Lies in the charming old town of Ipoh, Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay is a boutique accommodation housed in a restored colonial building dating back to the 1930s. Sarang means nest in Malay. While Paloh refers to the dams which were constructed along the Kinta River for fishing purposes. According to the lady who manned the reception the day we arrived, the owner of Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay is a busy businessman who always travelling abroad. So, he always refers to Sarang Paloh as his “nest” to go home to.
It may look small from the outside, but you will be surprised at how spacious the entire Sarang Paloh is. Sarang Paloh has 10 heritage rooms to offer.
The reception @ Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay
As soon as we arrived, we were welcomed by a 40+ lady who manned the reception. She was not naturally hospitable, which I totally can comprehend. The boutique hotel in a quaint town like Ipoh could use the services of the locals who might not have the hotelier-like training. The only thing that irked me during the stay was when at the beginning, she told us we could get an upgrade since it was a Malaysia day. After completing the inspection, she had a change of mind and insisted that we chose the room we booked.
The treatment we received did not overshadow our pleasant stay at Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay for I really love the restoration of building, which had been the OCBC’s Headquarters and Yick Woh Goldsmith Shop. The restored Sarang Paloh boosts the straits eclectic style, which is a common architecture adopted to reflect the social life of Peranakan Cina in Malaysia.
On the wall, there hung paintings of a nyonya and beaded shoes.
We were brought through what I presumed the kitchenette of the Yick Woh Building and up the stairs to the first floor where the rooms were located.
The Corridor and Common Area
The added advantage of a boutique hotel stay. The decor is just love.
Nyonya tiles.
The garden at the back of our room.
Rooms @ Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay
All rooms are named after birds. And shhh, the birds are sleeping.
Our room! We squeezed in for 3 pax. I took the timber floor because I had a back pain.
Ipoh white coffee was also served in the room with classic teapot and steel mug.
Location wise, I think it is so strategic if you are travelling by train from Kuala Lumpur or Penang. It’s just 600m away from the Ipoh Train Station. A recommended accommodation for your food and heritage hunt. The Lim family who owns the Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay also owns the nearly Lim Ko Pi. I didn’t get a chance to try the coffee served at the kopitiam, but I heard it’s also recommended!