3 accommodations with superb views under $60/night in Penang, Malaysia

bedroom with large windows offering sea views

Welcome again to another episode of our ‘Travel Thursday’ series.

I’m taking a break from next week so this ‘Travel Thursday’ series will likely resume in 2024.

TMI, but just so you know.

Anyway, got a flight booked for Penang soon?

If you’re looking to spend your time in Penang relaxing in comfort with superb views, here are 3 affordable accommodation options I have for you this week.

1-bedroom serviced apartment with city views in Jelutong

City Town Apartment in George Town, Central Penang

Price: $41/night (for 4 persons)

Take in the cityscape of George Town from the comfort of this one-bedroom serviced apartment. 

Situated in the neighborhood of Jelutong, you will be steps away from shops, restaurants, and a 24-hour convenience mart.

The comfortably furnished space features a well-equipped kitchen, a spacious bedroom with a queen bed, and a living room with a sofa bed—perfect for a small family or group of up to four guests. But the true star is the view of the city skyline from your bedroom.

After a day of exploring George Town’s attractions, retreat to your oasis high above the hustle and bustle. Park your vehicle in the free residential carpark and relax, secure in the knowledge that you have an urban vacation sanctuary to call home away from home.

Modern apartment part of Straits Garden Suite with partial sea views

WiFi + Netflix SEAViEW CleanCozy Suite3 Seaview Suite

Price: $46/night (for 2 persons)

Live like a local in this stylish Straits Garden Suite apartment. Nestled just kilometers from the city center yet offering partial sea views, this modern one-bedroom retreat provides everything you need for a relaxing stay.

Wake up to sunlight filtering through blackout curtains in the queen-sized bed before making coffee in the full kitchen equipped with an electric stove, microwave, fridge, and all the essential cookware and dinnerware. Unwind with a movie on the smart TV or catch up on laundry using the in-unit washer and dryer. When you’re ready for a change of scenery, stroll over to the shared gym and swimming pool right on-site.

With over 260 glowing reviews and a 4.8-star rating, this apartment suite offers a home rental in a prime location just steps from the area’s best pasar malam and shopping.

Clean & bright rental unit with a balcony attached to the bedroom

DD Condominium 1 Bedrooms 3~4pax Penang(23A)

Price: $59/night (for 4 persons)

Soak up the city and sea views from this light-filled apartment with a white-washed design.

The chic 1-bedroom suite features a spacious balcony attached to the master bedroom where you can lounge with a cuppa and book in hand. The double and single beds in the bedroom provide ample space while the sofa bed in the living room offers flexibility for up to 4 guests. 

Smart conveniences like a flat-screen TV with gaming options and high-speed Wi-Fi keep you connected. Floor-to-ceiling windows fill the space with natural light while modern and stylish accents give the unit a refreshed feel. Beyond the apartment, the shared condo facilities provide added value for your stay.

Wonderful for short or extended visits alike, this rental allows you to enjoy all the city has to offer from the comfort of a clean and comfortable home base.

And that’s all for this post. Hope the abovementioned will help give you some accommodation options to consider during your upcoming Malaysia trip! I’m sure you will have a lovely time with your friends and loved ones in Penang. Have an awesome trip to end 2023 on a good note! ✈️

Read More...

5 accommodations with amazing views under $70/night in Malacca, Malaysia

Experience a getaway to Malacca, Malaysia, without breaking the bank!

This post is your ultimate guide to the top accommodations with breathtaking views, all available for under $70/night.

We’ve curated a list of budget-friendly options that don’t compromise on the view so stay on this page and discover where you can wake up to awe-inspiring Malaysian vistas.

Cozy studio suite with a balcony for 2 guests

Cozy studio suite with a balcony for 2 guests

Price: $50/night

Escape to your own oasis in this cozy 450 sqft studio suite that comes with a balcony and sweeping city views.

Perfect for two, this intimate space features an open-concept kitchen and living area, as well as a separate shower and soaking tub in the bathroom for relaxing after a long day exploring the city streets.

Nestled within a condominium, this suite offers a perfect blend of homey comforts and upscale amenities. When you’re not out and about exploring, take advantage of the building’s gym, swimming pool, and facilities.

Whether you’re in town for business or pleasure, this studio sanctuary in the heart of the city provides a stylish place to lay your head at night and recharge for the days ahead. Come discover your new pied-à-terre in the heart of the action.

Clean & neat minimalist apartment great for families

Clean & neat minimalist apartment great for families

Price: $55/night

This minimalist apartment proves that less (deco) is more. At 876 sqft, its two bedrooms and two bathrooms are designed for maximum zen. Clean lines, neutral colors, and clutter-free decor create a sense of calm and spaciousness.

The equipped kitchenette and plush seating area with a smart TV are great for relaxing or entertainment while wide windows in the living room maximize the panoramic sea views. When it’s time to unwind, the beds guarantee a restful night’s slumber.

For families seeking a retreat in the heart of the city, this neat-looking apartment is a sanctuary that has everything you need and nothing you don’t. Late check-outs are available for a fee, so you can make the most of your vacation time.

2-bedroom & 2-bathroom sea view apartment for up to 4 guests

2-bedroom & 2-bathroom sea view apartment for up to 4 guests

Price: $56/night

This two-bedroom apartment is a city escape for sea-view seekers. Wake up to panoramic views of the ocean from the king bedroom’s balcony or the living room with a cup of tea or coffee.

Two full bathrooms mean no waiting in line to wash up at any point in time. An open-concept living area is ideal for lounging around, and a kitchenette with a fridge and microwave lets you snack in between the hours.

Free parking is included for one vehicle.

