Escape to Paradise: Sim Sim's Water Village Magic in Sandakan!
Escape to Paradise: Sim Sim's Water Village Magic in Sandakan!
Escape to Paradise: Sim Sim's Water Village Magic in Sandakan! - A Review From Someone Who Actually Went (and Lived to Tell the Tale!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to plunge you headfirst into the murky, magical, and slightly weird world of Sim Sim's Water Village in Sandakan. And trust me, after experiencing "Escape to Paradise," I'm pretty sure I need another vacation just to recover. But hey, at least I can share my unfiltered (and probably slightly over-caffeinated) experience with you!
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First Impressions (and a Mild Panic Attack):
Let's be real. Sandakan isn't exactly a bustling metropolis. But that's part of its charm, right? The "Escape to Paradise" description? Well, it lives up to the "escape" part, for sure. Getting there involves a little… adventure. Think rickety walkways over the water (more on that later), and a healthy dose of trusting your instincts. But once you arrive? Whoa. It's Sim Sim's Water Village, a whole other reality.
Accessibility:
Okay, so this is where things get a little dicey. They claim to have "Facilities for disabled guests." And, technically, they do. There's an elevator (which is a lifesaver, trust me). But navigating the walkways? Let's just say if you're in a wheelchair, consider this a hardcore workout. It felt a little like Indiana Jones trying to reach the Holy Grail, but with more water and fewer snakes. The exterior corridor design, while pretty, isn't exactly smooth sailing for everyone. It's worth contacting the hotel before booking to clarify specific needs. They do have a front desk [24-hour], so at least you’ll always have someone to call upon for help.
Cleanliness and Safety (And My Slightly Paranoiac Brain):
Look, I'm a germaphobe. There, I said it. So, I was thrilled to see the emphasis on hygiene. They proudly displayed their "Hygiene certification." The "Daily disinfection in common areas" was reassuring. And the "Rooms sanitized between stays" definitely eased my anxiety. They’ve got "Anti-viral cleaning products" and "Professional-grade sanitizing services." They even have "Hand sanitizer" EVERYWHERE. They’ve gone all out on the COVID-19 front, which is great, but I still found myself compulsively wiping down EVERYTHING. The "CCTV in common areas" and outside the property seemed to reassure me. The "Fire extinguisher" and "Smoke alarms" are a welcome sight too!
The Room (My Fortress of Solitude):
My room? Pure bliss. Seriously, I could live there. I had a non-smoking room (thank GOD!), with air conditioning that actually worked (a must in Borneo!). There was a desk for "work" (let’s be honest, it was mostly for Instagramming my cocktail). The complimentary tea and coffee maker was a godsend (especially after that precarious walk across the water). The wi-fi [free] was surprisingly strong, and I could happily stream movies – there was even "on-demand movies" for those evenings you just want to shut the world out.
The bedding was comfy and the blackout curtains were a lifesaver after all those early morning adventures. Free bottled water was replenished daily (hydrated is happy!) and a mini bar for those guilty pleasures at the end of the day. They even had a dedicated bathroom phone and a hair dryer (which I needed after all that sweat! The extra touches, like the bathrobes and slippers, really made it feel like a special treat.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Foodie's Field Trip
Okay, so food? This is where the Sim Sim magic really kicked in. They have a variety of "Restaurants" and offer "Asian cuisine in restaurant", "Western cuisine in restaurant". There's a "Breakfast [buffet]," which is a must: all those local fruits and the hot buffet was a great start. They have an "A la carte in restaurant". They provide vegetarian options at restaurants.
Let me tell you about the poolside bar. My favorite thing about the resort. This is one of my favorite places. I swear, there was a point where I almost considered just living there and becoming one of those perpetually sun-kissed, umbrella-drink-wielding people…
The Happy Hour was pure gold. Sipping a cocktail while watching the sunset over the water? Pure bliss. The Poolside bar was a godsend. They have a "Coffee shop", a "Snack bar", and all kinds of things to ease your heart. They’ve got "Coffee/tea in restaurant", "Bottle of water" and "Desserts in restaurant”.
Things to Do (and Ways to Pretend You're NOT Being Touristy):
Okay, so "Escape to Paradise" knows how to cater to your inner couch potato, trust me, I’m proof of that. But if you want to actually do stuff, you won't be disappointed:
- The Pool: The Swimming pool [outdoor] is a view and it is wonderful.
- Spa/Sauna: Yes, they've got a Spa, a "Sauna", a "Steamroom", a "Foot bath" and the works! From "Body scrub" and "Body wrap" treatments to massages, you can absolutely pamper yourself senseless.
- Relax and Chill: The best way to relax in my opinion.
