room was clean and in decent condition, though a bathroom exhaust fan would help with odors. The living area could use newer seating, and the TV remote didn’t work. The cafe wasn’t available. My overall rating is 7/10.

The staff were friendly, available around the clock, and quick to help whenever we needed something. That was the highlight. We stayed in a spacious one-bedroom villa farther along Kokol Road, though it was still easy enough to reach. The view of the city lights and sea was great, but the villa felt old and run down. Everything inside seemed dirty and aged, and mold covered the balcony, table, and wooden fixtures, so it wasn’t pleasant to sit outside. The property has a lot of potential, but it needs maintenance and better cleaning. Given the condition, I don’t think the price was justified.

The hill gives you a great lookout over the sea, and Mount Kinabalu is visible in good weather. The rooms are dated, but they’re spacious and have all the facilities.

There were broken patches on the walls and stains across the beds when we arrived, though the place was still nice. I found a house lizard in our pan when I went to cook, which was disgusting, even if the food was nice. Then after waking up, I found ants on the bed. I brushed one away and more came, crawling all over it. It gave me chills, but it was okay. I’d suggest bringing insect spray or repellent.