**You Won't Believe What Happened at Jeff & Ricky's Homestay in Kuching! (Kozi Square Edition)**
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I JUST got back from You Won't Believe What Happened at Jeff & Ricky's Homestay in Kuching! (Kozi Square Edition) and, well, the title isn't kidding. Prepare for a review that's less "polished travelogue" and more "unfiltered, sleep-deprived ramble fueled by Sarawak laksa and sheer disbelief." Seriously, this place… this place is something else.
Let's start with the basics, shall we? You know, the stuff that actually matters before we get to the, uh, "interesting" bits.
Accessibility (or, the Pre-Rant Section):
Okay, so the "Facilities for disabled guests" are listed, and that's good. But honestly, I’m not sure exactly to what degree. I didn't see ramps everywhere, and some of the walkways between buildings looked a bit… well, let's just say "challenging" for a wheelchair. My takeaway – call ahead and make sure everything is completely to your needs. This is a very important fact to find out.
Cleanliness & Safety (Because COVID):
Listen, I'm a germaphobe disguised as a traveler. So, the fact that they're really emphasizing “Anti-viral cleaning products, Room sanitization between stays, Daily disinfection in common areas, and Staff trained in safety protocol” gave me a tiny dose of peace. They had "Hand sanitizer" everywhere! I mean, everywhere. They really seemed to take it seriously, which is a HUGE relief. I still brought my personal bleach wipes, but, you know, trust issues. They also had "Rooms sanitized between stays" and "Individually-wrapped food options." Top marks for trying, guys.
They also have all the safety stuff: “Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, CCTV outside property, Security [24-hour], Safety deposit boxes” which is all good. And like, the “Cashless payment service” is smart.
The Rooms (My Sanctuary…mostly):
They claim to have "Available in all rooms:" (I am paraphrasing here, since the details are long): "Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, 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], Window that opens."
My room, a "Non-smoking" haven on a "high floor," was… well, it was mostly okay. The "Blackout curtains" were my best friend, because jet lag is a cruel mistress. The "Free Wi-Fi" was actually pretty darn fast, and I used the "Laptop workspace" constantly. The "air conditioning" worked, thank god, because Kuching is HOT. The "complimentary tea" was a lifesaver. BUT… the "bathroom phone"? Seriously? Who even uses a bathroom phone anymore? Still, everything was clean, the bed was comfy, and the water pressure in the shower was amazing.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Or, Where I Spent Most of My Time):
Okay, so here's where things get interesting (and this is the part where I started to really fall for the place).
- Pool with a view: The outdoor pool is truly stunning. Seriously, the view is insane. I spent an afternoon just floating, staring at the Kuching skyline, and trying to decipher the local gossip from the group of aunties in the adjacent Jacuzzi.
- Spa/sauna: The spa…Oh. My. God. I'm not even a spa person usually, but I signed up for a "Body scrub" and a "Massage" after a day of exploring, and I'm not sure I've ever felt so relaxed. I swear I even saw a little bit of my soul re-enter my body. It was heavenly.
- Fitness center: The "Gym/fitness" was pretty well-equipped in the "Fitness center," which was a nice surprise. I didn't spend much time there, let's be honest, but it was there if I needed to work off all the delicious food.
There's also a "Steamroom" and a "Hot spring bath" (I think they're different things, I just took notes). I did not attempt the "Steamroom".
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (The Most Important Section, Obviously):
Alright, food. Where to even BEGIN?
- Restaurants: They have a bunch of "Restaurants." They have "Asian breakfast," "Western breakfast," "Buffet," "A la carte in restaurant," "Restaurants."
- Coffee shop: The "Coffee shop" was my breakfast and lunch spot, for real.
- Bar/Poolside bar: They have a "Bar" and a "Poolside bar".
- Snack bar: A "Snack bar" is always a bonus.
- Room service: "Room service [24-hour]" is a must.
- Vegetarian restaurant: They have a "Vegetarian restaurant."
- Happy hour: "Happy hour."
- International cuisine in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant: The options are endless!
The food was… well, sometimes it was amazing, sometimes it was a bit hit-or-miss. The "Asian breakfast" was a MUST-TRY – the Sarawak laksa was legitimately life-changing. I ate so much. The "Buffet" was huge (and I mean HUGE), but the quality varied. The "Coffee/tea in restaurant" was good enough, the "Coffee shop" was great. And yeah, I definitely took advantage of "Happy hour". They had "Desserts in restaurant," and even "Soup in restaurant" and "Salad in restaurant," too. The point is… there's something for everyone, even for me, after three different breakfasts.
