Categories
Tourism Malaysia

20 Boutique Hotels – Stay with Style!

If you need some cosy time all by yourself, and looking for somewhere unique to stay for a night or more, boutique hotels in Malaysia offer you more than an accommodation. You will get extra nice decoration, extra services plus extra experience.

Today, boutique hotels – normally a cosy-signature accommodation with less than 100 rooms – are mushrooming with variable themes and decors. For our 20 SPECIAL picks this month, we give you some of the popular choices from many states of Malaysia.

Ambong-Ambong

1. AMBONG-AMBONG, Langkawi, Kedah (www.ambong-ambong.com) The Travellers’ Choice 2019 Winner outshines the most in the mystical island of Langkawi. Ambong-Ambong Rainforest Retreat is rainforest accommodation of boutique resort perched on a slope, overlooking the sea and islands of Langkawi offers great Japanese restaurant and highly rated massage services.

Terrapuri

2.   TERRAPURI, Penarik, Terengganu (www.terrapuri.com) Terrapuri (The Land Of Palaces) is a conservation and restoration project of Terengganu Malay Classic house. Its feature 29 antique hundred years old Classic Houses. The layout of the resort is inspired by the 17th century Terengganu Palace and its surrounding. Terrapuri consists of 20 exclusive restored villas, a gallery and a beach house.

Majestic

3. MAJESTIC, Melaka (www.majesticmalacca.com) The heart of the hotel is a restored 1920s Straits Settlement mansion complete with its original porcelain tile flooring and teakwood fittings. It has been extended to house the guest rooms and suites as well as an award-winning spa that is a reflection of that era, melding luxury, modernity and tradition. (source www.ytlhotels.com)

Estadia

4. ESTADIA, Melaka (www.estadiahotel.com) Estadia By Hatten is perhaps the best Baba Nyonya-themed hotel in Melaka. It is located in the center of Melaka City and the interior of the hotel is tastefully done up based on Baba Nyonya style. There are a Nyonya restaurant a pub located beside the hotel lobby the Nyonya foods are fantastic (review in tripadvisor.com).

Seven Terraces, Georgetown

5. SEVEN TERRACES, Georgetown, Pulau Pinang (www.georgetownheritage.com/seven-terraces-hotel) Winner of the 2007 UNESCO Award of Distinction for heritage conservation and regular Conde Naste Hot List nominees, It successfully captures and celebrates the spirit of this world heritage town and its unique peranakan culture. Pure beauty!

Cheong Fatt Tze, Georgetown

6. CHEONG FATT TZE, Georgetown, Pulau Pinang (www.cheongfatttzemansion.com) The majestic boutique hotel rooms are tucked within the tranquil tropical courtyards of The Blue Mansion. Each of the 18 personalized boutique rooms are uniquely adorned and intricately furnished, taking you back into Penang’s glorious history in the exclusive rooms, invigorating jacuzzi and authentic furniture of the 19th century.

Royale Chulan Cherating Villa

7.  ROYALE CHULAN CHERATING VILLA, Cherating, Pahang (www.royalechulan.com/Cherating) Located in a resort town on the east coast of Malaysia, Cherating is home to some of Malaysia’s most picturesque seascapes, a perfect getaway for soul searching singles, lovebirds and family gathering. 34 private villas and suites come with a private beach. What a package!

Anggun

8. ANGGUN, Kuala Lumpur (www.anggunkl.com) Located in Changkat Tong Shin, Bukit Bintang area – Anggun is a boutique hotel with rooftop spa and semi-outdoor café fitted with wooden flooring and teak furnishings. The Alam Beauty Spa surely a bonus if you are to stay here. Choose room with four-poster bed and private balcony with street views, advices booking.com.

Ranee B

9. THE RANEE B, Kuching, Sarawak (www.theranee.com) This is an exclusive 24-room boutique hotel strategically located in the heart of Kuching’s picturesque Old Town. Stylishly rebuilt from two traditional 19th century shophouses and ingeniously adapted to modern standards of plush comfort, The Ranee is unique in that every spacious room/suite is different – designed to express its own individuality, charm and character, hints www.tripadvisor.com.

