Unbelievable Semporna Stay: OYO 90197 Art Homestay Awaits!
Unbelievable Semporna Stay Review: OYO 90197 Art Homestay - Buckle Up, Buttercups! (It's a Wild Ride)
Okay, folks, let's be real. Booking a place in Semporna…it's a minefield. You've got the pictures that promise paradise, the prices that make you wince, and the reviews that…well, let’s just say they’re often written by people who've either never left their couch or are secretly in the hotel's pocket. So, I, your intrepid (and slightly jaded) traveler, took the plunge and checked out the mysteriously named OYO 90197 Art Homestay. Prepare yourselves.
The Big Picture (aka the Vibe): Frankly, the Art Homestay name is a bit of a stretch. Think more… functional, with a dash of “trying really hard.” It's not going to win any design awards, but it’s a solid option if you're prioritizing location, and a safe place to store your luggage after a day of diving in Sipadan. Semporna isn't exactly known for luxury, and this place acknowledges that, which is probably why I didn't have very high expectations.
Accessibility (or, the Labyrinth of Stairs): This is important, so let's be upfront. Wheelchair accessibility? Not happening. Be prepared for stairs folks. There's an elevator, but I used it mostly because it kept me from running out of breath.
Cleanliness and Safety: The Holy Grail (or at least, a decent chalice): Look, hygiene is crucial, especially now. The good news: they seem to take it seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products are mentioned, and there's daily disinfection in common areas. I saw staff spraying down everything, even the…I won't get into specifics, but they seemed to care. Hand sanitizer was readily available, and the staff seemed to be wearing masks and gloves. My room was sanitized between stays, which is a huge plus. I even saw some of those UV sterilizing lights.
The Room – My Little Bubble of… Well, Okay: Let's be real, the room wasn’t a palace (that’s why you come to Semporna, right?). But it had the essentials: air conditioning (hallelujah!), a comfy bed, and a clean bathroom with hot water (even more hallelujah!). They provided free bottled water, which is a lifesaver in the Malaysian heat. There was also a fridge. I wasn't expecting a spa, but I found a hairdryer, toiletries, and towels. Internet access (or, the struggle): My biggest pet peeve when traveling is bad internet. I had free Wi-Fi in my room , and I was thankful for that! The connection strength varied—sometimes it was amazing, and other times, it was just…existing. I suspect this probably depends on where you are in the hotel.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Adventure: Don't expect Michelin stars. They have restaurants. They offer Asian and International cuisine (a la carte). I mostly ate at the hotel once, just so I could see what it was like. It wasn't the best meal I have ever had, but it did the job!
Things to Do/Ways to Relax (or, Find Your Zen… Eventually): Okay, so this isn't a spa retreat. But they have a swimming pool. It was small, but hey, it's a pool! It's fine for a cooldown.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter: The front desk is 24-hour, which is clutch for those late-night arrival. There's daily housekeeping and luggage storage. They also offer currency exchange and laundry service. They're pretty good in that respect.
Getting Around: Airport transfer and taxi service are offered. I just booked a Grab.
For the Kids (or, Survive the Tiny Humans): I didn't bring any kids, but they have babysitting services, just in case.
My Unforgettable Experience (the anecdote to end all anecdotes):
Okay, so I'm checking out. The friendly staff is doing their thing, the room is empty, and I'm waiting for my ride. Suddenly, I hear a loud bang! Coming from the hallway. I poke my head out, and there it is: a small child, maybe three, standing next to a toppled luggage cart, with tears welling up. The little guy goes straight to his mother, who gives me a look indicating that I should go, so I do. It just added to the experience.
Now, for the REAL DEAL - The Booking Offer (because you deserve it): Because you stuck with me through this chaotic review, I'm giving you the inside scoop.
Here's the deal:
Unbelievable Semporna Adventure Package: OYO 90197 Art Homestay Awaits!
- Your Package includes:
- Comfortable, air-conditioned room with free Wi-Fi
- Breakfast with options like Asian breakfast
- Access to the swimming pool (because you earned it)
- 24-hour front desk for whatever you need (because, Semporna)
- Professional-grade sanitization and safety protocols (because you deserve a safe and clean experience)
- PLUS
- Exclusive Bonus: get 10% off on your first dive trip with a local operator!
