Travelling Cheap

Sitting comfortably close to the equator, Malaysia is expanding over its thirteen states sharing borders with Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei and Philippines. The climate is almost tropical, meaning that although it is definitely warm and humid through out the calendar travelers won’t jeopardize their respiratory system.

As a British colony Malaysia enjoyed all the “trimmings” accompanying British occupation so the Western part, which became independent in 1957, spearheaded the massive economic growth the country went through in late 70’s. Tourists managed to retain Malaysia an insiders’ secret for a cheap and approachable paradise were you could easily disassociate from reality and vanish into endless beaches and dense jungles, for many years.

In later years, Malaysia’s economic explosion made the country a respectable player in the consumer electronics and microchip manufacturing markets, unfortunately sky-rocketing holiday prices. Today’s travelers hunt down good deals so when one emerges they instantly go for the kill. I am happy to announce that I have managed to allocate one.

Langkawi Archipelago is consisted of 99 islands of which only 2 are inhibited. On the main island is the Holiday Villa Beach Resort, a 258 room 4* hotel in an oriental, lost-in-the-jungle decor. The package I found most appealing is actually the cheapest currently in the market, offering a standard room for 7 nights at £689 per person for a double room. So pop on the Piccadilly line, all the way to Heathrow airport and few hours later find yourself in Langkawi’s airport from where there is a direct link with the resort, included in the package.

The name Holiday Villa Beach Resort is cheesier than “The Sound of Music” and “Moulin Rouge” put together, though definitely self-explanatory to say the least. Although it is not the most luxurious hotel you ‘ve ever been, it transpires a comfortable holiday feeling with no glitz chandeliers or roman sculptures. After all it is next to the sea, therefore anything more would be very tacky. The 2 swimming pools and an exterior jacuzzi add on to the whole package value while the spa is always available for those who carry their tired bodies up and down London tube’s escalators every day.

Generally the hotel is adorable, with lovely rooms full of colour and private balconies for every each one of them, while its many little restaurants offer pretty much everything oriental fusion cuisine has to demonstrate. Now, if you find yourself letting some steam out over served-in-a-pineapple cocktails don’t worry, the drinks may taste lovely but a little bird told me the bartender’s measures are even lighter than in Soho. So chill…

P.S. City escapes in Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur start from a bit over £500 and flight arrangements are flexible, if you prefer the ultimate buzz of probably the most developing city in the world.