Villa Molek

10. VILLA MOLEK, Langkawi, Kedah (www.villamolek.com). As you step into Villa Molek you are greeted by 12 charming and beautifully designed private villa studios, each resembles a complete home. Its superb location and quiet elegance makes it a favourite among travellers looking for total relaxation (www.tripadvisor.com)

Panji-Panji

11. PANJI-PANJI TROPICAL WOODEN HOME, Langkawi, Kedah (www.panjipanji.com). Enjoy the comforts of a sea frontage tropical wooden Malay house. A home situated next to the Cenang river and the local fishermen’s pier, and is only minutes away from the famous Cenang Beach. A perfect place to enjoy the sunset and relax (from booking.com).

The Blanc

12. THE BLANC, Melaka (facebook.com/TheBlancBoutiqueHotel). Originally a refurbished heritage building, The Blanc is a tastefully decorated new hotel in Melaka. The room is full well decorated and designed, plus a rooftop view. Centrally located and just a walk away from Jonker Street Night Market and Mahkota Parade Shopping Mall. Very convenient.

Tanjung Jara Resort

13. TANJUNG JARA RESORT, Tg. Jara, Terengganu (www.tanjongjararesort.com) Offering accommodation inspired by the majestic 17th century Malay palaces, Tanjong Jara boasts 2 outdoor pools and an award-winning spa. It features 3 dining options with South China Sea views.

Sari Pacifica

14. SARI PACIFICA,  Redang, Terengganu (www.saripacificaredangisland.com) In the beautiful island of Redang, Sari Pacifica Resort Spa offers spacious villas with private balconies and spa baths. It also features a beachfront pool and restaurant. The spaciousness of tropical-style villas allows for a large walk-in closet and seating area. Unfortunately the door is closed during monsoon season.

Rosa

15. ROSA, Melaka (www.rosa.com.my) This hotel screams nothing but an industrial-concept marvel. Bare bricks, cement walls, and wooden floor panels make up most of the hotel’s interior which is further complimented with tonnes of fun and timeless deco. Such a photo haven for Instagram addicts! (from www.rojakdaily.com)

Timez

16. TIMEZ, Melaka (www.timezhotel.com) The hotel is literally a melting pot of culture as it incorporates five cultures in its design – Chinese, Peranakan, Dutch, Portuguese, and British but with a modern twist.

The Lantern

17. LANTERN, Kuala Lumpur (www.lanternhotel.com) This budget boutique hotel revolves around an industry-meets-tropical design concept with a funky touch and friendly atmosphere. The rooms here are minimalist but elegant and with rates that will definitely meet your budget. (thesmartlocal.com)

Bliss Boutique

18. BLISS BOUTIQUE, Johor Bharu, Johor (www.blissboutiquehotel.com) Not all boutique hotels charge exorbitant rates, some are value-for-money and offer high rated services. Bliss Boutique Hotel falls into this category, adorned with artistic and flamboyant touches. This Art Deco hotel is totally colourful and chic!

M Boutique Hotel

19. M BOUTIQUE HOTEL, Ipoh, Perak (https://ipoh.mboutiquehotels.com) Featuring stark contrasting monochromatic furnishings, this unique hotel takes its inspiration from jazz bars of the past. Black chandeliers, monkey cages, and rustic grey furniture adorn the rooms and communal areas, lending it a stark yet classy vibe (source www.smartlocal.com)

JapaMala Resort

20. JAPAMALA RESORT, Tioman, Terengganu  (www.japamalaresorts.com) JapaMala is Tioman Island’s only boutique resort, and one-of-a-kind in Malaysia. This small and exclusive resort of 13 rooms is hidden amidst 11 acres of lush tropical rainforest. A one-village-one-resort property, JapaMala has its own private and quiet beach. Rated highly in www.tripadvisor.com.my

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

20 Boutique Hotels – Stay with A Style!

If you need some cosy time all by yourself, and looking for somewhere unique to stay for a night or more, boutique hotels in Malaysia offer you more than an accommodation. You will get extra nice decoration, extra services plus extra experience.

Today, boutique hotels – normally a cosy-signature accommodation with less than 100 rooms – are mushrooming with variable themes and decors. For our 20 SPECIAL picks this month, we give you some of the popular choices from many states of Malaysia.

