Ipoh, the birth place of Malaysia's own 'Ipoh White Coffee' with reduced bitterness is truly another reason why Malaysia should be on top of your 'must visit' list. Capital city of the state of Perak, Ipoh is also home to some of the magnificent lime stone caves, prominent among them being the Gua Tempurong. Go for an adventurous crawling, climbing and sliding experience through these dark caves which are of course led by tourist guides. Feel the thrill of crawling through spaces, just inches below the roof and wading through wet caves with just the head above the water! Before you board on a guided tour or prefer to wander off yourself, it is highly recommended that you find a good safe accommodation in a central location in Ipoh. Coming back to a comfortable bed after a whole day of fun in the sun or groping in the caves is a luxury worth every penny.
Really speaking however, an accommodation in central location in Ipoh does not have to be an expensive affair! Once you have made plans to visit Ipoh, just go on net and try to look for budget hotels that offer competitive prices. Great deals with unexpected quality and standard of cleanliness and security will await you. Great beds fit for the rich and famous and equally great shower rooms with hair dryers, clean rooms with ceiling fans are but a few examples. Once accommodation has been located you can choose to visit the cave temples of Perak Tong, an absolutely awesome spot with tall Buddha statues, murals and scenic views. Along with caves, do visit the cave temples which are mainly the Buddhist and Chinese temple caves. Historic buildings include Birch Memorial Clock Tower, Ipoh Town Hall, Law courts etc. Since the places of interest would be scattered all around Ipoh, do try to find an accommodation that is located on an important street or close to local shopping and or eating centres. Although hotels might provide food it might be expensive and not as authentic as local food!
Travel anywhere in Malaysia, but keep a few things in mind such as what is important to you and what is it that you can stay without. For example what does a central location in Malaysia mean to you? Would you compromise on sanitation or security or a bed or bath? Would you give up 24hr free spa and tennis courts or a karaoke bar? The answer most likely would be a 'yes' for the above question and a 'no' for the previous question. This is the basis on which good budget hotels operate. So, you could expect excellent basics but might have to pay for extras such as Wi-Fi, or TV. All extra charges are based on the number of hours of usage. All across Malaysia, you could expect this quality of chain budget hotels that are scattered across the length and breadth of the country which offer great service, hospitality and comfort. Tourism is a highly competitive industry and in order to have the tourists come back to them again and again, budget hotels are often located in down town areas in many metropolitan cities providing easy access to local train stations, bus stops and or taxi service.
By the same logic you can actually choose a convenient central location in Kuala Lumpur depending on your preference. If you like to be in the midst of happening events and or night spots and entertainment areas, then you can actually hope to search for budget hotels in down town which also give you competitive rates during any time of the year. Crazier deals are often thrown in during the off peak season or non-holiday period. Most budget hotels in cities do provide a limited car park facility. However, it is easier to take daily city tours from a nearby pick up point and get a comprehensive tour of the city. Later, it is advisable to drive on your own and re visit any place of interest. KL is again a thriving, multi racial, multi cultural city with a very active night life. From concrete wonders like the 'Twin Towers,' Putrajaya to tropical gardens, theme parks, Chinese and Hindu temples, breathtakingly beautiful mosques, and shopping, KL is an ideal holiday get away. Make sure whether you wish to stay in the suburbs or downtown, as budget hotels can be spotted in both areas. Remember to book online in order to avail of discounts. Some websites even offer a video of a nutshell view of a typical room and facilities. Satisfy yourself and save your pennies for better use.
Martin Wynn
