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Weekend getaways Thinking of taking off somewhere for the weekend? We round up five spots for a quick staycati on. By Tham Ying H ui

M Boutique, lpoh Behind the swanky-lookingfar;ade, this boutique hotel is furnished in a tasteful fusion of British colonial architecural features and modern urban decor. The 93 rooms-split amongst Adventure, Majestic and Excelsior theme floors -are compact in size but small touches such as throw cushions, woven slippers and eccentric vintage ornaments help make each space cosy. Facilities like a gym, a laundry service, meeting rooms and internet stations are all extra perks of staying at M Bout ique.

Dining options include MYTH Eatery & Bar for Western cuisine and the Old Town White Coffee Grand next door, though what's a trip to lpoh without a taste of shredded chicken with kueyteow soup, dim sum, curry noodles and chee cheong fun? 2 Hala Datuk 5, /poh, Perak (05 255 5566/ www. mboutiquehotels.com). From RM180++ per room.

Nam Keng Hotel, Penang Incorporating the oriental charm of its location on Cintra Street within the Chinatown area of George Town, this bout ique hotel is a living heritage- its three combined units of shophouses were bui lt more than a century ago and today, it maintains the far;ade of an early 1900s building. Inside, antique Peranakan furn ishings with intricate carvings and elaborate embel lishments done in gold, crimson and dark green are hand-picked by the owner to adorn the place. The eight rooms, which bear symbolic names like 'Longevity' , 'Prosperity', 'Abundance' and 'Fortune' , are a similar blend of vintage and modern designs.

Within walking distance ofthe hotel, decades-old Chinese restaurants and stalls sell Penang favourites, but if you 're feeling lazy, Nam Keng offers food delivery service from the cafe bar at their sister establishment, Yeng Keng Hotel. 17 Cintra Street, George Town, Penang (04 2635177/ www.namkenghotel.com). From RM 250++ per room.

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Sinkeh, Penang How better to soak in the rich culture ofthe historic city of George Town than by staying at are-imagined 19th-century Straits Chinese house? Downstairs, wall blemishes and faded paintwork add to the quintessential charm of the lobby that leads out to a traditional open courtyard. Upstairs, there's a patio, a reading room and a common area for fellow visitors to mingle. All nine rooms are sparsely furnished and have modern fixtures such as solar-heated showers and air conditioning, while the patio has all the necessary amenities for an alfresco breakfast.

Accommodation aside, Sinkeh houses a studio to support the local arts scene by staging performances and hosting lectures, workshops, and discussions on a regular basis. 105 Lebuh Melayu, George Town, Penang (04 2613 966/www.sinkeh.com). Single, RM190; double, RM230 (introductory rates applicable till Dec 31).

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The Prive Malacca, Melaka A holiday home situated at the beginning of the 'Millionaires' Row' that is Heeren Street, The Prive retains only a touch of its predecessor's 19th-century Straits Chinese architectural features. From the overall interior down to the decorative pieces, modern simplicity is the rule here. The house is comprised ofthree bedrooms, a living hall, dining area and kitchen, and is rented out as a whole unit.

Running parallel to the hectic Jonker Street, Heeren Street gives off a faded, old-world charm, making this holiday home an ideal stay for families needing a quiet getaway without forgoing the sightseeing opportunities around Melaka's Chinatown. 4 Heeren Street (Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock), Me/aka (012 2518 266/www. theprive.com.my). Weekday (Sun-Thu), RM1,388; weekend (Fri-Sat & public holidays), RM1, 688.

X cape Resort at Sungai Lembing, Kuantan Nestled within a reserved forest and only accessible via a 30-minute journey on a four­wheel drive from the old mining town of Sungai Lembing, Xcape Resort is the getaway to experience if you're the adventurous sort. Think water rafting, flying fox, waterfall trail trekking, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) exploration and paintball challenges.'The list of outdoor activities offers a non-stop agenda of fun. For something different, try stand-up paddling (SUP), where you paddle your way down a river while standing on a board.

Not feeling athletic? You can go for a relaxing day out fishing or laze by the riverside reading. In the evening, unwind on the porch of your dormitory-style chalet. Sungai Lembing, Kuantan, Pahang (03 3324 8880/xcape.com.my). X-pax (per person), RM238 for 2D/1N, RM338 for 3D/2N; X-huz (per chalet), RM1400 for 2D/1N, RM2000 for 3Dj2N.

IFYOU NEED TO SQUEEZE IN A FEW WINKS B£TWEEN FLIGHTS ... Capsule by Container Hotel, KLIA 2 Designed with the lifestyle of on-the-go travellers in mind, Capsule consists of 79 one-person rooms that cater for brief stays- ie, less than 24 hours. Each ofthe capsules includes two pillows, hangers, a foldable table, privacy blinds, a reading light, a personal locker / drawer and an alarm-call-enabled phone. Toilets and shower stalls are shared, mind you, but considering the overall convenience and comfort ofthe rooms, it 's hardly a matter to fuss over. L1-2 & 3 Transportation Hub at Gateway, Terminal KLIA2, Jalan KLIA 2/ 1, KLIA, Sepang (03 7610 2020/ www.capsulecontainer.com). RM45 for three hours, RM70 for six hours, RM90 for 12 hours per Capsule.

The art of Old Town Iced coffee in hand, Joyce Koh takes a look at Ernest Zacharevic's latest works in lpoh

A town built on tin mining, lpoh flourished until the lustre of tin as a commodity wore off In the 1970s. Somehow lpoh has stayed the same, still sporting its charming colonial-era buildings and low-slung architecture, especially in Its town centre, called OldTown by the locals.

