Gloria Swiss: Sandakan's BEST Hotel & Apartment? (Luxury Awaits!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into a review of Gloria Swiss: Sandakan's BEST Hotel & Apartment? (Luxury Awaits!) And let me tell you, after my Sandakan adventure, I've got THINGS to say. This isn't your sanitized, robot-written, five-star-perfect review. This is REAL. Raw. And probably a little bit chaotic. Let's do this!
Gloria Swiss: Sandakan - My Honest Take (Luxury? Maybe… Let’s See)
Okay, first things first: Accessibility. This is HUGE for me, and honestly, Gloria Swiss gets a mixed review. They list "Facilities for disabled guests," which is promising. The elevators are a lifesaver, and I appreciate that. But… I didn't see a TON of obvious wheelchair-friendly stuff. I'd call ahead and really clarify specifics if accessibility is your main concern.
Initial Impression: The Lobby Jitters
Walking into the lobby, I was… overwhelmed. Shiny surfaces. Lots of chrome. It felt a little… sterile. Like a fancy medical facility. Don’t get me wrong, it's CLEAN. Like, surgically clean. And that’s appreciated, especially with everything going on in the world. But it lacked a certain warmth, you know? A touch of "welcome home.”
Safety First (and Hopefully, Always)
Speaking of everything going on in the world… Cleanliness and safety is A+ territory. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer everywhere… they're really taking things seriously. Staff trained in safety protocols – you could tell. They had the whole sanitizing process down. It's comforting, in a slightly paranoid, germaphobe-friendly way. I was constantly reaching for the hand sanitizer (available throughout the hotel) and thinking, "Okay, I can relax a little." And I liked the room sanitization opt-out available. You know, if you trust the world.
There's CCTV in common areas and outside the property, security [24-hour], smoke alarms, and a fire extinguisher - good. I appreciate all that. This kinda stuff makes you feel… safe.
Rooms: The Good, the Not-So-Good, and the Mini-Bar Shenanigans
My room? Okay, let’s talk. The “Available in all rooms” list is long: Air conditioning, alarm clock, bathrobes, bathroom phone (who even uses that anymore?!), bathtub, blackout curtains, carpeting, closet, coffee/tea maker (YES!), complimentary tea, daily housekeeping, desk, extra long bed, free bottled water, hair dryer, high floor, in-room safe box, internet access – LAN, internet access – wireless, ironing facilities, laptop workspace, linens, mini bar, mirror, non-smoking, on-demand movies (hmmm…), private bathroom, reading light, refrigerator, safety/security feature, satellite/cable channels, scale, seating area, separate shower/bathtub, shower, slippers, smoke detector, socket near the bed, sofa, soundproofing, telephone, toiletries, towels, umbrella, visual alarm, wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], and window that opens. Whew.
The bed? Super comfy. The blackout curtains are a lifesaver if you're jetlagged (which I was). The mini-bar, though… let's just say I may or may not have indulged in a few late-night treats. Those little bottles of… stuff… are dangerous! But I gotta say, I really, REALLY loved the complimentary tea. Always appreciated.
The "Additional toilet" or the "Additional Shower" - that's the kind of thing that makes you feel boujee! And the extra long bed, well that helped me get even more sleep.
Internet and Connectivity:
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Praise be! It worked reliably, which is a massive win. The Internet access – wireless and the Internet access – LAN were helpful. I was able to easily stay in touch with work, which is a plus, or to catch up on my favorite shows.
Dining: Adventures in Asian & International Cuisine
Okay, the food… This is where things get a little… complicated. They have a lot of options listed: A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, bar, breakfast [buffet], breakfast service, buffet in restaurant, coffee/tea in restaurant, coffee shop, desserts in restaurant, happy hour, international cuisine in restaurant, poolside bar, restaurants, room service [24-hour], salad in restaurant, snack bar, soup in restaurant, vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant, and a bottle of water.
The breakfast buffet was pretty good. Definitely a classic. The Asian breakfasts were my chance to be a little bolder, and boy, are they interesting. Some days, I loved it; some days, I stuck with the toast. I was always offered a bottle of water.
I tried the restaurant a few times. The international cuisine was better than expected, but it wasn't the best I've ever had. I was happy with the alternative meal arrangement. And I'm a sucker for a good poolside bar.
