An unique Airbnb Experience Road Trip through West Malaysia
Are you yearning for a much-needed getaway? West Malaysia has everything you need for an incredible Airbnb Experience Road Trip/holiday. Wide-open roads, picturesque landscapes and accessibility to all the most prominent hotspots throughout the region are just some of the reasons to explore this beautiful part of the world and, on top of all that, fantastic Airbnb Road Trip can be found in nearly every state in West Malaysia.
Start your journey from Johor Bahru/Singapore and end it in Langkawi with this guide which takes you through some of the most highly-acclaimed Airbnb Experience Road Trip along the way.
Before you hit the road and set out, make sure you have everything you need for an amazing road trip. If you’re using your own vehicle, have a mechanic check your car’s fluid levels, brakes, tires, electronics and anything else that could potentially cause problems before you leave. A spare tire would be a good idea to bring too (you never know what could happen).
You’ll also want to make sure that you have updated registration, an active license, renewed insurance and any other documentation that’s necessary. Getting pulled over during a roadblock can be really no fun and may lead to some pretty sticky situations.
Don’t have a ride of your own? Public transport is easily accessible for travellers looking to get across states in West Malaysia. Buses and trains can typically take you where you need to go (as long as you plan your route properly).
Alternatively, you can download the GoCar app and rent a car for a couple of days. One-way rental is available so it can be a more convenient choice. GoCar features a Nissan Almera which will cost you about RM89 a day (a great vehicle for long road trips on a budget).
Depart from the Southern part of Malaysia
Johor Bahru
Start your Airbnb Experience Road Trip off at the Artsy Guesthouse, a unique and charming Airbnb located at the heart of the Johor Bahru City Center. It’s a lavish homestay set in a high-rise residence/service apartment with accessibility to the Checkpoint, major shopping malls like Princess Cove, City Square and Komtar JBCC as well as many other points of interest.
Look forward to a beautiful blend of everything you’d expect from a typical guesthouse (warmth, comfort and excellent host services) but with an added element, an Art Gallery!
By car, the Artsy Guesthouse is only 5 minutes away from the Johor Zoo and 30 minutes away from attractions like Legoland Nuasajaya, and Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park.
Batu Pahat, Johor
Just a 5-minute drive away from the bus terminal, Pattern’s is a gorgeous 3-bedroom home located in Batu Pahat, Johor. With a relaxing atmosphere and serene setting, visitors often come in droves for private parties, social gatherings or vacations.
The entire house can accommodate up to 8 guests, featuring 5 beds and 1 bathroom. Other amenities include 100Mbps High-speed unifi, full air-conditioning, a spacious living hall and a hot rain shower. There’s even a mini bistro space with a Bluetooth player and an arcade machine for you to kick back and relax in style.
Situated near the urban area Batu Pahat, Pattern’s is just 10 minutes away from landmarks like SquareOne mall, the OldStreet Commercial centre and the Batu Pahat Mall.
Malacca
It’s time to leave Johor and head over to one of West Malaysia’s most popular tourist hotspots; Melaka. One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Once there, stop by Rimba Hang Kasturi, a homestay that’s built over a 1941 pre-war heritage building.
This intriguing pitstop has been meticulously restored and is now a stylish and modern abode that still manages to retain its old-world quaintness. Once you book a night at Rimba Hang Kasturi you get exclusive dibs on the 2.5 storey stay (so there’s no need to worry about sharing with anyone else).
Just a walking distance away, you can find a whole bunch of historical sites and prominent Melaka attractions, including the Dutch Square as well as the 1845 Kampung Kling Mosque, the Baba Nyonya museum, shopping malls and more!
If you feel like a little stroll, cafes, Baba Nyonya restaurants, art galleries and antique shops are all in close proximity.
Kuala Lumpur
It’s time to experience Airbnb Road Trip to the capital of West Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, known for its thriving developments and major hubs for business as well as leisure. The Classic Malay House KL can be found right in the heart of the Kuala Lumpur City Centre with nearby LRT stations and plenty of public transport options available for travellers.
The homestay offers a traditional Malay experience that caters to 2-4 guests. Surrounded by a mini garden with ponds, the interior hearkens back to a classic Malay look and feel and if you feel like breakfast, you can expect to set aside RM35/Adult and RM25/Child.
Bentong, Pahang
Set amidst the lush rainforests of Janda Baik, the name of this tranquil retreat speaks for itself. If you’re longing for the fresh cool air of the great outdoors, coupled with the soothing sounds of running streams, the distant chorus of jungle monkeys and an occasional call of the iconic hornbill bird, then Rest. Pause. Rainforest Retreat is just the place for you. This spot is about a 40-minute drive from KL and to Genting Highlands! About a mere 30-minute drive.
