Daniel and his wife Fun run Daniel's Lodge in town. They've moved properties a few times in the town, but now lie about a three minute walk from the bus station. I think it would be a good idea to contact them in advance to see if they've moved again, but they do pickups from the bus station anyway. I read some reviews about this place later that described it as a bit grungy. I have to say I agree and did not feel overly comfortable. It is definitely a more alternative place to stay with a huge peace sign painted on the front, welcoming to some probably and off putting to others.
The dorm might put others off as well. It's a huge loft area segregated into three sections, but only by openings, not doors. And it seemed that workers of friends would come up and catch 40 winks on spare beds so you never knew who was going to be up there. I just didn't feel safe, but I have an expensive camera so didn't stay in the dorm after all. The lounges are grotty and flaking and dogs sometimes find a bed on these too. It just was all slightly unkempt and shabby. But some people obviously really liked, it but they tended to look a bit alternative themselves. One odd looking girl of European descent in a ripped shirt was happily sitting on a tatty sofa most of the day reading a book with an equally tatty dog asleep beside her.
But there were some nice touches like over 800 VCDs to choose from, pickups to and from the bus station, jungle tours (small cost each day) and some ok double and private rooms. Although some of these rooms had odd smells. They also have a huge selection of bikes to rent for the day in good condition. And the "jungle bar" or café was great. Overturned bottles like a doormat at the front, and kind of rustic with a good selection of food and drinks. A good place to hang out at night.
Daniel is always waiting to meet the buses in town, usually the ones from Kuala Lumpur and Penang. His rather old battered van will transport you free of charge to the guesthouse.
Alternatively if you want to get there on your own. At the bus station head to the left. The Lodge is down a side street on your left hand side about 100m back.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
December 2003
Location/Contact
18 Ratings
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