Hurray, for another long weekend!
Whichever state you are heading to this coming long weekend (within the Malaysian Peninsular), we have scouted out accommodations in each city, which are relatively new, won’t necessarily break your bank, and will definitely keep your “stay-cay” a fashionable one – and have you snapping away on Instagram.
The best thing is, if you have already made plans for the Labour’s Day long weekend, there are still plenty of long weekends to visit these hotels, ie. Merdeka weekend, Christmas weekend, New Year’s weekend…
The Edison, Penang
The Edison, Penang
Eat your way across the Pearl of the Orient, and visit multi-cultural tourist attractions enclaved behind the graffiti-littered walls of the UNESCO Heritage Site in Georgetown. When you’re done with the day’s sightseeing, make sure that it is The Edison Hotel located in the heart of the town centre that you’re heading back to rest and unwind.
Named after Sir George Alexander William Leith, the first Lieutenant-Governor of the Prince of Wales Island, situated along one of the earliest streets in Penang where the affluent Hakka tycoons resided, The Edison took form within the building where once the tycoon Yeo Wee Gark called home back in the early 1900s.
Designed by David Nathaniel, a popular architect at the time, the opulence of wealth was the vessel for the restoration, refurbishment and renovation of the new chapter. A quirky take on Penang’s heritage with a blend of timeless elegance and modern elements: touches of colour jade paired with patterned tiles and bone china-inspired art, while mid-century styled furniture is highlighted under mood lightings in the generously open space planning from yesteryear.
15 Lebuh Leith, Georgetown, Penang
La Pari-Pari Langkawi, Kedah
This fairyland retreat, (“la pari-pari” is the Malay translation for “fairies”), is where you will find simple and easy going aesthetics for their guestrooms with private courtyards, and the serene laps of Pantai Tengah just a 10-minute walk away. Here is where you get savour homey Nyonya delicacies at fatCUPID, where the resident chef re-enacts his favourite childhood dishes from his grandma, mixed with some Australian fare.
2273 Jalan Teluk Baru, Kampung Tasek Anak, Langkawi
Rosa Melaka, Melaka
Rosa Malacca, Melaka
From one UNESCO Heritage Site to another, from one stylish boutique hotel to another, Rosa Malacca greets their guests with a modern lifestyle retreat amidst a contemporary industrial living space. Located in the heart of town, the surrounding tourist attractions such as Jonker Walk and the Portuguese Settlement, are easily accessible via Grab or Uber, and – for those who’d like the full “local” experience, via trishaw ride.
Rosa Malacca features a European architecture that is unlike its sister accommodations at Cameron Highlands (Casa Dela Rosa, De La Ferns and Rosa Passadena): minimalistic industrial décor of raw cement, red brick finishing, factory wooden floors and exposed duct pipes and beams holding together the 60 guest rooms and suites of different sizes and tailored designs. Whether you’re checking in with your family, friends, loved one, or even on your own, there is a suitable room or suite available for the kind of travelling you are embarking on.
212 Jalan Parameswara, Melaka
M Boutique Station 18, Perak
Reclaim your groove and recharge for the new month of May at this soulful jazz-inspired hotel in the heart of Perak’s capital, Ipoh. The monochromatic themed rooms are reminiscent of the Jazz Age, decent enough for you to fall back on with food coma, after a day’s worth of Ipoh hor fun, Funny Mountain tau fu fah, chicken rice, and the assortment of desserts along Tong Sui Kai.
15-23 Jalan Pengkalan Barat 35, Taman Pengkalan Jaya, Ipoh, Perak
The Plantation Eco-Resort, Pahang
The Plantation Eco-Resort, Pahang
Dive into the welcoming bosom of Mother Nature at The Plantation where simplicity is the key. Ready to host large parties, such as company getaways, hen or stag do’s and family trips, this eco-resort has different open concept chalets – The Cube, The Loft, The Space and The Share, which can sleep from up to eight pax, to up to 30 pax – with outdoor-sy wooden designs, palm leaf fans and solar-energised electricity.
Swim in the cooling waters of Sungai Tele Mung, top up your knowledge on eco-technology and organic farming with The Plantation’s collaborative effort with the World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF), enjoy a close-knitted wild fire BBQ session and sleep under the stars with singing cicadas nearby… your very own Moonrise Kingdom adventure awaits!
Lot 2767, Batu 18, Jalan Manchis, Karak, Bentong, Pahang
Creator Hotel, Johor
This whimsical, fairy tale-like establishment is the place to check in to during your visit down south for a retail therapy at the Johor Premium Outlets (15 minutes’ drive), or to unleash the kid in you at Legoland Malaysia (35 minutes’ drive). Besides that, the city has also recently jumped on the hipster café craze, so be sure to stop by the likes of Bev C, Roost – Recycled & Repurposed Café, and The Ice Cream Project, after your fill of JB’s street food.
Lot 1566, Batu 20, Jalan Besar, Kulai, Johor
Qliq Damansara, PJ
Qliq Damansara, PJ
Can’t be bothered with the travelling, but at the same time, you’re in dire need of even the slightest tendency of “getaway”? This might just be the place for you to hide away for the long weekend. Straddling the state line between the fringe of nature and the upcoming lifestyle trends, Qliq Damansara is designed to meet the needs of business and leisure travellers.
Turn off the world around you in the spacious guest rooms that are quirky and stylish with its avant-garde design of clean lines and vibrant colours: sleep in, laze around in bed checking your social media with the complimentary WiFi, catch up on some reading in the Q Lounge with its sequestered seating area, or follow up on your fitness regime at the 24-hour fitness club and salt-water swimming pool … waste time as if you don’t have to get up and get going with life when Monday comes – which you don’t!
In any case you feel the need to turn off your hermit mode and face the world (only because you’re hungry), the F&B facilities at Empire Damansara is right at the doorstep of Qliq with more than 15 cafes, restaurants, fast food joints and bars at your disposal – not to mention, discounts at each outlet exclusively for the hotel guests. Need to get some shopping done? Not a problem, as the hotel provides free shuttle service to and from shopping malls like IPC Shopping Centre, Ikea, The Curve, One Utama and Paradigm Mall.
2 Jalan PJU 8/8A, Empire Damansara, PJ
The Yard Boutique Hotel, KL
Despite its location at the heart of the Golden Triangle, The Yard is a piece of paradise that the hustle and bustle of the city centre cannot penetrate through. The 11 stylised deluxe guestrooms surround the lovely courtyard of a garden, where one can enjoy some quiet time alone over a cuppa, or a candlelit dinner for two. Hungry at suppertime? Well, the renowned Jalan Alor is just behind the hotel, where vendors are practically pulling you into their shops to stuff you silly.
51 Tengkat Tong Shin, Bukit Bintang, KL
