Length of stay: 3days and 2 nights
Location: Lorong Hang Jebat, Melaka, Malaysia
On Location
Melaka is a relatively small province in Malaysia, that accommodations are walking distance from one another. Many of these accommodations are located at the riverside, overlooking the Melaka river.
Riversong Residence is one of these hostels, more like a homestay located at the far end of Lorong Hang Jebat. It is actually nearer to St. Francis Church than the Stadthuys Red Brick House. However, it is walking distance to all Melaka spots. It is of 5-minute walk to Jonker Street and Stadthuys.
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| Shot from the outside |
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| Shot from across the river |
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| View of the river |
Our Accommodation
Riversong Residence is not our ordinary accommodation, for the past travels that we had. It is more like a homestay. Guests share a common bathroom, but they have separate sleeping rooms. It was our first time to try this kind of accommodation, good thing that Riversong is just a small one, there are only 5 rooms in our floor, with three bathrooms to share.
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| Since Riversong is a homestay, it was kept clean by the guests as well. Slippers and shoes are kept near the entrance before you go up to your respective rooms. |
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| Shots of (a) reception area, (b) Jayden at work, (c) mini kitchen at the ground floor, and (d) shared bathrooms and mini-kitchen at upper floor. |
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| Corridor leading to the terrace |
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| Terrace overlooking the river |
Our Experience
We booked Riversong residence thru Booking.com and similar to our Kuala Lumpur accommodation, we did not have to pay down payment. We settled our full payment upon arrival to the hotel.
From Kuala Lumpur, we arrived late at the homestay, because we have to wait for few hours before commuter bus come in. The owner and receptionist of the residence, Jayden, was so kind to still wait for us before making our reservation available. He also gave us some tips before hand - that we should pay about RM 15 if we would like to take the taxi to the hotel. Taxi drivers in Malaysia are notorious with fares, they charge twice than usual on tourist. :(
Jayden was also hospitable, he asked our itinerary for our stay and recommended some activities. Bicycles are available for rent, about RM 5 for a day's rent. On our last day, we confirmed that we will be leaving early the next day, and he gladly arranged our taxi service.
The Verdict
For two nights of stay, we really enjoyed the homestay. Maybe its because we were just few guests who were checked in, and we didn't have problems in our bathroom use. Coffee and tea mugs are readily available, as well as hot and cold water. They also have 3-in-1 coffee mixes free for guests and replenished every day. We really loved the terrace, it was very relaxing and after a day of walking, it was a good place to write and reflect.
For a first timer on the homestay experience, Riversong Residence was able to create a good impression. If we will be coming back in Melaka, I won't bother to look for another accommodation, Riversong will be on the top of the list. Similarly, it created a high level of experience that would be our expectation on a homestay.
Riversong Residence
Prices (all Shared Bathroom)
Twin Room: RM 98
Triple Room: RM 108
