Kuching Hostels (automated response emails)
I’ve decided to switch it up a little bit and stay at 10 different hostels for 3 nights while I’m in Kuching. I will compare all of them here:
If you’re looking for lodging right now, probably the best place to look is hotelscombined
So far the booking process for each of them has been pretty much the same. The costs are very similar between $3 to $5 per night.
The automated response emails were a bit different though:
#1: QuiikCat
Dear Jacob,
Thank you for choosing QuiikCat as your place to stay. Your booking is confirmed from Wednesday 20 November 2019 to Saturday 23 November 2019. We promise to make your stay here as comfortable as possible. In case you have any further enquiries, do not hesitate to contact us via phone (+6082232260) or email (quiikcat@hotmail.com). We will be more than happy to help you with anything. We are located at 12B, Wayang Street 93000 Kuching. Thank you.
Looking forward to meeting you,
The QuiikCat team.
—
Dear Jacob,
Public transport from the Airport to Quiikcat(15min by car) :
i. you can request a grab taxi (RM10 to RM15)
ii. or need to walk (10 min walking) from the airport to kuching sentral and take a bus(RM2.00) bus number 3A, 6, 4B, 2, K3, K6, K9, 10A (kuching sentral to city center). The last bus is 5.30pm 🙂
iii. Quiikcat Transport services (Airport-Quiikcat) - RM 35
This one was definitely the most helpful. It is the only hostel that sent information about public transportation so I really like that. Depending on how I feel I might take a grab taxi since it’s not too expensive and walking with luggage is a pain; but I really appreciate seeing that option. I also really like that they included the time of the last bus. This is crucial decision-making information.
#2: Check In Lodge
Hello 😊 !
Thank you for choosing to stay with us.
Can you please tell us your approximate time of arrival so we can have the room ready for you then.
Kindly note that we only wait for guest according to the time stated, and if there is any changes afterward, do keep us updated.
Directions:
The best way to get here is by Grab car. They work 24 hours.
If you have not already downloaded the GRAB ride share application you can before you arrive. Grab from the airport is approx RM 12, and a taxi is RM 30.
Address:
Check in Lodge
177, Jalan Padungan, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak
See you soon!
Check In Lodge Staff
This one is also very helpful because they reminded me to download the Grab app. But I already told them my expected arrival time in my initial booking…
#3: Singgahsana Lodge
Dear Jacob Chapman
Greetings from the city of Kuching, Sarawak capital and the gateway to the world’s third largest Island, Borneo. Thank you for choosing our Singgahsana Lodge during your upcoming visit. We are pleased to confirm receipt of your reservation via Booking.com and we are looking forward to your arrival at our humble guesthouse.
For your information our guesthouse does not serve breakfast as of 16th February 2018 and our reception hours are 07:00AM till 22:00PM, if you arrive later than 22:00PM, please let us know, we will arrange one of the crew to be on standby for your check in.
We would like to take this opportunity to introduce to you our luxury guesthouse property called The Village House situated on the beautiful Santubong Peninsular just half and hour’s drive from downtown Kuching.
This will be an excellent sanctuary to relax whilst exploring this interesting coastline dotted with quaint villages, idyllic beaches and of course the imposing Mt. Santubong.
In addition to The Village House, we are able to assist you in developing an exciting itinerary through our inbound travel and tour outfit aptly named ‘Borneo Experiences’ or BEX. Depending on your schedule, you may wish to include some of the following experiences during your time in Borneo:
Trek in Bako NP – the most diverse place for flora and fauna
Go island hopping to Satang Island – Coral reefs, Turtle hatchery and snorkeling
Explore the wetlands of Santubong – Irrawaddy dolphin, proboscis monkeys,crocodiles and more on this 3 hour evening tour.
Visit the Orangutans at feeding time – 9am and 3pm – 7 days a week
Take in some culture - Sarawak Culture Village
Visit the Bidayuh - Spend a day at the Longhouse
Smell the Flowers at Orchid garden – entrance is free and is just across the waterfront.
Go Kayak! - go with the flow down the jungle rivers
Take on the Cat Statue walk – how many will you find?
Walk along the Waterfront – buskers , hawkers stalls, live music and more
India Street – under coverish shopping if your looking for local clothes at local prices
Check out the Kuching Mosque – Kuching's very own floating mosque
Visit the Quirky Upside Down Museum aka Rumah Terbalik – strangest place to take a selfie
Sarawak Museum – under modenisation opens in October 2019
See the Famous Fort Margherita
Walk around Padungan area – China town part 2
Bask in the Cafe Culture – watch the world go by whilst you sip your coffee
Drop into our Museum Café & shop – 10% discount on all food
Shopping in Kuching – Shop till you drop at one of the many shopping malls.
or go all out and visit ...
The Village in The clouds - 3 days 2 nights of jungle adventure
Into The wild - 3 days 2 nights of serenity, wildlife and beach
Do let us know if you have any other particular excursions on your wish list. We will be more than pleased to assist you in arranging these as well.
On behalf of our team, we thank you once again for choosing Singgahsana Lodge and are eagerly awaiting your arrival. Please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned should you require any further information or assistance. Have a great flight in.
Important Note:
1. Tourism tax is RM10.00 per room per night chargeable to non-Malaysian. (Collected during check in)
2. We also collect a facility deposit of RM50, which will be refunded back upon check out.
Yours faithfully
Wycliffe Nuing
For & on behalf of Singgahsana Lodge
by Singgahsana Lodge Adventures Sdn. Bhd.
Our associated businesses:
www.villagehouse.com.my
www.borneoexperiences.com
www.sarawakmuseumshop.com
This one included some useful information but there was just too much information. If I was a normal person I wouldn’t have enough time to read all this. Maybe they should’ve shortened it to one or two sentences that they have connections with some tourism services and that they are very happy to help plan your trip with you. Just send us a message and we’ll email you some additional information, etc.
#4: Others
Hi Jacob Chapman,
I hope this finds you well, and thank you for choosing to book with Woodpecker Lodge, Kuching.
I am holding a confirmed booking for 3 night(s) to arrive ____________.
In order to help us check you in as efficiently as possible, please can you reply to advise us of your Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA)?
Travel safe, and we look forward to meeting you soon :-)
Kind Regards,
Oliver - Reservations
Woodpecker Lodge
No.264, 2nd and 3rd Floors
Jalan Chan Chin Ann
93100 Kuching, Sarawak
Malaysia
Mobile / Whatsapp: +6019 665 2420 (Oliver)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/woodpeckerlodgekuching
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Woodpeckerlodge
Blog: http://woodpeckerlodge.blogspot.com/
This is a pretty standard message and most hostels don’t send a message at all. I specified a booking time in my initial booking yet they still ask for an ETA. It’s not a good message because it doesn’t provide me with any additional information about the area.
For me, too much information is much better than not enough information but for other people this may not be the case.