WakaLily Hostel,

WakaLily Hostel is a new hostel on the outskirts of the small Malaysian town of Muar. Don’t let the out-of-town location put you off, as the cosy atmosphere more than compensates and you can hire bicycles so that you can get out and explore. The location makes a nice change from living in busy Asian cities. and frequent buses run from the stop that is directly outside the hostel so getting around isn't a problem.

The Location

Provided the hostel owners are free, they are more than happy to show you around, taking you to and from the bus station or joining you at local restaurants with their friends for dinner. Muar is well known by Malaysians -- especially for its food -- but it's often overlooked by backpackers, as it lies between Melaka and Singapore.

The hostel is up a flight of stairs above a shop unit on a service road.

Rooms and Bathrooms

There are currently two dormitories (one with four beds and one with twelve beds) plus private rooms; however the hostel owners are still in the process of adjusting the space to suit the demand, so this may change. The four-bed dorm has huge wall-to-ceiling windows, which make the room beautifully light and airy (if you are bothered by traffic noise bring earplugs) and there is a lovely, snugly duvet on each bed to counteract the air conditioning plus a nice fluffy bath towel for the shower. There are plenty of charging sockets and lamps scattered around and the Wi-Fi is good throughout the hostel.

There are two bathrooms that are shared among the guests and everything is new and clean. The showers are modern and have hot water and shampoo and shower gel. In the traditional Asian style, the showers are inside the toilet cubicle, but there is plenty of space and hooks where you can hang your clothes while you shower.

There is a hand basin outside the bathrooms where you can clean your teeth and wash your hands with the soap that is provided; and there is a hand towel and a hairdryer.

Common Spaces

The hostel is small but beautifully decorated and it’s modern, spacious, and clean. There is one large common area, off which all of the rooms and the bathrooms lead. It includes cute little tables and chairs as well as a larger table and benches where you can sit and socialise. There is also a kitchen area so that you can cook if you want to, plus you can help yourself to tea, coffee, and water throughout the day. There is often music playing in the background, and soft lighting and fluffy rugs add to the homey atmosphere.

Summary

There are no lockers in the rooms, but the owners will be very happy to take care of any valuables that you may have and you will be given a key to both the building and your individual dorm. Reception is not manned around the clock, so you'd better to call the owners ahead if you don’t have a reservation.