Ammar Homestay 2: Malaysia's BEST Kept Secret (Luxury Awaits!)
Ammar Homestay 2: Malaysia's BEST Kept Secret? (Luxury Awaits!) - My Unfiltered Take
Okay, folks, buckle up. You want the real deal on Ammar Homestay 2? Forget those polished brochures and flowery descriptions. I'm here to give you the dirt, the good, the bad, and the utterly fabulous. This isn't a review; it's a travel therapy session.
First Impressions: The Arrival, The Elevator (or Lack Thereof!) and… Wheeeling in?
"Luxury Awaits!" – that's their tagline. And, well, the lobby? Pretty darn swanky. Marble floors, gleaming surfaces, the whole shebang. Accessibility? Mostly there. The main areas are definitely accessible, thanks to a well-designed lobby and public spaces. Elevator? Yep, thankfully. (My knees are screaming at the thought of stairs, trust me). Wheelchair Accessible? Generally good, wider corridors and rooms that seem designed with wheelchair users in mind. HOWEVER, getting to and through the hotel from the taxi drop area feels tricky. They need to sort that out, pronto.
The Room: My Own Little Paradise… or Temporary Prison?
Alright, the real test: the room. I'm not gonna lie, it was gorgeous. The "In-room safe box" certainly made me feel secure. Air conditioning, essential in Malaysia, worked a treat, and the blackout curtains were a lifesaver for sleeping in. The "Complimentary tea" and Coffee/tea maker were a godsend after a long day of exploring. I had that "Free bottled water", which I almost drank the entire thing in one big gulp, because I was so thirsty!
I'm a sucker for a good bathroom, and this one didn't disappoint. Separate shower/bathtub? Check! Bathtub? Check! Bathrobes and slippers? Feeling luxurious now! Additional toilet? Now that's luxury awaits! They even had hair dryer, so I didn't have to cart mine all around. Mirror? Obviously. Okay, that's enough about the bathrooms! All in all, my room was well-appointed and comfy. Speaking of which, what was the desk for? I used it for taking notes, and I found myself spending a lot of time staring out the window that opens and taking in the atmosphere. Interconnecting room(s) available – probably useful if you're traveling with a horde of small humans, but I was perfectly happy solo. Internet Nightmare vs. Wi-Fi Wonderland:
Internet access – LAN? Tried it. Gave up after 10 minutes of futile plugging and unplugging. Internet access – wireless (i.e. Wi-Fi [free], in the rooms)? Score! Solid connection, fast enough for streaming, and perfect for endlessly scrolling through Instagram. Internet services in general were good. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Woohoo!). Wi-Fi in public areas worked, too, which was a relief when I needed to get some work done in the lobby.
Food, Glorious Food (and Maybe a Bit of Stomach Agony…)
Okay, let's talk food. Ammar Homestay 2 delivers here. Seriously.
Dining, drinking, and snacking: They had it! Seriously like the buffet in the hotel restaurant, it's an experience and the "Coffee/tea in restaurant" was essential for a proper start to the day.
Restaurants: So many to choose from. I didn't try them all, because, you know, time and stomach capacity limitations. But I did sample the Asian cuisine in restaurant and the Western cuisine in restaurant, also the Vegetarian restaurant, and the International cuisine in restaurant, as well as the Coffee shop. Some of them were definitely better than others. I had my own bottle of water and also got the salad in restaurant.
Breakfast [buffet]: This was the highlight. Seriously, an amazing spread. Breakfast service was great, and I was impressed by Buffet in restaurant. I especially loved the Asian breakfast options.
Room service [24-hour]: Perfect for late-night cravings (and the occasional desperate need for a cup of tea).
Bar: I found the Poolside bar.
Snack bar: Got some snacks to stave off the hunger!
Desserts in restaurant: You'll be tempted and you'll be happy!
Happy hour: Great for meeting new people and socializing.
Soup in restaurant: Yummy!
A la carte in restaurant: Great too!
Alternative meal arrangement: If you have allergies, this is a big help!
Breakfast in room: Yeah, the best of both worlds.
Cleanliness and Safety (The Pandemic Edition): Did I Survive??
This is where Ammar Homestay 2 really shines. I'm a bit of a clean freak, particularly now that the world is a germ-filled nightmare. They take this seriously.
Cleanliness is the name of the game: Everywhere, from the lobby to the rooms, was spotless.
Anti-viral cleaning products: Yep, they're using the good stuff.
Daily disinfection in common areas: Peace of mind, people. This is huge.
Hand sanitizer: Every. Single. Corner. (Love it!)
Room sanitization opt-out available: A nice touch for those who prefer it.
Rooms sanitized between stays: Essential.
