Brunei's BEST Kept Secret: Abdul Razak Hotel Apartment Review!
Alright, alright, buckle up buttercups because we're diving HEADFIRST into the Abdul Razak Hotel Apartment in Brunei. Forget those airbrushed, overly-polished reviews. This is the real deal. And honey, let me tell you, it's a secret for a reason. Let's get this messy, glorious tour started!
FIRST IMPRESSIONS (and the "OH GOD, I HOPE IT'S CLEAN" Factor)
So, accessibility? [Accessibility]. They SAY it's got facilities for disabled guests and an elevator, which is a pretty crucial selling point in my book. I didn't personally test it with a wheelchair (thankfully!), but knowing it's there is a huge win. The exterior is… functional. Let's put it that way. Nothing flashy, nothing that screams "Instagram me!" but definitely a place to crash. Security wise, seems ok. They have [Security [24-hour]]; [CCTV in common areas] and [CCTV outside property]; [Smoke alarms] and [Fire extinguisher] are a must, right? Honestly, the first thing I did was sniff the air. After a long flight, you need to know you're not walking into a biohazard zone. My inner germaphobe was appeased-ish. The hallways were decently clean. [Daily disinfection in common areas] and hopefully the [Rooms sanitized between stays] claim holds up.
ROOMS: The Good, the Bad, and the "Where Did My Remote Go?"
Okay, the rooms. Let’s take a deep dive, shall we? I opted for a non-smoking room (duh!). [Non-smoking rooms]. [Air conditioning] was a godsend in the Brunei humidity. The [Blackout curtains] are clutch for sleeping in (or hiding from the world). The beds? [Extra long bed] was a plus for tall people. In my opinion anyway. You've got your basics: [Air conditioning], [Alarm clock], [Bathrobes] (fancy!), [Bathroom phone] (who uses these anymore?), [Bathtub], [Carpeting] (a bit dated, but clean), [Closet], [Coffee/tea maker] (essential for sanity), [Complimentary tea], [Desk], [Free bottled water], [Hair dryer], [In-room safe box]. [Internet access – wireless] (FREE WiFi, people! That's [Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!] which is awesome!). [In-room safe box], [Ironing facilities]. [Laptop workspace] (hello, digital nomad life!), [Linens], [Mini bar], [Mirror]. [On-demand movies]. [Private bathroom]. [Reading light]. [Refrigerator]. [Satellite/cable channels]. [Seating area]. [Separate shower/bathtub] (luxury!), [Shower], [Slippers], [Smoke detector], [Socket near the bed]. [Sofa]. [Soundproofing], [Telephone] (again, who?), [Toiletries], [Towels], [Umbrella], [Wake-up service], [Window that opens].
The WiFi: Actually, the [Wi-Fi [free]] was a mixed bag. Sometimes screaming fast, other times… well, it felt like dial-up. Don't rely on it for streaming. For emails and basic browsing, it's fine. [Internet], [Internet access – LAN]. [Internet services].
The Little Annoyances (Because No Place is Perfect)
The TV: it was a bit blurry. It's not the kind of place you're going to spend a ton of time, but It would be nice to watch the news, at least. The fridge could be colder. and the remote control kept disappearing under the bed. I swear, it was a portal to another dimension. Where do these things go?
THE BREAKFAST (Or, My Quest for a Decent Cup of Joe)
[Breakfast [buffet]] was an experience. I am not a buffet person, but they had good things. There was the usual [Asian breakfast], [Asian cuisine in restaurant], [Western breakfast], [Western cuisine in restaurant]. Coffee was… well, the coffee was not great. [Coffee/tea in restaurant]. The fruit was fresh. [Breakfast service]. They also offered room service, with [Breakfast in room] and [Breakfast takeaway service].
FOOD AND DRINK: A Culinary Adventure (Maybe)
Okay, so they have [Restaurants]. [Poolside bar] (didn't try it). [Room service [24-hour]] is a lifesaver. I didn't see a [Vegetarian restaurant]. They seem to have [A la carte in restaurant] with the [International cuisine in restaurant]. [Alternative meal arrangement]. [Bottle of water] is standard. [Coffee shop] (I’ll take my chances). [Desserts in restaurant]. [Happy hour]. [Salad in restaurant], [Soup in restaurant]. The [Snack bar] is basic, nothing special. [Daily housekeeping] keeps the crumbs away.
RELAXATION STATION (Or, Did I Get My Pamper On?)
Here's where things get a little… sparse. They have a [Fitness center] (I skipped it, but hey, it's there!). [Swimming pool] (outdoor), a [Pool with view]. But the real deal? [Spa]. I didn't actually go in the spa. [Spa/sauna]. [Sauna], [Steamroom]. I'm more of a lie-down-on-the-bed-and-watch-Netflix kinda girl. There's no mention of massages.