With lovely views of the verdant forest, the retreat features 4-bedrooms that are spacious and comfortable. Look forward to spending time on the wooden verandah looking over the beautiful forest landscapes, playing in the shallow stream within the property grounds and enjoying a barbeque dinner under the star-studded night sky. Kids of 6 years and below get a complimentary stay and breakfast.
Kuala Terla, Cameron Highlands, Pahang
Make your way up to the cooling hills of Cameron Highlands for a journey to higher altitudes. While you’re up there, look out for WOGOXETTE UPSTAIRS. Located in a quaint little village known as Kuala Terla, this empty-nested family home was built in the 70s and restored somewhere around 2015.
This house is a two-storey building and guests will get to enjoy exclusive access to the entire upper floor. Featuring architecture reminiscent of yesteryear, mixed in with unique aesthetics and elements of contemporary appeal, expect to bask in that pleasant vibe that comes with life on the outskirts.
Cameron Highlands itself is a great place to visit. There’s plenty to see and do. Take a trip to the renowned strawberry fields scattered throughout the area. Be warned though, it can get pretty cold at night (10-16 degrees) so don’t forget to bring a jumper or sweater.
Ipoh, Perak
Moving on, Ipoh is known for its laid-back vibe and unique natural attractions like gigantic caves and massive lakes. It’s a great place to visit if you want to see a fusion of the old and new (particularly in its architectural landmarks). While you’re here, drop by Pause Ipoh. This captivating homestay has been designed with practicality in mind while maintaining stylish aesthetics. Located at Taman Kampar, Ipoh, Pause is strategically situated for easy access to most major transport routes.
There are 3-bedrooms in all, each equipped with great ventilation, strong air conditioning (which can be a relief on those hot days) and a Queen-sized bed. Meanwhile, the living room, dining room and kitchen areas are all laid out in an open space concept so you can stretch your legs during your stay.
There’s strong Unifi Broadband too so that’s a plus but perhaps the most interest focal point of the house is the living tree that has been planted in the dining area (which is visible from the living room, second bedroom and even the shower).
Feeling hungry? Pause is just a 3-minute walk away from popular eateries like Ming Yue Confectionery Kaya Toast, Tuck Kee Restaurant (Smoked Duck) and Choong Kee Yong Tau Fu and, in addition, Ipoh Parade is incredibly close to the homestay too.
George Town, Penang
On your trip through West Malaysia, you should make it a point to stop-over at one of the region’s most beloved destinations; Penang. Aside from its rich historical landmarks, fantastic natural attractions (like Penang Hill) and interesting spots within the city, Penang is renowned for its incredibly delectable food so make space for all the wonderful delicacies that can be found here.
If you’re looking for a place to bunker down, Homey Comfy Lodge, conveniently located within Georgetown, is a grand abode which offers urban leisure at a good price. With a suite-style ensemble of beautifully decorated interiors that bridge boundaries between contemporary and heritage, this stay is large enough to accommodate an entire family and basic amenities are provided including air-conditioning, parking as well as Wi-Fi.
Not far away, you can find an assortment of attractions including the Glass Museum, the Camera Museum, Kimberley Street and even the popular (and zany) Upside Down Museum.
Langkawi, Kedah
Finally, end your epic West Malaysia trip by hopping on a ferry to Langkawi Island from the terminal at Kuala Kedah. You can either bring your vehicle with you via one of the regular roll-on-roll-off ferries that operate between Kuala Perlis and Langkawi or just rent a car when you reach the island.
Once there, check into Alamanda Hilltop Villa before exploring the incredibly beautiful island. Alamanda stands as a fully furnished, tropical villa with an amazing view. Look forward to a bedroom furnished in the contemporary style with air-conditioning, an airy living room, a kitchen and a veranda with a community infinity pool (located about 80 meters away) among other things. This place is ideally set up for 2 guests but extra mattresses can be made available.
If you’re ready to explore the island, just remember that Langkawi has no public transportation so rent a scooter or a car to access all the best tourist attractions, beaches, restaurants and retail outlets.
That covers most of the major routes and popular destinations in West Malaysia. Your road trip is probably not going to be as good without tip-top accommodation so follow this handy guide to help you utilise these Airbnb stays for the type of holiday experience that’ll leave you recharged, refuelled, relaxed and ready to do it all over again.
Other unique lodgings around Malaysia
If you could go to any road trip, where would you go?
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