Things to Do: Relaxation, Reflection, and Maybe a Massage (if You’re Lucky)
Ways to relax: Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, and Swimming pool [outdoor]
Let’s be honest. I mostly just wanted to lie by the swimming pool [outdoor]. The water was cool, the sun was hot… pure bliss. The view? Nothing special, but hey, I wasn't complaining.
I heard whispers of a spa, but it wasn't quite what I'd expected after a particularly long flight. I even skipped a fitness center. I’m not exactly a gym rat. Maybe you'll have better luck with the Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Sauna, Steamroom.
Services and Conveniences: Mostly Good, Some Little Annoyances
They have a boatload of services! Air conditioning in public area, airport transfer, audio-visual equipment for special events, business facilities, cash withdrawal, concierge, contactless check-in/out, convenience store, currency exchange, daily housekeeping, doorman, dry cleaning, elevator, essential condiments, facilities for disabled guests, food delivery, gift/souvenir shop, indoor venue for special events, invoice provided, ironing service, laundry service, luggage storage, meeting/banquet facilities, meetings, meeting stationery, on-site event hosting, outdoor venue for special events, projector/LED display, safety deposit boxes, seminars, shrine, smoking area, terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
The concierge was helpful. The daily housekeeping did a great job. The elevator was a blessing. I used the currency exchange. The sheer number of services is impressive.
The Contactless Check-in/out was super efficient. I'm a major fan.
For the Kids: Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids meal, and Kids facilities.
I don't have kids, but this is a HUGE plus for families. Looks like they're set up to cater to the younger crowd.
Location: Sandakan's Heart (Mostly)
The Gloria Swiss is… central. You can easily get around Sandakan from here. That's a win.
The Quirks, the Annoyances, and the Overall Vibe
Okay, here’s the real talk. The service was generally good, but sometimes… a little distant. Not unfriendly, just… not particularly warm. They're efficient, but maybe not the most personal.
There was a slight incident with the coffee/tea in the restaurant that took about 10 minutes to fix. It's fine! Stuff happens.
So, Should You Go?
Alright, here's the bottom line: Gloria Swiss is a solid choice. It's safe, clean, and well-equipped. If you're looking for a reliable, comfortable hotel, it’s a good option. If you're prioritizing service, luxury, or an undeniably charming vibe, it might not be exactly what you're after.
My Emotional Verdict:
I give it a solid 7/10. It's got its pros and cons - and I'd recommend it.
But here's the thing… it’s not a place that filled me with pure joy. But it served its purpose, and it did it well.
Grab Your Sandakan Escape! Gloria Swiss: The Deal You Can't Miss!
(We're serious about your holiday!)
Feeling the call of adventure in Sandakan? Yearning for a getaway where comfort, safety, and accessibility are paramount? Gloria Swiss Hotel & Apartment is calling your name!
Here's what you get when YOU book with us:
- Unbeatable Comfort: Sink into those extra long beds, indulge in the delicious Asian breakfast, and chill with your favourite movie with on-demand movies from the comfort of your room.
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned Swiss vacation. This is my Sandakan adventure, and it's gonna be a beautiful, chaotic mess. We're talking Gloria Swiss Hotel & Apartment, which, let's be honest, sounds a little…pretentious for a jungle-adjacent town. But hey, a girl can dream of a clean shower, right?
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Bug Hunt (or "Why Did I Pack Only Linen?")
Morning (Like, REALLY Morning, Thanks Jet Lag): Landed in Sandakan. The airport? Small. The humidity? Existential. My first thought? "Dear God, did I seriously only pack linen?" I'm picturing myself looking like a crumpled, sweaty sheet by noon. Uber-ed (because, modern marvels!) to the Gloria Swiss. The lobby…well, it certainly exists. Think polished marble next to slightly dated floral upholstery. A strange combo, but charming in its own way. The reception lady, bless her heart, seemed a little overwhelmed by my enthusiastic "HELLO MALAYSIA!" She probably deals with grumpy businessmen exclusively.
Afternoon (The "Let's Find Lunch Before We Melt" Mission): Lunch at… well, I haven't found lunch yet. Google maps told me there was a cafe nearby. Google maps lies. Wandered into a local warung (a small, informal eatery) and was promptly greeted by a cacophony of clanging metal and the smell of something gloriously sizzling. Ordered whatever seemed least likely to give me food poisoning (a high stakes game, I assure you). It turned out to be nasi lemak - coconut rice, chili sauce, fried anchovies, and a boiled egg. Actually banging. Who knew? My taste buds are doing a happy dance, and I think the sweat is starting to dry (maybe).
