Sibu's HOTTEST Red Roof Homestay: Unbeatable Views & Prices!
Sibu's HOTTEST Red Roof Homestay: Unbeatable Views & Prices! - A Brutally Honest Review (and Why You NEED to Book!)
Okay, so I'm back from Sibu. And honestly? My brain is still recovering from the sensory overload that is Sarawak. But amidst the chaos, the humidity, and the questionable durian smells (I'm looking at you, Sibu Central Market!), one thing shone like a beacon: Red Roof Homestay. And let me tell you, folks, it's not just "hot," it's practically on fire. Let's dive in, shall we? Buckle up, because this is gonna be a wild ride.
First Impressions (and the "Oh Crap, I Forgot My Adapter" Moment):
Getting there? Easy. Airport transfer was a lifesaver after the long flight. They met me with a smile, which, after a red-eye, is practically a miracle. Now, here’s a confession: I'm a bit of a tech-dependent travel blogger (judge me, I dare you!). And, of course, I forgot my adapter. Cue the internal panic. Thankfully, the front desk [24-hour] was staffed by angels (or at least, incredibly helpful staff). They pointed me in the direction of a nearby shop, saving my sanity (and my phone's battery life). So, a big tick for conveniences like that! They also have a luggage storage which is great if you arrive early or leave late.
Accessibility & Safety - Because We All Want to Feel Safe, Right?:
I didn't personally need accessibility features, but I did make a point of checking things out. The elevator was a welcome sight after a long day of exploring. I noticed they had facilities for disabled guests, which is fantastic. CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside the property gave me peace of mind. Plus, 24-hour security and fire extinguishers? Yeah, that's the kind of stuff that makes you sleep soundly, knowing you're safe. Smoke alarms and soundproof rooms… well, those are just bonuses!
Rooms - The View! THE VIEW! (and the Slightly Rusty Showerhead):
Alright, let's talk about the money shot: THE VIEW. Seriously, the name "Unbeatable Views" is NOT hyperbole. I was lucky enough to get a room on a high floor. Looking out at the river, the city sprawling below, and the lush green hills in the distance… it was breathtaking. I'm talking, "stop everything and stare for an hour" breathtaking. The window that opens was a definite plus, letting in the fresh air (and the occasional distant boat horn).
The room itself was clean and well-appointed. Air conditioning blasted, which was a godsend in the Sibu heat. Free Wi-Fi worked flawlessly (thank you, sweet internet gods!), and I loved having complimentary tea and coffee/tea maker in the room. The bed was comfy, the blackout curtains were perfect for catching up on sleep after those early morning excursions, and the bathrobes were a nice touch.
Now, the imperfections… there was a slightly rusty showerhead. Okay, maybe more than slightly. And the pressure wasn't amazing. But honestly? I barely noticed. The view overshadowed everything. Plus, the slippers were a thoughtful addition! They really thought about the guest experience.
Cleanliness & Safety - The Pandemic Factor (and the Sanitizer Obsession):
Let's be real: traveling in this day and age is a bit different. Red Roof Homestay gets it. They've got the anti-viral cleaning products, the daily disinfection in common areas, the rooms sanitized between stays, and the hand sanitizer everywhere. I even noticed the staff were super diligent about the physical distancing of at least 1 meter. It's reassuring to see them taking it so seriously. They also have individually-wrapped food options, and the staff are trained in safety protocol. Kudos to them!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - From Asian Breakfast to Late-Night Noodles (and the Surprisingly Good Coffee):
Okay, food! This is where things get interesting. They offer Asian breakfast, and Western breakfast (I'm more of a Western breakfast type of person). There's a coffee shop and restaurants on-site. The coffee/tea in restaurant was surprisingly good. I'm a caffeine snob, so that's saying something. They also have a bar if you want to unwind with a cocktail (which I did, frequently).
Pro-Tip: Try the noodles. Seriously. I had some amazing local noodles.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax - Massage, Pool with a View, and the Temptation of Doing Absolutely Nothing:
They have a swimming pool [outdoor] with a killer view. I spent a lot of time there. A LOT. They have a fitness center for those who actually work out on vacation (not me, but hey, you do you!). There's also a spa with massage options. I indulged. No regrets. Okay, maybe a few regrets about the fact that I didn't get the body scrub (next time, I swear!). The poolside bar is the perfect spot to sip a cocktail and watch the sunset.
Services and Conveniences - Laundry, Concierge, and the Magic of a Doorman:
The concierge was super helpful with booking tours and giving local recommendations. Laundry service was a lifesaver after a week of exploring. Daily housekeeping kept things spick and span. And the doorman? Always a friendly face to greet you.
