On the drive to Muar, I’m determined to master the way the
locals purse their lips to pronounce “Muo,” the colloquial way, which sounds
like ‘mor.’
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| Facade of Muo Boutique Hotel in Muar, Johor |
Emily, my navigator/travel companion is regaling me with local
anecdotes as we practice saying “Muo” – me with little success – but she probably
got it right because her family lived in Muar between 2001 and 2015.
As she tells
me it’s the norm to eat satay for breakfast in Muar, my mouth is watering
because I’m a big fan of satay!
After exiting the Plus Highway from Johor Baru, the drive to
Muar is scenic as the map smoothly directs us to the hotel, situated at the
corner of Jalan Petri and Jalan Sulaiman. Its whitewashed façade stands out
from among the prewar shophouses and I feel a tingle of excitement, eager to
see how this boutique hotel will be ingeniously fitted out in the old building.
I’m pleasantly surprised that there is a vacant parking lot in
front of the nearby shops, as if it is reserved for us but Emily warns me that
we need parking coupons. She promptly hops out from the car, heads into the
shops and returns with a booklet of parking coupons, quickly marking out the
relevant details before displaying it on the dashboard.
First Impressions
With the car properly parked, I glance at the shop signboard
for A.K. Mohamed Ibrahim and read that it was trading here since 1918. Wow! This
gives me an idea of the age of the buildings in this area and am fascinated at
how well preserved they are.
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| Reception counter on the ground floor, Muo Bouique Hotel |
While Emily is speaking to the receptionist, I take in the lobby
décor and notice how classic television sets, transistor radios and video
cassettes are featured along with bric-a-brac from a bygone era.
Looking closer, I see interesting artwork displayed on
postcards, framed posters on easels and T-shirts for sale as souvenirs. The
paintings of local food and scenery on postcards catches my fancy because I can
identify popular items like apam balik, assam pedas fish and my favourite – satay!
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| Local themes in their T-shirt designs! |
The artist’s drawing is a loud blast from the past because
back in the days before the age of wireless streaming, Muar homes sported tall
poles on their roofs to secure TV antennas for the best reception from Singapore
broadcasts!
When we tell the receptionist that we parked in front of the
shops, she directs us to the carpark across the road and issues us with the hotel
complimentary parking coupon with advice to re-park the car and display it on
the dashboard at all times.
Cosy Comfort
From the lift lobby to the floor landing, stylish lighting
brings out the rustic charm in its simple décor. We find our room with a view
of the Muar River and marvel at how the space is maximised to accommodate twin
beds with a nightstand in between.
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| Cosy comfort in a twin-share room |
When Emily shows me the discount vouchers presented as part of
the stay package, we agree that food is a priority and following her directions
to Jalan Abdullah, we find the Rasa Sayang restaurant.
Our eyes widen at the large portions served but between us, we
try to finish as much as we possibly can. Then it’s time for a walk and a short
drive takes us to Tanjung Emas, a recreational park fondly called Tanjung, to catch
the glowing rays of the setting sun.
We return to the hotel where Emily spends time selecting some
Muar gifts from the Muo Concept Store. I hear the receptionist say, “Boss
datang,” (Translation: The boss is here) because she saw him through the glass
windows. It’s a timely opportunity to meet Chia and after we chatted, he
graciously offers to show us the rooftop garden.
Chia explains that guests should sample local food and see
their heritage sites so the local art displayed in the lobby are like a guide
to these destinations. This is also why they do not have an F&B outlet as
guests are encouraged to seek out the local recommendations to discover that
the hotel is much more than just a stay but a discovery adventure in Muar!
A short ride up the elevator brings us to the rooftop where we
see a group of ladies in the glass-house, decorating it for a surprise birthday
party. The rooftop by night, is a spectacular setting for special events and
the hotel has successfully hosted several wedding proposals here.
Muar Breakfast
I cannot remember saying “Goodnight” to Emily because I fall
asleep quickly on such a comfortable bed. Next thing I know, light is peeping
through the curtains and it’s already morning.
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| Wrought iron sewing machine stand redesigned to support the bathroom sink! |
We follow her helpful tips, walking in that general direction
with my nose sniffing for the aroma of freshly grilled satay but Emily smartly
reminds me, “Look out for smoke!”
Once we rounded the corner, we not only see billowing smoke but
tongues of fire licking up from charcoal grills. At ZZ Satay Warisan, staff are
busy fanning the flames to grill the skewers of meat to serve throngs of
waiting diners. We squeeze inside to grab the last vacant table.
I like how we don’t have to place any order but a plate of
three varieties of satay just arrives at the table. Then our soon-empty plate gets
topped up with satay as we eat!
After having our fill, Emily spots a notice advising diners to
count the number of sticks they ate before going to the payment counter. Wow! I
just love this element of trust.
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| The hotel is also an O'Bike docking station |
Taking a slow walk back to the hotel, we see a small group
gathered near a stall in a side lane, off Jalan Sulaiman. To satisfy our
curiosity, we walk over only to discover they are in a queue patiently waiting
for their apam balik orders.
“Dorayaki,” said the vendor as his busy hands whiz over the
open trays where Japanese-style red-bean stuffed pastries and traditional apam
balik pancake are cooking. This looks simply irresistible so we place our order
and join the queue.
Holding the precious package, we head back to the hotel to
savour the still steaming specialties – part two of our Muar breakfast. And as
I lick my fingers and agree that the wait was worth it, we begin to understand the
hotel’s tagline that our time with Muo is truly more than a stay!
Muo Boutique
Hotels
1 & 1A, Jalan
Petri, 84000 Muar, Johor
Tel: +606 952 0000
Fax: +606 951 5000
Email:
admin@muoboutique.com
Website:
www.muoboutique.com
STAY
Just 24 rooms in
eight different categories designed in contemporary style with clean and
comfortable bedding in compact rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
EAT
No F & B
outlets in-house but walking distance to recommended local food.
DO
Rooftop garden
with an air-conditioned glass house, ideal for private parties and romantic
proposals.
GO
Walking distance
to local attractions like heritage buildings, popular food, 434 coffee-shop,
market, express bus terminal and wall murals.
HIGHS
Central location
and complimentary-parking across the road with rooftop garden that commands a
panoramic view of Jalan Maharani and the Muar River. Stay includes F&B and
hairdressing discount vouchers at nearby business partner outlets. Hotel is
also a docking station for O’Bike Malaysia bicycles.
LOWS
Room rates for
weekend stays are higher than that on weekdays.
RATES
Promotion rates
range between RM150 for Superior Twin to RM250 for Double Storey Family Room.
A version of this was published in The New Straits Times, Life & Times on 28 June 2018.
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