- Important Observation: The street cats of Sandakan are bold. They have absolutely zero fear. I gave one a little head scratch, and she rewarded me with a long, judgmental stare. "You," she seemed to be saying, "are clearly not up to speed on proper feline etiquette."
Evening (Bug Jamboree and Bedtime Blues): Time for the much-anticipated bug walk! I did not anticipate the sheer volume (or persistence) of insects. I'm talking a massive mosquito swarm. The mosquitoes are relentless. I am now sporting a collection of mosquito bites (they are going to be a nightmare). The walk was, in the end, a bit of a disaster – I had a small panic near the end, and I'm pretty sure I screamed. Back at the hotel, trying to figure out how to get the hotel-provided mosquito net to actually work. Turns out, it’s a more challenging engineering project than I anticipated. I finally conquer it, only to find a rogue mosquito INSIDE the net. The irony! I'm officially declaring war on Sandakan's buzzing population.
Day 2: Orangutans and Emotional Rollercoasters
Morning (Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre: Heart Exploding Edition): Okay, THIS is the reason I came to Sandakan. Sepilok! And oh. My. GOD. The orangutans! They’re like tiny, fluffy, ginger-haired humans, just swinging from the trees and staring at you with those impossibly intelligent eyes. I spent the entire feeding time practically weeping. I'm pretty sure anyone near me thought I'd lost a limb. Seeing the orangutans so close was just…a whole new level of pure, unadulterated joy. I could have stayed there all day. I wanted to stay there all day. I’m actually a little traumatized now that I have to leave.
Afternoon (Rainforest Discovery Centre: Mud, Monkeys, and Moments of Mild Regret): After the emotional overload of Sepilok, I headed to the Rainforest Discovery Centre. Now, I’m not going to lie, I was a bit…underdressed. Jungle gear is not a strong suit. I feel like a clown amongst the seasoned hikers. The canopy walk, though? Worth every awkward step. That's until, well, when the sky opened up. Torrential rain. Instantly soaked. The monkeys loved it, though. They were happily flitting about, judging my soggy state. Found some shelter, huddled under a flimsy gazebo with a couple of equally drenched tourists. There's a certain camaraderie in shared misery, you know?
Evening (Dinner Attempts and Hotel Room Debates): Decided to try a local seafood restaurant. The menu was mostly in Malay, which meant a lot of pointing, giggling, and trusting the waiter. The seafood was incredible! Fresh, flavorful, and completely worth the risk of eating unknown things. Back to the hotel. The air conditioning has decided – and by that, I mean it’s decided not to work. I’m considering sleeping in the hallway. The mosquito situation? Resolved. Kinda. There’s a new, slightly irritating buzzing sound. Pretty sure it's in my head.
Day 3: Turtle Island and the Great Departure (or, “Goodbye, Sweet, Sweaty Sandakan”)
Morning (Turtle Island!): Ok, this is the last day. I'm going to Turtle Island. I signed up for a day trip to watch turtles laying eggs; it was an overnight trip. I’m still trying to process what I witnessed last night. Hatchling sea turtles are adorable! If you have an opportunity to go, you absolutely should.
Afternoon (Packing and Contemplating a Return): Back at the Gloria Swiss, packing up my now-slightly-less-sweaty-but-still-slightly-damp clothes. Feeling a pang of sadness, but also a huge wave of relief. Sandakan, you were a wild ride. A smelly, buggy, beautiful mess. Would I come back? Absolutely. But next time, I'm bringing a hazmat suit and a lifetime supply of bug spray. This trip was a mess, but it was my mess. And I wouldn't trade it for anything.
Is Gloria Swiss REALLY the "BEST" in Sandakan? Come On, Be Honest!
Okay, okay, let's get real. "BEST" is a loaded word, isn't it? Gloria Swiss, though? It's close. Look, I've stayed in some Sandakan dives that looked like they were designed by a committee of bats and dampness. Gloria Swiss... is not that. It's definitely a solid contender. Luxury? Well, relative luxury, people. Malaysia is still…Malaysia. Expectations must be calibrated. But, for Sandakan? Yeah, pretty darn swanky. If you're used to the Ritz, you might be a *little* underwhelmed, but if you're just hoping for a clean bed, a decent shower that *isn't* a dribble, and maybe a hint of elegance? You've come to the right place.
