It is commendable that even during this challenging pandemic period, the very first DoubleTree by Hilton in Putrajaya was opened just more than a month ago. The launch of this resort during this time is a testament to the commitment of Hilton to establish its presence in new destinations across the country and our administrative capital of Putrajaya is an ideal choice. Taking a short break recently, I visited this 290-room hotel spread over vast luscious grounds. This hotel is just … [Read more...]
REN I TANG, Penang – Staycation in a Heritage Gem
Staying at Ren I Tang Heritage Inn brings back many childhood memories. Not that I grew up in Penang but this old-world charming building reminds me so much of the old shops and places of my childhood. "Ren i Tang" is the phonetic presentation in Mandarin of South East Asia’s oldest Chinese Medical Hall Wholesaler, Yin Oi Tong which is translated as “The Hall of Benevolence”. Isn’t that grand? “Hall of Benevolence” sounds very much like something from a Qing Imperial Palace! Here’s … [Read more...]
The Eastern & Oriental Hotel Penang – Experience The Heritage Wing
The Eastern & Oriental Hotel (E&O) stands majestically along Farquhar Street in Penang and each time I pass by it, I’m always awestruck by its elegant beauty. My fascination with the E&O started way back in the 1970’s when I first stayed in this grand hotel. Yes, it was grand, even back then when I was nothing more than a kid. In fact, it made such a great impression on me that I can still recall how I stood at the window facing the sea, feeling the sea breeze on my … [Read more...]
CLANS KONGSI, Georgetown, Penang
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live in the olden days? The Main Entrance, along Cannon Street Recently, we had a taste of old-world charm in unique ancestral homes which had been lovingly restored and now converted into boutique residences known as the Clans Kongsi in Georgetown, Penang. In what is known as the “Sixteen Houses”, the Khoo Clansmen built these back in the 1860’s to house families coming from their ancestral Sin Gang Village in the Southern Fujian Province of China. … [Read more...]
ELEMENT KUALA LUMPUR by Westin – Staycation in the city!
I’ve never really fancied living in the city. But if I ever do, my dream abode in the city centre would be like a suite in Element Kuala Lumpur. We did a staycation recently in this all-suite hotel housed in the soaring 274m high Ilham Tower, one of the most iconic buildings in Kuala Lumpur. It is a Green Building Index-certified hotel and its clean modernistic interior leaves one with a sense of calm and wonder. When we stepped into the lofty foyer of the building, we were … [Read more...]
STAYCATION at PULLMAN KUALA LUMPUR CITY CENTRE
The Pullman Kuala Lumpur City Centre is located in one of the most strategic spots in the city. It’s right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s shopping, dining and business hub … the popular spots are within easy and convenient connection as there’s a sky-bridge linking the hotel to the surrounding go-to areas. Pullman KLCC comprises two distinctive towers housing 450 rooms and suites as well as 157 residences. We had a chance to check-out the hotel in a recent staycation. To beat the busy … [Read more...]
E&O RESIDENCES, Kuala Lumpur
Staying in the suburbs, out of the glare of city lights, I’ve sometimes wondered what it’s like to live right in the centre of a metropolis like Kuala Lumpur. Well, recently I had an opportunity to experience a 2-night stay in the heart of Kuala Lumpur – in the luxurious urban haven of E&O Residences managed by Eastern & Oriental Berhad (E&O). Located along a quiet stretch known as Jalan Tengah, which is just a stonethrow from uber-busy Jalan Sultan Ismail, the E&O … [Read more...]
EQ – the iconic Equatorial Hotel is back in Kuala Lumpur!
I can’t believe 7 years can just zip past so fast. That’s the time taken for the new EQ to reappear on the Kuala Lumpur skyline. Many of us know the Equatorial Hotel which opened back in the 1970’s and had remained very popular until it closed in 2012 for a massive redevelopment. The hotel is now back and rebranded as EQ, as part of the spectacular soaring 52-storey Equatorial Plaza occupying the same prime location along Jalan Sultan Ismail. Its sleek sparkling facade is impressive - an … [Read more...]
A Revitalizing Stay @ THE WESTIN KUALA LUMPUR
Taking advantage of a long weekend recently, we had an opportunity to enjoy a staycation at The Westin Kuala Lumpur. It’s not often that we do a hotel stay in the city on a weekend as on most weekends, we are either out of town or are tied up with domestic activities at home. Located along the pulsating Jalan Bukit Bintang, The Westin Kuala Lumpur stands proudly right in the middle of Kuala Lumpur’s busiest street. But the moment we stepped into its elegant cool interior, we’re transported to … [Read more...]
Halcyon Days at RIMBA ALOR ORCHARD VILLAS, Melaka Pindah, Alor Gajah
Melaka Pindah – have you ever heard of this place? Literally translated from Malay, it means “Malacca Shifted”? Shifted from where, to where? See, that’s the natural response whenever this name is mentioned. Well, according to legendary folklore, a certain high-ranking officer retreated upriver to evade the Portuguese forces in 1511 (which subsequently captured and colonized Malacca). So the high-ranking officer, together with his followers settled at this place and named it “Melaka Pindah” … [Read more...]
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