The Retreat Homestay

Selamat datang to this candid overview of The Retreat Homestay, located in Tanjong Malim, Perak. For many of us in Perak, choosing a private guest room or homestay for a short getaway, family gathering, or a temporary stay involves careful consideration of comfort, convenience, and value. This article aims to provide a factual and balanced perspective on The Retreat Homestay, drawing directly from a variety of customer experiences to help you make an informed decision.

It's important for potential guests to have a full picture of what to expect. While some aspects of a stay might be positive, it's equally crucial to be aware of any reported challenges. Our intention here is to present a comprehensive look at The Retreat Homestay, detailing its location in Tanjong Malim, the services it reportedly offers, and key features that have been highlighted by previous guests – both good and bad. We believe in providing clear, factual information to help you navigate your accommodation choices in Perak.

Tanjong Malim, a town in Perak, is often associated with educational institutions like Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) and serves as a gateway to other parts of Perak and Selangor. Finding a suitable place to stay here can be a mix of convenience and local experience. The Retreat Homestay offers itself as an option, and understanding real guest feedback is essential for locals deciding if it aligns with their expectations for a comfortable and hassle-free visit.

The Retreat Homestay is located at Jalan Ketoyong, Kampung Stesen Tanjong Malim, 35900 Tanjong Malim, Perak, Malaysia. This address places it within a local neighborhood, Kampung Stesen, which is typically a residential area. Being in Tanjong Malim, the homestay benefits from its proximity to various local amenities and key landmarks in the town.

For accessibility, Tanjong Malim is well-connected by road, including major highways, making it relatively easy to reach by private vehicle from various parts of Perak and even neighboring states. The homestay's address on Jalan Ketoyong suggests it's situated on a local road within the Kampung Stesen area. One positive review highlights "Quiet and safe place for families with children," implying a generally calm environment, which can be a draw for those seeking a less bustling atmosphere.

Public transportation options in Tanjong Malim include the KTM Komuter station, which is within reasonable distance, potentially allowing for connections to other towns. The Tanjong Malim Bus Terminal also offers routes to various destinations. However, for getting directly to the homestay from these hubs, local taxis or ride-sharing services would likely be necessary. The presence of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) nearby also means the area has amenities catering to a student population, which can include diverse food options and shops.

However, a critical review raises a significant point about accessibility upon arrival and departure: "For exit and enter the home stay, the owner forces you to download an application. To get this app working, you need to log into this app either with your phone number or email address. Then you need to get the approval from the owner." This digital access method reportedly caused major inconvenience for one guest, as it "did not work at all so instead of exploring the city and go for dinner we needed to stay in the home stay as we could not open the door." This is a crucial aspect for potential guests to be aware of and to clarify thoroughly with the owner prior to booking, especially regarding alternative access methods or troubleshooting.

Based on typical homestay offerings and combined with the diverse customer reviews, The Retreat Homestay is stated to provide various services. It's important for guests to verify the functionality and availability of these services directly, especially in light of the mixed feedback received.

• Multiple Units: The property reportedly has "4 units of houses. The yellow/green ones showed in the photos are the larger units (each unit has 3 bedrooms and can fit 10 people easily)." This suggests suitability for larger families or groups.
• Kitchenette Facilities: Listings indicate kitchenettes equipped with "full-sized fridge/freezers, stovetops and microwaves," along with electric kettles and cookware/dishes/utensils. This allows for self-catering.
• Air Conditioning and Fans: While one negative review implies an old property, other sources confirm "Air conditioning" and "ceiling fan" in the units, contributing to guest comfort.
• Private Bathrooms: Units typically include private bathrooms with a bath or shower, bidets, free toiletries, and a hairdryer. "Water pressure was good" as per one positive review.
• Living and Dining Areas: Separate living and dining areas are generally provided, offering space for relaxation and meals.
• Free WiFi: The property offers "free WiFi," which is an essential amenity for modern travelers.
• Free Parking: "Free self-parking" and "wheelchair-accessible parking" are available on-site, a significant convenience for guests with vehicles.
• Barbecue Facilities: Barbecue grills are provided, allowing for outdoor cooking and social gatherings, a popular activity for families.
• Outdoor Space: The property features a garden and terrace, offering outdoor areas for relaxation and recreation.
• No Housekeeping: It's important to note that "Housekeeping is not available," meaning guests are responsible for maintaining cleanliness during their stay.
• Digital Access (Crucial Note): Access to the homestay reportedly requires downloading and using a specific mobile application. Guests must factor this into their planning and ensure compatibility and willingness to share personal information.

The Retreat Homestay presents a mixed bag of features and highlights, as evidenced by the contrasting customer reviews. It's crucial for prospective guests to weigh these points carefully.

