Cover Story
By Ili Aqilah and Nantini Krishnan
Love to travel? Looking for a completely different holiday experience? There is no need to stay in an ordinary hotel ever again. Choosing the right hotel is always a trying task, and with the enormous number of promotions, deals and programmes out there, it can be downright overwhelming. The Ipoh Echo team went in search of accommodations in Ipoh that are so unique and unusual and quaint that you find yourself reluctant to leave your room. Of the hundreds of hotels in Ipoh, only a small number have been considered special enough for inclusion in our guide. Each hotel has been chosen for possessing something truly special, be it excellent service, decor and good taste, atmosphere, singular architecture or beautiful surroundings.
A Bed, A Room, A Suite for every taste and every pocket
Sarang Paloh
Sarang Paloh is the place to go if you want to take some time off from the hustle and bustle and be just a walking distance to the rich culture of Ipoh’s Old Town. Sarang Paloh offers its guests a chance to relax and rejuvenate. The architecturally classic building used only recycled timber and roof tiles salvaged from otherwise unsalvageable shop houses around town. The rooms, named after birds, have different designs and are guaranteed to wow anyone who stays here.
While enjoying your stay in Sarang Paloh, be sure to take a sip of the classic coffee at Lim Ko Pi located next to the building (room guests will get special discounts) and you can also hold private functions such as family gatherings or corporate events at their majestic event hall. The price of each room ranges from RM238 to RM488 per day.
Reservation: Phone: +605 2413926 Email: inquiries@sarangpaloh.com / www.sarangpaloh.com Address: No.16, Jalan Sultan Iskandar, 30000 Ipoh, Perak.
Ipoh Bali
The Ipoh Bali Hotel is located in the heart of Ipoh providing an experience of Bali.The traditional bamboo cages, the antique rustic natural woods with luxurious furnishing used extensively in the lobby decor, creates a sophisticated contemporary design combining Balinese architectural elements with modern touches. Each room is a warm and calming environment with sweeping views combined with all the comforts of hospitality. The Ipoh Bali Hotel offers a special location for exclusive wedding ceremonies distinguished by its Balinese style. Moreover, the Roof Top is a function area for organizing private parties, ceremonies and events. Guests of the hotel can enjoy on-site features like free Wi-Fi in all rooms, daily housekeeping, taxi service, 24-hour front desk and luggage storage. Throughout the day you can enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of their spa while luxuriating with a massage. Whatever your purpose of visit, Ipoh Bali Hotel is an excellent choice for your stay in Ipoh.
Standard Double: RM200-250 Superior Double: RM260-320 Deluxe Suite: RM320-390 Family Suite: RM480 Reservation: Phone: +605 242 0222/ +6010 566 0222 Email: info@ipohbalihotel.com Address: 12A Lorong Cheah Cheang Lim, Off Jalan Tambun, 30350 Ipoh, Perak.
Happy 8 Retreat
A Heritage and Cultural Hotel that uses local resources as building materials, refurbished, to give it new life. Every piece of art in the decor is handmade and crafted. The Happy Eight is a new concept of Malaysian living located in Ipoh. It is indeed an alternative place to stay for those who like to experience life in Ipoh. It is highly recommended to everyone who enjoys art and nature. The Happy Eight is a very unique restored shop house, converted into a boutique hotel and opened in 2012 after much painstaking refurbishment. It is environmentally friendly and evokes a tropical luxe with touches of whimsy. For instance, in The Happy Eight you can even shower in the rain if you are lucky to stay there during rainy season. If you are looking for something different from commercialised hotels, then you should not miss this awe inspiring place. The fact that it is in the heart of all that is happening in Old Town makes staying here even more alluring.