- Book now and Get Complimentary Drinks at the bar
- Why Book Now?
- Experience the authentic Semporna vibe without breaking the bank.
- Enjoy the convenience of a well-located base for your diving and island adventures.
- Don't wait! This offer is limited-time only.
- Book Now and Get a Discount on your next stay!
So, is OYO 90197 Art Homestay worth it?
Look, it's not perfect. But it's a solid choice for an affordable stay in Semporna. It's clean, safe, and the staff is genuinely friendly. If you're looking for a no-frills base camp for your diving adventures, you could do much worse. And hey, if you're lucky, maybe you'll also witness some real-life hotel drama. Just don't knock over the luggage cart. Book now and get ready for some amazing diving!
Phan Thiet's LUXURY Oasis: Le Aqua Resort & Spa (Formerly Swiss Village)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, perfectly-planned travel brochure. This is the real deal, the raw, unfiltered Semporna experience, specifically centered around the… well, let's just call it "unique charm" of OYO 90197 Art Homestay. (Pray for me, folks.)
Semporna Scrapbook: A Week of Sun, Sea, and Questionable Decisions (and Possibly Bedbugs?)
Arrival Day: The Art of "Homestay-ing" and Immediate Regret
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at Tawau Airport. The humidity hits you like a damp, lukewarm towel. Instantly, I'm sweating buckets, my hair is a frizzy mess, and I'm already questioning my life choices. Did I really need to bring that trench coat? (Yes, I did. I'm hoping for a sudden, dramatic downpour for aesthetic purposes.)
- 1:30 PM: Haggling for a taxi to Semporna. My bargaining game is WEAK. I end up paying more than I wanted, mostly because the driver has the kind of smile that suggests he knows exactly how much he's overcharging me. Lesson learned: learn some basic Malay before this trip.
- 2:30 PM: Finally, finally, arrive at OYO 90197 Art Homestay. "Art" is, shall we say, a generous descriptor. Think "eclectic" meets "Ikea-leftovers-that-somehow-assembled-themselves." The air conditioning is a polite suggestion. The room? Well, let’s just say it has character. And a very suspicious stain on the bedspread. Praying extra hard for those bedbugs not to be there.
- 3:00 PM: Dropping off bags in the room. Oh boy. Immediately start to feel a bit of a lump in my throat, a mixture of the humidity finally getting to me and the fact that this room isn't exactly what I envisioned. The walls aren't particularly clean, the bathroom is…rustic, and there’s a distinct smell of damp earth. Not the good kind of damp earth, either. I'm going to be here for a week. What was I thinking?
- 3:30 PM: Attempt to explore the area around the homestay. Wander into the town, but decide to duck back into the Homestay for a power nap. Need to mentally prepare for the week and the things that I'm sure I'll be seeing.
- 6:00 PM: Actually get up and out. Wander into the town, get absolutely lost in the maze of streets. I find a small, local restaurant, and eat a delicious fish dish. The fish is so incredibly fresh. The smells surrounding me are incredible. I find myself smiling.
- 7:30 PM: Back at the homestay, now armed with mosquito repellent, a book, and a burning desire for a proper shower. The water pressure? Let's just say it’s more of a "gentle drizzle." But hey, at this point, I'm just happy the water is coming out.
Day 2: Underwater Wonders and a Slight Incident with a Sea Turtle
- 8:00 AM: After a fitful sleep (thanks, mystery mosquito army!), I'm up! Breakfast is provided - questionable toast and instant coffee – but even that's a win.
- 9:00 AM: Off to a day trip to Sipadan Island (if the permits work out. Fingers crossed!). The boat ride is bumpy. I'm seasick. I'm questioning my life choices again.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: SNORKELING HEAVEN. Okay, maybe I'm not so seasick anymore. The coral is vibrant, the fish are dazzling, and I swear I saw a giant clam wink at me. Pure, unadulterated bliss. Forget the dodgy homestay, this is why I came!
- 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Lunch on the boat. The pre-packed lunch is… well, it’s a lunch. But the view is spectacular.