Staff trained in safety protocol: They looked comfortable, and they knew what they were doing.
Safe dining setup: They made sure the tables and everything was clean.
Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Yeah, you know your food is safe.
Individually-wrapped food options: It's a win.
Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: They try to keep distance.
Professional-grade sanitizing services: Yes, a big yes.
Sterilizing equipment: Good.
Items removed: They removed all the shared stationery.
Hot water linen and laundry washing: Great.
First aid kit: Good.
Hygiene certification: The food was safe.
Cashless payment service: Awesome.
Doctor/nurse on call: A welcome sight.
Things to Do: Relax, Rejuvenate, and Regret Your Life Choices (Just Kidding. Mostly.)
Okay, let's get to the fun stuff. Ammar Homestay 2 is packed with ways to unwind and indulge. Here's the breakdown:
Swimming pool: The Swimming pool [outdoor] with a Pool with view? Stunning. Perfect for a sunset dip.
Spa: They really deliver on the spa experience. My Body scrub was heavenly. The Body wrap, less so (I felt like a mummy!), but still relaxing. The Foot bath was, simply, bliss.
Sauna: Hot, steamy, and wonderful.
Steamroom: Ditto!
Gym/fitness: I'm not a gym person, but it looked well-equipped.
Massage: Absolutely must-do. One of the best massages I've ever had.
The Fitness center and the Spa/sauna are all available!
Services and Conveniences: Like a Butler, But Without the Stiff Upper Lip
I'm not going to cover every single one of these, because, frankly, it would take all day. But here are the highlights and lowlights:
- Concierge: Super helpful, especially for arranging tours and transportation.
- Currency exchange: Convenient.
- Daily housekeeping: My room was always spotless.
- Laundry service: Useful, though a little expensive.
- Elevator: A godsend, as previously mentioned.
- Food delivery: Perfect for lazy days.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Handy for last-minute gifts.
- Luggage storage: Essential.
- Car park [free of charge]: A definite bonus.
- Check-in/out [express]: Very convenient.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Really good.
For the Kids (and the Inner Child in All of Us)
- Babysitting service: Great for parents.
- Kids meal: A lifesaver for picky eaters.
- Family/child friendly: Generally, yes.
Getting Around:
- Taxi service: Easy to arrange.
- Airport transfer: Convenient.
- Car park [on-site]: Great.
- Car power charging station: Good.
- Valet parking: Fancy!
Business Travelers: Suits and Briefcases Allowed
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Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-polished travel itinerary. This is amore likely-to-get-coffee-spilled-on-it, "did I pack my pants?" kind of trip to AMMAR HOMESTAY 2 in Malaysia. Prepare for a messy, wonderful, and totally real look at my attempt at "relaxing."
Operation: AMMAR ADVENTURE (aka, Pray for No Disasters)
Day 1: The Arrival - And The Instant Humid Embrace
- 7:00 AM: Alarm blares. Swear words muttered. Coffee brewed (hopefully, the caffeine gods will smile upon me).
- 8:30 AM: Airport chaos. I'm pretty sure I lost my boarding pass three times before actually getting through security. Note to self: Invest in a travel wallet. Seriously.
- 10:00 AM: Flight! Window seat secured. Immediately fall asleep. (Important: Do not drool on stranger.)
- 4:00 PM (local time): LANDED! Malaysia! The humidity hits me like a warm, moist slap in the face. I love it. Mostly.
- 4:30 PM: Taxi ride from the airport to AMMAR HOMESTAY. The driver keeps offering me Durian. I politely decline, but I'm intrigued. Maybe tomorrow.
- 5:30 PM: Arrive at AMMAR HOMESTAY 2. Okay, wow. It's… charming. Maybe even a little too charming? The owner, a lovely lady named Ibu, greets me with a smile and a homemade welcome drink (some kind of sweet, fruity concoction). Feeling a little overwhelmed, but good.
- 6:00 PM: Settle in. Room is clean, bed is comfy. But where's the remote?? (Spoiler: It's under the pillows)
- 6:30 PM: The rain starts, HUGE downpour. I run, I hide, I get soaked a little. Wonderful.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner at the homestay - Nasi Lemak, of course. Oh my god, this is heaven. I want to eat this every day. I probably will.
- 8:30 PM: Overwhelmed by the day, and tired from the flight, I crashed immediately.
Day 2: Kuala Lumpur - The City That Never Sleeps…Or Does It?
- 8:00 AM: Oops, slept in. Ibu's already bustling about, cooking up a breakfast of rice and curry. The smells are amazing. Regret not getting up earlier.
- 9:00 AM: Head to KL! Take a bus tour of the city, my first time getting to know it. The Petronas Towers are, let me tell you, freakin' massive!
