I found this design unique hotel from the internet, and it really draws a huge attractions to this little village.
For travelers who want to take in the sights and sounds of Kuala Sepetang, The Happy 8 Retreat @ Kuala Sepetang is the perfect choice, if you are choosing artistic environment and different than the usual conventional hotel.
There are not much similar hotel like this, others would be more of motels or homestay or inn.
Staying at the Happy 8 Retreat provide something more priceless - the chirping of birds, the noise of the fishing boats in the background as we just rest and relax at the mother nature.
There is actually no recognizable entrance at the ground floor! We can recognize the location of the hotel through the signature head of eagle sculpture on the roof top.
Entry is through a fish dealer's warehouse, with cold rooms to one side, and tricycles to another. There's even a slight fishy odor. And on top of that, at the roadside leading to this entry, fish and prawns were being dried out in the open.
Initially, we were a bit puzzle and not sure we were at the right place, but getting nearer through the entrance clear glass, we can see the nicely decorated interior and we were sure enough that we were at the right place.
Outside the lobby, at the waiting area are large chairs carved from huge timber logs for visitors to sit. Behind this, another mural of happy boys fishing.
One thing great about this is the privacy of the patrons are well guarded, the main door is activated by key card; no key card, no entry.
Once enter to the reception lobby, besides the waiting area, we can notice that it is a café at the ground floor.
The designer have tastefully furnished the lobby. Facing brick walls, timber flooring warms up the place. Plants in rattan-weave baskets, a rattan overhead lamp and a driftwood sculpture hangs from the ceiling to add to this décor.
Just beyond the lobby, the dining area has the same local theme of charcoal and fishing nets. Charcoal logs low partition separates out different sections.
A glass table sits on charcoal log legs surrounded by yellow netted chairs. The outdoor dining is near to the river, we can enjoy a lovely view any time just by sitting there enjoying the drinks.
Happy 8 is consists of 2 levels of the rooms. Some rooms with the panorama river view, some with partially village view, and with no windows.
The ambience is warm and cozy along the walk to the rooms; the corridors are dim and lined with murals of eagles and marine life.
All is on a blue theme with brown timer frames accentuating this. It brings out the exotic feels of the place.
At the end of the corridor, a louver window gives a peep down to the river below. It shows a scene of a boat idling sailing down the river, it is a scene that promises of more to come.
One thing interesting and special about Happy 8 is that, each room have its own theme and design inside the room.
Even the bedrooms’ door are easy to identify, each bedroom door has a nice icon of a wildlife - fishes, bird, etc.
Our room was at the 3rd floor, and with a forest kind of theme. Yes, there's a lot of timber around to balance and give warmth amidst the blue theme.
There is a King size bed down, and 4 single mattresses at the bunk bed above.
The view of the the King size bed looking through the colonial style timber louvered doors with a large timber pull lock leads to a small balcony with a fishing net railing.
From here, one can enjoy a lovely evening view of the river with the moored fishing boats.
Birds twitting, a slow boat chugging and the sun setting in the background primes one for a good night's sleep.
In the morning, overlooking the river, there is the shrill chirping of swallows and the roar of the fishing boats as they leave for the day's fishing. It's a wake-up call for an exciting day ahead.
In the bathroom, the basin itself is a solid timber carved with the round shape bowl. The tap with it's exposed copper piping and brass tap heads adds to the rustic, old world ambience.
The shower area is an expose where we can just look up to the air well which expose to the roof top.
There is a TV in the room but the TV do not have any signal or channel at all. Well, this encourage us do other activities than watching the TV.
I was a little bit disappointed with the breakfast serving as there is not much choice, but truly quite surprise with its presentation.
It is roti canai wrap with chicken sausage, scrambled eggs and ham for adults, and sandwich with cheese, eggs, hams and chicken sausage for the children.
Salad and fruits completes the meal, while free flows of coffee or tea are served.
Of coarse we just brought our own mineral water. We were having our breakfast happily and every once in a while looking through the fishing-netted railing at the boats along the river.
Overall, we found this is a great place to stay at a fishing village, as our family love the nature and like to experience different things.
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