Weekend getaways: Spots for a quick staycation

At Sekeping Kong Heng, you can expect the same chic minimalist decor that has come to be synonymous with the Sekeping name. The retreat is housed in a preserved and refurbished three-storey neo-classical building that’s over 90 years old, and much of the original fittings are preserved, which maintains the building’s original character. There’s a communal space on the second floor and an inner courtyard where guests can mingle, and the rooms are outfitted with everything you need for a comfortable stay.

It’s strategically located along the heritage trail of popular tourist attraction Concubine Lane, which gets pretty crowded on the weekends. The famous coffee shop of the same name is just downstairs, and is where locals often gather for a classic Ipoh meal.

75 Jalan Panglima, Ipoh, Perak (05 241 8977/sekeping.com/kongheng). From RM85-800 per night.

Behind the swanky-looking façade, this boutique hotel is furnished in a tasteful fusion of British colonial architecural features and modern urban decor. The 93 rooms – split amongst Adventure, Majestic and Excelsior theme floors – are compact in size but small touches such as throw cushions, woven slippers and eccentric vintage ornaments help make each space cosy. Facilities like a gym, a laundry service, meeting rooms and internet stations are all extra perks of staying at M Boutique.

Dining options include MYTH Eatery & Bar for Western cuisine and the Old Town White Coffee Grand next door, though what’s a trip to Ipoh without a taste of shredded chicken with kuey teow soup, dim sum, curry noodles and chee cheong fun?

2 Hala Datuk 5, Ipoh, Perak (05 255 5566/mboutiquehotels.com). From RM140-350nett per night.

This charming boutique hotel is located just outside the Unesco World Heritage Zone, far away enough from the hustle and bustle but near enough that getting to local attractions isn’t too difficult. The rustic industrial decor with raw finishing and red brick walls is warm and inviting, and the hotel offers plenty of opportunities for the Instagram shot. There are 60 rooms and suites, catering to all manner of visitors, from Deluxe Twin rooms to Family Suites equipped with the usual mod cons. Facilities include a rooftop gym and in-house dining options serving European cuisine.

Not far from the hotel is Sam Po Kong temple, Porta de Santiago and Melaka Sentral for convenient sightseeing options, and the main heritage zone is only about a ten- to 15-minute drive away.

212 Jalan Parameswara, Melaka (06 281 9888/rosa.com.my). From RM236 per room.

A holiday home situated at the beginning of the ‘Millionaires’ Row’ that is Heeren Street, The Prive retains only a touch of its predecessor’s 19th-century Straits Chinese architectural features. From the overall interior down to the decorative pieces, modern simplicity is the rule here. The house is comprised of three bedrooms, a living hall, dining area and kitchen, and is rented out as a whole unit.

Running parallel to the hectic Jonker Street, Heeren Street gives off a faded, old-world charm, making this holiday home an ideal stay for families needing a quiet getaway without forgoing the sightseeing opportunities around Melaka’s Chinatown.

4 Heeren Street (Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock), Melaka (012 2518 266/theprive.com.my). Weekdays (Mon–Thu & Sun), RM1,388; weekends (Fri–Sat & public holidays), RM1,688.

Incorporating the oriental charm of its location on Cintra Street within the Chinatown area of George Town, this boutique hotel is a living heritage – its three combined units of shophouses were built more than a century ago and today, it maintains the façade of an early 1900s building. Inside, antique Peranakan furnishings with intricate carvings and elaborate embellishments done in gold, crimson and dark green are hand-picked by the owner to adorn the place. The eight rooms, which bear symbolic names like ‘Longevity’, ‘Prosperity’, ‘Abundance’ and ‘Fortune’, are a similar blend of vintage and modern designs.

Within walking distance of the hotel, decades-old Chinese restaurants and stalls sell Penang favourites, but if you’re feeling lazy, Nam Keng offers food delivery service from the café bar at their sister establishment, Yeng Keng Hotel.

17 Cintra Street, George Town, Penang (04 2635 177/namkenghotel.com). From RM244.80.

How better to soak in the rich culture of the historic city of George Town than by staying at a re-imagined 19th-century Straits Chinese house? Downstairs, wall blemishes and faded paintwork add to the quintessential charm of the lobby that leads out to a traditional open courtyard. Upstairs, there’s a patio, a reading room and a common area for fellow visitors to mingle. All eight rooms are sparsely furnished and have modern fixtures such as solar-heated showers and air conditioning, while the patio has all the necessary amenities for an alfresco breakfast. 

Accommodation aside, Sinkeh houses a studio to support the local arts scene by staging performances and hosting lectures, workshops, and discussions on a regular basis.

105 Lebuh Melayu, George Town, Penang (04 2613 966/sinkeh.com). Single, RM190; double, RM280.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and go on a retreat back to nature at Tanah Aina Fahad. Located two and a half hours away from the city and next to the Lata Jarum waterfall in Ulu Dong, this glamping resort offers a calming retreat perfect for those wanting to get away for a few days, with swings and a gazebo scattered around the compound providing quiet nooks to relax in. There are single, queen or king tents if you want to take ‘glamping’ literally; otherwise, you can opt for the terrace rooms.

Adrenaline junkies can go on a guided jungle trekking trip or have a round of paintball. If you want something less intense, there are giant board games and cooking classes to participate in.

Lot 1052, Mukim Ulu Dong, Raub, Pahang (016 609 0493/tanahaina.com/fahad); Day trip package, RM110/per person; Weekdays (Mon-Thu), RM220-310 per person; Weekends (Fri-Sun &public holiday), RM240-330 per person.