Damai Beach Resort has been a popular place for Kuchingnites to spend the weekend or other days away from
Kuching city. The resort has been perceived to be a luxurious resort for many local and international tourists. It was the place to be when you need to have fun and relax. I have not stayed at the resort since the day Serene and I spent our honeymoon there. It was then managed by Holiday Inn part of the InterContinental Hotels Group until 2007 and was turned over to
Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC).
Moving forward to 2013. I was appalled by the conditions of the resort as we happened to stay a night at the resort on Feb 17. It is very sad that the place is no longer in pristine condition. It is way past its prime...! The pool areas have cracked or broken tiles which are very hazardous to small children. The room we stayed has musky mold smell and the TV channels selection are limited to about 10. It is so ironic that we can continue to list more negative than positive things. Anyway, here is the kicker. Anything that you break or would like to have extra will be either be fined or charged. It is no longer "
THE" place to be. We felt like a "communist resort" with all the fees and fines in placed.
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| Fine warning near the shaving station |
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| Extra charge reminder at the coffee and tea making station |
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| Partial list of imposed fees/fines |
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| Moldy corner (Bath tub) |
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| Moldy spots at the soap holder |
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| Unfinished spackling on the bathroom ceiling |
Fortunately, the natural beauty of the beach is still there and we manage to enjoy by walking on the sand. We just hope the management would do something to return the resort to its former tip top condition that everyone used to remember. Holiday Inn Damai Beach Resort the place to be regardless of the re-branding changed.
Verdict: Not recommended unless they make drastic changes.
P/s Just a note the breakfast buffet stations are messy, unhygienic and not constantly refilled.