- 10:00 AM: I got off the bus and took my time taking pictures with the towers.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch, a quick bite because my stomach is killing me.
- 2:00 PM: Going shopping, because why not?
- 3:00 PM: Stroll at KLCC Park.
- 5:00 PM: The tour goes back to the homestay but I decide to explore on my own: walk through the parks, smell the flowers, see the birds, people watch.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner with the locals, a unique experience, I made friends with all of them.
- 8:00 PM: Heading home, tired but filled with happy memories. The journey is so worth it!
Day 3: The Batu Caves & The Cultural Clash (and a possible monkey attack?)
- 8:00 AM: Up early, ready for adventure! Well, after a second cup of coffee, that is.
- 9:00 AM: Bus to the Batu Caves. Okay, the crowds are intense. And the stairs. My legs already hate me.
- 9:45 AM: Climbing those stairs! The view from this point is amazing, the best part, but oh my god, the monkeys. They're everywhere! Scared the bejeezus out of me, I saw one grab a lady's bag, I saw a child getting bit. I made like a ninja and hid my food in my backpack.
- 11:00 AM: Inside the caves! The giant golden statue is… well, it’s gigantic. And kind of magnificent. The air is cooler, a welcome relief from the heat. People praying, incense burning, chanting echoing. It's a sensory overload, but in a good way. Or, you know, an overwhelming way.
- 12:00 PM: Head back down the stairs, dodging monkeys and trying to avoid a repeat of the bag-snatching incident.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch near the Batu Caves – street food! Spicy noodles, some kind of delicious fried something-or-other. Delicious. My mouth is burning. Worth it.
- 2:00 PM: Head back to the homestay.
- 3:00 PM: Relaxing afternoon, maybe going to the pool, or maybe I'd nap.
Day 4: The Homestay Life & a Sudden Craving
- 9:00 AM: Ibu made Roti Canai today! Light and flaky, dipped in a spicy curry sauce. I could eat this every day. Maybe I will.
- 10:00 AM: Explore the local area. Wander aimlessly. Get lost. Discover a hidden café serving the most amazing coffee. Buy all the local snacks I can find.
- 12:00 PM: Seriously considering a durian. The temptation is strong. Deciding to go for it. Is it going to taste like garlic custard? Or heaven? Only one way to find out.
- 1:00 PM: I found a durian store, the smell nearly knocked me out. The vendor gave me a friendly smile, a look that said he’d seen it all before, and gave me some sliced pieces. MOMENT OF TRUTH. Okay, it’s… pungent. Very pungent. The texture is… unique. I actually enjoy it! (I think). It's sweet, creamy, and definitely an experience. So glad I tried it!
- 3:00 PM: Lazy afternoon at the homestay. Read a book, journal about my adventures (and my durian experience).
- 6:00 PM: Another dinner with Ibu and the other guests. Laughing, sharing stories, feeling a real sense of community. This homestay life is pretty darn good.
Day 5: Farewell Malaysia (For Now)
- 8:00 AM: Final breakfast. Tears nearly flow when I realize I won't be having Roti Canai for at least a little while.
- 9:00 AM: Pack. (Did I mention I'm a terrible packer?) Double-check for passport. Panic. Find passport. Breathe.
- 10:00 AM: Say goodbye to Ibu. Heartbreaking. Swear I'll be back. Give her a big hug.
- 11:00 AM: Taxi to the airport. Reflect on my unforgettable trip. The people, the food, the humidity, the durian… it was all incredible.
- 1:00 PM: Check in, board the plane.
- 4:00 PM: Look out the window one last time. Malaysia, you were amazing. I will miss you. Until next time.
- 7:00 PM: Back to everyday life.
Epilogue:
This trip, despite the occasional moment of chaos and the near-death experience with the monkeys, was fantastic. I tasted new things, met amazing people, and expanded my horizons in ways I never imagined. Malaysia, and especially AMMAR HOMESTAY 2, has a piece of my heart. Now, back to reality…and planning my return!
Escape to Paradise: Luxury Villa Costanza Awaits in Sri Lanka
Okay, spill the tea! Is Ammar Homestay 2 *really* Malaysia's 'best kept secret' like you're claiming? Because frankly, those claims are getting a bit... old.
Alright, alright, settle down, drama queen. Look, "best kept secret" *is* a bit overdone, I'll admit, but hear me out. Before you judge, let me tell you about my *last* visit. Picture this: the heat of Malaysian afternoon pressing down, I'm sweating like a pig, and the GPS is, as usual, leading me through a goat farm. Yep, typical. Then, BAM! I see this place, and suddenly that goat farm memory just vaporizes, even though I *still* kind of smell it. Ammar Homestay 2. Seriously, it’s like walking onto a movie set – a *glorious* movie set! So, yes, maybe it's not a complete secret anymore. The word's out (obviously, or you wouldn't be reading this!). But those who *know*, KNOW. It's the real deal. It’s kind of amazing.