Then there was the night I accidentally ordered a whole plate of something that looked suspiciously like fried intestines… Let's just say a lot of "Bottle of water" was necessary after that experience, BUT! It's an adventure!
Services and Conveniences (The Boring Stuff, But Important):
They have the usual: "Air conditioning in public area, 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."
"Contactless check-in/out" was super easy, and the "Concierge" was helpful whenever I lost my way (which was often). The "Currency exchange" was also useful.
For the Kids (I Don't Have Any, But They Seemed Happy):
They are "Family/child friendly." But I didn't see much, honestly.
Getting Around:
"Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking"
They offer "Airport transfer" which is great, because taxis in Kuching. And the "Car park [free of charge]" is always a welcome relief.
The "You Won't Believe What Happened" Part (The Grand Finale):
Okay, here's where things get wild. On my last day, I decided to treat myself to the "Pool with a view," and oh my god, what a view!
I was lounging by the pool, trying to finish my book (a cheesy romance novel, don't judge!), when I heard the unmistakable sound of… a ukulele.
I looked up, and there was a man, maybe in his late 50s, wearing the most garish Hawaiian shirt I've ever seen, serenading a group of (what appeared to be) cruise ship tourists with a questionable rendition of "Tiny Bubbles."
Turns out, this guy – let's call him "Jeff" (I will not reveal, in detail, the name of the Homestay) – was the owner and a self-proclaimed "Kuching cultural ambassador." And that wasn't the craziest part.
He then proceeded to leap into the pool, ukulele and all, and start swimming laps, still strumming! He then started to shout out random facts about Kuching, interspersing them with off-key chords. This was, in a word, surreal. I would have taken a video, but I was in shock.
Unbelievable Yercaud Adventure: Sarvakaya Timber Trails Await!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because this isn't just a travel itinerary; it's a journey. A messy, glorious, occasionally questionable journey I just took (or will take - depends if you're reading this in a time-traveling capacity, which, honestly, wouldn't surprise me anymore). We're talking about Jeff & Ricky Homestay105 @ Kozi Square Kuching, Malaysia. Prepare for the beautiful chaos.
The Glorious Mess: A Kuching Adventure (And Probably a Few Mishaps)
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Kuching-Warming (aka, Finding the Damn Homestay)
Morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM): Wake up! I'm already regretting that extra glass of wine last night, but hey, the world is waiting! (Probably with a slightly disapproving look). Flight time from… well, wherever you're starting this madness from. Pack some snacks, I repeat, PACK SNACKS. Air travel is basically a marathon of delayed gratification.
- Anecdote: Last time I flew, I swear I saw a baby throw a perfectly good yogurt at the ceiling. I'm not making this up. That's why snacks are your lifeline.
Mid-Morning (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM): ARRIVAL! Kuching International Airport. Passport control. Customs. The usual delightful dance of bureaucracy. Collect luggage if it hasn't mysteriously ended up in Estonia.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Okay, so here's the real challenge: finding Jeff & Ricky Homestay105. After all the research, I was a little lost finding Kozi Square. I got a little lost, okay, a lot lost. Wandering around with my backpack and my rapidly wilting "I Heart Kuching" t-shirt, I asked about a thousand people. One guy gave me a look that said, "Honey, you're hopeless." Bless him. Ended up on a charming yet slightly terrifying tuk-tuk ride.
- Impression: The humid air hit me like a wall. Also, the driving style is… aggressive. Let's just say, I held on for dear life. But the sights? Amazing. The vibrant colours, the chatter, the smells – it's an assault of the senses in the best way possible.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Check-in at Jeff & Ricky's. This is where it gets interesting… The reviews were glowing, but I was crossing fingers that the reality would be as good as the pictures.
- Quirky Observation: Is it just me, or do homestays always have that slightly… lived-in scent? Not a bad smell, mind you, just a comforting, "Welcome home, even if you've never been here before" kind of aroma.
Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Finally found the place, it was worth it! Unpack, freshen up, and then… a quest for food! This cannot be stressed enough. First priority: Nasi Lemak research.
- Emotional Reaction: Pure joy. The room was clean, the view was lovely, and I was finally here. Cue internal happy dance.
Evening (6:00 PM - onwards): Dinner time. Wandering around Kozi Square, found a place that looks promising. (Fingers crossed for delicious food!) Probably some street food action. And maybe, just maybe, a first taste of the local beer.