One thing that *really* tipped the scales for me… the *view*. From the balcony of my apartment? Unbelievable. (More on that later, prepare for the ramblings.) I was literally sat there, once, watching the sunset, thinking, 'Wow. Sandakan. You've surprised me.'
What's the deal with the Apartments? Are they worth it?
Oh, ABSOLUTELY. Seriously. The apartments are the way to go, trust me. More space, often better views. I mean, what am I, going to pay the same price for a tiny room that can't swing a cat? No way. I'm someone who loves to move around, who loves to move about, and can't be boxed in. Plus… kitchen. You can make your own breakfast! This is huge, especially in Sandakan. The food can be… well, variable, shall we say? Having the freedom to brew your own coffee and not have to hunt for a decent cafe every morning? Priceless. Plus, you can keep snacks. And, as I mentioned before, the balcony? Pure. Bliss. Seriously. Think about it: a balcony overlooking Sandakan, the water, the boats… the *feeling* of being utterly, completely *away* from it all. (Except, you know, you're in Sandakan, which has its own unique charm, but still…)
Okay, spill the beans. What’s the *catch*? What's not perfect about Gloria Swiss?
Alright, alright, I'll be honest. It's not *all* sunshine and rainbows. First, the breakfast buffet… it's okay. It's not going to win any culinary awards. Plenty of choices, don't get me wrong, but don't expect Michelin-star quality. It's more “functional” than “fabulous”. And the wifi? Sometimes… it can be a bit… patchy. Like a shy teenager…sometimes it’s there and really good, and at other times, it’s gone and nowhere to be seen. You get you know. And I found it a little… *sterile*. Could do with a little more… *oomph*, you know? Some local art, some colour, some soul! Especially in the lobby. It's all a bit…corporate, really. Plus, the walk to the main drag can feel a little…long… especially after a long day of orangutan-ing. I went out one day to get some food, and was told to go to this place, which the taxi took me to and I didn’t particularly think was the greatest (though very cheap). Then had to walk back. I might be lazy, but it was seriously tiring!
You mentioned the balcony view a lot. What's the story? (And why are you so obsessed?!)
Okay, so the balcony. This is where I confess. I might… have spent a disproportionate amount of time on that balcony. I’m talking hours. Days even. (Don’t judge!) The view…listen, I'm not a big "view" person. Usually. But this one…it was different. You see the water, the boats, the little fishing villages dotted along the coast… and the sunsets… Oh, the sunsets. I'm not even going to *try* to describe them. Pictures don't do them justice. It was this incredible orange and purple firework show every single evening. One time, I was just sitting there, sipping my tea, and this huge storm rolled in. Black clouds, lightning, the whole shebang. It was the most incredible, dramatic, beautiful thing I'd ever seen. And I just… sat there. Completely mesmerized. I’ve never felt more alive or present in my life. I almost cried. Honestly, worth the whole trip just for that. And the peace and quiet! Bliss. Utter. Bliss. Okay, I’m getting emotional. Moving on…
What's the service like? Are the staff friendly?
The staff? Generally, yes. Very friendly and helpful. They're incredibly kind and patient, especially when they’re forced to deal with, you know, *me*. There wasn’t one instance where I encountered a member of staff who was being…unhelpful, and they were always very polite and courteous. Everyone seemed to be genuinely trying to make your stay as comfortable as possible. There was one instance where I needed internet help, and the front desk person went out of their way to try and solve the issue (which was my own fault of not connecting properly). But here's a little something that happened once, and this'll explain the slight "flaw" I talked about. I had a laundry mishap once. I managed to get my favorite shirt… let’s just say, not looking its best. I asked for some help, and while they *did* offer to launder it, it didn't come back quite the same... let's just say, white shirts now have…interesting… new colours. So, service? Generally excellent. Just… maybe double-check the laundry process before handing over your favorite silk shirt.
Is it kid-friendly?
I can't say for sure. I don't travel with kids. (Thank God!) But, based on what I saw? Yes, probably. They have family-sized apartments, a pool (though I didn’t test that), and the staff seemed patient enough to deal with…well, kids! The breakfast buffet has enough options to keep even the pickiest eater happy. The apartments provide a lot of space, which the little ones would love. But, hey, if you're looking for a wild party scene, this ain't it. It's more…relaxing. So, if you can deal with that, you should be fine.
Would you go back?
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