SERVICES AND CONVENIENCES (The Stuff You Really Need)
[Cash withdrawal]. [Concierge]. [Currency exchange]. [Daily housekeeping]. [Doorman]. [Dry cleaning]. [Elevator]. [Essential condiments]. [Food delivery]. [Gift/souvenir shop]. [Invoice provided]. [Ironing service]. [Laundry service]. [Luggage storage]. [Meeting/banquet facilities] (not my scene). [Safety deposit boxes]. [Terrace]. Front desk [24-hour]. [Contactless check-in/out]. I love all those!
FOR THE KIDS (Because Families Deserve a Break, Too)
They have [Babysitting service]. [Family/child friendly]. [Kids facilities], and [Kids meal]. So, families, take note!
CLEANLINESS AND SAFETY (Because We're Still in a Pandemic, Folks)
Okay, important stuff. They claim to have [Anti-viral cleaning products], [Cashless payment service]. [Daily disinfection in common areas]. [Hot water linen and laundry washing]. [Hygiene certification], [Individually-wrapped food options]. [Physical distancing of at least 1 meter]. [Professional-grade sanitizing services]. [Room sanitization opt-out available]. [Safe dining setup]. [Sanitized kitchen and tableware items]. [Staff trained in safety protocol]. First aid kit. Hand sanitizer, and they [Rooms sanitized between stays].
Getting Around (How to Escape!)
[Airport transfer] is available. [Bicycle parking]. [Car park [free of charge]], [Car park [on-site]]. [Car power charging station]. [Taxi service]. [Valet parking].
The Verdict: Should You Book?
Look, the Abdul Razak Hotel Apartment isn't the Ritz. It's not the Four Seasons. But it's clean, comfortable, and a decent base of operations in Brunei. If you're looking for a no-frills, reasonably-priced stay and a bit of a local experience, then absolutely, go for it. It's a solid choice.
The BEST PART?
The offer
Ready to experience Brunei's BEST Kept Secret? Book your stay at the Abdul Razak Hotel Apartment now and get…
- 15% off your first night!
- Free breakfast for two!
- Complimentary airport transfer (because we know you're tired!)
- Early check-in/Late check-out (subject to availability)
This offer is only available for a limited time, so don't delay! Use code "BRUNEISECRET" when booking.
Click here to book your escape! (Insert link here)
Adler's Hidden Gem: A320 Guest House - Unbelievable Comfort Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, because this itinerary ain't gonna be pretty. It's gonna be real. This is my attempt to wrangle the chaos of a trip to Bandar Seri Begawan, from the slightly-too-stately halls of the Abdul Razak Hotel Apartment (which, let's be honest, has a name that sounds like a supervillain's lair…just me?), to the sticky-sweet reality of Brunei.
Brunei: A Traveler's Confessions (and Confusions)
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread (Hotel Edition)
- 14:00: Arrived in Brunei. Jet lag is already kicking my butt. The airport? Efficient, clean, and eerily quiet. No aggressive hawkers pushing trinkets, no blaring taxis. It's… weirdly calming. Got a taxi to the Abdul Razak. The driver was super polite, which is both charming and makes me wonder if I'm accidentally starring in a reality show about a terribly behaved tourist.
- 15:00: Unpacking. My luggage is a hot mess. Why did I pack so many shoes?! My room at the Abdul Razak is fine. Clean, spacious… a bit sterile. Feels like a place where important meetings about important things happen, not a place where you slob on the couch and watch trashy TV (which, to be clear, is my travel objective).
- 16:00: Attempted a swim in the hotel pool. The water was suspiciously clear. And I was the only one there. The silence was broken only by the gentle hum of the air conditioning and the nagging feeling that I should be doing something more… productive. This hotel is the physical embodiment of "organized". I need chaos! I need a dodgy street food vendor! I need a screaming child!
- 17:00-19:00: Wandered around the hotel, attempting to appear interested in the brochures. Found the in-room guide to the hotel's dining options: "Indulge in the luxurious ambiance of Restaurant X" and after the first day "Enjoy the delicious food with Restaurant Y", the "Restaurant Z will give you an authentic experience", it's probably "eat at your own risks". Eventually, gave up and ordered room service. Chicken satay. It wasn't bad, but also… not exactly a culinary revelation.
- 20:00: Attempted to watch TV. The channels are all in Malay and I'm struggling with even the basic subtitles. My brain is already starting to feel like scrambled eggs. Maybe I'll just go to bed. This jet lag is unforgiving.