- Fitness: I'm not a gym person, but they have a fitness center.
Services and Conveniences (The Small Things That Make a Big Difference):
They've got all the usual suspects, like "Daily housekeeping," "Laundry service", "Dry cleaning" (because, you know, I travel light cough). The "Concierge" was super helpful, and the "Currency exchange" was definitely handy. They offer "Cashless payment service," which is great during these times.
For the Kids (Because, Well, People Have Them):
They’re "Family/child friendly" and it seems like a pretty safe place to bring the little ones. There are "Kids facilities" and food options, and a "Babysitting service" available.
Getting Around (And Avoiding Embarrassing Falls):
They offer Airport transfer (HIGHLY recommend), taxi service etc. While I didn’t try the car power charging station, it's good to know it's there.
The Quirk Factor (Because No Paradise is Perfect):
Okay, here's the honest truth about “Escape to Paradise”. It’s not pristine. It’s not perfect. There are quirks. The wooden walkways can get a little dodgy when wet (my near-death experience on the way to breakfast involved a strategically placed handrail and a silent prayer to the travel gods). The internet can be a little spotty sometimes, but hey, you are there to escape, right?
The Verdict (Is it Paradise?):
Look, "Escape to Paradise" isn't flawless. But that's part of its charm. It’s a little rough around the edges, a little bit “rustic,” a whole lotta unique. It's a place that feels authentic. It's a place that creates memories.
The Final, Unsolicited, Completely Biased Recommendation:
Go. Book it. Right now if you want a place in paradise! If you want a taste of something special, something different, something that will make you laugh, curse a little (in a good way!), and remember long after you leave, then "Escape to Paradise" is your jam. Just maybe pack an extra pair of shoes (for the watery walkways) and a sense of adventure.
And Now, The Sales Pitch (Because Let's Be Honest, You're Here to Book):
Tired of the Same Old, Same Old? Crave Authentic Adventure? Escape to Paradise: Sim Sim's Water Village Magic is Calling Your Name!
Here's Why You NEED to Book NOW:
- Unforgettable Experience: Experience the unique charm of Sim Sim's Water Village, a place you won't find ANYWHERE else!
- Safety First: They've upped the ante on hygiene! You can relax knowing cleanliness is a top priority!
- Unbeatable Perks: Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a wide range of dining options, and tons of activities to keep you entertained!
- Paradise Views: Relax by the outdoor pool with incredible views and a fantastic poolside bar!
- Book now and receive a complimentary welcome drink at the pool bar AND a discount on your spa treatments!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your polished travel brochure. This is the raw, unfiltered, slightly-chaotic adventure of a human trying to navigate Sim Sim Water Village and Sandakan, Malaysia. Let's get this show on the road, shall we?
The Sim Sim Scramble: A Messy Itinerary (With Added Emotional Baggage)
Day 1: Arrival – "Help, I think I'm drowning in charm!"
- Morning (7:00 AM): Landed at Sandakan Airport. Bleary-eyed and already regretting that extra coffee before takeoff. Bordered by a sea of smiling faces, it's a far cry from the grim faces of customs back home.
- Mid-morning (9:00 AM): Taxi to Sim Sim Water Village. The drive? A chaotic symphony of scooters, stray dogs, and the general organized mess of Malaysian traffic. Halfway there, I swear I saw a monkey riding a bicycle. (Probably just sleep-deprived, but hey, the imagination thrives in travel, right?)
- Late Morning (10:00 AM): Arrive at the homestay. Oh. My. God. The houses are literally built on stilts over the water. It’s like a Disney ride. Except… real. A few awkward footfalls on the swaying planks before I'm fully inside. The owner, a woman named Mai, greets me with such genuine warmth I practically melt. It feels like coming home…to a floating village. She hands me a chilled drink made of something I can’t pronounce but tastes like sunshine and happiness.
- Around Lunch Time (12:30 PM): Get lost in the labyrinthine walkways of the village. Seriously. Prepare to wander, get turned around, and probably end up at the wrong house (apologies to the family whose kitchen I accidentally peeked into). This is part of the charm (and the chaos). The kids are absolutely fearless, zooming by on bikes, laughing. I’m pretty sure they have no idea what “personal space” means, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:00 PM): "Operation: Eat All The Things". First food! Lunch at a local stall. Spicy noodles, some sort of grilled fish, and I'm pretty sure they slipped me a secret ingredient of pure joy. The taste is nothing like the food I usually consume back home. This is an experience; a sensory explosion. Then, a walk through the village stalls, sampling everything from fried bananas to some crazy durian… which, okay, smelled like gym socks, but the taste? Surprisingly good! (Don't tell anyone). I'm already feeling a food coma coming on.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Sunset over the water. Holy. Mother. Of. God. I swear, the sky looked like someone had spilled a giant bucket of watercolor paints. Red, orange, purple… it was like a movie. I just sat there, feeling tiny and insignificant in the best possible way. Mai makes me a simple dinner with the freshest seafood I've ever tasted.