There's an unassuming beauty about lpoh, in its faded walls, old-fashioned grate doorways and traditional bakeries churning out trays of heong peah from charcoal ovens. The town that has always been well known for its superior sar hor fun and limestone scenery can now add something else to its resume of attractions: street art.

Homegrown kopitiam chain Old Town White Coffee has collaborated with Lithuanian street artist Ernest Zacharevic

(pictured right) in a project dubbed #TheArtofOLDTOWN. During his first visit to lpoh, Ernest was already interested in the architecture and cosyintimacyofthetown. 'I've wanted to come back to lpoh, take my time, soak in its rich culture and perhaps leave my mark here.' And he did. Forth is street art collaboration, Ernest took a month to complete the seven murals at Old Town.

ToseetheArtofOidTown by ErnestZacharevic, park at the Jalan Panglima parking lot and check out the mural map at the Old Town White Coffee Padang outlet (1Jalan Tun Sambanthan). Take a walking tour around Market Street, Jalan Bijeh Timah, Concubine Lane 3, Jalan Tun Sambanthan and Jalan Padang; the walk takes roughly 30 minutes.

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Trishaw Also called 'street art is rubbish', this installation is located in the tiny Concubine Lane (where lpoh tycoons used to house their mistresses). It depicts an old man hard at work piling garbage bags onto an actual trishaw that's been cut in half and mounted on the wall. Add to the old man's burden by pretending to sit on the trishaw. Concubine Lane 3

Kopl-0 Self-proclaimed coffee addict Ernest captioned this mural 'Nothing lasts forever' on lnstagram. Disappearing sip by sip, his love for iced coffees in plastic bags is now immortalised on the wall of an open car park on Jalan Tun Sambanthan. Jalan Tun Sambanthan

Old uncle with white coffee Located opposite the Perak Tourist Information Centre, this immediately brings to mind the coffee shops of yesteryear. The mural features an uncle drinking coffee from a classic kopitiam cup. 1 Jalan Tun Sambanthan

Hummingbird A vibrant five-foot hummingbird painted strategically next to an existing tree at the Jalan Panglima parking lot pays tribute to lpoh's natural surroundings. Jalan Panglima tLmrto next -+

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Girl with stool and bird cage In this installation piece, Ernest cleverly incorporates a bird cage, a stack of books and plastic stools together with his painting. Colourful plump birds flutter about in their cage, while a little girl reaches up to free them. Jatan BijehTimah

J Evolution Ernest explores the style of Chinese ink paintings t hrough Evolution, a huge piece depicting lpoh's tin mining history in shadowy silhouettes. Jalan BijehTimah

Paper plane Set high up on a four­storey building, Paper Plane shows two little boys in a paper plane, flying off towards adventure. Best viewed when the lpoh sky is blindingly blue. Jalan Tun Sambanthan

Travel deals How to use the listings These hotel room promotions may be subject to additional terms and conditions; please check with the hotel directly when making reservations.

Golden Sands Resort, Penang Advance purchase Until Dec 18 Looking fora beachsidestaycation?The Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La in Batu Ferringhi has rooms from just RM400per night- if you book 14 days in advance. That's a discount of 15 percent on the best available rate. www.shallgri-la.com!pe,/OIIgl go/densalldsresorl

HoteiPenaga,Penang Advance purchase package Until Dec 31 OneofGeorgeTown'smostcha1ming heritage boutique hotels is offering a discounted room rate if you book at least 30daysinadvance. A night in a Hutton Deluxeroomwithoutabalconywillcostyou RM346.14whilethesameroomtypewitha balcony is available for RM374.76pernight. The room comes with daily breakfast for two, complimentary WiFi and a mini bar, and you

, can opt fora latecheck-outuntil3pm. Public holiday and festive season surcharges apply. www.holefpenaga.com

Starwood hotels In Malaysia Upgrade campaign Until Mar 31, 2015 When you book a premiwn or club room, suiteorvillaatanyoftheseStarwood properties in Malaysia, you'll save 10 to 20 percent, plus you'llalso get to enjoy upgraded privileges. The participating hotels and resorts are Aloft KLSentral, Four Points by Sheraton Penang, Four Points by Sheraton Sandakan, Le M~ridien Kuala Lumpur, Le M~ridien Kota Kinabalu, Sheraton Imperial KL, The WestinKL, The WestinLangkawi Resort& Spa, and TheAndaman Langkawi. An example: In The Westin Langkawi, the upgraded privileges include free access to the Westin Airport Lounge, complimentary SuperFoodRx welcomeamenitiesanddaily complimentary cocktails. www.slarwood-ap.com/upgradelell

Tanjong Jara Resort, Terengganu Residents' Package Ongoing One of Malaysia premier resorts, Tanjong jara Resort is inspired by the elegance of a Malay palace. It has six accommodation options, two beautifully landscaped pools and a long stretch of quiet, secluded beach.ln this packa11e specially catered to the residents and expatnates ofMalaysia, Singapore and Brunei, you get to enjoy a luxurious two nights' stay from just RM689++ per room per night. The offer includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner, andjara Hill Walk with the resident naturalist. www./aJijollgjararesorl.com/packages

Sabah Tea Resort, Ranau Longhouse promotion Until Dec 31 Located in the Nalapak Tea Plantation in Ranau, Sa bah Tea Resort's longhouse is modelled after the traditional Rungus longhouse. Though rustic, it is comfortable. This promotion, with rooms at RMllOnett, is open to Malaysian residents. You'll get to enjoy theoool mountainair and back to nature living. Call 088420882to book. www.sabahlea.com.my