Travellers, we can all agree on one thing – good accommodation choices when you travel that are cheap are hard to come by these days. And this doesn’t apply to just foreign travellers alone, it applies to locals too. Take for example, our beautiful Langkawi island, the Jewel of Kedah. An average hotel booking can set you back at least RM200 per night. Imagine how much that would cost if you want to stay for about 3 nights maybe. RM600. On just hotel alone. And let’s not even get into the cost of accommodation in KL city.
Of course, some might argue that you’re paying for the luxury or comfort but do you really need those if you’re going to be out all day anyway? Essentially, all you need are clean sheets, hot water, and maybe air-conditioning. As such, we’ve found some interesting budget places (read: capsule/tube/container hotels) in Malaysia where you can enjoy the needed essentials, marvel as its uniqueness, and yet not have to splurge an absurd amount of money.
Tubotel, Langkawi
Got a holiday to Langkawi in the pipeline yet you don’t want to have to spend so much for time away on a local island? Then boy have we got an ideal place to stay for you!
Inspired by Austrian Dasparkhotel, by architect Andy Strauss, this abstract hotel where you live in a concrete tube, takes minimalist accommodation to the maximum. What, you didn’t think you’d ever find a concrete tube an ideal room? Then be prepared to be surprised. The tube opens up to the outdoors so you can chill out in your spout and admire the immediate sea views – but don’t get tunnel vision!
With 3 salt-water Jacuzzis, giant day-bed sun-loungers, full café, bar, and a restaurant all on the water’s edge, the hotel make for a place you won’t want to leave. Activities including Jet-skiing, cruises, jungle trekking and lots more can be organised from the comfort of your cask. But if you want to take a 5-minute walk to the tourist hotspot, Cenang Beach, golden sand, and duty-free shopping awaits.
The best part is that all the tubes come with a dressed king-size bed, ample storage underneath, light, plug sockets, fan and most importantly, a free kick-ass Langkawi sunset. There is no need for air-conditioning since these enormous concrete pipes have excellent thermal qualities, but there are cube rooms available (with air-conditioning) for those who aren’t ready to dive into the duct.
Rates start from RM98 onwards, including breakfast.
For more information, visit their official website.
Capsule by Container Hotel, Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2) Sepang
The first airport capsule hotel in Malaysia has arrived. Located at the new Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA 2), Capsule by Container Hotel allows transit travellers, backpackers, or frequent flyers to book a place to crash overnight or recharge during a long transit before catching the next flight.
Cosy and smart, the hotel is as minimalist as you can imagine, which bodes well for its “hassle-free, value-smart lodging” style. It has a very industrial feel as it comes complete with shipping crate-style walls – almost like a warehouse.
Think it’s too tiny? You’d be surprised to find that each capsule comes with a few convenient amenities. More than enough if you’re planning to just sleep, if you ask us: 2 pillows, foldable table, hangers, individual ventilation, privacy blind, personal locker/drawer, reading light, power socket, phone (self-setting alarm calls enabled). There are also a few common/shared areas such as the Capsule bar, lounge, library, locker rental, washroom/shower, etc. Of course, some facilities come with a small fee but at least they’re the pay-per-use type.
Guests can stay up to 3 hours (cost RM45), 6 hours (cost RM70), or 12 hours (cost RM90) per day.
For more information, visit their official website.
Time Capsule Retreat, Sungai Lembing Pahang
The Time Capsule Retreat is a privately owned retreat that quite frankly, checks all the things we ask for in a unique accommodation. First of all, it’s completely of grid as it’s situated in Sungai Lembing in Kuantan, pretty far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Secondly, the retreat is made up of 8 standard sewer pipes that have been turned into “rooms”. From these “rooms”, you can soak in the cocktail blend of relaxation and excitement while admiring the immediate forest surroundings.
Of course, it’s not all just about being with nature alone. The Time Capsule Retreat also has endless eye-candy to boggle the brain, a funky social scene, and a diversity of entertainment.
Activities including ATV, waterfall, jungle trekking , mining museum, mining tunnels, crystal clear river, hanging bridge, and lots more can be organised from the comfort of your cask. But if you want, you may take a 5-minute walk to the center of the town for famous local Kuantan foods. Oh yum!
All the tubes come with a dressed queen-sized bed, light, plug sockets, air-conditioning, and most importantly, a beautiful view. Shampoo and towels are not provided.
Prices are as low as RM99 per night.
For more information, visit their official website.
Container Hotel, Jalan Delima Kuala Lumpur
What? Sleep in a freight container? Well we never..
But let’s hear them out. The idea of Container Hotel was inspired by the concept of “Kyosho Jutaku”. In Japanese it means living large on a tiny footprint, by building a nice and compact house utilising only a very small space. With this concept, they further incorporated the ideas of green feature using recyclable materials and architecture design to develop their very own Container Hotel.
The Container Hotel is an eco-friendly hotel that emphasises on going green, sustainability, and promoting art design. They provide convenient, comfort, and competitive services to allow our guests to indulge in the best. They also provide a communication hub that allows their guests (both foreign and locals alike) to exchange their travelling experiences, journey, and ideas.
Think you might not fit in? The Container Hotel has a few room variants to cater to individuals, couples, and groups. Each room comes with complimentary bottled water and WiFi access. As a guest at The Container Hotel, you’d also get a hot/cold shower/bath and air-conditioning. We don’t know about you but we’d try it just for the fun of it!
Book for as low as RM56 per night.
For more information, visit their official website.