- Messy Ramble: Okay, I'm thinking about the food already, I'm obsessed with finding some good eats. Will this be the beginning of my Kuching culinary education? One can only dream.
Day 2: City Exploration & That Damned Cat Statue (and Possibly Getting Lost Again)
Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Breakfast at the homestay (hopefully, they offer something other than instant noodles… though, let's be real, I'd probably eat them anyway). Plan the day: The Sarawak Museum is a must. And, of course, the famous cat statue.
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Explore the city! Stroll along the Sarawak River, soak up the atmosphere. (Seriously, the river is gorgeous.) Visit the Chinese History Museum and then the Sarawak Museum. Try to learn some basic Malay phrases. "Terima kasih" (thank you) is my starting point.
- Opinionated Language: Kuching is a city of contrasts. Old and new. Bustling and laid-back. It's a place that gets under your skin.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Local food market. This is where the real fun begins. I anticipate a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. Probably buy something I can't identify.
- Anecdote: Last time I went to a market, I ate something that looked suspiciously like a deep-fried… something. It was delicious. I still have no idea what it was. But I'd eat it again.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): THE CAT STATUE! Find this! Pose with it. Take a million pictures. (Guaranteed.)
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: I'm a cat person. Like, seriously. This is the highlight. This is THE moment. The pure joy I anticipate is hard to describe
Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): More wandering. Maybe some souvenir shopping. Maybe get lost again. (It's inevitable).
Evening (6:00 PM - onwards): Dinner. Drinks. People-watching. Reflecting on the day's adventures. Realizing I probably should have packed mosquito repellent.
- Messier Structure: This is becoming less a structured itinerary and more a series of vague instructions with a whole lot of exclamation points. I love it.
Day 3: Rain Forest & the Great Orangutan Encounter
Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Pack up the hiking gear (or, more accurately, the slightly-too-thin t-shirt and the sneakers that probably won’t cut it, but hey, we'll wing it). Prepare for a day trip to Semenggoh Nature Reserve. The goal is to see orangutans!
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Travel from homestay to the reserve.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Grab a quick lunch near the reserve.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Semenggoh Nature Reserve - The main event! Witness the orangutans in their natural habitat. Respect the rules, stay quiet, and try not to squeal like a child (no promises).
- Doubling Down on the Experience: This is the Big One. The reason I'm here. I’ve dreamt of this moment. Watching these incredible creatures in their world will be an emotional experience. I'm preparing to be utterly blown away.
Afternoon (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Return to the city.
Evening (6:00 PM - onwards): Relax, rest, refuel. Reflect on the orangutans' magic; that's the greatest treasure this day can offer.
Day 4: Departure & The "Kuching, You Were Wonderful" Feeling (And the Flight Home)
Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Last breakfast in Kuching. Sigh. Pack. Check out of Jeff & Ricky's. Say farewell to the homestay.
Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Last wanders by the river. Try to memorize every view.
Lunch (11:00 AM - 12:00 PM): One last meal. Gotta find something delicious to remember Kuching by.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Head to the airport. Check-in. Say goodbye to Kuching.
- Emotional Reaction: Bittersweet. Sad to leave, but happy for the memories. Kuching, you were wonderful. (And, yes, I’ll be back).
Afternoon/Evening (3:00 PM - onwards): The flight home. Reflect on the trip. Start planning the next one.
This, my friends, is the promise of a Kuching adventure. It is likely to be a mixed bag of awe, confusion, amazing food, moments of pure bliss, and the inevitable "What was I thinking?" moments. But that, ultimately, is what makes travel worthwhile. Enjoy!
Dragon Bridge Da Nang: Stunning URI House Walk & 5-Minute Drive!
You Won't Believe What Happened at Jeff & Ricky's Homestay in Kuching! (Kozi Square Edition) - FAQ (and Rant!)
Okay, spill the tea! What *actually* happened at Jeff & Ricky's? Was it, like, a total disaster? (Be honest, please!)
Alright, alright, fine! Let's just say... it wasn't *exactly* what the Instagram pics promised. Think less "idyllic Borneo retreat" and more "slightly chaotic but ultimately charming adventure." Look, I'm not gonna lie, there were moments I wanted to scream. Like, the first night? The AC was busted. Busted! And I am *not* used to Kuching heat, okay? I woke up sweating more than a durian in a sauna. But… then there was this gecko, right? A tiny, adorable gecko that was chirping at the window all night. And after a few sleepless hours, I started finding it… kinda cute? See? Messy already! That's the vibe.
