
We’ve all gone though those times where, as we scroll through our Instagram feed, we come across posts of people on holiday that make us go, “UGH, SO JELLY.”
Book a stay at these hotels, and you’ll get your chance to return the favor. 😉
Who says you have to be swimming in stacks of cash to appreciate art? At The Hulo Hotel + Gallery, you get the opportunity to stay among hundreds of art pieces made by up-and-coming Malaysian artists, which are proudly displayed throughout the hotel.
The boutique hotel doubles as an art gallery to support the local art scene, allowing local artists to showcase their masterpieces at no charge. The artwork ranges from paintings to sculptures to 3D art, and there are plenty of “selfie spots” that will help you get that perfectly composed snap.
Every room is unique, as they’re each decorated with the work of one artist, whose name is posted on the door handle. If you see something that catches your eye, you can even purchase it and bring it home as a memento.
Located in KL’s premier shopping district of Bukit Bintang, the hotel is just the place for you if you want to enjoy a bit of retail therapy or savor the nightlife during your staycation. Here are some of the things you can see and do during your stay:
Just a 10-minute walk away from the hotel is Berjaya Times Square, which not only has hundreds of places to shop and eat, but also its own indoor theme park with all sorts of thrilling rides and games!
With busy roads and vibrant billboards several storeys high, Bintang Walk is reminiscent of New York’s Times Square and London’s Piccadilly Circus. Walk down the road, and you’ll come across some of Malaysia’s most glamorous shopping malls, such as Pavilion and Star Hill Gallery.
TREC KL is the city’s newest and biggest nightlife and entertainment hub, filled with restaurants, bars, pubs, lounges, cafes, and clubs that come to life once the sun goes down. Check out Live House for stand-up comedy shows and live music performances. And if you’re looking to dance, try Zouk KL or Avalon Club Lounge.
Satisfy your late-night food cravings at Jalan Alor, a long street lined with restaurants and hawker stalls serving mainly seafood and Chinese food. We recommend that you try barbequed chicken wings (Wong Ah Wah’s are well-known), smoky satay and a cooling bowl of coconut ice cream to end your meal on a sweet note.
Credit: Vladimir Zhoga / Shutterstock
Rates start from: RM84/night
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Discover a lush, hidden oasis right in the heart of Melaka City at The Rucksack Caratel - Garden Wing. This cozy hotel has a room suited for every type of traveler, from solo travelers and couples to families and groups of friends.
But our favorite room has to be the Garden Suite, which not only comes with lovely views of the garden, but your own. private. jacuzzi! Yaaaaaaaassssss.
There’s even a quaint swimming pool where you can cool off, sunbathe, and of course, get some awesome poolside photos.
Thanks to the hotel’s central location and Melaka City’s compact layout, you’ll be within walking distance to most of the city’s must-visit historical sites and tourist hotspots. Here are our favorites:
At the foot of St. Paul’s Hill lie the only remnants left of A’Famosa, a famed Portuguese fortress. The Porta de Santiago, a small gate house, is the only part of the fortress which still remains today, and it is one of the oldest surviving European-built structures in the region. Climb up St. Paul’s Hill, named after the church ruins that stand atop it, for an impressive view of the city.
The iconic Red Square (also known as the Dutch Square), consists of historical buildings painted in an eye-catching red hue. The Stadthuys (a former administrative building) and the Christ Church were built during Dutch rule, while the charming Queen Victoria’s Fountain was built by the British. Nowadays, it’s where you can hire a colorful trishaw blasting out the latest hits over its speakers.
During the time of the Melaka Sultanate, the great Melaka River was one of the best ways to get around. It has since been transformed into a tourist attraction, as stretches of the river have been beautified with murals and nice pathways. You can either stroll along the riverside on foot (which is especially lovely in the evening) or you can book a ride on the Melaka River Cruise, complete with commentary on the various sights as you pass by.
Jonker Street is famous for its mouthwatering street food, so any foodie worth their salt would make a beeline for it. Open on Friday to Sunday nights from 6pm til late, it’s often crowded down the main road, so if it gets too packed for you, try walking down the side streets, which still have some stalls selling snacks and knick-knacks. Chow down on dim sum, curry fish balls and cendol with gula Melaka.
Credit: Shahril KHMD / Shutterstock
Rates start from: RM147/night
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Escape the noise and concrete of the city and venture into the dense rainforests of Raub, Pahang. At Casabrina Vacation Villas, you’ll relish the seclusion and privacy of its two spacious villas. With six beautifully decorated suites to choose from, you’ll also be spoiled for choice.
Each villa comes with a private sauna for you to sweat it all out and every suite has its own en suite bathroom. The Latisfatha Suite has a ‘private outdoor’ shower, while the Rosrata, Victoria and Heliconia Suites have a terrazzo tub and rain shower.
For panoramic views of the surrounding rainforest, sit back and relax on the private sundecks of the Harundalu, Rosrata and Victoria Suites. Or better yet, put on your best swimsuit and jump into the 30 meter-long infinity pool for vistas that are sure to take your breath away.
Think there’s nothing much to do while staying at Casabrina other than to bask in nature’s beauty? You’d be wrong – there are plenty of activities for you to experience, such as:
About an hour’s drive away from Casabrina are an elephant sanctuary and a deer park, where animal lovers can head to for activities such as bathing young elephants in the river and feeding the deer.
With the help of a guide, you can go on a jungle trek and find your way to an authentic Orang Asli settlement, where you can learn more about their culture and way of life.
Want to go chasing after waterfalls? The nearest ones, at less than an hour’s drive away, are Jeriau Waterfall and Chiling Waterfall. It’s a bit of an adventurous hike to get to Chiling, involving river crossings, so if you’d rather take it easy, go to Jeriau instead.
Learn more about Malaysia’s past at Kuala Lipis, where you can still see well-preserved colonial buildings like the Railway Station, Post Office and Lipis District Office. Alternatively, you can visit Fraser’s Hill to take in the cool mountain air.
All you need to do is contact Casabrina directly for enquiries or to book activities, as they are available subject to seasonality and individual pricing.
Credit: Rei and Motion Studio / Shutterstock
Rates start from: RM789/night
With such a wide range of accommodation options across the country, it can be a challenge to pick the one that’s best for you. To be in the know when it comes to Malaysia’s stand-out stays, keep your eyes peeled for Traveloka’s ‘Super Stays’ posts, a bi-weekly hotel special featuring our top picks!