- Night (8:00 PM onwards): Stargazing. The light pollution here is almost non-existent. I've never seen so many stars in my life. Just sitting there, letting the sounds of the village and the waves lull me to sleep. Thinking, maybe, just maybe, I've found a little slice of paradise.
Day 2: Wildlife Wonders (and Mildly Terrifying Boats)
- Morning (6:00 AM): Woken up by the rooster. Then the mosque's calls to prayer. Then the kids' laughter. Suddenly, the rooster doesn't seem so bad.
- Early Morning (7:30 AM): Boat trip to Selingan Island (Turtle Island). Okay, this is an experience. The boat? Let's just say it's seen better days. The ride? Rough. Really rough. "Scenic" doesn’t begin to cover the churning sea! I was green, pale, holding on for dear life. I'm not sure I've ever been so grateful to be on land. But then…
- Mid-morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Turtle Island: The turtles. THE TURTLES! Watching these gentle giants lay their eggs was an experience of pure, unadulterated awe. Seeing tiny turtle hatchlings scramble towards the sea? My heart nearly exploded. If you don't shed a tear, you're not human (or you're incredibly cynical, and I don't want to be friends). It was magical. Worth the bumpy boat ride, every. Single. Second.
- Lunch/Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Back to Sandakan. More food, naturally. Some local pastries that were… interesting. Trying to navigate the markets is like a sport – bargaining is a must, and probably, I got ripped off, but I was also smiling the whole time. The atmosphere is a blur of noise, smells, and vibrant colors.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Another Sim Sim sunset. Dinner with Mai and her family – fried chicken and rice and lots of laughter. I am surprisingly adept at using chopsticks now!
- Night (8:00 PM onwards): Reflect on the day. The turtles. The sea. The food. The people. I haven’t looked at my phone once. I’m starting to seriously consider never leaving. Okay, maybe a little dramatic, but this place… it’s something special.
Day 3: Orangutans and the Real World (Ugh)
- Morning (7:00 AM): Breakfast. The sun is rising and the rooster has returned. It is already shaping up to be a great day.
- Mid-morning (9:00 AM): Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. The orangutans. My god. Watching them swing through the trees… it's like witnessing a scene from a National Geographic documentary come to life. The sadness of their situation is also very present. They are beautiful, intelligent creatures. Their safety and well-being is very important. I am grateful to be able to see them, and hope that they have a good life.
- Lunch (12:00 PM): Casual lunch at a local restaurant. Trying to absorb, and process all the information.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM -- 5:00 PM): A last wander through Sandakan town. Buy some souvenirs. The whole experience is bittersweet.
- Evening (6:00 PM): Final sunset from Sim Sim. Dinner, lots of hugs, and a promise to return. The sadness of leaving is palpable.
- Night (8:00 PM onwards): Packing, a few tears, and a deep realization that I have been profoundly changed by this trip.
Day 4: Departure – "Goodbye, paradise…for now."
- Morning (5:00 AM): Wake up earlier than expected, unable to sleep. So many emotions.
- Early morning (6:00 AM): Taxi to Sandakan Airport. The drive back seems even faster.
- Morning (8:00 AM): Departure from Sandakan. Looking out the plane window, I see the endless blue of the sea, I know this isn’t goodbye, it’s see you later. I will be back.
This is just a snapshot, a messy, unedited glimpse into a trip to Sim Sim Water Village. It’s not perfect, it’s crammed with my opinions, and I likely didn’t adhere to an actual organized schedule (because, let's be honest, who does?). But it's real. And that's what matters. Go there. Get lost. Embrace the chaos. Cry at the turtles. Eat all the things. And prepare to fall in love.
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Okay, spill the tea: Is Escape to Paradise actually paradise? And is Sim Sim's Water Village real magic?
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because I'm about to be REAL. Paradise? Well, that depends on your definition. If your paradise involves shimmering turquoise water, pristine white sand, and endless cocktails with tiny umbrellas... then, no. But if paradise means something a little more down-to-earth, a little more REAL, with a hefty dose of cultural immersion, and a heck of a lot of character? Then *maybe*. Sim Sim Village? Oh, it's absolutely real. And, honestly? There's a *certain* magic in the chaos. I mean, you're literally living over the water. Think rickety walkways, kids chasing chickens, the smell of cooking wafting from every doorway... it's not a Disneyfied version of reality, that's for sure. And that… *that's* where the magic lies. You'll walk away feeling something. Whether that's pure joy, slight unease, or a deep appreciation for a different way of life, you'll feel *something*.