1. AMBONG-AMBONG, Langkawi (www.ambong-ambong.com) The Travellers’ Choice 2019 Winner outshines the most in the mystical island of Langkawi. Ambong-Ambong Rainforest Retreat is rainforest accommodation of boutique resort perched on a slope, overlooking the sea and islands of Langkawi offers great Japanese restaurant and highly rated massage services.

The Ritz Carlton Langkawi

2. THE RITZ CARLTON, Langkawi (www.ritzcarlton.com/Langkawi‎) With unique traditional architecture and services, The Ritz Carlton Langkawi has it all – 90 luxurious guest rooms and suites and 29 pool villas, three swimming pools, a locally inspired spa, three dining outlets, two ocean front bars and lounges, and both indoor and outdoor wedding venues.

3. MAJESTIC, Melaka (www.majesticmalacca.com) The heart of the hotel is a restored 1920s Straits Settlement mansion complete with its original porcelain tile flooring and teakwood fittings. It has been extended to house the guest rooms and suites as well as an award-winning spa that is a reflection of that era, melding luxury, modernity and tradition. (source www.ytlhotels.com)

4. ESTADIA, Melaka (www.estadiahotel.com) Estadia By Hatten is perhaps the best Baba Nyonya-themed hotel in Melaka. It is located in the center of Melaka City and the interior of the hotel is tastefully done up based on Baba Nyonya style. There are a Nyonya restaurant a pub located beside the hotel lobby the Nyonya foods are fantastic (review in tripadvisor.com).

Seven Terraces, Georgetown

5. SEVEN TERRACES, Penang (https://www.georgetownheritage.com/seven-terraces-hotel) Winner of the 2007 UNESCO Award of Distinction for heritage conservation and regular Conde Naste Hot List nominees, It successfully captures and celebrates the spirit of this world heritage town and its unique peranakan culture. Pure beauty!

Cheong Fatt Tze, Georgetown

6. CHEONG FATT TZE, Penang (www.cheongfatttzemansion.com) The majestic boutique hotel rooms are tucked within the tranquil tropical courtyards of The Blue Mansion. Each of the 18 personalized boutique rooms are uniquely adorned and intricately furnished, taking you back into Penang’s glorious history in the exclusive rooms, invigorating jacuzzi and authentic furniture of the 19th century.

Yeng Keng Hotel, Georgetown

7. YENG KENG HOTEL, Penang (www.yengkenghotel.com) Yeng Keng Hotel is a restored 19th century building, with only 20 rooms that is located in George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Penang. It offers an outdoor pool, a restaurant and free Wi-Fi with splendid decor.

8. MARRIOT MULU, Miri, Sarawak (www.marriot.com) Nestled amongst the natural and lush greenery of the rainforests near the border between Malaysia and Brunei, Mulu Marriott Resort is located on Melinau Paku River in Miri. With well-designed rooms and suites, the resort offers guests with beautiful views of the tropical rainforest and river.

9. RANEE B SUITE, Kuching, Sarawak (www. theranee.com). The Ranee Boutique Suites is located in the heart of Kuching, a 1-minute walk from Kuching Waterfront and China Street. This stylish boutique hotel provides free WiFi throughout the building.

Villa Molek

10. VILLA MOLEK, Langkawi (www.villamolek.com). As you step into Villa Molek you are greeted by 12 charming and beautifully designed private villa studios, each resembles a complete home. Its superb location and quiet elegance makes it a favourite among travellers looking for total relaxation, writes www.tripadvisor.com

Panji-Panji, Langkawi

11. PANJI-PANJI TROPICAL WOODEN HOME, Langkawi (www.panjipanji.com). Enjoy the comforts of a sea frontage tropical wooden Malay house. A home situated next to the Cenang river and the local fishermen’s pier, and is only minutes away from the famous Cenang Beach. A perfect place to enjoy the sunset and relax (from booking.com).