What's so "luxury" about it? I’ve seen "luxury" before, and it usually translates to "overpriced and slightly disappointing."
Okay, I hear you. "Luxury" can be a load of pretentious horse manure, I get it. But at Ammar 2, it feels… genuine. Let me break it down for you, without descending into brochure-speak. First, the *space*. You're not crammed into a shoebox like some soulless hotel. You have breathing room! Remember that time I stayed in a tiny, supposedly "luxury" apartment in NYC? I could barely turn around without kicking something...or someone! No such problems here. Huge rooms, ridiculous bathrooms (think rain showers and bathtubs big enough for a small family!), and the balcony? Oh, the balcony! The quality of the materials feels really nice, too – not some cheap, plastic imitation of something fancy. Seriously, you can tell someone cared when they built this place.
The food! Is the food good? Because hotel breakfast buffets are the bane of my existence.
Listen, I'm a picky eater. Actually, that's an understatement. I'm practically a food critic in my own head... and my head is often critical. But the food at Ammar 2? *chef's kiss* Seriously. Okay, so breakfast isn't *every* day, because sometimes you're up late watching the stars, you're not going to want breakfast. But when they do have it, it's amazing. There’s local Malaysian fare alongside some international options. I always head straight for the nasi lemak, (or the pancakes if I am feeling super lazy). And the coffee? Actually decent! (Which is rare, let me tell you.) One time, I ordered room service (I’m fancy like that, sometimes) and the rendang was to *die* for. Literally, I nearly ate the entire thing myself. Don't judge! It was *that* good. The point is: the food is a highlight.
Okay, I'm intrigued. But is it kid-friendly? I've got a small army in tow.
Kid-friendly? Hmmm… Depends on your definition. They have a pool, which is a HUGE win with kids, obviously. And a grassy area where they can… run around and make noise. There's also the space itself. You won't feel trapped with a gaggle of energetic offspring. But let's be honest, no place is "kid-proof." If your kids are the type to trash a room (which mine occasionally are, I confess), maybe pack an extra roll of duct tape. But honestly, Ammar 2’s atmosphere is pretty relaxed, and the staff seems to be genuinely friendly and patient. They've seen it all, I'm sure. So yeah, I'd say... mostly kid-friendly. You'll be fine. Just pack earplugs for yourself, just in case.
What's the 'vibe' like? Loud? Party central? Quiet and boring? Spill!
Ah, the vibe! Okay, so it's *not* a rave. Thank GOD. It's more… relaxed. It's the kind of place where you can actually *talk* to the people you're with. Peaceful. Chilled. The people are polite, as Malaysians usually are. My last trip, I was there to relax. I wanted peace, quiet, maybe a little sunshine. And Ammar 2 delivered! You could sit on your balcony, listen to the birds. Read a book. No ear-splitting music, no screaming drunkards. Just… bliss! I swear, I almost cried when I was checking out because I didn't want to leave! Which is a rare feeling for me, let me tell you.
Tell me something REALLY annoying about Ammar Homestay 2. Got any complaints? Because nothing is perfect.
Alright, alright, here's my gripes. It's not ALL sunshine and roses, okay? The Wi-Fi. Sometimes it's… iffy. Like, you might need to wander around the room to find a good signal. Which is annoying when you're trying to, you know, actually *work* or stream *something*. Secondly, and this is minor, but the pool could use a few more sun loungers. Especially at peak times. You might have to… wait. The horror! But you know what? Those are pretty small complaints. The good far outweighs the bad. Honestly, I was grasping for straws. And if the biggest problem is occasionally spotty Wi-Fi and the odd overcrowded lounger, I'd say they're doing a pretty damned good job.
Okay, you’ve almost convinced me. But what's the *location* like? Is it, you know, near anything interesting?
The location... OK, so it's *not* smack-bang in the middle of Kuala Lumpur. Thank goodness, I hate KL traffic. It's tucked away, which is part of its charm! It gives you a sense of escape. It's close to local attractions. There are beaches, restaurants. I personally found a fantastic little *warung* (local eatery) nearby that did the most amazing satay. You *will* need a car. Possibly a driver, to make things easier. Public transport? Not ideal, let's just say that. But isn't that part of the charm? Feeling like you’ve escaped the rat race? And honestly, you spend your days exploring. And you come back to your little paradise. I’d give it a 9/10, location-wise.