- 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: More snorkeling! Then… THE SEA TURTLE. I was so excited, flapping and kicking my flippers like a maniac (apparently, it's not cool to "chase" them, I'm learning). I got a little too close. I may, or may not, have accidentally bumped into it. I feel terrible. The turtle seemed unfazed, but I'm pretty sure it gave me the stink eye. Note to self: Respect the turtles, dummy!
- 4:00 PM: Back to the mainland. Tired, sunburnt, and slightly ashamed of my turtle interaction.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a seafood restaurant on the waterfront. The seafood is AMAZING. Savoring every bite, especially since I'm still feeling a bit guilty about the turtle encounter. (Maybe a little extra karma will help.)
- 8:00 PM: Back at the homestay. Trying to mentally prepare myself for another night in "Art." Maybe a quick prayer to the bedbug gods?
Day 3: Island Hopping, the Perfect Sunset, and the Deepest Seafood Regret
- 9:00 AM: Wake up with the energy of someone who had too many dreams about giant crabs.
- 10:00 AM: Time to hop on another boat and be thrown at more islands. Today, we are doing Mabul and Kapalai. Beautiful.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch. Again. It is a simple thing but really hits that spot. Everything here just takes a little extra touch to make it right.
- 4:00 PM: Back to the homestay. Time to find an epic sunset spot
- 6:00 PM: Sunset. The sky is a glorious canvas of orange, pink, and purple. Absolutely breathtaking. For a moment, I forget about the dubious state of my homestay room. Pure bliss.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner time. Made a terrible decision. I ordered a "mystery seafood platter" at some random restaurant. The food arrived… well, let's just say it was a culinary adventure I didn't sign up for. Let’s leave it at the fact I spent the second half of the night in the restroom. A very unpleasant experience.
- 9:00 PM: My stomach is still not happy.
Day 4-7: The Slow Fade (and Possible Bedbug Infestation?)
- Day 4: Recovering from the mystery seafood platter. Sunbathing on the shore and trying to avoid any food that isn't completely boiled and bland. Maybe I saw a bedbug, maybe I didn’t.
- Day 5: Tried to go to the market but ended up being accosted by a small, aggressive monkey. My attempts to bribe him with a banana failed. I now have a newfound respect for the power of primate.
- Day 6: Found a hidden gem - a small, local cafe with the best coffee in the world. Spent the day nursing my drink and people-watching. The simple things, right?
- Day 7: Goodbye Semporna. Taking off from Tawau. The homestay is finally beginning to feel a bit normal. I'm sad but not entirely heartbroken to leave. The trip was a mix of amazing experiences - the vibrant marine life, the stunning sunsets - and some… less desirable ones. The questionable homestay, the near-miss with the sea turtle, the mysterious seafood incident… but hey, that’s travel, right?
Final Thoughts:
Did I enjoy Semporna? Absolutely. Would I go back to OYO 90197 Art Homestay? Possibly. But next time, I'm bringing a can of industrial-strength disinfectant, a personal chef, and a hazmat suit. And I'm definitely staying far, far away from any "mystery" seafood. Semporna, you've been a real… experience. Now, to go home and never eat another fish again.
Seoul's Fox Hotel: Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!
Unbelievable Semporna Stay: OYO 90197 Art Homestay Awaits! - The REAL Dirt (and the Beautiful Bits)
Okay, so you're thinking about Semporna. And you saw this little gem, OYO 90197 Art Homestay. "Art Homestay," sounds fancy, right? Well, let's get REAL. This isn't a perfectly curated Instagram post. This is the ACTUAL experience, warts and all. Prepare for a rollercoaster. Buckle up, Buttercup!
It's… a homestay. In Semporna. Meaning, expect things to be, shall we say, 'rustic'? It's not the Ritz. Think more like a charming, slightly-worn-around-the-edges place where you're closer to the *real* Semporna. Which, honestly, is a HUGE win in my book.
Okay, Okay, But Seriously, What *IS* It? It's budget-friendly, that's the bottom line. Don't expect a 5-star resort. You get a room, a bed (hopefully!), and access to the basic necessities. And, crucially, a chance to actually *live* Semporna, not just pose for selfies.