12. VIVANTA by TAJ-REBAK MARINA, Langkawi (www.vivantahotels-com) Staying at Rebak Island is akin to being on a private island surrounded on all sides by the turquoise Andaman Sea. Secluded beaches, vibrant jungles, and beautiful rock formations that spread across 390 acres, make Rebak Island a tropical paradise. (source www.tajhotels.co.uk)

Tanjung Jara Resort, Terengganu

13. TANJUNG JARA, Terengganu (www.tanjongjararesort.com) Offering accommodation inspired by the majestic 17th century Malay palaces, Tanjong Jara boasts 2 outdoor pools and an award-winning spa. It features 3 dining options with South China Sea views.

14. VILLA SAMADHI, Kuala Lumpur (www.villasamadhi.com.my) A garden resort within Kuala Lumpur City, the 5-star Villa Samadhi Kuala Lumpur – By Samadhi provides luxurious Asian-inspired rooms with free WiFi and thatched roofs. An outdoor lagoon pool weaves through the resort and connects all rooms.

Rosa, Melaka

15. ROSA, Melaka (www.rosa.com.my) This hotel screams nothing but an industrial-concept marvel. Bare bricks, cement walls, and wooden floor panels make up most of the hotel’s interior which is further complimented with tonnes of fun and timeless deco. Such a photo haven for Instagram addicts! (from www.rojakdaily.com)

Timez, Melaka

16. TIMEZ, Melaka (www.timezhotel.com) The hotel is literally a melting pot of culture as it incorporates five cultures in its design – Chinese, Peranakan, Dutch, Portuguese, and British but with a modern twist.

Toojou, Kota Kinabalu

17. TOOJOU, Kota Kinabalu (www.toojou.com) Chic and trendy, Toojou is a new breed of hotel, and  a melting pot for ‘nomads, wanderlusters, and socialites. From affordable cosy rooms to ergonomic work spaces to a funky rooftop bar, there is something for everyone here… This is where travel meets social.’ (photo by agoda.com)

18. BLISS BOUTIQUE, Johor Bharu (www.blissboutiquehotel.com) Not all boutique hotels charge exorbitant rates, some are value-for-money and offer high rated services. Bliss Boutique Hotel falls into this category, adorned with artistic and flamboyant touches. This Art Deco hotel is totally colourful and chic!

M Boutique Hotel, Ipoh

19. M BOUTIQUE HOTEL, Ipoh (https://ipoh.mboutiquehotels.com) Featuring stark contrasting monochromatic furnishings, this unique hotel takes its inspiration from jazz bars of the past. Black chandeliers, monkey cages, and rustic grey furniture adorn the rooms and communal areas, lending it a stark yet classy vibe (source www.smartlocal.com)

20. JAPAMALA RESORT, Tioman(www.japamalaresorts.com) JapaMala is Tioman Island’s only boutique resort, and one-of-a-kind in Malaysia. This small and exclusive resort of 13 rooms is hidden amidst 11 acres of lush tropical rainforest. A one-village-one-resort property, JapaMala has its own private and quiet beach. Rated highly in www.tripadvisor.com.my

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

Street Art in Malaysia

The social recognition has now made mural a form of arts with a status. From Berlin to Rio de Janeiro; from Bronx, New York to the fame London’s Banksy, murals are taking its rightful place in other part of the world – slowly but surely. 

Murals in Malaysia are broad in themes and subjects. Decorating (forgotten sides of) a town – murals in Malaysia now take centre stage, presented by talented local artists – or talents from afar. 

Today, there are many places in Malaysia embrace murals or street art – Kuala Lumpur, Kuching and other cities, but let’s update some selected venues for you to grab your camera and – smile!!

PENANG

This year, Penang street art took another accolade after awarded as the 7th Most Instagrammed City for Street Art in the world. Well certainly, Penang streets outshine the most, if you are looking for something different. By combining a life-size images, plus the original piece or 3D objects, murals in Penang are ‘interactive and real’.

Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic revitalised Georgetown with his unique take on street art featuring children. Pieces like Little Boy with Pet Dinosaur and Boy on Bike are so cool that you can’t help but want to pose with them, commented https://thefreedomtravellers.com.

So just stroll down the lanes, and take your own sweet time to admire some of the finest ‘free souvenirs’ from Penang. Mind that Georgetown is not only place to find the murals, but also Balik Pulau is also picking up the trend. In fact, Russian artist Julia Volchkova painted her Old Fisherman and Silat (2015) murals there.