Spacious unit at Bali Residences with sea & sunset views

Spacious unit at Bali Residences with sea & sunset views

Price: $59/night

Escape the mundane every day at this seaside unit in Malacca. Part of the family-friendly Bali Residences, this roomy retreat offers views of the Straits of Malacca and vivid sunsets that will take your breath away.

The living room is the ultimate spot to soak in the scenery, while the simple kitchenette provides a place to prepare snacks and warm-up meals. Two beds in the bedroom and available floor mattresses mean you can travel with extended family or friends.

Little ones will love making a splash at the on-site water park, a superb way to beat the heat after exploring the shops at Jonker Walk. At the end of a long day soaking in the city’s rich culture, pull up a chair, pour a drink, and watch the sun slip into the sea. This is what vacations are made of.

3-bedroom & 2-bathroom vacation house with a pool table

3-bedroom & 2-bathroom vacation house with a pool table

Price: $66/night

Get ready to live it up in this sprawling 3-bed, 2-bath vacation house for just $66 a night!

This high-floor stunner in Atlantis Residences offers jaw-dropping city vistas from nearly every room. With space for up to 10 guests, it’s suitable for families, friend groups, and even bachelor and bachelorette parties looking to save big without sacrificing luxury (editor’s note: to host events, do enquire with the host in advance first).

When you’re not gazing out at the skyline, rack up a game on the full-size pool table, whip up a meal in the kitchenette, or just lounge by the spa room. At this rate, you might never want to leave. But if adventure calls, you’re just minutes from the nearby shopping and famous places.

For the budget-savvy traveler seeking a memorable getaway, it doesn’t get better than this place.

And there you have it, folks: incredible accommodations in Malacca, all with stunning views and all for under $70/night. These hidden gems prove that you don’t have to splurge to enjoy a space with a view. Whether you’re looking to shop and eat till you drop or simply stay indoors and take in the beauty of the Malacca Strait, these options offer something for every kind of traveler. So, the next time you plan a trip to Malaysia’s historic city, remember this list and have a lovely stay in Malacca while you’re there!

Read More...

Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park Opening On 8 Feb 2022

Can’t wait to visit Genting

The highly-anticipated Genting SkyWorlds is set to open on 8 February 2022. The wait is finally over as the theme park will open its doors to the public after multiple opening delays.

Touted to be Southeast Asia’s most-anticipated theme park, spanning across an area of 26 acres with 26 rides and attractions, it will offer a 20% discount on its published rates for bookings from Feb 8 to March 31 as part of its soft opening.

Tickets will be on sale on their website from Feb 4.

Here’s the published rates in RM for your reference:

After purchasing tickets online, guests are encouraged to download the free Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park mobile app which offers real-time information and also enable guests to navigate and check wait times for rides, attractions and shows.

Here is a sneak preview of what you can expect:

Alternatively, you can view the walking tour here:

Read More...

KFC Malaysia Introduces The Green Chilli Crunch Chicken for a limited time

Try the new KFC Green Chilli Crunch if you are visiting Malaysia anytime soon

The new KFC Green Chilli Crunch. Taste the exciting combination of green parsley, green lime, and chili all in one bite. It’s greener on our side.

The 3-pcs combo costs RM18.90 (S$6.30) and it comes with mash potato, coleslaw and drink, while a 2-pcs combo costs RM14.90.

Click here to locate the nearest KFC in Malaysia.

Share this news with your friends and loved ones!

Read More...

Everything You Need To Know About Malaysian Ringgit

Much like Singapore, Malaysia is a multicultural country. It has substantial influences from the British, Arabic, Persian, Indian, and Chinese culture. Aside from this, it shares land borders with Thailand, Indonesia, and Brunei.

Not to mention, we can simply travel to Malaysia by land. Whether you are travelling to Malaysia or having a business transaction, here is a list of everything you need to know about the Malaysian Ringgit!

#1: MORE THAN JUST ART

Vibrant colors sprinkled on the notes are the first things that people notice about the Malaysian Ringgit. Did you know that these colors serve a purpose? Aside from being aesthetically pleasing, the colors enable you to identify the denomination in a glance.

Now, look at the reverse side of the note. Most bills contain images of Malaysia’s infrastructure at the back. For instance, the famous Petronas Twin Towers grace the 5-ringgit note.

#2: MOVES LIKE JAGGED

In Malay, the word “ringgit” means “jagged”. It originates back to the colonial times where rough Spanish silver coins were once used. During this time, the coins were called dollars. This is why you may have seen some prices listed as “$” or “M$” before.

Currently, the currency in Malaysia is issued by the Bank Negara Malaysia (National Bank of Malaysia).

#3: SMART MONEY MOVES

When travelling to Malaysia, you have to be mindful with how you spend your money. Spare your small change to the street vendors or the people who have a problem breaking down your large notes.

Save your RM50 and RM100 banknotes to hotel, bars, mini-marts, and other establishments that carry plenty of cash flow.

#4: MUCH IS THE SAME

Interestingly, the Ringgit shares the same denomination as the Singaporean Dollar. It is divided into RM1, RM5, RM10, RM20, RM50, and RM100.

There used to be an RM500 and RM1000 denominations, but the government demonetized it in the 1990s to curb money laundering. If you see this note being handover to you, stay vigilant. Do not accept any of these notes from anyone.

#5: MONEY SPENT AND MONEY SAVED

According to a study, the top three ways that Malaysians employ to eliminate their spending include spending less on clothes, reducing entertainment costs, and switching to more affordable grocery items.

On the other hand, they spend most of their disposable income on dining out. This is followed by their petrol and housing costs.

#6: SAVE YOUR TIPS

Save your tips as most people do not expect to receive it. Tipping is not a common practice in Malaysia. Some places such as restaurants and luxury hotels may add a 10% service charge to your bill.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Otherwise, tipping will be discretionary.

Sources: 1 & 2 & 3

Read More...