Alright, so the room situation. This is where we delve into the… *character*. Depending on your expectations and the price you paid, you could be pleasantly surprised. The rooms vary, I've heard stories, man. One friend, bless her heart, described hers as 'intimate' – which is a nice way of saying 'tiny'. Another said it was like sleeping in a ship's cabin. Take that as you will. Personally? I wasn’t gonna be spending much time in my room anyway, so as long as it had a bed (and this is important: a working fan or AC!), I was good.
Pro Tip, from Hard-Learned Experience: Check the AC/Fan IMMEDIATELY. Seriously. Don't wait until you're sweating through your sheets. It's HOT in Semporna. And mosquito repellent. Don't even *think* about skipping the mosquito repellent. I learned that lesson the hard way. Let’s just say my ankles sang a very itchy siren song for a week! Bring your own! They aren’t included.
Okay, look. Semporna. Island life, budget-friendly. You're not going to get sterilized operating-room cleanliness. Let's just be real. It’s not *filthy*, but it's… lived-in. Expect a certain level of… character. Dust bunnies have been known to gather. The bathroom? Well, let's just say I'm glad I brought my own flip-flops. (Seriously, bring your own flip-flops. You'll thank me later). It's not the cleanest place, but the staff tries. It might not be a problem for some and for others, it might be like the end of the world.
My Personal (Slightly Intense) Reaction: Look, I'm a bit of a germaphobe, alright? So, I brought antibacterial wipes, and I wiped down EVERYTHING. EVERYTHING. But after the first day, honestly? I chilled out. You're there for the *experience*, right? The water is what you really care about and that's the clean stuff! You adjust. You start to see it as part of the adventure. And when you realize you're waking up to the sounds of the ocean, you tend to forgive a few imperfections. And you're not going to get sick!
This one’s a mixed bag. Generally, they're *trying*. English isn't their first (or often, second, or third) language, so expect some communication hiccups. Be patient. Be polite. Smile a lot. Most of the time, you'll be met with genuine helpfulness (even if it takes a while to explain what you need). I asked for help with a taxi and they were really helpful. The best staff are the ones who are always smiling and are always there for you, for me, that's important since I'm spending money there.
Rant time:Okay, I had *one* experience. This was my only real negative. I had an issue with the air conditioning (shocker, I know). It took a couple of hours for them to get it fixed. And when they finally did, it still wasn't working perfectly. It’s those small, inconvenient things which test your patience to the limit. That day, I was a little annoyed. But you know what? I went for a swim, calmed down, and ultimately, it wasn't the end of the world. They tried! And the next day, they were super apologetic. (And bribing them with a bag of local snacks is always an option!).
Okay, the "Art Homestay" thing. Let's be honest, the "Art" is a bit… *interpretive*. Don't expect a gallery. Don’t expect the Louvre. You might spot some artwork. It might be a painting on the wall. It might, and this is a real possibility, be a child's drawing taped up somewhere. (And honestly? That, to me, is the actual art! Gives the place a charm, right?) Don't go there looking for a masterpiece. Go there looking for a place to sleep and a taste of local life.
My Verdict: The art… is secondary. It's not a selling point, and, if you go expecting world-class art, you'll be disappointed. The focus is on what you can do in Semporna. The sea, the islands, the diving, the food! That's the true artistry of the area. And trust me, that's where the real magic lies.
The location is okay. Central enough to walk to the jetty (where your island-hopping adventures begin!). So yes, mostly convenient. But because of that, it can get a bit… *noisy*. Expect the sounds of Semporna. That means motorbikes, calls to prayer, and the general hustle and bustle of a busy port town. It adds to the charm. Or, if you're a light sleeper, pack earplugs. Seriously. Pack. Earplugs.
Anecdote Time: I remember one night, I was trying to sleep before an early morning dive trip. And there was a rooster. That rooster, bless its little feathered heart, seemed to think it was sunrise around 3 AM. It went on for hours. I wanted to scream, but I put on my earplugs and managed, eventually, to drift off. Welcome to Semporna!
The homestay itself doesn't have a restaurant. But that's part of the fun! Semporna has amazing food (and some… questionable) food. Local Hotel Tips
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