TOOJOU Kota Kinabalu - Hostel

The room was alright, though small and not especially clean. There were leaks in several places, but the air conditioning worked and got cold. My main problem was getting help with printing something for a school exam. I was on a trip that combined school and vacation, and the hotel has a workspace. Reviews said there was a printer, so we messaged ahead to confirm and were told reception staff could help print. Since reception was open 24 hours, we expected someone would be available. We also confirmed when I’d need it: my exam was 6-7:30 AM, EST, and I needed the papers by then. The night shift woman with glasses and the security guard were both kind and helpful when I explained how urgent it was. They said someone would arrive by 7 AM and could print my materials. But at 6 AM, only the guard was there, and he couldn’t use the printer. I came down before 7 to check whether anyone had arrived. The morning receptionist showed up at 7:03. I went over right away, thinking the others had passed on my request. They seemed to be speaking to her in their local language while she put down her bag, so I think they had told her. She sounded irritated and asked me to wait because she’d just arrived. After waiting another ten minutes, I approached the desk again. She looked at me but didn’t answer when I asked if I could use the printer. Then she turned back to her computer. I stayed there until my exam time was over and wasn’t able to submit any part of it. I felt she brushed off the problem. The hotel should have told us in advance if nobody could handle this kind of request early in the morning, especially since we contacted them specifically about it. The morning receptionist also seemed cold and a bit rude when dealing with requests, and didn’t smile at guests. I did see her flirting with a guy on the boat out front when nobody was asking for help. I don’t know whether she’s underpaid or stressed, but I hope she won’t have to handle something life-threatening or life-changing. There was also a gigantic rat running around OPIS in the evenings. I don’t mind much, but people coming in for food might. There were a few drips too, though I think they covered them with an egg carton. You can hear it from time to time.

It’s about a 10-minute walk to Waterfront, and Gaya Street is roughly the same distance. A nice option if you’re after some peace and don’t mind paying a little more. I also met Jacques, a French lad who’s passionate about scuba diving and marine life conservation. Follow him on IG jack_cross_01 if you want to see what projects he’s working on or get a sense of what scuba diving has to offer :)

The co-working area came in handy when I needed to get some work done, and the rooftop café and shared spaces were good places to relax or chat with other travelers. The rooms were clean, comfortable, and surprisingly spacious, with thoughtful amenities and a bright feel. Toojou has a lively, creative atmosphere. The lobby feels more like a café lounge than a check-in desk, and the interiors are stylish. Staff were warm and attentive, with helpful local suggestions for food, sightseeing, and onward travel. There were backpackers, digital nomads, and leisure travelers around, but it still felt social without getting noisy. It’s part boutique hotel, part creative hub, and part hangout. The design and welcoming service made our stay in Kota Kinabalu feel memorable and comfortable.

I ordered the Garlic Chicken Fried Rice, but both the rice and chicken were really bland. The sambal helped a little, so I forced myself to eat it.