Day 2: The Sultan's Splendor & My Stupidity
- 08:00: Breakfast at the hotel. The buffet is… extensive. Too extensive. I ate everything. Everything! Now I feel like a beached whale.
- 09:00: Visiting the Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque. Okay. Wow. Seriously. Wow. Gold domes, marble floors, the works. It's breathtaking. (Took a picture of my foot in front of the mosque entry, not the most appropriate thing to do in front of a highly respected religious site). I felt a shiver run through me as I walked in.
- 10:30: Hired a taxi to the Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque. Another stunning sight. More gold. More marble. More awestruck tourists. The reflections in the lagoon are chef's kiss. Now, I'm not a religious person, but I appreciate the sheer scale of the architecture. It's humbling and makes you feel insignificant in a good way.
- 12:00: Lunch. Apparently, the food in Brunei is delicious, but I am on a mission! I want to find a food court, street food! The only options I can find are either in a mall, or I have to take a ferry. My quest begins. I was so hungry, that I ordered the same food I ate the day before.
- 14:00: The journey. I got lost, as usual. The taxi driver was an absolute saint, even as I, through awkward gestures and a phrasebook, tried and failed to explain my desire for "local flavor." We did find a small 'warung' and enjoyed amazing nasi katok with spicy sauce.
- 18:00: Spent an hour looking for a cafe, and eventually gave up and ate at the hotel restaurant again.
- 20:00: I decided to go for a walk. The water village is quite a trip, because a taxi cannot pass in it, I walk a lot and ask people for directions. I could swim in the river, the smell of fish is not appetizing.
- 22:00: Back at the hotel. Exhausted. My feet hurt. My brain is fried. But I think I'm starting to… get it. Brunei isn't about hectic markets and crazy nightlife. It's about peace, quiet, and… well, maybe the Sultan's lavish spending. And now I understand why the hotels are perfect.
Day 3: The Jungle, the Malls, and the Existential Question
- 08:00: Breakfast. More buffet. More regret.
- 09:00: Decided to go to Ulu Temburong National Park for a day trip. This is going to be an adventure.
- 10:00 - 18:00: The Ulu Temburong trip was epic. The longboat ride, the jungle trek, the canopy walk (which, by the way, I'm terrified of heights). The sheer, untamed beauty was… mind-blowing. That pristine air! The cacophony of jungle sounds! The fact that I managed to make it through without face-planting on the jungle floor is a miracle.
- 19:00: Back to Bandar Seri Begawan. I wanted to go to the local food court, but my feet gave up. Back to the hotel. Room service again.
- 21:00: I'm starting to have feelings for the hotel. It's a safe haven, a clean, quiet place to recharge after facing the jungle. I might even be starting to understand why people choose this kind of holiday. Maybe I'm getting too old to be a backpacker… maybe.
- 22:00: The hotel wifi is a dream too. I am starting to consider becoming a couch potato.
Day 4: The Royal Regalia, The Market, and The Realization
09:00: One last breakfast buffet showdown. I'm going to defeat that croissant. And I did!
10:00: A trip to the Royal Regalia Museum. This place is like an explosion of jewels. The gifts to the Sultan are so extravagant, its overwhelming. The royal carriages are so beautiful, and a little bit silly.
11:00: Time for The Gadong Night Market, a chaotic kaleidoscope of food stalls, chattering vendors, and irresistible aromas. I got lost in the chaos, ate the most delicious satay ever, and even tried a weird durian-flavored thing that was strangely addictive. The food truly is fantastic.
14:00: It's time to go. The taxi driver is the same one who picked me up on day one. He smiles. He probably thinks I'm an idiot. He's absolutely right, but I don't feel bad at all. I'm leaving with a suitcase full of dirty laundry, travel stories. And a newfound respect for the calm, the quiet, and the Sultanate of Brunei.
15:00: Goodbye Abdul Razak Hotel Apartment Bandar Seri Begawan. You've been my home. And I wouldn't have it any other way. Brunei is the best.
16:00: Flight. Bye Brunei.
Postscript:
Brunei is perplexing, beautiful, and I'm still not entirely sure I understand it. But I'm glad I came. And I highly recommend the satay.
Hilton Vestal Binghamton: Willow Point's Spark — Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!
Abdul Razak Hotel Apartment: Real Talk FAQs (Brunei's *Actually* Kept Secret!)
Okay, so everyone raves about the Empire Hotel, but let's be honest, a budget traveler in Brunei is probably, ahem, *not* staying there. Which brings us to the Abdul Razak Hotel Apartment. Believe me, I went in with zero expectations and…well, let's just say it was an *experience*. Here's the lowdown, distilled into a question-and-answer session that's way more honest than any travel guide.