For the Kids - Family-Friendly Vibes (and Babysitting, If You Need It):
They have family/child friendly options and even a babysitting service. I didn't travel with kids, but it's great to know they're accommodating.
Getting Around - Airport Transfers, Taxis, and the Freedom of Wheels (Maybe):
As mentioned, the airport transfer was clutch. They also offer taxi service. I didn't rent a car, but they do have car park [free of charge].
The Imperfections: A Few Minor Gripes (Because I'm Honest, Dammit!):
Okay, so it wasn't perfect. The Wi-Fi for special events wasn't available, which was a bummer for my live-streaming attempts. And the poolside bar could have been open later. But honestly? These are minor quibbles.
The Emotional Verdict - Pure. Bliss. (and a Strong Recommendation):
Look, I'm a travel blogger. I've stayed in a lot of hotels. And Red Roof Homestay? It’s a gem. The Unbeatable Views are truly unbeatable. The staff is friendly and helpful. The location is great. The price is right. And the overall vibe is just… good. It's a place where you can relax, recharge, and explore the incredible beauty of Sibu.
So, here's my pitch, my call to action, my desperate plea for you to BOOK THIS HOTEL NOW!
Stop scrolling! Don't even think about it!
Book Sibu's HOTTEST Red Roof Homestay: Unbeatable Views & Prices!
Why?
- The View: Seriously, it'll blow your mind. You'll be posting Instagram stories non-stop.
- The Value: You get so much for your money. It's a steal!
- The Service: The staff is amazing, always ready to help.
- The Location: Perfectly situated for exploring Sibu.
- The Pool: Trust me, you need a pool after a day of exploring.
- The Noodles: Okay, that's not a selling point, but seriously, try the noodles!
Don't wait! Rooms book up fast (for a reason!). Click the link below and book your escape to paradise! You won't regret it!
(Insert Booking Link Here)
P.S. Tell them the crazy travel blogger sent you. Maybe they'll give you a free coffee. (Worth a shot, right?)
Bali's Paradise Found: Your Dream Bingin Pool Villa Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into my… ahem… "organized chaos" of a Sibu adventure at Redroof Homestay. This isn't your perfectly curated Instagram feed; this is the real deal. Prepare for typos, tangents, and the occasional existential crisis fueled by too much Sarawak laksa.
Sibu & The Redroof Rhapsody: A Messy, Marvelous Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Laksa Quest (aka, My Stomach's First Love)
- Morning (or, as I like to call it, "Whenever I Finally Drag Myself Out of Bed"): Touchdown at Sibu Airport! The air is thick with humidity and the promise of adventure… and maybe a little mosquito. I'm already sweating. First impressions: the airport's surprisingly charming, like a slightly weathered postcard from a forgotten era. Grab a Grab (thank goodness for technology!) to Redroof Homestay.
- Afternoon: Check-in & Initial Panic: Redroof! The photos online were adorable, but the reality? Even cuter. Honestly, I almost squealed. The red roof… it's iconic. The wooden building… it whispers stories. The host, a lovely woman named Aunty Mei (I think? My memory is… patchy), welcomes me with a smile and a glass of iced tea. Sweet relief! Except… where's the air conditioning? Oh dear. Okay, deep breaths. This is supposed to be "authentic." I'm gonna embrace it.
- Late Afternoon: The Laksa Pilgrimage Begins! This is the most important part of the day. My mission: find the best Sarawak laksa in Sibu. I'd heard whispers of a place called "Hock Chu" - a local institution. Armed with Aunty Mei's shaky directions (bless her heart), I set off. First stop: a wrong turn that led me to a suspiciously empty car park. Second stop: a frantic Google Maps search. Third stop: FINALLY, Hock Chu!
- The Laksa Revelation (and My Crumbling Dignity): Okay, listen. I've eaten a lot of laksa in my life. But this… this was different. The broth was a fiery, fragrant explosion of flavor. The prawns were perfectly cooked. The noodles… oh, the noodles! I slurped and I sighed and I may have shed a single, glorious tear. I devoured the entire bowl. I looked like a toddler covered in spaghetti. Dignity? Gone. Happiness? Overwhelming.
- Evening: Settling In & Mosquito Warfare: Back at Redroof, I attempt to unpack. The room is cozy, but the heat… it's relentless. I discover the wonders of the ceiling fan and the horrors of… mosquitoes. I'm pretty sure I'm now a walking buffet. I spend a good hour swatting and muttering under my breath. End result: a few successful kills, and a newfound respect for mosquito repellent. I read a book (well, tried to) and drift off to sleep, dreaming of laksa and battling tiny, bloodthirsty vampires.
