Apologies for mini hiatus,
my laptop’s motherboard was fried for being too powerful – My power outlet and adapter couldn’t handle the power surge and fried the entire titanium beast.
I was whisked away to IPOH, Banjaran Hot springs retreat owned by Sunway. Did I tell you guys, I absolutely LOVE Sunway lagoon at Kuala Lumpur; always tried to find time to visit it. So imagine my thrill when I am about to visit this scenic getaway spot in Ipoh.
You can visit their website here: https://www.thebanjaran.com/
I strongly recommend it. I am not a fan of mosquitoes and greens (Yes I have a phobia of grass). And being a city girl, this is not your usual wake-up setting. But I loved every second of this place. Only stayed for a night, but I think 2 nights will be just perfect because there are alot of things to do here.
Sunway Lost World (Kinda like lagoon) is just nearby to this resort. So your itinerary will be well packed.
Entrance:
THEY FUKIN HIT THE GONG WHEN A GUEST CHECKS IN LOL
The walkways and overall architecture of the place speaks of its native origins and you can see much care going into the upkeep of the plants and fishes.
Reception:
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You wouldn’t want to leap into this pool without a second thought in this hot weather; because this pool is filled with the natural thermal waters from the hot spring.
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MY VILLA:
Own pool! The interior of the villa reminds me of the villa I stayed in at Bali. But this is so much cleaner and well maintained.
Was kinda hoping the furry friends would come and pay me a visit but NAH didn’t happen. Sad.
MY OWN FREAKING JACUZZI WITH WATER FROM THE HOT SPRING.
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Guess why I took a photo of this drawer? BECAUSE I LOVE WOOD. (all kinds 😉 )
and this is really quaint.
WITHOUT HESITATION I HAD TO DIP IN THE JACUZZI DESPITE THE TERRIBLE WEATHER LOL
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HEAVENNNNN
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When it got too hot, I ran to the private pool to cool off. This is life, i’m tellin ya.
L I F E
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A short nap on the cabana in this lethargic weather afterwards.
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*The resort has yoga at 5pm. An actual yoga instructor, calming music and yoga mats. All done under the shelter of a traditional wooden hut.
I had a spa booking so couldn’t join. BUT YOU SHOULD!
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For a city girl, this “mountain and trees” thing never gets old. I couldn’t stop staring at the environment because it’s so peaceful to look at.
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SPA & WELLNESS EXPERIENCE
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The prices are of course pricier than your usual “Reflexology” centers but hey this place is amazing. The service is impeccable and LASTLY,
WINNING POINT: THEY USE AROMA THERAPY ASSOCIATES.
I have a set of my own oils from this brand at home. The quality of the scents and texture of the oils are a cut above. Try it for yourself 😀
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Is this a mat? or a pillow. IDK. I took a pic just because.
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The ultimate aromatherapy experience, 60mins
That’s the package I took. It comes with the usual foot bath, full body massage and head massage.
Tea for your enjoyment whilst you change and prepare for the treatment.
I CANNOT GET OVER THE BELL LOL
NOR THE DISPOSABLE UNDIES LOL. It’s a god damn C string guys. Can you believe it. How fucking sexy.
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Took me awhile to realise its a heart but whatever it looks pretty.
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Dinner was set at 7.30 but I got peckish after the massage so I ordered room service and swam in the pool again. So much for “Relaxing and de-stressing my muscles”
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Nachos, deep fried calamari and crab bisque.
Absolutely delicious. But the price also……
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JEFF’S CELLAR
(Fine dining)
This restaurant is nestled in a natural limestone cave. It was previously used to simply store Jeffery’s astounding wine collection, used to entertain his personal friends, and subsequently opened to public as a fine dining experience.
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100/10 for the interior I’m telling you. By the way, it’s voted one of the most beautiful restaurants in the world!
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DINNER MENU
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LoOOOOl pardon the extremely huge assed pic. So that its clear for y’all to read. There’s an oriental set that’s like hugely Malaysian fusion but I am a sucker for Wagyu so Chairman’s favorite it is.
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Interior of the cave:
This is god damn pretty and it had me staring transfixed on it for quite a few minutes lol. The little descending fountain bowls are sculpted by humans. But everything is au natural materials.
Waitress said this is the best photography spot. People proposed here! Well, how can you bear to say NO at such a pretty place?
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Jeff’s wine collection
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You take the stairs down, by the rocky anterior. The air gets cooler, and you know you’re there! The strong air conditioning is to keep the wines at optimum temperature.
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Heaven for wine lovers.
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Jackie Chan’s edition
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Age old mao tai
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1934 collection
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Sorry, excited. Cuz the bottle so cute. Hahaha.
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Dining spot. (Sat here for the pic. But this table only meant for two so I had to switch. This spot gets the best view though!)
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Dinner
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Chef came out to chat with the dinner guests and was very open and friendly to feedback I gave. The lobster bisque was wonderfully curated. But I felt everything else was lacking that little extra. The lamb (oriental version) was good. But for MYR 550!!!
The music and environment… you could be eating roti prata and you’d still think you are having the best meal ever tho.
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Alittle bit on Jeffery.
I know nothing much about him previously, and can’t say I do now since I only read this random clipping and watched the video interview. But I really appreciate his vision and mission to protect the environment as well as retain the heritage that makes Malaysia. He turned this wasteland of a mining field into such a luxurious retreat without compromising nature, in fact, improving the landscape to make it even better. Instead of just metals and bricks, the natural foliage flourished under his great mission.
Does he have a single un-wedded son? HAHAHA
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Sky bar
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Walking away from the cave –
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Passed by the entire geo thermal pool
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Take the flight of stairs carved out in the hill to reach the sky bar, which is tucked away in the middle of the mountain.
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The skybar is pretty despite you looking into nothingness because its pretty dark. The staff will serve you freshly made popcorn on a ferris wheel LIKE WTF SO CUTE.
DR FISH – A cocktail with a literal toy fish. 70 MYR? fuck. I wanted to kidnap the toy fish and bring it home cuz the cocktails are just too pricey.
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Had breakfast sent to my villa. I opted for the oriental choice because there’s congee lol. I ate too much and had indigestion the whole night.
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Morning shots
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I don’t know how can anyone not fall in love with this place. It’s so beautiful.
11/10 would come here again.
If you are interested in going for a stay there, I recommend you to come early to get great shots and stay at least 2 nights. Go for the yoga, visit the tree that gives free ice-cream. Meditation cave, crystal cave and Dr fish pool. Everything to restore your mojo and not listen to cars honking and your boss bitching at you for that 48 hours.
Splurge a little and have dinner at Jeff’s Cellar. It’s expensive but definitely giving you an experience worth your bucks.
Best to come as a couple or a double date.
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They gave a handmade pot and cookies as a goodbye gift. Cookies was awesome, as according to my sister who devoured every piece.
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Feel free to ask me anything! voirvaleisky@gmail.com
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Will update with another post this week. It’s Monday, i know. I hope this post will motivate you to work alittle harder and plan for a staycation that will keep you smiling when you countdown to the day it happens.
LIFE IS WORTH LIVING 😀
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Valeisky. 