• Spacious Units for Groups: A significant highlight, positively mentioned, is that the property consists of multiple units, with larger ones offering "3 bedrooms and can fit 10 people easily." This makes it suitable for big families or groups traveling together, providing ample space.
• Good Water Pressure: One positive review specifically notes "Water pressure was good," which is a practical comfort for guests.
• Ample Appliances for Comfortable Stay: The mention of "ample appliances for a comfortable weekend stay" suggests that the kitchenettes are well-equipped for basic needs, including a fridge, stovetop, and microwave.
• Quiet and Safe Place (Contradicted by other review): One review describes it as a "Quiet and safe place for families with children," highlighting a potentially peaceful environment. However, this is directly contradicted by another review mentioning "Parties are allowed so if you are unlucky then say good bye to your sleep until the early morning." This discrepancy is a major concern.
• Prompt Security Deposit Refund: Positive feedback indicates that "Security deposits were required to confirm the booking but were promptly refunded in the evening of check-out day," which builds trust with guests.
• Outdoor BBQ Facilities & Garden: The presence of barbecue grills and a garden offers opportunities for outdoor activities and social gatherings.
• Accessibility to Universities: It's located close to Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI) and Sarang Art Hub (both about 2.3 km away), making it convenient for visitors attending university events.
• Concerns about Cleanliness: A significant negative highlight is the report of the place being "dirty" and having a "musty smell," despite the owner's comment. This directly impacts comfort and hygiene.
• Noise Issues from Parties: The allowance of parties and resulting noise until "early morning" is a critical detractor for guests seeking rest.
• Mandatory App for Access & Privacy Concerns: The requirement to download and log into a "Chinese app" using personal phone numbers or email, along with reported functionality issues and owner's unresponsiveness to a non-Thai mobile number, is a major concern regarding convenience, privacy, and guest access. The failure of the remote control also highlights operational issues.
• Perceived Overpricing: One guest found the place "way too expensive for what you get," describing it as an "old, dirty and loud jail for 485 RM." This suggests a mismatch between cost and perceived value.

For inquiries, bookings, or any direct communication regarding The Retreat Homestay, please use the contact information provided below. Given the mixed reviews, it is highly advisable to discuss all your concerns, especially regarding cleanliness, potential noise, and the digital access method, directly with the owner before confirming your booking. Clear communication beforehand can help manage expectations.

Address: Jalan Ketoyong, Kampung Stesen Tanjong Malim, 35900 Tanjong Malim, Perak, Malaysia

Phone: 012-998 2355

Mobile Phone: +60 12-998 2355

When contacting, explicitly ask about their policy on parties, ensure the smart lock system is fully explained, and inquire about alternative access methods if you prefer not to use the app or encounter issues. Confirm cleaning schedules and what measures are in place to ensure a clean and comfortable environment for your stay.

In conclusion, when considering The Retreat Homestay in Tanjong Malim, Perak, for your lodging needs, especially from the perspective of local users, it is crucial to weigh the available information carefully. The homestay's location in Kampung Stesen offers proximity to UPSI and other local amenities in Tanjong Malim, making it potentially convenient for those visiting the university or the town. Its structure of multiple units, capable of accommodating large groups (up to 10 people per unit), and the provision of kitchenettes and BBQ facilities, are definite advantages for family gatherings or group stays, as highlighted by one positive review that found it "Quiet and safe place for families with children." The prompt refund of security deposits is also a reassuring aspect.

However, potential guests must be fully aware of the significant concerns raised by other detailed customer feedback. Issues regarding cleanliness ("dirty," "musty smell"), noise from parties extending "until the early morning," and a problematic digital access system that reportedly forced guests to remain in the homestay due to malfunction, are critical factors. The requirement to download an external app and share personal information, coupled with reports of the remote control not working and the owner being unreachable on certain numbers, raises serious questions about convenience, privacy, and emergency access.

For locals in Perak planning a stay, it is strongly advised to directly contact The Retreat Homestay using the provided phone numbers (012-998 2355 or +60 12-998 2355) and explicitly clarify all these points *before* making a booking. Inquire about their party policy and how they manage noise, confirm their current cleaning protocols, and, most importantly, obtain a clear and reliable understanding of the access method, ensuring it is convenient and does not compromise your data privacy or safety. While the spaciousness might appeal to some, the potential for a challenging experience related to cleanliness, noise, and access needs to be thoroughly addressed to ensure your stay in Tanjong Malim is a comfortable and pleasant one, rather than a "loud jail" as one reviewer unfortunately experienced.

The Retreat Homestay

Jalan Ketoyong, Kampung Stesen Tanjong Malim, 35900 Tanjong Malim, Perak, Malaysia