Day 2: Markets, Temples & The River of Dreams (and Regret)
- Morning: Wet Market Wonderland (and My Gag Reflex): Okay, I'm not gonna lie. Wet markets are… intense. I ventured into the Sibu Central Market, prepared for a sensory overload. And boy, did I get it. The sights, the smells, the… the things… It's a vibrant, chaotic dance of life and death. I saw a lot of fish. A lot of things I couldn't identify. I almost lost my breakfast a couple of times. But… the energy! The people! The sheer rawness of it all was captivating. I bought some rambutan (delicious!) and quickly retreated to the relative safety of a coffee shop.
- Late Morning: The Tua Pek Kong Temple & My Existential Crisis: The Tua Pek Kong Temple, a beautiful, colorful explosion of architecture and serenity. I wander around, taking in the intricate carvings and the quiet hum of prayers. It’s… peaceful. I find myself contemplating the meaning of life, the universe, and everything. And then I realize I'm sweating through my clothes again. So much for serenity.
- Afternoon: The River Cruise (and My Stomach's Revenge): I booked a river cruise, thinking it would be a relaxing way to see Sibu from a different perspective. The scenery was lovely – the river, the longhouses, the fishing boats. But… remember that laksa I devoured? And the rambutan? Well… let's just say my stomach wasn't entirely thrilled with the combination. I spent a significant portion of the cruise clinging to the railing, fighting the urge to hurl. The views were… beautiful. I think. I'm pretty sure I missed half of them. Lesson learned: Pace yourself, young Padawan.
- Evening: Dinner & The Great Mosquito Comeback: Dinner at a local restaurant (chicken rice, a safe bet!). I'm feeling a little better, but the memory of the river cruise is still haunting me. Back at Redroof, the mosquito battle rages on. I'm starting to think they're evolving. I'm also starting to consider building a mosquito-proof fortress out of pillows and blankets.
Day 3: Longhouse Life (and My Deepest Fear)
- Morning: The Longhouse Adventure (and My Social Awkwardness): Today, I'm venturing out to a traditional Iban longhouse. I'm both excited and terrified. Excited to experience a different culture, terrified of… everything. What if I say the wrong thing? What if I offend someone? What if they offer me something I can't eat? I'm overthinking, as usual.
- Afternoon: Longhouse Immersion (and My Surprisingly Good Time): The longhouse is incredible. The people are welcoming, the atmosphere is warm, and the food… well, it's definitely an experience. I try some local delicacies (some I loved, some I cautiously nibbled). I participate in a traditional dance (I'm pretty sure I looked like a drunken scarecrow). I drink Tuak (rice wine) (and promptly feel a little tipsy). I actually have a really good time. I even laugh. Me! Laughing! In public!
- Evening: Farewell Laksa & the Redroof Embrace: Back at Redroof, I'm exhausted but exhilarated. I have one last bowl of laksa (of course). I sit on the porch, listening to the sounds of the night. The air is still warm, the mosquitoes are still buzzing, but I don't mind. I’m starting to feel a little bit at home. I’m going to miss this place. It's messy, it's imperfect, it's… perfect.
- Departure: Goodbye, Sibu. Goodbye, Redroof. Goodbye, laksa. I'll be back. (Maybe with a stronger stomach and a better mosquito repellent.)
This is just a framework, of course. Real life is messy and unpredictable. Expect detours, unexpected discoveries, and a healthy dose of self-deprecating humor. And for goodness sake, bring mosquito repellent!
Barcelona Dream: HUGE Terrace & Poolside Paradise!
Sibu's HOTTEST Red Roof Homestay: Unbeatable Views & Prices! (Uh... Mostly) FAQs - Straight From the Heart (and Maybe a Little Bit of Chaos)
Okay, so "Unbeatable Views"? What are we *really* talking about? And are those prices actually "unbeatable"? Spill the tea!
Alright, alright, let's get real. "Unbeatable Views" is a bit... optimistic, shall we say? The view? It's *there*. You see the river, the houses, maybe a stray cat or two if you're lucky. Look, I'm not gonna lie, I booked it expecting like, a panoramic vista of the Amazon. It's not the Amazon. It's Sibu. But, and this is a big but, the *sunsets*... those are pretty darn good. I saw one where the whole sky was this insane orange and pink, and I actually gasped. Seriously. So, yeah, views: decent, sunsets: potentially life-altering (depending on your perspective and how much coffee you've had).
