Needless to say, the more popular spots are already swamped with holidaymakers – the last thing anyone needs if social distancing is to be observed.
However, if you’re looking for a quiet and picturesque holiday off the beaten path, head over to Kuala Terengganu where “kampung” life blends seamlessly with luxury living at the Villapadu homestay villas there.
An ambitious effort by former advertising man Zulhisham Ayob, Villapadu seeks to redefine what homestay living is all about.
To do this, Zulhisham transformed an old kampung house into a luxurious homestay, complete with modern-day comforts and topped off with customer service that can rival that of any fancy hotel.
The first of his four homestays under the Villapadu umbrella, Villapadu Desa, is located in Kampung Seberang Baroh.
Enchanting from the outside, this homestay villa has a swimming pool and eye-catching wall murals that add to the rustic beauty of the place.
Once here, guests are extended a warm greeting by one or more of Zulhisham’s family members, who are your hosts for the duration of your stay.
Hospitality here is nothing short of top-notch as guests are treated to refreshing drinks and a piping-hot snack of keropok lekor, a popular street food, the moment they arrive.
Morning breakfast is the traditional nasi dagang or nasi kerabu, two of Terengganu’s favourites.
In fact, every meal is a delight here as your hosts are ever ready with the best recommendations for lunch or dinner and will even venture out to buy food back for you to enjoy at the villa if that’s preferred.
Up to ten guests can stay at any given time at the three-bedroom Villapadu Desa for RM2,500 per night. One bedroom is also wheelchair-friendly. The only condition is that guests commit to a three-day, two-night stay at the very minimum.
Feel like cooking up a fancy meal yourself? Knock yourself out as the kitchen is equipped with all the utensils, pots and pans you’ll need plus a stove and a fridge to store fresh produce and drinks.
And if a spot of lazing is what you’re after, sit back and catch a drama or two on Netflix or surf the internet instead.
However, if you’re holidaying with a smaller group, Villapadu Kota is the better option.
A renovated two-storey corner lot, this holiday home is about 3km from the State Museum and the Crystal Mosque, making it the perfect location for a spot of sight-seeing.
The home is also just three minutes away from a wet market and a string of restaurants.
Each of the four bedrooms at Villapadu Kota have double beds and the fully-equipped kitchen is a joy to cook in.
A flat-screen television is also available for any and all entertainment needs, with a garden and barbecue pit also provided.
Two more Villapadu properties are expected to be completed soon, and they too look promising and are likely to draw guests from far and wide.
Villapadu Bayu is a beachside property located right on a private stretch of the popular Batu Buruk beach, offering the perfect backdrop for weddings and the like.
The fourth property is Villapadu Dusun, which as the name suggests, is located in a fruit orchard owned by Zulhisham, an Instagrammable spot as it’s also right next to Sungai Terengganu.
Speaking of the river, Villapadu has possession of two high-speed boats you can rent for a short excursion to the nearby islands of Pulau Redang and Pulau Kapas.
Sunrise and sunset cruises are also available, and by all accounts, they are certainly worth taking the time for.
Speaking to FMT, Zulhisham says he hopes to change the general perception of homestays through the Villapadu brand.
“I want to get away from the stigma of the homestay. Instead, I want to be customer-driven by providing guests with a personalised experience,” he says.
“I strive to serve my customers beyond their expectations and I want to offer them what others can’t, a ‘home away from home’.”
To book your Villapadu holiday homestays, WhatsApp 019-311 1333, e-mail villapadumalaysia@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page.
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