Credit: www.penang-traveltips.com

Julia Volchkova’s Old Fisherman

MELAKA

Even though the publicity of art murals in Malaysia is dominated by Penang, Malacca also stepped up their game in the street art scene. The state known for its rich history and culture also jumped on the bandwagon with their River Art Project in 2012 where 9 groups of graffiti artists collaborated to produce artworks on buildings along Bandar Hilir river, making art to beautify the city with more Malaysian elements. Aside from the project, many guesthouses and hotels along the river also feature street art murals to add a touch of personality to their walls. An example of this is the “Welcome to Malacca” mural that decorates the side of the 906 Riverside Hotel.

Colourful riverside in Melaka

Local artist Charles Cham has a number of notable murals that grace the more famous buildings in Malacca Old Town such as his mural on the wall of “The Orangutan House” and the more political “Freedom of Speech” mural. Just like the street art in Penang, there are many murals in the streets of Malacca that incorporate the element of interaction with the visitors.

In an alley near Jalan Hang Kasturi, there is an interactive murals lane where the art includes perspective-altering images which allows visitors to pose creatively to create the impression as if the visitors are also a part of the art created. More recently, the cosmetics brand Kiehl’s commissioned for the walls of its store in Jonker Street to be filled with street art that portrays vibrant colours as a celebration of Malaysia’s colourful heritage.

Credits:

https://pointandshootwanderlust.com/photo-essay-melakas-street-art/ https://www.ipacktravel.com/single-post/Malacca-Street-Arts http://projekarm.blogspot.com/

Ipoh Mural Art Trail’s map

IPOH, PERAK

The long lines of olden Chines brick shop houses in Ipoh, offer much opportunities for street artists to pen their colours. Like a big canvas, the theme is very much associated to the once a mining town.

So in 2014, Ipoh introduced the Mural Art trail in collaboration with the City Council of Ipoh, – again – Ernest Zacharevic and the Ipoh coffee brand Old Town White Coffee. To make it better, they came up with an Ipoh Mural Art Trail map depicts nine street art mural locations together with GPS coordinates.

As an icing on the cake, another local talent Eric Lai, added up his pieces depicting rich cultural heritage of Malaysia in a joyful and playful way. Now you know why Lonely Planet picked up Ipoh as their favourite destination before!

Ernest Zacharevic in Ipoh

Credit: https://alifewithoutborders.org/street-art-in-ipoh-malaysia/

MUAR

The small town in Johor – Muar – keep the best secret of Malaysian street art for years now. Elegantly adorning the walls of the shop houses, many artists contributed to the decoration of the town which focus on the ‘Malaysian faces and activities’.

For examples, Julia Volchkova’s ‘Loving Sisters’ embraces the love theme of life, and touches our inner feeling with calmness and harmony. Hailed as the biggest mural in Malaysia, it stands out proudly at 11.8 meters x 10 meters in size.

Volchkova in action!

My all-time favourite artist, Volchkova always able to present an ultra realistic piece of artwork, which connect to local elements and sentiments. Caratoes, a Belgium-born artist, also contributed with his works of many themes that made Muar a colourful town to visit.

Credit: www.mynewshub.tv

KOTA BHARU

Not to be left out, the cultural city of Kota Bharu, Kelantan in East Coast, instils a fresh breath onto street art in Malaysia. With interesting themes and vibrant colours, Kota Bharu offers a new outlook for tourists to be part of the town’s heritage.

Try walk past the amusing Riverside area, or the Jalan Dato’ Pati, Kota Bharu, which houses Palestine Street Alley art and around 20 artworks – with different local and international images. These variety of themes and styles – either pop art or realism – simply catch your eyes and thought-provoking. You’ll be amazed that even the road is turned into painted carpets!

Local artists Fazirul Ezran and many more contributed to the scene.

Credit: https://lyfandspice.com

Kota Bharu’s new attraction
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All Malaysia Info

Lily’s Vegetarian Kitchen Penang – Best Veggie Restaurant

One thing food lovers are concerned about while traveling to different locations will be whether they will get hands on good comfort food or not. Penang is an extremely famous tourist spot that brings you an unforgettable range of tantalizing food to derive pleasure from. Visitors to Penang recall the food every time because it is just so good! One major concern for vegetarians is to prefer dining in a restaurant without a trace of fish or meat in the kitchen. You’d be delighted to know that there a handful of vegetarian restaurants in Penang for the herbivores.