How do I *actually* get to Sim Sim Water Village? Is it like, a secret portal?
Haha, no secret portal (darn it!). It's actually super easy. You'll fly into Sandakan Airport (SDK). From there, you can grab a taxi, a Grab (the Malaysian version of Uber) – those are convenient – or sometimes, if you're lucky like me, your accommodation can arrange a pick-up. Getting to the village itself involves, generally, a taxi or an even shorter boat ride. Just tell them "Sim Sim" and they know the drill. I remember my first taxi ride... the driver was blasting some seriously catchy Malaysian pop music and I was just grinning like a loon, already in love with the place. It's a short trip from the airport/town center anyway, don't worry!
Where should I stay? I'm terrified of questionable plumbing.
Okay, plumbing anxiety? I get it. Look, the accommodations in Sim Sim are *rustic*. Think "charming" and "potentially leaky" in the same sentence. You're not going to find a Four Seasons. I'd recommend reading reviews *thoroughly*. Some guesthouses are definitely better maintained than others. If you really want to play it safe, there are hotels in Sandakan town, which is a short hop away by boat or land. You could always do a day trip or a night at the village to experience it without sacrificing your comfort. Personally? I'm a fan of taking the plunge and going full-on village life. Just… pack some industrial-strength hand sanitizer!
What's the food situation like? I'm on the picky-eater spectrum.
FOOD! Okay, this is a HUGE plus, generally speaking. Fresh seafood is the name of the game. You'll find little restaurants and warungs (food stalls) serving up grilled fish, prawns, and squid, all caught that day. The local dishes are amazing – try the Nasi Goreng Kampung (fried rice village style), and the Laksa (spicy noodle soup) is to die for. Even my picky-eating travel companion found things to love! Now, if you *really* can't handle anything spicy or remotely adventurous, you might be slightly challenged. There are usually a few more "Western-friendly" options, in case you're feeling homesick for a burger. But honestly? Embrace the chaos. Try everything (within reason!). You're in a totally different culture, and the food is a big part of the experience. Just be prepared to sweat… a lot.
Can I swim? Is the water… clean?
Swimming… that's a good question. The water around the village… let's just say it's not exactly the crystal-clear turquoise of a Maldives postcard. I wouldn't recommend *swimming* in it. The water is used for… well, a lot of things. It's a working village, not a resort. However, there are usually nearby beaches or islands where you can take a dip in much cleaner water. Double check with your accommodation or ask a local for recommendations. I remember one time, a little girl (maybe 5 years old?) was playing right off a walkway, with a fishing net, and i'm pretty sure she was catching clams...it was the most normal thing. I wouldn't take a plunge, but it was *fascinating*!
What can I actually *do* in Sim Sim? Besides maybe battling sanitation issues (kidding... mostly).
Alright, what to *do*… well, the beauty of Sim Sim lies in its simplicity. You can wander the walkways, watch the kids playing, chat with the locals (many of them speak some English), and just soak it all in. The people are generally incredibly friendly and welcoming. You can eat your weight in delicious seafood. You can visit the Sandakan Central Market nearby, it's a sensory overload in the best way. Sandakan itself has some really cool things, too. The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is a must-see (prepare to have your heart melted). You might even consider a boat trip to Turtle Island Park, if you're feeling fancy. But honestly? My favorite thing was just sitting on the porch of my guesthouse, watching the sun set over the water, listening to the sounds of the village, and feeling… present. It’s a great place to unwind. Don't overschedule!
Is it safe? Like, really? I've seen those "travel advisories"…
Okay, safety. Let's talk about it. Generally speaking, the area around Sandakan is considered reasonably safe for tourists. Petty theft can happen (as it can… well, anywhere), so keep your valuables secure. The travel advisories you see are mainly referring to the areas further south, toward the Philippines border, and it's something that you should be aware of. If you're sticking to Sandakan town and Sim Sim, you should be fine. Use common sense, be aware of your surroundings, and don't wander around alone at night in poorly lit areas, which goes for basically anywhere anyway. I felt pretty safe myself, and I'm usually a bit of a worrier when I'm traveling alone. But again, *check the current travel advisories before you go*, just to be on the safe side. Better safe than sorry always wins in my book.
What should I pack? Besides, like, a hazmat suit?
Hazmat suit? Haha! Okay, here's the packing lowdown. Light, breathable clothing is essential. Think cotton, linen, quick-drying fabrics. Hotels With Balconys
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