1. Is the Abdul Razak actually a "Hotel Apartment" or just… an apartment?
Good question! Honestly? It's… a generous interpretation of "hotel." Think of it more as a collection of apartments rented out to tourists. You're not getting room service that’s consistently available, or a bellhop. You're getting… well, you're getting an apartment. But hey, that’s the beauty of it. You get a kitchen. (More on that glorious, or potentially chaotic, kitchen later.)
2. What's the *vibe* like? Because I'm picturing beige walls and institutional carpet.
Spot on with the beige. And, yes, possibly the carpet. Look, it's not the Four Seasons. It's… functional. The vibe is… lived-in. Think "grandma's spare bedroom if grandma were a bit… less meticulous.” It's a bit faded, a bit worn, but it's also… real. It doesn't feel like a tourist trap. It feels like you’re, like, *living* in a Bruneian apartment. (Which, frankly, is part of the charm.) Think more "authentic," less "Instagrammable." (Though, honestly, the faded charm *could* be Instagrammable, depending on your aesthetic.) The lobby? Let’s just say the air conditioning is… *optimistic*.
3. Okay, the kitchen. Tell me *everything* about the kitchen.
Ah, yes, the kitchen. This is where things get interesting. My first trip, the utensil drawer had… a single rusty fork. A *single* rusty fork. It was like a culinary performance art piece. My second time? Better! But still… let's just say you'll want to inspect your equipment *thoroughly* before diving in. The fridge? Probably works. The stove? Might work. The microwave? Well, I'm still alive, so… It's a gamble. But the *potential* to cook your own meals? Gold. Bruneian food can be pricey, so having a kitchen is a godsend if you’re on a budget. Hit up the local markets, embrace the chaos, and pray you don’t have to hunt for more silverware. *That's* the real adventure!
4. Noise levels? Can I actually *sleep* there?
This is Brunei. It’s generally… quiet. But! The walls aren't exactly soundproof. I heard my neighbor's enthusiastic karaoke session *through the walls*. It wasn’t the best rendition of "Bohemian Rhapsody," mind you, but it was… memorable. Also, depending on your floor and view, you might hear some traffic. But it's Brunei traffic: not exactly a roaring symphony of horns. So, generally, yes, you *can* sleep. But bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper, or a masochist who enjoys a free musical performance.
5. The location? Is it actually… convenient?
The location is *decent*. It’s not *right* in the thick of things, but it’s within walking distance of some shops and restaurants. (Though, walking in that heat is, let's just say, a commitment.) Taxis are readily available. Mostly. You'll need to be familiar with the Grab app. Public transport? Let’s just say I spent more time *waiting* for the bus than actually *on* the bus. It’s a trade-off: you're not paying an arm and a leg for an ultra-central location, so you'll have to sacrifice a *little* convenience.
6. Okay, but the *real* question: would you stay there again?
Here’s the thing: I *would*. Absolutely. (And I *have*). Because it’s real. It’s affordable. It’s a genuine experience. It's not perfect. It’s far from perfect. And you might find yourself wrestling with a stubborn door lock or wishing for a more modern showerhead. But for the price, and for the chance to live like a local (sort of), and for the sheer *storytelling potential*, the Abdul Razak Hotel Apartment is a winner. It might not be a luxury stay, but you'll remember it. And sometimes, that's worth more than any five-star hotel could offer.
7. Let's talk about the internet. Because… priorities.
The WiFi is… let’s call it "intermittent." It’s there. Sometimes. Don't plan on streaming Netflix in ultra-HD. It's more like… email and basic browsing. This is actually *good* for me, because it forces me to actually, you know, *look up* from my screen and experience Brunei. But if you are a digital nomad, or need to be constantly connected, plan accordingly. Maybe get a local SIM card. Or, embrace the forced digital detox. It’s a win-win, really. Except when you *really* need to check something important. (Then it’s a bit of a struggle, I’ll admit.)
8. Any tips for surviving the Abdul Razak experience?
Absolutely! Here’s my wisdom, hard-earned from multiple stays:
- **Manage your expectations.** This is not a luxury hotel. Think "budget-friendly apartment."
- **Bring your own travel essentials.** Like, a universal adapter, extra toilet paper, and a good sense of humor.
- **Check for the basics.** Before you settle in, check the fridge, the stove (and if it's safe), and all the faucets. Report any major issuesHotelicityAbdul Razak Hotel Apartment Bandar Seri Begawan Brunei DarussalamAbdul Razak Hotel Apartment Bandar Seri Begawan Brunei Darussalam