Lily’s Vegetarian Kitchen

Veggie Lovers won’t be disappointed once they arrive at Lily’s Vegetarian Kitchen Penang. This is one of the best place to dine in at and is home to all your favorite vegetarian cuisines. The particular restaurant is known for its wide array of vegetarian dishes served in generous proportions. People who have a hard time eating meat and fish can savor the amazing flavors of Fusion, Oriental, Nyonya, and Western Dishes that will leave you completely ravished.

The Arrangements

Lily’s Vegetarian Kitchen is comprised of two floors. The ground floor is organized specifically for every day ala-carte and it offer self-service dining. The first floor is for private buffets, steamboat and events. The dishes are priced inexpensively and people can enjoy a hearty meal at a very small cost. The vegetarian restaurant has been serving sumptuous vegetarian dishes ever since 2006.

Location and Contact Information

Lily’s Vegetarian Kitchen is exclusively located at 98 Noble House in Madras Lane, 10400 Georgetown in Penang, Malaysia. For bookings and further information you can contact them on +06 4-226 3810

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

Unique luxury resorts of Malaysia

The Datai, Langkawi

1

There are a number of luxury resorts on Pulau langkawi that can offer a great hideaway for you and your loved one. One of the finest of these is The Datai Resort which epitomises all that’s great about Langkawi.

As well as being nestled in the heart of the rainforest, the resort also overlooks the tranquil Datai Bay, one of the top beaches in the world as voted by National Geographic, leaving you with a choice of environments to relax in.

 

Pangkor Laut Resort, Pangkor Laut

2

If it’s seclusion you’re looking for, you can’t get much better than Pangkor Laut Island. As there is only one resort on this island, it exudes exclusivity and makes an ideal location for some quality rest and relaxation.

In the sanctuary of this privately owned island, you have the secluded beaches and virgin rainforest all to yourselves. The resort has been sensitively developed to cover only a fraction of the island’s 300 acres so you can embrace the raw natural beauty of this idyllic setting.

The rooms come in a variety of styles including villas nestled in to the hills, chalets perched on stilts stretching out over the ocean, and character filled 2-4 bedroom private estates that harp back to the British colonial days of old Malaya.

 

The Lakehouse, Cameron Highlands

3

Set in stunningly lush grounds, this Tudor-style boutique resort radiates old English charm. The immaculately groomed gardens and distinctive Tudor décor make this an ideal spot to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Enjoy refreshments on the terrace overlooking the Sultan Abu Bakar Lake and, to completely immerse yourself in the British theme, indulge in an afternoon tea of scones, jam and clotted cream.

Once you’re done exploring the beautiful surrounding hills for the day, snuggle up in front of the log fireplace in the antique filled lounge or retire to your romantic suite, complete with sunken bath, walk in wardrobe, and four-poster bed.

 

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Penang

4

For a touch of history, head to Penang and the famous Blue Mansion hotel in Georgetown.

This 19th century grand estate was once home to one of China’s wealthiest tycoons but is now converted into a four star hotel comprising of 18 suites. It has been showered with awards for its impressive architecture and delicate restoration, making it a striking and unique place to spend a few nights.

 

Bubu Resort Villas, Perhentian

5

Situated off the coast of Terengganu, the Perhentian Islands are considered some of the finest islands Malaysia has to offer. Still relatively untouched, this collection of tiny islands captures nature in its purest form. These islands can only be reached by speedboat which helps the area to preserve its unspoilt environment.

The smaller of the two main islands, Pulau Perhentian Kecil, retains its picturesque feel with a complete lack of roads and limited beach development. It also boasts some of the best snorkelling spots in Malaysia. Here you have the luxury of going right off the sandy shores or alternatively catch one of the boat tours out to some of the more spectacular sites. Turtles and sharks are almost a guarantee in this area so keep your eyes peeled!

Bubu Resort and Villas, located on Long Beach, is a great place to enjoy this natural beauty. The rustic feel of the island and its surrounding nature offers up the dream desert island experience.