As for the prices... "unbeatable" is relative. Compared to a five-star hotel? Yeah, probably unbeatable. Compared to your cousin's spare room in Kuching? Maybe not. But honestly, for what you get, it's a steal. I mean, where else can you get a room with a *mostly* working air conditioner and a *mostly* clean bathroom for this price? (More on the bathroom later... brace yourselves.)
The "Red Roof" part... is that literal? And is it as charming as it sounds?
Yes, the Red Roof is literal. It's a red roof. And, uh... charming? That depends on your definition of charming. Think... rustic. Think... lived-in. Think... the kind of place that makes you immediately want to take a photo and send it to your friends with a caption like, "So this is where I'm staying..." followed by a series of crying-laughing emojis. It's got character, alright. Lots of character. Maybe too much. I'm pretty sure the roof itself is older than I am. But hey, it keeps the rain out (mostly!).
Let's talk about the room. What's the vibe? Is it clean? Are there any... *surprises*?
Okay, the room. Right. The vibe is... well, it's definitely "budget-friendly." Don't expect minimalist chic. Think more like "Grandma's spare room, but in Sibu." There's a bed (mostly comfortable), a fan (mostly functional), and a table (probably older than the roof itself). The cleanliness... let's just say it's not hospital-grade. I'd bring some antibacterial wipes, you know? Just in case. I mean, I *did* find a rogue cockroach in the corner on the first night. (Don't judge! It happens!) But after a quick squish (sorry, little guy), we were all good. It's part of the experience, right? Embrace the adventure! (and the bug spray!)
As for surprises... well, there's the aforementioned cockroach. Then there's the *interesting* water pressure in the shower. Sometimes it's a trickle, sometimes it's a full-on monsoon. And the bathroom... oh, the bathroom. Let's just say I developed a deep and abiding respect for the phrase "bring your own toilet paper." And maybe a hazmat suit, just in case. Seriously though, pack your own toiletries. You'll thank me later.
How's the location? Is it easy to get around? And is it noisy at night?
Location-wise, it's... okay. It's not smack-dab in the middle of the action, but it's not in the middle of nowhere either. You can walk to some places, but you'll probably want to grab a Grab or a taxi to get around. Just be prepared for some interesting driving styles – Sibu traffic is... unique. The upside is it’s close to the river which has its own charm.
Noise at night? Depends. Sometimes it's quiet. Sometimes you get the blessed chorus of barking dogs and the occasional karaoke session from a nearby house. Earplugs are your friend. Seriously. Pack 'em. Trust me on this one. I learned the hard way. Woke up at 3 AM to some dude belting out a power ballad. It was... memorable. (And by "memorable," I mean I still have nightmares.)
What about the host? Are they friendly? Helpful? (And do they speak English?)
The host... Ah, the host. They're... present. Let's put it that way. They *are* friendly, in a sort of "distant auntie you only see once a year" kind of way. They *try* to be helpful, but sometimes there's a bit of a language barrier. English is a bit of a mixed bag. You might get a full conversation, you might get a lot of head-nodding and pointing. I managed to convey my need for more toilet paper with a combination of frantic hand gestures and increasingly desperate facial expressions. It worked. Eventually. So, yes, generally helpful, and with a good dose of charm. Just be patient, and embrace the adventure of communication!
Okay, so overall... would you recommend it? Be honest!
Okay, here's the truth, unfiltered: Would I recommend the Red Roof Homestay? Yes. But with caveats. It's not perfect. It's not luxurious. It's not always clean. But it's *real*. It's an experience. It's got character. It's cheap. And, crucially, it’s a story. I’m not going to lie, I thought about leaving after the cockroach incident. But then I saw that sunset. And I met the host, who, despite the language barrier, was genuinely kind. And, you know what? I wouldn't trade the experience for a five-star hotel. Well, maybe for a *slightly* cleaner bathroom. But still. If you're looking for an authentic Sibu experience, on a budget, and you're not afraid of a little (or a lot of) chaos, then YES. Go for it. Just remember the earplugs, the bug spray, and the toilet paper. You've been warned!
Any insider tips for surviving (and thriving!) at the Red Roof?
Oh, absolutely! Here's the survival guide, from a seasoned Red Roof veteran:
- Pack the essentials: Seriously, toiletHotels With Kitchenettes诗巫红色屋顶民宿 ｜Redroof Homestay Sibu Malaysia
诗巫红色屋顶民宿 ｜Redroof Homestay Sibu Malaysia
