Guest Reviews

Inle Princess Resort: "Beautiful and quiet lake site resort"

"We arrived at the resort by boat from Nyaung Shwe. Some 100 m from the hotel, motors are no longer allowed. A rower came on board and leg-paddled us to the jetty. This exemplifies the resort's emphasis on quiet and relaxation. Our cottages were on the lake. From the terrace, the sunsets were beautiful. Our room had binoculars provided for bird watching. A spa with a massage menu, bicycle rentals, and a swimming pool rounded out the offerings. Breakfast and dinner on a sundeck were tasty and included a sampling of local and Shan cuisine. I highly recommend the resort. Room Tip: Lakeside cottages were private and delightful."

Glenburn Tea Estate: "Incredible"

"This place is in a time warp and is wonderful. As the other reviews say the drive from Bagdora is long and the last half hour is down a very bumpy unmade road, but for us this made it more exciting. When you reach the house you received the best welcome and are made to feel at home immediately. Our room was extremely comfortable and had everything you could want, including loads of hot water and thankfully no television. You all eat together in the evening which is akin to a lively dinner party, especially as we met some interesting people and had a great laugh. Breakfasts were equally as good with an Indian breakfasts of the day. We visited the tea factory and learnt how it is processed before sampling a variety of delicious infusions. We also went and watched the ladies picking tea and had a go ourselves. One of the best bits was waking on our first morning to see the mighty Himalayas as clear as a bell only 50 miles away, as the crow flies. I would highly recommend Glenburn for a completely fantastic experience"

4 Rivers Floating Lodge: "Unique Experience"

"Had a really amazing and unique stay in this floating hotel. The hotel is a 30 minute boat ride from the road and so is very isolated and with only 12 Tents for guests it is very peaceful. A place to slow down and contemplate the quieter life. "

The Island Lodge: "Very recommended place"

I didn’t stay here, I only visit friend whom was staying there. This place a hidden gem, very quiet and peaceful. I really impressed when the owner also greet the their customers and visitors, the staff also very friendly. I tried their croissant, the taste just so lovely. Maybe sometime I would love to come back and stay there with friends for a night.

Cheong Fatt Tze – Blue Mansion: "An architectural, heritage & historical delight… a ‘must-do’ in Penang"

"In my subjective view, the Blue Mansion – Cheong Fatt Tze – stands alongside the Penarakan Museum as the two premier ‘must-do’ heritage attractions in George Town. Both are situated in historical buildings and are tangible testaments to the rich history and culture of the Straits Chinese in Penang. However note that there are differences between the two establishments. The Peranakan Museum is, as the name suggests, a museum; ie a depository of Peranakan artefacts. On the other hand, the Blue Mansion is predominantly a building of heritage and architectural significance, with a tremendously rich history relating to one of Penang’s most historical and influential identities – Cheong Fatt Tze. While there are artefacts on display, the focus of the attraction is the heritage building and its history. Additionally, the mansion operates as a boutique hotel and fusion restaurant. One of our aims is to return one day to experience staying as a guest. We met some in-house guests and their comments, on accommodation experience, were extremely positive. The Blue Mansion’s website lauds that the building is ‘a quintessential legacy of Penang’ and, having experienced it, it is well-deserving of that claim. It is an architectural delight that has won numerous international and local awards, and has been featured in movies, travel documentaries and publications. The heritage project was the vision and passion of local architect Laurence Loh along with his family and friends. To say I am exceedingly impressed with their herculean effort is to make an understatement. The Lohs should be congratulated for preserving a key component of Penang’s – and to a wider extent, Straits Chinese’s - history. On our recent tour, we were privileged have as tour guide, the vivacious Lin Lee Loh-Lim, who is the author of the book “The Blue Mansion: The Story of Mandarin Splendour Reborn”. It was a tour that we would have enjoyed given the enthralling building and interesting history, but she elevated our enjoyment by her lively and animated nature. It was superb. Lin Lee was kind enough to autograph a copy of the book (available in their shop) and it now resides in a position of pride alongside my other architectural books. Tour times: 11am, 2pm & 3:30pm Duration: 45 minutes Cost: RM17 (adults). RM8.50 (child under 12) There is something I wish they would consider and that is, allowing tour visitors to experience the building’s inner (but public) spaces for a few minutes after the guided tour – just 10 to 15 minutes perhaps. This will allow visitors to absorb and appreciate the building properly, which is not always possible when visitors are concentrating on the historical narrative during a guided tour. A visit to Penang will be lacking somewhat without a tour of Cheong Fatt Tze - The Blue Mansion. Highly recommended. Thanks for reading this review and my gratitude should you rate it as helpful. Life is short... go travelling and enjoy life today!"

Heritage Suites: "Fantastic hotel with wonder staff"

"We cannot praise this beautiful hotel enough. We were there celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary and the hotel gave us a lovely bottle of prosecco and flowers. They also upgraded us to a lovely bungalow, which was amazing. The staff were so attentive always opening doors for us, bringing out an umbrella when we get out the taxi in the rain; it made us feel very spoilt. It was a little way from the main area for eating in the evenings, around Pub Street, but a tuk tuk was very cheap at only $3. If you want to stay in a boutique hotel with the very personal touch then this is a definite."

Inle Heritage Stilt Houses: "We found perfection"

"If you want a perfect place this is it. Very nice bungalows (only 6) perfect service and outstanding cooking. Basically it is strctured as a foundation (non profit). The bungalows and restaurant finance the integrated tourism school dedicated for students of a poor financial background. Since 2009 48 students yearly can learn all the basics in tourism. A splendid idea. It is worth to pay the price just for all theses reasons. Additionnally they do whatever they can to respect the environment. And all the food comes from their organic garden. Don't miss this place Stayed August 2016, traveled with family"

Babe: "Food with a view"

This place is food divinity! The waiter offered me for trying the lamb chop. Uhmmm no words required, the lamb was very tasty!!! So juicy and tender. This place serves Japanese tapas with a mix of western Japanese. The food prepared here was something I had not seen elsewhere and was delicious. The staffs are very nice and the seafood are very fresh as some of their ingredients are flown in from Japan. I love the atmosphere where you dine next to the swimming pool. The dim lights, the seats and the magnificent view gives thus place two thumbs up.

Manda De Laos: "Great food, for meat lovers and vegetarians"

We went there 3 times as a family and tried many of their dishes. It was great experience. The setting is romantic but not kitsch. Our daughter a vegetarian loved the food, so did we. Prices are OK, maybe a bit more expensive than in other places but the whole experience is worth it. Ask for a table by the "lake" not one in the second row.

Tugu Bali: "Loved this hotel!"

"For the record , this is the first time I've ever given a 5 star rating ! This hotel was awesome! Especially the staff . So welcoming and friendly. When we first arrived , the Assistant Manager , Ari greeted us with a welcome beverage and introduction to the hotel . There was a dinner show going on at the time in the lobby so we're able to watch while we waiting for our room to be ready . When we were walking to our room , it was like being in a garden temple , so much culture and greenery and art work , it was like a museum Of Bali culture and art. Nice walkways , bridges , areas to have romantic dinners , etc and close to the beach . I can't say enough about the room! Our own pool! How unexpected! And an out door swing and outdoor bathroom with a fish pond surrounding it. So serene. It was off-season so the hotel is very quiet , no parties or loud music which we loved. They also have a lovely pool area, afternoon tea, cooking lessons, and great restaurants . Our favourite was the outdoor barbecue restaurant overlooking the surf where we had the most perfect view of the sunset . I would definitely highly recommend this hotel , loved it, thank you ."