Reservation: Phone: 05 243 8388 Address: No. 46 Market Street, 30000 Ipoh, Perak Email: thehappy8@live.com.my Website: www.thehappy8.com.my
Container Hotel
The Container Hotel is an imported idea from Japan where space is scarce. Here in Ipoh, it is the ideal place to place your weary body after a day of exploring Ipoh’s many sights and sounds. Cubicles are made from wood are designed to provide flexible, high quality and yet affordable accommodation for adventurous travellers to rejuvenate while discovering the city. It is an innovative hotel offering a unique blend of contemporary and practical charm. They incorporated the ideas of shipping containers and the reuse of renewable materials into developing a uniquely constructed Container Hotel.Colourful and imaginative features combined with creative design and a great use of space that provides a fun and distinctive lodging experience to travelers looking for a cool, value-for-money and modish place to stay. All guests will have to share communal bathrooms and toilets located just a few steps from their dorm. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hair dryer. Container Hotel Ipoh features free Wi-Fi throughout the property.
Single bed: RM45 Queen Size bed (2 persons): RM80 Reservation: Phone: +605 243 3311 Address: 89-91, Jalan Sultan Yussuf, 30000 Ipoh, Perak. Email: enquiry@containerhotel.com.my Website: http://www.containerhotel.my/
Sekeping Kong Heng
Placed next to the famous coffee house, Sekeping Kong Heng is the latest additional to the Sekeping family of retreats. The 3-storey neo-classical buidling was previously used as a hostel to house theatre performers but was burnt down in the 50s. Despite its unique architecture, Sekeping Kong Heng still preserves the original character of the existing building. This place is perfect for those who wish to experience the authentic humble life of Ipoh city; waking up to the tantalising aroma of white coffee, the quiet traffic in the morning and of course, the smells of great food.
Sekeping Kong Heng also provides several facilities for its guests such as a swimming pool, dining area with washing facilities and many more. Located at Kong Heng square, guests won’t have to worry about finding food as there are about five to six cafes within walking distance. The place recently added an extension to their stay called the Annexe, a comfortable communal space.
Standard Room: RM220 Family Room: RM800 Glass Boxes room (a hall with two glass-windowed rooms): RM800 Room 1: RM320 Room 2: RM400 Room 3: RM320 Room 4: RM500 Annex Type A: RM230 Annex Type B: RM230 Annex Type C: RM80-130 Reservation: Website: www.sekeping.com/kongheng Email: kongheng@sekeping.com Phone: +6012 227 2745 / +605 241 8977 (call hours Mon-Sat, 8am-7pm) Address: 74 Jalan Bandar Timah, 30000 Ipoh, Perak. GPS coordinates: 4.596346, 101.077881
E-Loft
Another accommodation gem for backpackers in Ipoh, the E-loft is also a great place to stay if you just want a quick rest, before continuing exploring Ipoh. The place currently offers only a mixed dorm room complete with bathrooms and lockers, however in the future, E-Loft will also have female dorm rooms and family rooms. They recently opened a cafe downstairs that is also open for the public, serving western food and drinks.
Guests at E-loft can also rent bikes provided by the owner to go around exploring Ipoh. E-loft is located along Jalan Sultan Iskandar, on the opposite side of Hello Elvis.
RM30 (per head) Reservation: Address: 115 Jalan Sultan Iskandar, Taman Jubilee, 30000 Ipoh, Perak Website: www.elofthostel.com or through hostelworld.com, booking.com Email: elofthostel@gmail.com Phone: +6017 336 5592
Chokodok Reggae House
The perfect place for backpackers who just want a simple and cheap stay, Chokodok Reggae House is located at Jalan Sultan Iskandar opposite the police station. As it is located in the centre of Ipoh, guests will have easy access to both Old and New Town of Ipoh. Currently Chokodok only has two types of rooms, private and mixed dorm rooms. However, it might not be suitable for those with small kids as no extra bed will be provided if you need one. This humble backpackers lodge also has a halal cafe located downstairs serving both good local and western cuisines.
Private room (for 2 persons): RM20 per head Dorms: RM15 per head Reservation: Address: No. 175, Jalan Sultan Iskandar Shah, Ipoh, Perak. Bookings can be made via booking.com or airbnb.comWhether you are looking for a place to ease your mind and body or just to have a quick rest, we hope this list will help you to decide. With the upcoming school holidays, take time to unwind and relax in Ipoh; walk around town, go for culinary adventures and explore the hidden attractions. Have a fun stay in Ipoh!