Kozi Square... is it actually a good location for a homestay? Convenient? Safe? Worth the hype?
Kozi Square... okay. Look, it's *central*. You're in the thick of it. You're steps (literally, steps) from some amazing food. The laksa alone is worth the trip, honestly. Safety-wise? Felt pretty secure. Didn't get mugged, didn't feel threatened. *However*, let's talk about the noise. Oh. My. God. Motorbikes roaring, people chatting, the occasional karaoke wafting from somewhere nearby until the wee hours. If you're a light sleeper, pack earplugs. Seriously. Pack. Those. Earplugs. Or embrace the chaos. I chose to embrace the chaos (and the earplugs).
Jeff & Ricky themselves! What were they like? Are they the super-friendly, helpful hosts everyone raves about? (Or just incredibly good at social media?)
Okay, *this* is a mixed bag. Jeff and Ricky... they're… characters. Jeff is definitely the chatterbox, always up for a chat. Probably talks way too much, but he's genuinely enthusiastic. Ricky? More reserved, but the practical one. The one who *tried* to fix the AC (bless him). They *are* helpful, in their own quirky way. Jeff gave some pretty bizarre recommendations (like a place to see "singing chickens" - I'm still not sure if that was a joke), but overall, they tried. Look, they're not perfect hosts. There were communication breakdowns (hello, broken AC!), but their enthusiasm and genuine attempt at hospitality kind of... won me over.
The Rooms! Spill the beans! Were they clean? Comfortable? Did they match the pictures?
Alright, the rooms. This is where things get a bit... murky. The pictures? Definitely airbrushed. That pristine white linen? Let's just say it had seen better days. "Clean" is a relative term, you know? It wasn't *disgusting*, but it wasn't exactly sparkling either. Comfortable? Depends what you consider comfortable. The bed was a bit on the firm side (and I'm used to a soft bed), the pillows were flat, and the aforementioned AC situation. On the plus side, there was strong wifi, which is vital in these modern times. Let's be real, I was mostly on Youtube anyway. And there was a weird smell. Kind of old wood and something else I couldn't quite place. I think it was the air con, but I'm not sure.
Okay, okay, tell us *the* story. What was the absolute *craziest* thing that happened? Did you ever almost leave?!
Oh, God. Okay, buckle up. So, the second night... it *rained*. Like, monsoon level rain. And as if the broken AC wasn't enough (it wasn't!) the roof *leaked*. Not a little drip. A *gush*. Right into my room. I woke up to a puddle around my bed. A PUDDLE, people! Like, I thought I was going to be flooded out of my room! I freaked. I started yelling, I woke up the other guests (sorry, other guests!). I thought about calling Expedia, I thought about sleeping in the lobby - I legitimately considered sleeping outside! I was soaked, miserable, and ready to walk all the way back to the airport. And then, Jeff and Ricky, bless their slightly incompetent hearts, were *amazing*. They scrambled around, got buckets, found towels, moved me to a dry(ish) room (which was thankfully better than the previous) and, and, AND, they apologized profusely. And they offered me... free breakfast. And a discount. It wasn't perfect, it was far from perfect, but it was honest. And you know what? That kindness, that genuine effort to make things right... it actually kind of saved the whole experience. I even started to laugh about it. Eventually. Maybe.
Would you recommend Jeff & Ricky's Homestay? Seriously. Be brutally honest.
Honestly? It depends. If you're looking for luxury, predictability, and perfection... run. Run far, far away. Like, don't even look back. But if you're up for an adventure, if you're not afraid of a bit of chaos, if you can appreciate authentic people who are trying their best... then maybe. Maybe it's worth it. Just pack earplugs and a sense of humour. And maybe, just maybe, you'll end up with a story to tell. And hey, when else am I gonna run into a leaky roof during a monsoon? (And probably free breakfast.)
Any tips for staying at Jeff and Ricky's in Kuching? (Besides the obvious 'pack earplugs').
Okay, insider tips. Number One: Confirm the AC is working. Like, *specifically* ask if the AC is working. Then confirm again. Number Two: Bring your own towel, just in case. Number Three: Be prepared to negotiate about anything. Number Four: Be patient, be flexible, and *embrace* the ridiculousness. Kuching is awesome so don't let a leaky roof stop you from enjoying its beauty! Also, bring mosquito repellent. The mozzies are savage there. Do yourself a favor and bring a travel-sized bottle of bleach to make sure the white linens are actually white.
Did you get bitten? And if so, how many times?!
