Penang Chronicles: May 2015

I was quite torn posting this one, I want Malihom to remain a hidden gem in Penang. But here goes.

A clear day provides breathtaking views of the Malacca Strait.

It was a 4 day-weekend holiday. Labor Day was on a Friday and Wesak Day on a Sunday which meant Monday was a replacement. We didn't want to travel too far away, surely the roads will be jammed with holiday-bound folks. A staycation within Penang was the solution. Initially Ravi wanted Hard Rock Penang, a family oriented resort, but I told him that most families will head there as well and we've been there a couple of times. So I went online and searched for something different. And what a great find Malihom turned out to be.

This greets guests after the winding road uphill.

Malihom was an amazing and unique experience, we totally loved the place! It sits on a secluded private hilltop amidst a calming greenery setting with great views of Penang on both sides of the island. The place only have eight barns (rooms) so it never gets crowded, perfect for those who seek privacy and seclusion.

All of Malihom's eight barns are actually re-purposed traditional Thai rice barns. Our barn, Baanmai, which means House in the Woods, is a split level barn with the bedroom upstairs and toilet/bath/open tub and hammock below. Inside is a king size bed and a single bed, with a small toilet so guests do not have to go the main toilet/bath downstairs in the middle of the night.

This was our barn, Baanmai, which means House of Wood.

Some of the other barns are called Dhamma, Khanun and Aloun.

Some barns have swings instead of hammocks at the verandah.

The drive up the hill was pretty exciting on its own. The road is wide enough for only one car. Malihom uses a traffic control system, where a vehicle going up needs to switch a button at the bottom of the hill to turn on the warning lights on top. This warns cars atop the hill not to drive down until the car below has reached the top.

A zen pond signals the start of the uphill climb.

We didn't have too much expectations with the meals which are inclusive of the rates. But food turned out to be of fine dining quality with appetizers, soup and bread, a choice of main course (chicken, steak, duck, and fish), desserts and refreshing drinks. We looked forward to each meal times. They also accommodated Sarah's order of fried rice with egg which was not on the menu, another plus point. No pictures of the food, Ravi frowns on that practice so I skipped those.

Side view of our barn, bathed in golden sunrise.

Both king bed and single bed has a mosquito canopy. Hibiscus adorn the bed, nice touch.

Colorful flowers float on the open bath and the foot bath.

The girls visited the animals a few times during our stay.

There's a peacock, peahen, turkey and a duck.

I think this is the only hilltop infinity pool in Penang. The sky was heavy with rain, it became foggy with a little bit of rain shower.

A close up view of a Buddha statue, behind is the Malacca Strait..

Malihom has lots of picturesque views.

A little rain shower didn't stop these girls from exploring the place.

Swinging by the pool.

A face bust hidden by greenery.

The observatory deck, above the main wing, gives amazing views of both sides of Penang.

Dinner time.

We woke up to this stunning sunrise on our verandah.

This pond has lots of koi fish.

The other side of the fish pond.

Morning walk with Reena and Sarah.

Some me time on the hammock, while the girls played Snakes and Ladders in the room.

Sarah enjoyed the foot bath a little too much. She always dipped her feet before she gets in the barn.

Clear skies above Balik Pulau.

Papaya before the big breakfast.

Breakfast consisted of eggs, bread, butter & jam, sausages, hash browns and tea.

The girls wanted some swim time before we check out.

Reena did a few laps. She said the water was a bit chilly.

Sister love :)

Reena and Sarah

Will we come back? Absolutely!!

Malihom is on Facebook - Malihom Retreat.
Jalan Balik Pulau, Penang

We had a surprise birthday party at home for Reena's 10th birthday. Actually we celebrated her birthday 2 weeks later, since she stayed at her mother's place on her birthday weekend.

Ann, Sarah and I prettified the house with birthday banners and colorful crepe paper streamers. I ordered a fondant cake for Reena, which turned out bigger than expected. We had baked macaroni, hotdogs, springrolls and chocolate fondue with fruits. Reena greatly appreciated all our hard work, her joyful face said it all.