Singgahsana Lodge

From far, the taxi driver was signaling to us that the vibrant colour building would be our destination – Singgahsana Lodge, Kuching. Stopping in front of the two-unit, three-storey building, I reckoned that it was small compared to the huge shopping complex on one side and the towering Harbour View Hotel on the opposite side.

The moment I reached the main reception area at first floor, we were warmly greeted by those Pacesetters runners who arrived there earlier. Sonny Ng, upon seeing me, immediately highlighted to me that the Management of the Lodge put up a banner bearing Pacesetters Club logo prominently displayed in the hall to welcome us.

Every Pacesetters runner was given a 10% discount on top of the already low fare – RM 30 per person per night’s stay. Besides, a simple breakfast was provided free of charge.

Everything was new in the building: fresh coats of paint with tastefully matched colours; furniture, bed linens, toilet and bathroom. I loved the cosy ambience of this place. My cold perception towards the Lodge changed immediately. The concept of guesthouse was excellence because everyone could interact with one another that promote closeness and foster better friendship.

There were two PCs in the reception area that were frequently used by foreign tourists for checking of emails via Internet. I actually signed on to the KC & the Sunshine Runners web site and started the slideshow for a few runners to view photos taken in PACM Annual Dinner function on 18 March.

The boss of Singgahsana Lodge was most appreciative of the support from Pacesetters Club. The boss, Donald, and his wife, Merina, came to the Lodge and mingled with us in the evening.

It was convenience staying in this Lodge. The complimentary bus service provided by the Organizer of Saberkas RH Marathon actually have the pick-up point at Harbour View Hotel, which was just 50 meters away. Kuching Waterfront, frequents by tourists, was a mere 100 meters away.

A few days before the race while we were still in Kuala Lumpur, there were a few exchanges of emails showing concern for toilet facility when 70 runners would compete for limited toilet resources on Sunday morning, 26 March. There were a few suggestions: go to friends’ rooms where there are attached toilets; use toilets in Harbour View Hotel; use potty, etc. However, it was strange that on actual race morning, there was no sign of congestion in toilet.

Most runners were very satisfied with their short stay in the Lodge. I believe next year, other than competing in Saberkas marathon, the runners would engage one preliminary round of competition in booking of accommodation in the Lodge. Who knows, the keenly compete situation in toilet facilities only starts next year when the number exceeds 70 runners.

To view photos at Singgahsana Lodge and Kuching Waterfront, please click here.

Web site: www.singgahsana.com

By KC